Chapter 25
Tif took in a sharp inhale and looked around confused. There was a stillness to sound that made her feel like she was in a soundproof box. As if activated by her waking, the air ventilation started moving in cool air. She sat up and eyed the room. To her surprise she was in a single cabin. An officer's cabin. Tif knew that couldn't be right and tried to find something that personalized the room. But nothing adorned the walls or flat surfaces. She stood and walked to the closet nearby and pressed the door open. Multiple dress uniforms hung on hangers, blue and white, along with various colors of fatigues. She pulled a white coat out, a man's cut, and the Master Chief Petty Officer insignia adorned the sleeves and collar.
She smiled, who else would let her sleep in an officer's room? After another glance around the room, she gasped when she saw herself in the bathroom mirror. She crossed the room and entered the bathroom cautiously, as if nervous the reflection she saw was fake and would suddenly change. The angles and planes of her face were more prominent, more striking. Her face was clear of all old scars, and glowed healthily under her fading tan. She recalled a fuzzy memory of her already astonished at her differing hair and eyes, gingerly she picked up a long strand and admired the silvery whiteness of it. And it was pin straight, taming it wasn't necessary. She hummed and dropped it, noticing her baggy attire. She wore a pair of black shorts and a white tee-shirt, but she wasn't swimming in it. There was certainly a lot more of her now.
Reminded of her hunger by the angry growl from her stomach she turned slowly away from her reflection and back into the room, and out into the living room. Soft music played from a holopad sitting on the coffee table that she recognized. It was her favorite contemporary orchestra. She moved around the couch and picked up the pad and turned on the screen. A picture of her reading when she was a teenager that her dad snuck. She hated having her picture taken but she sometimes tolerated it for her father when he requested one, but this one she was unaware of the camera. Typical of her father. But she was curious as how to John got a hold of it. Her stomach reminded her yet again she hadn't eaten for a few days. Finding out would have to wait. She needed food.
Carefully, she set it down and went back into the room in search of shoes that might fit her but only found John's boots and Oxford's. She hummed again and snatched some socks and left with well enough, in search of food.
Ooo
As she wandered down the corridor, she spotted a Marine on duty, "Lance Corporal!" She called out, her voice still scratchy, the man paused in his round and looked to find the source. When he turned and saw her he straightened.
"Aye, Ma'am?"
"Where's the Mess Hall?"
He gave her a knowing smile, "This ship is too big, two decks down, midship." He jerked with his head forward.
"I'm assuming we're aft?"
"Yes, Ma'am." He drawled, know looking a tad confused. Then saw her shoeless feet. And raised a brow. But seemed to know better than to question.
"Where's the PX?"
The Lance Corporal fought a grin, "Five decks down, aft. Near the armory." He stiffened and saluted, "Good evening, Master Chief."
"Good evening, Lance Corporal." Came John's familiar rumble, "I'll take over the lost sheep from here."
The Lancce Corporal cut the salute, "Yes, Master Chief."
Tif turned to admire the Chief when she pulled back astounded, she was nearly as tall as he. The top of her head coming to his chin.
"Perhaps you should dress, before going in search for food." He advised, raising the uniforms in his hand.