Disclaimer: I own nothing but Jude. Paramount owns everything else. I
think.
Author's note: PLEASE DON'T SHOOT!! This is the first fic I've ever uploaded for other people's eyes to see!!! So, please read and review, and be kind. If not, I'm a big girl, I can take it, but don't be mean just for cruelty's sake. If you have a suggestion, I'm more than happy to hear it! Enjoy =^)
My name is Jude Dala. I'm a crewman – or should I say crewwoman? – here aboard the Federation starship Voyager. This is my favorite story. It is a story about the wonderful things that can happen to you, if only you'll let them. You may not believe in such fairy tales. I never used to believe in them, either. But that was a long time ago – before this one came true. So let me tell you my story. It began one morning after a long night of work…
I sighed, letting my hair out of the functional regulation updo that had kept it out of my face all night. It was 0702 hours, and I was on my way to my quarters for a little well-deserved sleep. I'd just spent the last sixteen hours on a double duty shift in sickbay, and although it hadn't exactly been a busy night, it had been quite long, and I was tired. Harry Kim had been in again, complaining of insomnia, but I knew he'd only come in to visit with me a little. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the company: after all, sixteen hours was a long time, and it could get truly dull around, say, 0300 hours. Harry's insomnia was real, but he knew perfectly well what to do for it: the Doctor had already written him a prescription two days ago. And he didn't need to come all the way down to sickbay just to replicate a glass of warm milk. It was clear he had a crush on me. I grinned to myself at the thought. I didn't mind Harry – he was kind of cute, after all – but I'd seen the way he flirted with other girls, especially my roommate Sara. Besides, he wasn't really my type. I was much more interested in a certain Brunali cadet.
Stepping into the turbolift, I decided to let my more spontaneous side shine through. I knew his shift was ending now, too; maybe he'd be free for breakfast. "Astrometrics," I said, as the lift doors closed.
I tried not to think as the lift hummed to its destination. Running my hands through my now-liberated wavy brown hair, I forestalled panic by reminding myself that I could always just say I was there to say hi. 'Yeah, sure,' I muttered to myself. 'Who am I fooling. This is nuts.'
The turbolift stopped, the hydraulic doors slid open with a whoosh, and I stepped out. I was so lost in thought that I almost collided with the very person I'd come to see. "Icheb," I croaked.
He gazed at me. "Crewman Dala. How are you this morning?"
Collecting my wits, I tried to smile. "Icheb, hi, I was, uh, just coming to Astrometrics. I just, uh, got off from my double shift at sickbay, and, uh…" I trailed off, realizing that I now knew exactly how Harry must have felt last night: like a total dunce.
"Perhaps I can help you. Does the Doctor need assistance from Astrometrics?" Icheb seemed confused.
I could tell I was about to screw up the whole thing, and panic was beginning to set in. "Um, no, actually." I swallowed hard and took the leap. "I knew you were just getting off from your shift, and I was hoping you'd be free for breakfast. With me." There. It was out. I held my breath as I waited for him to give me the brush-off.
He smiled instead. "Actually, I am quite hungry. Thank you. But you've just come from a double shift. Aren't you tired?"
Happiness and relief flooded over me in a dizzying surge. I could barely keep my knees underneath me as we stepped back into the turbolift together. Tapping the panel, I spoke. "Mess hall. I am a little tired, yeah. But it's okay. I'm hungry too. It's just easier to eat first and then sleep, you know? And last week Neelix told me that I was always welcome for breakfast, and he even said he'd make me anything I wanted, special order, so I thought I should take him up on that."
Icheb regarded me. "Yes." He paused. "Thank you. For inviting me to come with you. Seven's been encouraging me to broaden my social interaction. At times, it's been… difficult. Some of the crew still don't accept me." He paused briefly, appearing lost in thought. "I find it easier to spend time with you, Crewman."
I could hardly believe my ears. Icheb was as good as telling me that he considered me a friend. I restrained myself from seizing him into an impulsive hug, saying instead, "Please, Icheb. Don't call me 'Crewman', call me Jude." I ventured a grin. Icheb grinned back.
"I will… Jude." And unexpectedly, he reached for my hand to give it a quick little squeeze.
The turbolift whooshed open, and we stepped out into the galley. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I let my hand fall from Icheb's, but not before Neelix noticed. The damage was done. "Ah! Jude, you've come for breakfast! And – you've brought a date!" He chuckled, rubbing his hands gleefully. "Let me make you two a traditional Earth breakfast: bacon, eggs and toast! Unless, of course, you'd like something else? Icheb, you might enjoy this. What do you say?" Neelix spread his hands, awaiting our decision.
Trying to contain my embarrassment at having been accused of being Icheb's date, I glanced at him, intending only to ask him what he thought of Neelix's breakfast suggestion. My heart skipped when I saw his face and realized that he was just as flustered as I was. I managed to ask, "Um, what do you think, Icheb? Does that sound okay to you?"
"Yes, that will… be fine. Jude. It will be… nice," he stammered. He regained control of himself as he smiled shyly at me, then asked Neelix, "Do you think it would be possible to have something called… orange juice, also?" Turning to me to clarify, he stated, "Seven has suggested that I might wish to familiarize myself with traditional Earth cuisine, as it is likely that I will spend a good deal of time there upon Voyager's return."
At this, Neelix smiled slowly, assuring Icheb, "Of course, it would be possible! You two just come along here, have a seat! I'll have that breakfast along for you in just a minute!"
I sat down, glancing quickly at Icheb as he lowered himself into the chair across from me. I knew he would probably never return my feelings, but I couldn't help but wish that we really were on a date. I caught myself staring at his face: his lips, his jawline, his eyebrows, the Brunali ridge, the Borg implant – and above all his beautiful eyes. They held such intensity, such genius. There was suffering there as well, a grief I could not yet understand. I wished so much that I could hold him until that pain left him forever.
Icheb's voice brought me back to the present. "Is something wrong, Jude?" His eyes reflected true concern. I sighed, thinking, 'Oh, man, I need sleep. My mind is turning into mush.' Out loud I replied, "No, I'm fine, Icheb. Thanks. Where's Neelix with that breakfast? I'm starving."
"Ah! Here I am, and so is the breakfast. I hope you like it!" Neelix set the dishes down, concluding, "If you need anything else, just ask," then strode purposefully away from the table. I picked up my fork and began to eat, and Icheb followed suit. True to Neelix's word, it was very good, and the table was silent for a few minutes – until Harry Kim entered the mess hall. Seeing me, he waved and began to walk over. 'Aha!' I thought. 'An opportunity for a bit of fun.' Quickly, I turned to Icheb and whispered, "Play along, okay?" Icheb shot me a raised-eyebrow glance but nodded.
"Jude! Icheb, hello. Jude, how are you this fine morning?" Harry smiled widely at me.
"Oh, fine, Harry; thanks," I replied. I glanced at Icheb to make sure he was paying attention. He was. "How's the insomnia?" I asked Harry.
Harry sighed. "Oh, fine, I guess. Much better under your excellent ministrations, of course." He smiled, winking at me flirtatiously, adding, "May I join you for breakfast?"
"Well," I said, "if you don't mind, actually, Harry, Icheb and I are kind of on a – well, a date." I looked to Icheb for confirmation.
He was blushing again, but he improvised well, reaching across the table for my hand, stating, "Yes, that's true. We… both had to work double shifts yesterday, and so we decided to meet for breakfast." He nodded toward Neelix. "Neelix promised us he'd make something – special – for us. Isn't that so, Jude?"
I could barely suppress my glee as I gushed, "Oh, yes, Neelix is so sweet to do this for us. Don't you think so, Harry?"
Poor Harry looked completely bewildered. I was almost sorry I had played such a trick on him. But I knew he'd get over it – remember what I told you about the way he'd always looked at my roommate, Sara Holwell? - it wasn't as if he'd be inconsolable. Besides, one look across the table at Icheb's delighted face and I knew that it had been worth it. I hardly noticed as Harry mumbled a farewell and took his leave of us.
"Are you finished with your breakfast?" Icheb asked.
"Yes." It was all I could manage to say that one word, and it felt like I was answering an unspoken question of much greater importance.
Icheb gazed at me for a lengthy moment. "I must regenerate for the next six hours. Perhaps… perhaps, when I have done so, and you have also rested, we could meet, for dinner?" It was only then that I realized that he was still holding my hand. Oh, my.
"I would love to meet you for dinner," I said, in what I hoped was a quietly delighted voice. Icheb smiled. And I saw the sorrow in his eyes lighten, just a little. I smiled back and spoke again. "Shall we meet here at, say, 1700 hours?"
I watched the smile turn into a rather playful grin as Icheb replied. "I had something… a little different in mind. May I meet you at your quarters at that time?"
"Yes, of course," I agreed, as he stood up to leave, letting go of my hand. "Bye," I whispered. I watched as he walked away, hardly daring to allow myself to believe what had just happened. As he got onto the turbolift, I closed my eyes, wanting to sustain the moment for as long as I could. When I opened them, Neelix was regarding me with something between sympathy and amusement. I scowled at him. "You just wait, Neelix," I declared. "You'll see, this is going to go somewhere. You just wait." Neelix only chuckled in reply.
I got up to leave, resigning myself to being Neelix's entertainment for the time being. I was giddily happy despite his teasing. Besides, I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep on my feet as I rode the turbolift to my quarters. Stepping off the lift, I walked down the corridor and through my door. My eyes closed as I stripped off my uniform and collapsed onto my bunk. The time until 1700 hours would pass quickly.
So, what do you think?? Please please please review, no matter what you have to say, even if it's only two words, I don't care! I don't know whether on not to keep going with this, I'm at kind of a mental impasse, so help!! Tell me what you think! Thanks! =^)
Author's note: PLEASE DON'T SHOOT!! This is the first fic I've ever uploaded for other people's eyes to see!!! So, please read and review, and be kind. If not, I'm a big girl, I can take it, but don't be mean just for cruelty's sake. If you have a suggestion, I'm more than happy to hear it! Enjoy =^)
My name is Jude Dala. I'm a crewman – or should I say crewwoman? – here aboard the Federation starship Voyager. This is my favorite story. It is a story about the wonderful things that can happen to you, if only you'll let them. You may not believe in such fairy tales. I never used to believe in them, either. But that was a long time ago – before this one came true. So let me tell you my story. It began one morning after a long night of work…
I sighed, letting my hair out of the functional regulation updo that had kept it out of my face all night. It was 0702 hours, and I was on my way to my quarters for a little well-deserved sleep. I'd just spent the last sixteen hours on a double duty shift in sickbay, and although it hadn't exactly been a busy night, it had been quite long, and I was tired. Harry Kim had been in again, complaining of insomnia, but I knew he'd only come in to visit with me a little. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the company: after all, sixteen hours was a long time, and it could get truly dull around, say, 0300 hours. Harry's insomnia was real, but he knew perfectly well what to do for it: the Doctor had already written him a prescription two days ago. And he didn't need to come all the way down to sickbay just to replicate a glass of warm milk. It was clear he had a crush on me. I grinned to myself at the thought. I didn't mind Harry – he was kind of cute, after all – but I'd seen the way he flirted with other girls, especially my roommate Sara. Besides, he wasn't really my type. I was much more interested in a certain Brunali cadet.
Stepping into the turbolift, I decided to let my more spontaneous side shine through. I knew his shift was ending now, too; maybe he'd be free for breakfast. "Astrometrics," I said, as the lift doors closed.
I tried not to think as the lift hummed to its destination. Running my hands through my now-liberated wavy brown hair, I forestalled panic by reminding myself that I could always just say I was there to say hi. 'Yeah, sure,' I muttered to myself. 'Who am I fooling. This is nuts.'
The turbolift stopped, the hydraulic doors slid open with a whoosh, and I stepped out. I was so lost in thought that I almost collided with the very person I'd come to see. "Icheb," I croaked.
He gazed at me. "Crewman Dala. How are you this morning?"
Collecting my wits, I tried to smile. "Icheb, hi, I was, uh, just coming to Astrometrics. I just, uh, got off from my double shift at sickbay, and, uh…" I trailed off, realizing that I now knew exactly how Harry must have felt last night: like a total dunce.
"Perhaps I can help you. Does the Doctor need assistance from Astrometrics?" Icheb seemed confused.
I could tell I was about to screw up the whole thing, and panic was beginning to set in. "Um, no, actually." I swallowed hard and took the leap. "I knew you were just getting off from your shift, and I was hoping you'd be free for breakfast. With me." There. It was out. I held my breath as I waited for him to give me the brush-off.
He smiled instead. "Actually, I am quite hungry. Thank you. But you've just come from a double shift. Aren't you tired?"
Happiness and relief flooded over me in a dizzying surge. I could barely keep my knees underneath me as we stepped back into the turbolift together. Tapping the panel, I spoke. "Mess hall. I am a little tired, yeah. But it's okay. I'm hungry too. It's just easier to eat first and then sleep, you know? And last week Neelix told me that I was always welcome for breakfast, and he even said he'd make me anything I wanted, special order, so I thought I should take him up on that."
Icheb regarded me. "Yes." He paused. "Thank you. For inviting me to come with you. Seven's been encouraging me to broaden my social interaction. At times, it's been… difficult. Some of the crew still don't accept me." He paused briefly, appearing lost in thought. "I find it easier to spend time with you, Crewman."
I could hardly believe my ears. Icheb was as good as telling me that he considered me a friend. I restrained myself from seizing him into an impulsive hug, saying instead, "Please, Icheb. Don't call me 'Crewman', call me Jude." I ventured a grin. Icheb grinned back.
"I will… Jude." And unexpectedly, he reached for my hand to give it a quick little squeeze.
The turbolift whooshed open, and we stepped out into the galley. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I let my hand fall from Icheb's, but not before Neelix noticed. The damage was done. "Ah! Jude, you've come for breakfast! And – you've brought a date!" He chuckled, rubbing his hands gleefully. "Let me make you two a traditional Earth breakfast: bacon, eggs and toast! Unless, of course, you'd like something else? Icheb, you might enjoy this. What do you say?" Neelix spread his hands, awaiting our decision.
Trying to contain my embarrassment at having been accused of being Icheb's date, I glanced at him, intending only to ask him what he thought of Neelix's breakfast suggestion. My heart skipped when I saw his face and realized that he was just as flustered as I was. I managed to ask, "Um, what do you think, Icheb? Does that sound okay to you?"
"Yes, that will… be fine. Jude. It will be… nice," he stammered. He regained control of himself as he smiled shyly at me, then asked Neelix, "Do you think it would be possible to have something called… orange juice, also?" Turning to me to clarify, he stated, "Seven has suggested that I might wish to familiarize myself with traditional Earth cuisine, as it is likely that I will spend a good deal of time there upon Voyager's return."
At this, Neelix smiled slowly, assuring Icheb, "Of course, it would be possible! You two just come along here, have a seat! I'll have that breakfast along for you in just a minute!"
I sat down, glancing quickly at Icheb as he lowered himself into the chair across from me. I knew he would probably never return my feelings, but I couldn't help but wish that we really were on a date. I caught myself staring at his face: his lips, his jawline, his eyebrows, the Brunali ridge, the Borg implant – and above all his beautiful eyes. They held such intensity, such genius. There was suffering there as well, a grief I could not yet understand. I wished so much that I could hold him until that pain left him forever.
Icheb's voice brought me back to the present. "Is something wrong, Jude?" His eyes reflected true concern. I sighed, thinking, 'Oh, man, I need sleep. My mind is turning into mush.' Out loud I replied, "No, I'm fine, Icheb. Thanks. Where's Neelix with that breakfast? I'm starving."
"Ah! Here I am, and so is the breakfast. I hope you like it!" Neelix set the dishes down, concluding, "If you need anything else, just ask," then strode purposefully away from the table. I picked up my fork and began to eat, and Icheb followed suit. True to Neelix's word, it was very good, and the table was silent for a few minutes – until Harry Kim entered the mess hall. Seeing me, he waved and began to walk over. 'Aha!' I thought. 'An opportunity for a bit of fun.' Quickly, I turned to Icheb and whispered, "Play along, okay?" Icheb shot me a raised-eyebrow glance but nodded.
"Jude! Icheb, hello. Jude, how are you this fine morning?" Harry smiled widely at me.
"Oh, fine, Harry; thanks," I replied. I glanced at Icheb to make sure he was paying attention. He was. "How's the insomnia?" I asked Harry.
Harry sighed. "Oh, fine, I guess. Much better under your excellent ministrations, of course." He smiled, winking at me flirtatiously, adding, "May I join you for breakfast?"
"Well," I said, "if you don't mind, actually, Harry, Icheb and I are kind of on a – well, a date." I looked to Icheb for confirmation.
He was blushing again, but he improvised well, reaching across the table for my hand, stating, "Yes, that's true. We… both had to work double shifts yesterday, and so we decided to meet for breakfast." He nodded toward Neelix. "Neelix promised us he'd make something – special – for us. Isn't that so, Jude?"
I could barely suppress my glee as I gushed, "Oh, yes, Neelix is so sweet to do this for us. Don't you think so, Harry?"
Poor Harry looked completely bewildered. I was almost sorry I had played such a trick on him. But I knew he'd get over it – remember what I told you about the way he'd always looked at my roommate, Sara Holwell? - it wasn't as if he'd be inconsolable. Besides, one look across the table at Icheb's delighted face and I knew that it had been worth it. I hardly noticed as Harry mumbled a farewell and took his leave of us.
"Are you finished with your breakfast?" Icheb asked.
"Yes." It was all I could manage to say that one word, and it felt like I was answering an unspoken question of much greater importance.
Icheb gazed at me for a lengthy moment. "I must regenerate for the next six hours. Perhaps… perhaps, when I have done so, and you have also rested, we could meet, for dinner?" It was only then that I realized that he was still holding my hand. Oh, my.
"I would love to meet you for dinner," I said, in what I hoped was a quietly delighted voice. Icheb smiled. And I saw the sorrow in his eyes lighten, just a little. I smiled back and spoke again. "Shall we meet here at, say, 1700 hours?"
I watched the smile turn into a rather playful grin as Icheb replied. "I had something… a little different in mind. May I meet you at your quarters at that time?"
"Yes, of course," I agreed, as he stood up to leave, letting go of my hand. "Bye," I whispered. I watched as he walked away, hardly daring to allow myself to believe what had just happened. As he got onto the turbolift, I closed my eyes, wanting to sustain the moment for as long as I could. When I opened them, Neelix was regarding me with something between sympathy and amusement. I scowled at him. "You just wait, Neelix," I declared. "You'll see, this is going to go somewhere. You just wait." Neelix only chuckled in reply.
I got up to leave, resigning myself to being Neelix's entertainment for the time being. I was giddily happy despite his teasing. Besides, I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep on my feet as I rode the turbolift to my quarters. Stepping off the lift, I walked down the corridor and through my door. My eyes closed as I stripped off my uniform and collapsed onto my bunk. The time until 1700 hours would pass quickly.
So, what do you think?? Please please please review, no matter what you have to say, even if it's only two words, I don't care! I don't know whether on not to keep going with this, I'm at kind of a mental impasse, so help!! Tell me what you think! Thanks! =^)