Posted by Lieutenant Hannah Lori Asimina (Asst. Chief Medical Officer) in Not So Lonely Adventure

Posted by Civilian Jason Reilly (Assistant Director - Colonial Intelligence) in Not So Lonely Adventure

Posted by Lieutenant Hannah Lori Asimina (Asst. Chief Medical Officer) in Not So Lonely Adventure
Posted by… suppressed (38) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Hannah had been on Oed for a couple of weeks. She hadn’t done much other than work. It was a good distraction for her, but it wasn’t done on purpose. Fayth and McBride hadn’t been joking when they said they were overwhelmed and needed her last month. With a contingent this large, even though Hannah was Assistant Chief Medical Officer, it felt like she was head of all Star Fleet Medical.

Hannah was a very social person and made friends easily. Other than the surprise of Mika being here too, Hannah hadn’t socialized at all. She got along with everyone in Medical, she just hadn’t gone out yet.

She had this huge giant colony, on the edge of Federation space, on the edge of adventure and discovery and creating new life and a new world, or recreating it. From all the advice she was being given from the medical staff, there was plenty to do and see. She didn’t feel up for too much adventure today, but she decided to take her as day off and see what there was to see. There was shopping and parks and food in a rainbow of variety between the complex and hospital, and Hannah was going to go see it. Wearing relaxed fit jeans, a peach t-shirt that had a pinup cowgirl sitting on Satarn, boots on the rings that said “cosmic cowgirl”. She also had a light sweater because these days she seemed to get cold chills a lot.

She switched her combadge to vibrate and then took off her implants, sliding then into her pocket. Today she just wanted to be herself, experience the world in a way she was comfortable. Through sight, smell, and touch. She was always so much more aware of her surroundings without all the sound. A product of her childhood and being born deaf. And Oed was bright and lively.

Asimina

A few hours into her exploration, she passed a small cafe with outside seating a few monets after she passed there was a light tap on her right shoulder. A human male with brown hair and bright green eyes stood behind her. He signed in very rough SL I… think… you… fell… this. and he held out one of her implants.

Reilly

Hannah paused and turned. The man’s signs weren’t quite right, but they conveyed his message clearly. She took the implant, Thank You and slid it into her pocket, giving him a warm grateful smile. She signed and spoke. Her voice had a heavily muffled quality and was quiet, to stop herself from yelling. “I just checked my pocket. I am usually more careful, Thank you.“

Asimina

He nodded and smiled. He signed a bit while he was obviously speaking normally. Jason assumed she read lips, but he wasn’t such a jerk as to try and make his words MORE, as people so often did. “It’s not a problem. These things happen. I might recommend you keep your implants in the closer you get to the city center. The traffic there can get really crazy, from what I’ve been told.” He looked at her for a moment and then said “I’m sorry, I’m being rude. Would you care to join me? I’m just having some tea and trying to figure out what I need to see next.”

Reilly

Hannah did read lips. And the fact her combadge wasn’t buzzing as the UT tried to translate assured her he was speaking standard. Though she had learned to lip read a few languages. “You are right; that’s good advice. Especially since I will be going that way next week.”

Hannah didn’t even hesitate. She liked meeting new people and talking with them, and it had been a really long time since a stranger spoke to her in her own language. “Yes, thank you.” She moved to continue back the way she had come, but her posture turned slightly toward him so she could see him talk as they walked.

Asimina

To his credit, he kept his head turned as they walked, looking directly at her as he said “You are most welcome. My name is Jason, by the way. And you are?”

Reilly

My…name…H-a-n-n-a-h. “I’m Hannah. Nice to meet you Jason.“Then she paused, no she wouldn’t use that sign name again. Then, *My…sign…name…” she formed an ‘h’ with her right hand and then tapped her left wrist twice, in a modified sign for doctor.

“You are new to Oed, too?“

Asimina

Jason’s eyebrows rose and he said “Doctor Hannah, then. I now know who to call when I find myself at the mercy of fate, then.” and he laughed. “And yes, I am new here as well. I have been here… oh… a week and a half now? My days are blending together a bit as I try to grasp the new surroundings and the new job. But it is an exciting place, that much is true.”

Reilly

Hannah smiled and acted like she might laugh, but didn’t. “Fate and I don’t get along. So I am a good one to call.” She paused as they reached the cafe and scanned the tables and the crowd then turned back to him before speaking again. “Two weeks for me. Oed seems very lively. This is my first chance to explore. What do you do?“

Asimina

Jason ushered her to the table he had and pulled her chair out for her and then took a seat. He waved for the waiter and then said “I am the Senior Vice President at Venice, Justin, and Kevin Consulting.” Which was true. He even had an office and a receptionist in a fully staffed building with well over five hundred employees. Of course only about twenty percent of those knew that it was actually a cover business for the Cooonial Intelligence Agency, of which Jason was the Assistant Director. “It is a consulting agency that specializes in organizational structures of government contractors and supply chain management.” and he laughed. “Its way more glamorous than it sounds, I swear.” and he chuckled again. “What about you? I know you are a doctor, but that commbadge I see tucked away right there says Star Fleet.” and he smiled again.

Reilly

Hannah sat as he pulled out a chair. Thank you. She felt in her pocket for her implants. She had never lost them before, not once. She needed to pay more attention. ‘Maybe you didn’t lose it.’ The voice was not hers, but Daniel’s - a pseudo memory. It was not anything he had ever said, but instructions to be cautious and aware. Why that would come to her now she didn’t know. Maybe it was all the changes in her life.

Again Jason would get the impression Hannah was laughing with him, even though she only smiled with amusement. She glanced at her combadge and nodded returning his smile. “*I am the new Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Star Fleet, here on Oed.” Hmmm now that she thought about it, she was surprised he didn’t say he was Stat Fleet. There was something about his body language that screamed Fleet training.

The waiter approached and Hannah gave him her focused attention. Her badge buzzed quietly once while the waiter spoke. Hannah spoke softly but clearly, making sure he understood her. “Ginger tea, hot, with honey, please.”

Asimina

Reilly nodded and said “Well, I hope the posting is one you wanted. I spent a few years in Star Fleet, enough that I am now unofficially retired,” and he grinned, “reserve officer status, and I know they can sometimes pick a position for you that is… well, let’s say ‘less than ideal’.” and he chuckled. “So how much of the city have you seen in your two weeks? And have you ventured outside the city yet? I haven’t yet, but I have heard of some excellent hiking trails.”

Reilly

Ah so he was Star Fleet. At least she was paying attention now. “I chose the posting.” Her gaze turned slightly unfocused, thinking, recalling. Her hands moved in half unfinished signs as she thought, and then she looked back at him, “It is more ideal than where I was.” Truth but not everything. “This is a good move for me. And my skills” She thanked the waiter for the tea and lifted it, not bothering to cool it before drinking. The ginger was welcome. She spoke without signing while she let the mug warm her hands. “I haven’t seen any of it yet. The first week I was on the Centurion, and then I was in the Fleet complex this last week at the new medical office we are starting there. This week will be my first at the hospital.”

Setting the cup down she smiled with a nod, excited and more animated in her gestures, “I heard that. And climbing as well. I can’t wait to go climb. It has been a long time since I climbed something real and not a holodeck. Do you hike a lot?“

Asimina

Jason shrugged and said “When I have the time. And I do enjoy climbing as well, although I am not a technical climber. Rock climbing is just something I enjoy.” He took a drink and set the cup down. “I have heard very good things about the hospital here. It has a solid reputation.” He looked around idly and then turned back to Hannah and said “So do you have any kind of specialty? Or are you more of a general practitioner of medicine?”

Reilly

“I ha e heard the same thing. I am excited to be working here.” Hannah pulled her implants out of her pocket and held them in her hand for him to see before she moved her hair out of the way and clipped one each to her scalp behind her ears. She held a finger up, asking for a moment while she closed her eyes and adjusted to the sound. Jason could see her eyes moving under her lids, tracking the direction of the sounds. Then she opened her eyes and smiled. “It takes a moment for me after the silence. The doctors said it would always be that way since I didn’t get them right away.” The volume of her voice came up just a bit and the way she spoke adjusted as she heard herself and became more precise. “I am a prosthetic specialist. I perform the surgeries, programming, care, and even therapy. I am also a search and rescue coordinator.” She took her combadge off and flipped a tiny switch on the back and replaced it. “The climbing skill came before search and rescue.”

Asimina

Jason nodded. “Impressive set of skills, to be certain. And while I hope that you get the opportunity to use those skills, I also wish they weren’t needed quite so often.” and he raised his cup and took a sip. “So climbing… do you do highly technical climbs? Rope, pitons, carabiners, and the like? Or are you more like me, running and jumping like a crazy person whenever they get a chance at freedom for a bit?” and he laughed.

Reilly

“I wish my skills were not needed, but when they are I am glad I have them.” Hannah grinned, her hands moving with obvious amusement, but she didn’t laugh with her voice. “Very technical. Climbing is freedom.” She said it with all seriousness and delight. “I enjoy running like a crazy person too. Climbing was a necessity where I grew up. Though I am sure my patents would say I climbed more than I needed.”

She picked up her tea and sipped, the ginger a soothing aroma and taste as it settled her stomach. “And where have you seen on the colony in your time since arriving?”

Asimina

He smiled and said “Work and my hotel, mostly. I haven’t even really found time to look for a place yet. But I at least found a good realtor. So thats something.” He laughed and then said “I don’t even know when I will get to meet her. But at least I know who she is!” and he laughed some more at the absurdity.

Reilly

“Well as the Senior Vice President at Venice, Justin, and Kevin Consulting, I imagine you have an administrative assistant that can check your schedule and make an appointment.” She grinned, and it really made quite the change in her from pretty to lovely. “I mean if you have time to sit around and wait to save absent minded doctors from themselves you have time to go see a house or apartment.”

Asimina

Jason inclined his head and said “Touché.” and he laughed. “Although I will say that I was waiting for a client to meet me. But I will also say that I am glad they didn’t show. Had they, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to save an absent minded doctor.” He took a drink and then checked his chronometer and said “Speaking of schedules, and since my two hour meeting is now not happening, how would you feel about some company on your explorations? Who knows,maybe I’ll find a place to live while we wander.” and he chuckled.

Reilly

Hannah lifted her tea and finished it while she thought. Setting the cup down she nodded. “Your company would be most welcome. Mostly I was just walking from the complex to the hospital,” her smile returned, “but I am not opposed to deviation either.” Her signs didn’t match her words though. Something about knowing surroundings and noticing the changes. When the waiter brought a refill of her tea she requested it to go and paid. With a fresh cup in hand, Hannah stood and moved around the various tables. “So what did you do in Star Fleet, Jason, that got you a civilian job as a big wig for a consulting agency that specializes in organizational structures of government contractors and supply chain management?” Hannah did not miss details.

Asimina

“I was a liason officer to the Diplomatic Corps and an analyst for Fleet Intelligence.” he replied as if it was a discussion of weather. Which were both absolutely the truth… just not all of it. “Both organizations really liked that I grew up all over the galaxy and had a knack for languages. Shall we?” and he stood as the waiter brought Hannah her drink. “And if you want, you can take off your earpieces. I don’t mind using Sign, but I am really rusty so you will have to help me.” and he laughed.

Reilly

Hannah needed to get used to the volume and background noise. It had been a long time since she had been somewhere this big, busy, and noisy. It didn’t hurt, but Hannah always preferred the silence. That didn’t have to be right now, and his offer was incredibly sweet. She reached up with one hand and rotated the piece counter-clockwise until there was a click and then palmed it, doing the same to the other side, and then slipped them in her pocket. Then she took her badge off, fiddling with it again, before replacing it. It was a small offering of trust to remove her implants with a complete stranger in a strange city. In a way he was her ears for a shoet time. She smiled at him. Thank you. I am happy to help you practice.

Star Fleet Intelligence. It set a hot uncomfortable weight in her gut, that added to her already queasy stomach. That is why you are only semi-retired then? They do not let go of what they think belongs to them. Her signs were crisp and hard, her face conveying how she felt as well. Hannah was bitter. She stopped at the corner and looked, watched the traffic and then crossed.

Asimina

Jason noted the switch in demeanor and rushed to catch up to her; reaching up and grabbing her shoulder to pull her back as a slider went past. He moved in front of her and said slowly You have… past… not… happy… time… with… s-t-a-r f-l-e-e-t smart?

Reilly

Hannah would have crossed just fine if he hadn’t stopped her. She wasn’t irritated though. She knew he meant well. Or at least she chose to put it in that context until she had a reason not to. She looked at him, as if she could find an answer. However, Hannah was not nieve enough to think he was there with news she wanted to hear. She took a breath and let the ache settle somewhere deep. She nodded her fist at the wrist at him. Yes They were being jostled and she looked around, stepping out of the way, and then crossing with him.

Asimina

Jason took her hand gently and they moved away from the bustling and jostling. I am sorry. You are… not… the only one. and he shrugged slightly and then gestured ahead to see if they should continue.

Reilly

His grip was sure and warm. Hannah remembered another time, someone else she barely knew had taken her hand suddenly like that. They had wanted to silence her voice, change who she was. This was different, a welcome contact. Hannah shook her head at his words but continued to walk with him. I know. And I knew it was a risk of the job long before. Her hands went still at her sides for a moment. I know it is not just me. The hurt is fresh again…I suppose…It is different this time. She set a hand on his arm, I am sorry, also.

Asimina

The contact of her hand had an oddly stilling effect on him. He looked at her for a moment, and then simply nodded and they continued down the street.

A few blocks later, with not a wrod said or signed between them, Jason stopped short. A holographic sign shown brightly against the afternoon sky reflected on the myriad of buildings. GRAND OPENING - SKY HARBOR TOWER Sapcious apartments and penthouses available. Space is limited! The building was a tall, sleek, modern structure overlooking the park from the opposite side of the main business and entertainment district of the city. Reilly shaded his eyes with his hand and looked up, and up, and the towering seventy story structure of gleaming plascrete, metal, and transparent aluminum. He looked back at Hannah. What do you… think? Go look?

Reilly

Hannah walked along stopping once or twice to look at shop and business windows, simply looking to see what was there. She continued to sip regularly at her tea. She stopped next to him and looked at the sign. She smiled, Yes, you need a place, why not? She moved toward the door waving him to follow. It was a bit high end and Hannah slipped her long sweater on and crossed it closed. They may not appreciate her cosmic cowgirl shirt.

Asimina

Jason walked in behind her and then stepped in front of her to face her. May I? he asked and then, without even touching her enough for her to feel it, opened the sweater with a smile. If they… do… not like… your… shirt… then… I have… no… … … business… here. and he smiled at her.

Hannah gave him a quizzical look at first and then blushed. She signed a small Thank you and looked away, tucking her hair behind her eat.

A Riverland woman in a very nice suit came forward from a reception area and said “Welcome to Sky Harbor Tower. May I help you?” Jason nodded and said “Yes. I am interested in seeing what you have available. I am newly arrived to the colony and am looking for a place.” The woman eyed Jason ad Hannah critically (especially Hannah’s shirt) for a moment and then said “Of course, sir. Now I will say before we begin that rhe only things we have left available are our deluxe singles and a penthouse suite. I can show you a deluxe now if y-” and Reilly said “Penthouse sounds good. Let’s start there.” He looked at Hannah and signed I already… dont… like her. and he laughed.

Let me speak and she will really be offended. She was already giving Jason strange looks for their silent conversation. Hannah shrugged. She was used to it.

The woman gave him a placating and somewhat dismissive smile that said ‘Oh by the gods above I hate looky-loos.’ and then said “Of course, sir. This way.” She walked them further into the building and pointing out amneities: full spa facilities, gymnasium, pool (indoor and outdoor), twenty-five hour a day concierge, private security, underground parking, food court and some incoming restaurants, car service for a monthly fee, and several other niceties. Jason kept looking at Hannah as rhe woman walked ahead and didn’t even look back, signing off-color comments and making silly faces.

Hannah was trying to read the woman’s lips, but she had her back to Hannah, so Hannah turned her attention to Jason. This was for him, not her after all, it didn’t matter if she knew what was said. She grinned and shook her head at his antics. Some of his signs were wrong and that made it more funny. Then Stop as her shoulders shook, but she didn’t laugh.

When they passed the pool her nose wrinkled and she almost gaged. She pressed a hand to her stomach and the other to her mouth. Oh…oh that was....going to happen a lot. Ugh. Once past she pointed back toward the pool and then her nose C-h-e-m-i-c-a-l mix…wrong. Do not get in.

They reached a series of elevators, not turbolifts, and she finally turned and said “There are two penthouses. This elevator is the only one that goes to the top floor.” Her comm bracelet chirped and she looked down. “Oh, um… look. I need to take this. I will send you up. The model is the open door on the left.” and she scanned her eyes and the elevator doors opened. “I will meet you there in ten minutes.” and she walked away. Jason watched her leave and blinked a few times before looking at Hannah. So… much for… around… the clock… security. and he chuckled. He put his hand very lightly on her back and escorted her into the elevator.

Hannah almost felt guilty at how good his hand felt. She shrugged and smiled. We…safer…our…alone.

The doors opened on the seventieth floor. True to her word, the door to the left was open. Reilly gestured to Hannah to lead the way.

The place was amazing. Floor to ceiling windows spanned all three levels of the place, with the living area open all the way up. Four bedrooms and then and master suite on the top floor. Three full baths and a half bath on the bottom level. A truly amazing kitchen with concealed pantries. A wrap around balcony with a view of the park on one side and the city on the other.

Reilly walked around grinning. He looked at Hannah and signed Well… this is… definitely… nice.

Reilly

Hannah followed him around the space..the view from the balcony of the park was stunning. At 70 floors up they were high. View reminds me of home. We were always above everything. she turned fully to look at him and then the space. You look good here. Not sure you will get along with the management.

Asimina

Jason smiled and signed Thank you. You look pretty here, too. But I think.. that would be true… anywhere. and turned away before she could reply. He walked through the space very deliberately. He even took pictures with a micro PaDD. He tapped some commands and the pocketed the device. He looked at her for a long moment and then signed So tell me… if I lived here… would you… want to… come for dinner?

Reilly

Hannah was glad he turned away quickly. Butterflies and a queasy stomach didn’t go together. She stoodnnextnto the windows and looked out. The height didn’t bother her. She watched his reflection move about the apartment taking pictures. Her mind locked onto the Intel connection and she wondered what he saw. Was it security risks or did he believe it was truly behind him, so he was looking at asthmatics?

Her gaze refocused on him as his reflection moved again and she turned to face him. She lifted her cup to her lips andnthen set it on the nearby counter. She gave him a curious but serious look, friends or more? She was weighing a truth not yet spoken.

Asimina

He looked at her for a long time in silence and then simply nodded Yes. with his fist. I would be dumb… to say I was not picture… no… d-r-a-w-n to you… and you think… that was… the truth. But we just meet. So I do not want to shove… push… FORCE anything you do not want. But I would like to know you a lot more. and he smiled. “I like what I know of you now quite a bit. And… you feel good when I touch you.” He knew he was putting a lot out there, but… and he shrugged. “In for a penny, in for a pound is what my mother always said.” he said aloud.

Hannah was…still, motionless, but present and focused. It did feel good, but was that just wishful thinking? Apparently not. In for a penny in for a pound. Hadn’t she just told Alexis the same thing. Not to wait or hesitate. Don’t let life pass by. Of course that didn’t mean she had to be reckless. But she did have to hide either. Yes I would want to come for dinner. But..J-a-s-o-n, I have…

At that moment Reilly heard the saleswoman enter. “We’re over here.” he called. She came over and gave that awful smile again. “So did you get a chance to look around? I can show you the delu-“ “I’ll take it. This one. You can make the model the one on the other side.” The woman stared blankly at him for a moment and then she said “I’m sorry, what? No, sir. This is the model. The other one will be almost exactly the same exce-“ “The lady likes the view, so she gets the view. Please call my realtor. Oed Realty Group, Ms. Hayden-Smythe. You know the name?” The woman’s eyes went wide and she said “Y-… you are working with Davivica Hayden-Smythe? So you are one of her clients?!” and her demeanor took on a whole new level of sleazy. “Why sir if I had only known, I could have sent a slider for you. I could have shown you the entirety of the property. Please! Allow me to show you-” and Jason raised his hand. “Call your boss. I want to know who I am dealing with.” She nodded emphatically and stepped to the side. Reilly frowned and looked at Hannah. I really fo not like her. She spoke softly and then handed a communicator to him. “This is Mrs. Fairway, the owner of the building, sir.” Reilly took the comm and said “Hello? Yes. I am interested in purchasing the penthouse, but I want someone here who treats people with respect and actually delivers what they promise. No. No not fired, just moved. And I want to speak to the Security Director today as well. Yes.” He looked at Hannah and said “And make sure someone comes and looks at the pool. The chemical smell is far too strong. Sometjing is off. Yes. Davivica, thats correct. I’d like the space I am standing in, actually. My friend or more like the view, so this is the view I want. Perfect. No, it is my pleasure. Thank you. Mmmhmm… talk soon. Bye.” He snapped the device shut and tossed it to the startled saleswoman. “We’ll be back. I hope your new property is a good one, and you learn to treat people better.” He looked at Hannah and offered her his arm. Shall we? I think… I need… to buy… furniture. and he laughed.

Reilly

No no no he should not pick the view for her. It was his home or would be. He took the comm a day spoke to someone. He glanced at her. What? Oh, something about the pool. Yes it needed to be fixed. She didn’t catch anything else, she was too busy worrying over what she should tell him. It wasn’t just her she had to think about.

He offered his arm and led her back to the elevator, her tea forgotten on the counter. The ride down so many floors churned her stomach, or maybe that was worry. She smiled about the furniture but it was half hearted. Outside the lobby she stopped him suddenly, stepping in front of him. J-a-s-o-n I would, very much…like to come have dinner. I would like to know you more, also, but…something you should know. She looked around, lost for how strange her life was suddenly, and then looked back at him. This was serious so she signed because like all people they revert to their native language when life becomes serious or stressful. I…I am pregnant…the father…he is gone.

Asimina

Jason froze for a moment. That was… unexpected. He, a man who lived almost his entire adult life knowing what to say and how to say it, was stuck for words. The microPaDD in his pocket chirped. He shook his head and held up a finger to her as he pulled it out. It was the office. The building was clear, no problematic connections. The owner was legit. And the woman… she was who she said she was. Recently transferred from the USS Saracen. He nodded to himself and slipped the device in his pocket and he looked at Hannah. He took a breath and then began signing.

Well… maybe more then. Its not like I will get you more pregnant. and he grinned.

Reilly

Humor. Because the unexpected was thrown out and said Boo! and won. That was how some people reacted. Under any other circumstances Hannah would laugh too. She shook her head, but couldn’tgrin though she tried. No, no you won’t. She sighed as she glanced around and back at him. I am…sorry. It is a…bomb…explosion. A surprise. I think you are very nice. I rhought you should know before you decide you really like me.

Asimina

Jason took a tentative step forward and looked her in the eye. He smiled at her. Not a humorous smile, but a sincere one. “Then you told me about fifteen minutes too late.” he said aloud. He took her hand and put it on his arm and began walking. I… still need furniture. And… dishes… or we will… eating dinner with… our hands.

Reilly

Well this was an unexpected turn to her explorations. She returned his smile and when he put her hand on his arm she nodded to herself. It did feel good. So we eat pizza then? she grinned at him.

She glimpsed a very large park a few blocks ahead. She remembered Fayth saying Sloan Square was central with the commercial and residential districts on opposite sides. Hannah squeezed his arm and pointed. *Shopping area?

Asimina

Jason looked at her and said Want to go… shopping… with me? and he held his hand out to her with a smile. Or would you… want… to go somewhere… and talk?

Reilly

Yes, you said you need furniture and dishes if you want the company. She smiled and took his hand. Her head tipped to the side. Shop, then lunch and talk?

Asimina

Perfect. He held her hand as they crossed the park and went into the shopping district.

Several hours later, Jason had furniture, linens, dishware, a few rugs and art pieces- including one by some anonymous artist they saw in a gallery window- and he had made arrangements for his stored items to be moved to the new penthouse. He had been on his PaDD often, chalking it up to finalizing purchases and real estate paperwork; but he always turned his attention directly back to Hannah when he was done, and his hand was almost always in hers. And his signing was improving rapidly.

So it was they found themselves in a place called ‘Jul’thek’s Bistro’, a quiet little spot that was mostly empty as it was past the business lunch rush. Jason pulled out her chair and then took a seat opposite her. Shopping is done. Now we talk? Or now we talk around what is happening and pretend its not happening? he signed with a smile.

Reilly