Miscommunicating mere options

Posted on Sun Feb 7th, 2021 @ 4:33am by Lieutenant JG Malcolm Royce & Lieutenant Aurora Rogers

976 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mission 8 - A Blast from the Past
Location: Turbolift 4
Timeline: 2296/4/11

Royce had just come off duty in sickbay. He was looking forward to a good meal and then some well deserved sleep.

He waited until the TL opened, then walked in.

Aurora stepped to one side, to let the man have some space. She offered a small smile but remained silent. Why didn't turbo lifts have elevator music? Some weird cabana version of a recognisable song.

Royce looked at her. "Excuse me. You're the communications officer, right? I'm Malcolm Royce, medical."

The woman nodded, "yes, I'm Aurora, or Rory, Rogers." She held out her hand.

He shook the hand, and held it a little longer then needed to. He thought she was very attractive. "When did you arrive?"

She noted the hand but didn't act on it. Her clouded with negativity head space didn't allow it unless he was blatently obvious, and even then, she wouldn't be sure. "I arrived a few days ago. Just after the party."

"Did you enjoy the party?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

Aurora looked confused. He evidently hadn't been listening. She repeated herself, "I don't know, I wasn't there. I arrived after."

"Of course," he apologized, "you did say that. My mistake." He paused. "Do you like it here, on the ship? Have you made many friends?"

Aurora smiled relaxing a little. She waived him off, maybe he was nervous. Though what for? She didn't know. "I've unpacked and made my quarters a little more homely. Not been here long enough really. Just basic hellos not friendships yet. Have you been station on the America long?" She pushed for the change in topic. The Scandinavian was never a fan of talking about herself.

"About three months. Still trying to get the hang of things, but I'm getting familiar with the ship and the crew." The turbo lift doors opened and they walked out. "Maybe we can get something to eat, or maybe a drink, if you'd like." he asked.

Aurora nodded, "it's always good to have at least one familiar face to eat with." She looked him over subtly a moment, "perhaps tonight we can have a drink and you can tell me about your time here so far."

Royce was happy she accepted his invitation. "Name the time and the place and I will be there."

Aurora was taken back by the actual acceptance. "Uh, tonight after shift in the lounge?"

"I will see you there." They reached a bend in the corridor, and he headed in the direction towards sickbay.

Aurora watched him leave. She suddenly felt very unsure of herself.

At the end of the shift, Royce went to the lounge and when he entered, he looked around the room for Aurora. He wasn't sure if she was actually going to make it as they had discussed.

The woman, however nervous, did infact show and was already there, people watching. She saw Royce and offered a welcoming smile.

Royce walked over to her table and sat next to her. "I wasn't sure you would actually show. But I'm glad you did." He smiled at her.

Aurora smiled, "likewise. But why wouldn't I show? I like to be liked."

A waiter came by. "Can I get you anything?"

"A hot gree tea for me, and what would you like?" He looked at Aurora.

"Cold Camomile please," she replied. Rory knew it was an odd request, but it was what she wanted. She looked back to Royce after the waiter left, "ok rest of the day?"

"There's the movie tonight, if you're interested. A movie from Earth, late 20th century called 'Silent Running'. Something to do with ecology I believe."Royce looked at her. "Or maybe you have something else in mind."

Rory's jaw fell slack and she was a silent a moment. Her mind finally kicked into gear, "I meant did you have a good rest of the day." The downside of being so pale was that when her cheeks flushed red, it would vibrantly contrast with her porcelain complexion. She tucked a straw lock of white hair behind her ear. The man didn't know her but it sounded like he wanted to turn this into a date.

Rory was embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I thought you were asking what we could do the rest of the day. Yes, I did have a good day. Dealt with just minor injuries, so no one died on my watch." He looked at her. "I'm sorry that I misunderstood you, and if I embarrassed you, I'm sorry." The waiter brought their drinks.

"I'm easily embarassed anyway," she offered a small smile, "not saying I wouldn't spend another few hours with you. I haven't had opportunity to socialise here yet, so it would be nice to have a friendly face."

"And I would be honored to be that friendly face." He liked her smile. He liked her face. Her liked her hair. In fact, he liked everything about her, but it appeared that she wasn't interested in anything but a "friend", so he would gladly be her friend. "About that movie, are you still interested?"

The woman blushed, it still sounded like a date. She wouldn't complain, but it had been a while and frankly she just knew her nerves would get the better of her. Aurora looked him up and down, thinking. Upon realising there had been a long silence, and subtleties of flirtation, Aurora realised he was waiting for an answer. "I'm interested," she replied gazing a little at him before she blushed and corrected, "in watching that movie, I mean."

"Then we should be going." He stood up, walked to her chair, and held his hand out to help her stand. "I'm interested, as well," he paused and smiled, "at the movie."

Was it flirtation? Aurora wasn't sure, but she did feel a need to find out.

 

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