OCC:<happens before Harbright evaluation>
=/\= SB 234 - A Small Cafe =/\=
Between her work on the evaluations and celebrating her engagement and one small shopping trip, Athena hadn't gotten the chance to catch up with Lieutenant Jardan, yet. {Well, at least he's making quick progress} she thought as she sat at the cafe sipping at her chocolate. The lieutenant's schedule never seem to be free when her was either, but she sincerely hoped he received her invitation and would arrive soon.
Shortly after his meeting with Capt. Rojac, Tommy left the security office. He had received the invitation to lunch with Athena, and left the last of the details to Johnson. He walked to the cafe and entered. He spotted Athena, went over and sat down." Hello Athena." Tommy smiled.
"Hi, I was afraid you'd be tied up again or I'd be called away," she smiled as he sat down. She took a swallow of her hot chocolate and motioned to the waiter.
"Actually, I was in a meeting with Captain Rojac. I'm trying to put together the new Chimera's security crew. It has been definitely hectic." Tommy looked at his menu.
When the waiter she approached, she looked up and asked, "Could I, please, get a Grilled chicken sandwich?" The waiter nodded and looked at Tom.
Tommy looked at the waiter." I'll get the salmon and a glass of the ale.The older the better." The waiter wrote the order down and walked to the kitchen. Tommy turned back to Athena," Well, you sure grew into a pretty woman. I was sorry to hear about your grandmother. What happened? I thought she was going to be OK?"
"Well, I'm sure if you could ask her she'd tell to I was the death of her, but after she managed to get me pushed through to work with some of the diplomats... she just sort of seemed to slow down." She reached across the table and place her hand on his arm that was resting there before finishing, "She died of natural causes ... old age .... and it was peaceful.
"Well, I am glad she got to live a few more years. The doctors said it would be an iffy chance of surviving the wound. I am also glad that she was able to raise you. After your parents..." Tommy let his words drift off.
"Do you know what I remember most about you," she asked with a small smile.
Tommy smiled back ion return." Why don't you tell me."
"When you rolled me over in the mud with your hand over your my mouth until those people dressed in gray went away." A curious furrow passed over the waiters face as he set down their order. He walked away with a small nod as the conversation continued.
"To tell the truth, I remember you most as a carefree, very spirited child, who just wanted to grow up and save the universe from the evil clutches of the 'ugly gray guys', I believe you called them." Tommy laughed at the memory.
"Well, weren't they," she chuckled. She took a bite of her sandwich and chewed while Tommy took a bite of his. "You know I would have been in a lot more trouble if you hadn't kept stepping in and telling my grandmother that you encouraged my behavior," she stated and then added to jog his memory, "such as being covered in mud.... and running off when she got hurt."
"I was trying to teach you to be safe.Your grandmother did not see it that way. But it worked. Of that I am glad."
"I don't think she ever realized that I had walked off to find her help because I was worried," Athena shrugged and took a drink of her hot chocolate.
Tommy smiled," I'm not surprised, with it being a long time ago. And your age at the time. You knew. You did OK. And the help arrived just in time." Tommy frowned a little, remembering what happened afterwards.
"Tommy... is it still okay if I call you Tommy," she asked.
"Of course it's OK." Tommy turned away little," Your family used to call me that. They were the first, you know. I just wish.."
Athena reached across the table with her left hand, touching his arm. When his gaze met her's she said, "Don't let whatever happened then rule your life... I know that's hard to hear from some who was around 5 at the time but... just don't let it hang around forever.."
"I try not to..but I should never have involved your family. Especially with a small child involved." Tommy frowned again,' But they were so eager to help.."
"My parents worked as spies before I was born which is why my grandmother was raising me .... and trust me when I say grandmother wouldn't have offered if she didn't think it was important," she responded with a comforting smile.
Tommy nodded. It had been important work. " The work she did, in the end, did save a lot of lives. And it looks like she gave you something to work for. And, congrats on the engagement." Tommy took a drink and then asked," have you decided on who is giving you away?" Left unspoken was the thought { And why him? Are you sure he is the one?}
At the mention of her engagement, Athena's smile turned to one of delight. "I wish.... no, I haven't decided." At the expression that was on his face she asked, "Is something wrong?"
Tommy smiled," No, well I wish your grandmother could see the look on your face. I was thinking..I would love to be the one to give you away. As your friend. Please let me. " {Yep. He is the one. Look at her. She is so happy.}
Thinking about how Vik felt about some of the others she could offer the giving of the bride away to {Maybe an old friend would be best.} "I'll count on you for it," she decided in the next moment.
Tommy smiled even deeper. "Well then, set a date! I must be off to check with my crew." Tommy waited for Athena to stand up. " I am really happy for you. And jealous of the General. Remember, I will always be here to talk to and to be there for you." Tommy turned to leave. As he did so, he tried something he hadn't done since Betazed, trying to send Athena a salute using his mind{{Little General}} Tommy smiled and started whistling as he left.
She smiled thinking {I would have thought he would have forgotten that one... lets hope he has forgotten the other one.}
=/\= End Log =/\=
Lieutenant Junior Grade Tom Jardan
Chief of Security
USS Chimera-C ( Soon to be)
&
Cmdr. Athena Wellington
Chief Counselor
USS Chimera-C (Anytime soon?)
