In the Air...

Posted on Tue Oct 27th, 2009 @ 3:31am by Lieutenant JG Drew O'Connell & Ensign John Bradshaw

626 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave - Welcoming Old Friends and New
Location: Transporter Room One
Timeline: Current

Drew and Ian materialized aboard the USS Archimedes after a little mare than ten days on Earth. Since their departure from the ship, Drew had spent a few days at his Aunt Evelyn's house, really his and Ian's ancestral home, followed by days on the tropical island of Aruba. Their tans and blazing blond hair evidence of their recent equatorial jaunt. Nodding to the chief behind the console, Drew stopped in his tracks.

What is it, Drew?" Ian asked with unusual concern.

Drew smiled easily. After their recent conversations, Drew assumed Ian was concerned about Drew changing his mind and sendinghim back to Earth to live in Ireland with their aunt. Reassuring, Drew placed a hand on his shoulder before, "Nothing, just someone I've not yet met. You know me and information, if I don't have, I get it. I'd just like to meet the new ensign. Go home and unpack."

'Home,' Drew thought oddly, 'When did I start thinking of this ship as home?' Discarding the thought, Drew moved over to the console as the chief finished another transport of returning crew. Extending his hand, he introduced himself. "Lieutenant Andrew O'Connell. As you can see by the gray tunic, your resident Chief spook. You are?"

John extended his hand in return, firmly shaking the Lieutenant’s hand. “I am Ensign John Bradshaw, It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.� He replied. 'Spook, odd term,' he thought to himself briefly. John had only ever heard the term used in horror novels never used to address one’s self.

"And you," Drew said emphatically. Trying not to sound too pushy, he asked, "You're a new arrival to the Archimedes, no? When did you come aboard?"

“Yes sir, I just arrived a few days ago.� John told him as he focused on his console preparing to transport another batch of crewmembers up from the surface. “If I may ask Sir who was the young gentlemen that you arrived with? Your Son?� He asked.

Drew laughed aloud, a rare occurance for him. Becoming serious, Drew explained, "If we're serving together, you're going to have to call me Drew. As to the boy, well," Drew paused, never having been mistaken for Ian's father before. "I would have been a horny little ten year old to spawn that...he's my brother."

John’s face turned a few shades of red 'Open mouth, insert foot,' he thought as he tried to regain his composure. “Sorry, sir..I mean Drew.� As he brought a smile to his face. “I guess that would make sense.� As the last group of crew left the room, he stepped away from his console and stood there hands crossed behind the small of his back, giving his full attention toward Drew. “How was your shoreleave?� he asked.

"Long and eventful," Drew responded. "I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work. It's less dramatic."

John nodded his head in agreement. “I understand that, a small ship of friends and colleagues is always less dramatic then being on a planet,� He commented. “Well I must get back to my duties, It was nice meeting you. Guess I’ll see you around sometime,� John said as he extended his hand out once more to say farewell.

Drew took the proffered hand and shook it once more. "It's a small ship, ensign. No doubt we'll be seeing a lot of each other."


Ensign John Bradshaw
Transporter Chief
USS Archimedes


Lieutenant JG Andrew O'Connell
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Archimedes

 

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