Meeting of Science and Pilot

Posted on Wed Nov 5th, 2025 @ 8:39pm by Lieutenant JG Axel Heskin & Lieutenant Kailani Young

1,101 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Mission 8 - A Blast from the Past
Location: Messhall
Timeline: Sometime after Back to Normal

Kailani strode into the messhall with her signature swagger. She was over any self-consciousness she might have incurred during the time of the spores. She cut a dashing figure in her maroon uniform jacket and black trousers.

Axel had just gotten himself something to eat, the food sitting on his tray. The opening of the messhall's door caught his attention, especially the woman who just entered in. The luxuriant glossy hair, the confidence in her stride, couldn't help but notice her beauty. Who was this woman? For a moment Axel just stared at her, mesmerized. Then it hit him, it was the woman piloting the America. What was her name?

At first, Kailani didn't seem to notice Axel looking at her. She walked over to order a plate of garlic shrimp and an orange juice. Only when she looked up, did she see a dashingly handsome officer of about her age. Her smile only broadened as she walked over to where he sat before his food. "I don't think we've met," she announced. "I'm Kailani. Kailani Young, the helmsman."

"I am Axel Heskin, Assistant Chief Scientist. Care to sit together? " Axel remembering to have some manners, setting down his meal at a nearby table. "We've not officially met but, I've seen you on the bridge flying the ship."

"Sure," Kailani said, setting her tray down across from him. It's nice to meet you, Axel."

After she sat down Axel took his seat, adjusting his tray to where it was more in front of him. "Nice bit of flying I've seen you do. How long have you been on the ship?"

"Not too long," she said. "I came aboard a little before you. What do you think so far?"

"Oh I like the ship so far. And I am just getting to know the crew members. There are a few I hope to meet along the way."

Axel picked up his fork and began to eat. After the first three bites and a sip of his drink, he quirked up an eyebrow.

"Forgive my nosiness but what sort of things do you like to do when not flying the ship?"Axel pausing to talk before taking a bite.

"I like to swim. I like to boat. I like to fly other things." Kaiani grinned. "What do you like?" She took a bite herself.

" You like to swim, I do to. I also like to take part in outdoor activities. I love to kayak, and you say you love boating? As in, using a sail?" Axel picking up his glass to take a drink from it.

"Among other things," Kailani allowed. "I also like to canoe. I like most ways of getting around, really." She laughed. "That might have come out wrong."

Axel blinked for a moment as to what was making her laugh. His mind was following along as to her line of thinking of ways of travel. Then it hit him.

"Oh! I wasn't thinking of what you said in that way. Good heavens not at all." he exclaimed. "Um.. hmmnn. Well now sometime we need to go canoeing when we are on a planet and are able to do so."

"Maybe we should," she said. "I could use more friends aboard ship."

"Lets plan on doing so, once we get to go on shore leave. if that is okay with you." Axel giving a warm smile.

Axel took a couple more bites of his food, a forkful of food, he paused. "Where are you from? And brought you to your choice of becoming helm?" then took his bite of food.

"I'm from Hawaii," she said. "I was always curious about early Polynesian maritime exploration. Then I started to just like exploration and I like to go fast."

"Can't say I blame you on wanting that." A pause to take a drink, lowering his glass.

"Do you know any Polynesian dances? " It did interest Axel when it came to the customs of other people.

"A little," Kailani said. "Kinda of. I mean..." She shrugged. "Well enough to attend an event. Not well enough to perform."

Axel gave a nod. "I see, are you planning on learning more sometime? How about, the music?"

"I hadn't been, really," she admitted. "Why do you ask?"

"I am curious about the culture, and the music and also the food. " Axel having an interested smile. "As I said I like to delve into different cultures."

"That's really interesting," Kailani said. "There are thousands of cultures just on Earth. We're a very diverse world."

"Indeed there is. " Axel responded. "I do know that where you are from is definitely warmer than where I am from. Have you ever been to Denmark?" he paused as he contemplated Kailani she was beautiful .

He was betting that the question he was about to ask and he bet and would be the winner of his self bet-the answer would be -she was involved. And he wished to avoid getting a fist in the face.

"So-- I have another question to add. Are you involved with anyone? I know a weird question to ask but, I prefer knowing before stepping on someones toes. And I do prefer an honest answer."

"I haven't been to Denmark," she said, pausing awkwardly. She shifted awkwardly. She didn't want to disappoint him. She was hoping they could be friends. But she answered honestly. "Yeah. It's still very new but I've started seeing someone. It's going really well." She looked down.

He noticed Kailani shifting uncomfortably, 'Well sometime I can show you the images I've got of my home." a bite of his food then he quietly commented. "I ask if someone is involved in a relationship, yes its a bit awkward, I prefer finding out firsthand. That though doesn't mean we can't be friends. I would love to be friends."

Axel smiling warmly. "Its all good."

"I'd love to be friends," Kailani said, "and learn all about Denmark. I suppose it is better to be clear upfront, not worry about signals and everything."

"Then we can travel on the road of friendship, and I am fine with that. One can never have too many friends." Axel smiling. "Well, on that note, I am going to take my leave, I had excellent company during my meal, and I didn't realize I had eaten all of my meal." Rising from the chair Axel reached out a hand to shake hers.

"Until we meet next time and work out things we can enjoy. Shall we?" with a wave Axel left and went to dump his dishes, leaving the messhall.

 

RSS Feed