Pacifica #170"
By: Cohen
, Engineer
, [NPC]
Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]
Stardate: 58206.15 2100
=old=
“And it’s not like I’ve got a dead end job.” Said Cohen. “I mean, there’s room for advancement.”
“Now you’re getting it.”
=new=
“I mean, it’s not like I’m the senior engineer. Now that’s a dead-end job.”
Craig opened his mouth and then closed it again.
“Oh! No offense!” said Cohen quickly.
“None taken, Craig said evenly. “I suppose some people might perceive that job as such, but I assure you ---“
“Oh, you don’t have to assure me of anything.” Cohen told him. “I understand fully.”
“Well good,” Craig smiled. “We were talking about you.”
“About good things, yeah.” Cohen was looking back out the view port. “When I see the stars, it reminds me of Jackson’s eyes. She has the most gorgeous eyes. When she would look at me in that way, with her yes twinkling – there was nothing like it. You know what I mean?
“Sure I do,” said Craig. “There’s nothing like it. You’re right.”
“And I could always have something done about the hair, right?” he said, running his fingers through his thinning pate. “And just work out more to drop those extra points. It’s not really a big deal, is it? Just self-discipline.
“Just a little self-discipline,” Craig echoed.
“And even if Jackson and I did break up – well, heck, we did have all that time together. And when we were together, it was fantastic. Fantastic woman, great conversationalist, awesome sex. There’s noting like a relationship when it’s working, hug, Craig?”
=I haven’t had a serious relationship in close to two year, Craig thought= “Nothing like it,” said Craig.
Cohen stood, filled with new confidence. “You know, Craig. I’m going down to engineering just to run a routine systems check. I mean, it’s not due for another two hours but, hell, you can’t be too careful, right?” As Craig nodded silently, he went on. “And then I’m gong to see Jackson and tell her just what she’s missing out on. And if she still wants to keep it broken off, well, there’s lots of fish in the sea, or start in the skies. Right?”
“Right,” whispered Craig.
Cohen got up, clapped Craig on the shoulder, and strode out of the bar. As he exited Rafe entered. He nodded briefly in acknowledgement and Cohen tossed off in a jaunty salute.
This surprised the hell out of Rafe since salutes were not required and he certainly did not hold any rank higher then ensign. Cohen walked away, arms swinging, whistling softly.
Rafe glanced at the table where he and Craig customarily sat, but he didn’t see his friend. Then he spotted him on the other side of the bar. He was staring out of a view port when Rafe walked up and dropped into the chair across him, straddling it. “Hey buddy, ? Something wrong?”
Craig looked at the jolly face of Rafe. “I’m so depressed,” he quipped…