As Marley rounded the corner she could hear Lieutenant Jenner singing. The ARC was practically deserted. It was still early. Most of the team including her uncle Matt were scheduled to arrive for work an hour or so later. Marley however had a room at the ARC and often thought as she walked in the corridors early in the corridor Jenner was singing loudly as Marley entered the team locker room as quietly as she could. He was in the shower, Marley could tell, both by the sound of water and the fact that the locker room lights were not lit and they were motion activated. The lights hummed and flickered into life and Marley blinked her eyes adjusting to the light as she stumbled towards her locker. She nearly tripped over the bench in the middle of the room but caught her balance before she fell tumbling into her locker with a thud. Marley cringed. What a wake-up call she thought to herself as she opened her locker. Inside were some books and a leather journal along with photos on the locker door and Marley's charm bracelet. Marley picked it up and replaced it elsewhere in her locker as she grabbed the journal and sat on the nearby bench. She began writing absentmindedly, writing of her emotions and plans for the day.
It was only when Jenner spoke did she return to reality.
'Miss Anderson'
'Lieutenant' Marley nodded politely.
'Jenner. Miss'
'You are in early today? I heard you singing,' Marley replied. 'Very loudly'
'I'm sorry'
Marley turned and looked at him only to realise he was only in a towel and quickly averted her gaze to her journal. Jenner gave a half smile as he noticed her embarrassment and started towards his locker.
'It's fine. Just don't let Lester or Becker hear you,'
'I won't' Jenner answered almost teasingly
'It reminded me there is life in this place. It's too quiet in the mornings.'
'Not as quiet today though. Did you injure yourself?'
'Excuse me?' Marley looked up almost surprised to see Jenner smiling at her reaction from near his locker.
'You fell into your locker, when you tried sneaking in here'
'Oh. No I didn't. You heard?'
'Yes. Training does that,' Jenner laughed 'I'm glad you didn't injure yourself.'
Marley stood up and walked to her locker careful not to look Jenner in the eye. Opening the door she replied:
'Well that's been noted. I had better go check in at the hub before Jess and Captain Becker arrive and you need to get changed'
To be continued...