First Impressions
Posted on Tue Jun 4th, 2024 @ 3:05am by
1,027 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
The 'Eagle continues.
Location: Mess Hall
Timeline: MD001 0835 hrs
Nathan walked into the mess hall, he could tell that the mess hall was getting pretty filled. He wanted a solo table. He didn't want to eat with a large group of people. Mainly because he was still trying to get his bearings. The Pathfinder design was definitely an Akira class upgrade however unlike the Akira class muscle system for state-of-the-art and brand new and not from the 70s. He was eager to learn more and explore more of the ship. You had a feeling if he was hanging around a large group that he might be tempted to go out drinking and partying.
Anna had heard someone get in line behind her and turned to glance behind her. She couldn’t remember his name but he had been at the meeting earlier. “Hi.” she said with a smile. “I guess everyone had the same idea we did.”
“I think you're right, I'm Nathan Gallagher, I saw you earlier on the shuttle.” He said, hoping that she remembered. It seem like all three ladies were dropped at gorgeous every night meeting earlier today. And what were the odds today, one of them were waiting in the mess online with him. He saw her, but his mind was on another girl earlier. But he was not going to tell her that.
“Anna Grant.” She said with a nod. “I was a bit nervous though. First time as an acting head but it was easier than I thought.”
“I know what you mean, I don't know how some of the academy cadets could just jump right into a department role. I also feel a little overwhelmed, but I know I can handle it.” Nathan said trying to sound confident, but deep down really nervous.
“We aren’t all the same.” Anna said with a smile. “Those of us who are nervous can just stick together.”
Nathan thought that was a little enabling, to have them stick together just because they were both nervous. He rather hang out somebody because of values and friendships and similar interests and goals. “That is a possibility, but I believe are differences is what makes us stronger.”
“It is.” Anna said with a smile. “I more meant it feels good to not feel like you are alone in the way you are feeling.”
Nathan smiled, thinking to himself that Anna was very pretty. “Ain't that the worst, feeling alone and in a sea of people.”
“It really is.” Anna nodded. “I looked around at the meeting and everyone looked so confident I was hoping I did as well.”
“Well today was a long day. And you did fine for the record. Oh where are my manners, I'm Nathan Gallagher.” He said he reached out to shake her hand..
Anna put her hand out and shook his. “What did you think of the meeting? I am still trying to come to terms with being an acting head. Not that I am complaining, I wanted to be one, I just never expected to be filling those shoes so early in my career.
“I know what you mean, it is a lot to take in.” Nathan said, as smiled at Anna. He too was trying to come to terms with the idea of being an acting department head.
“I thought the captain came across powerful and she sounded as if she believes in us.” Anna said with a smile. "To me that means a lot. I want a captain who isn't afraid to make the tough calls when need be.
“I got that feeling too, it was nice to have a captain actually cared about us. I've heard some horror stories.” Nathan said as he remembered hearing stories about Captain Jellico.
“I didn’t hear anything.” Anna replied. “What kinds of things did you hear?” She was curious what people had said.
“I heard how Captain Jellico is a very by the book, no sense of humor type of Captain. He's a man that demands respect. Well that's the rumor.” Nathan suggested to Anna.
“I can live with that.” Anna said. “I like it when people are upfront with me and don’t leave me guessing.”
“I also prefer people be direct with me. Hard to miss interpret what they are saying if they are being honest.” Nathan said, hoping she understood what he was trying to tell her.
“I see.” Anna said and she smiled. “I am glad you got in line behind me. I want to get to know you better.” She would see if he meant what he said.
Nathan took a few bites from his plate, not because he was trying to figure out what to say, but because he was hungry. He then went on to say. “I'm glad as well.” He said with a big smile.
Anna smiled back at him. She felt like they were on the same page. She concentrated on her food for the next few minutes. “The food isn’t all that bad.”
“I agree, I rather enjoyed it.” Nathan said as he finished off his plate. He practically woke down the food, while trying to be socially polite.
Anna looked over at him and smiled as she still had some food to finish. “I am kind of a slow eater.” She took another bite, after a moment she spoke again. “What are you doing when we are done here?”
“I'm hoping to hang out with you.” Nathan said, trying to be smooth, thinking that probably came out corny.
“I like the sound of that.” Anna smiled at him. She was really happy he said that, she was trying to think of a way to casually ask him herself. “What shall we do?”
“I've been wanting to explore the ship, are you interested?” Nathan asked as the scene starts to fade away.
“Yes.” Anna said with a smile. “I was hoping to do that as well.” She finished her dinner and they cleaned up their dishes and headed out of the mess hall. She felt good about this assignment. It was barely her first day and she had already met someone who was really nice.
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