MEETING THE ADMIRAL
Today is the day I meet the admiral, and the espeon Elfie. I woke up tired, and remembering what day it was, I became nervous. I wasn't sure how this visit would go. It was either I would be greeted with a sunny disposition, or I'd be ignored and the crew would stay with their work, or possibly both. I met Buddy in the fishing ship, and watched as he went about his morning routine. It was a few hours before he went to relax at his favorite spot, which also seemed to be Elfie's, considering I spotted her peeking behind one of the support beams holding a surface above us, which Buddy explained was another residential area on the ship we were on before sitting down. After a few minutes relaxing, Buddy said it was time to head to the main ship's bridge. With Elfie nowhere to be seen as we moved on, it was safe to assume she was heading there herself. I could recognize the bridge before we entered it. I entered the bridge with Buddy, noticing it was somewhat similar to the other ships' bridges. Considering that this was the main bridge, you would think that it would be a bit more…main bridge-like.
Regardless of appearance, I was here to meet the admiral, and finally learn his name. I saw the split tail of Elfie, and next to her, was the admiral. Tall and blonde, with a stubble on his chin. He still wore the clothing from the first time I've seen him, and it looked like he was busy at the moment. I decided to sit somewhere that wouldn't disturb the other humans from working. The admiral noticed me, and moved to where I was sitting. His espeon rounded the corner close to him, shrinking back when she saw me. It was obvious that she did not trust me as well as the admiral. He leaned forward, smiling at me, and greeted me appropriately. He said his name was Jacob Thorston, and properly introduced me to Elfie, who tried her best to keep away from me.
I didn't know if I should be offended or not, as this was my first official meeting with a pokémon I was curiously interested in. Then again, I was the same as an eevee, always avoiding others until I found a waterstone and the evolution process changed my point of view. I guess, from her perspective, I was someone new and a cause of change. I'd be afraid too, if I hadn't changed myself so I'd be determined to meet everything without much fear.
Admiral Thorston explained a few of the conditions about both humans and pokémon living on the convoy. All pokémon were allowed to roam the convoy as they pleased, as long as they stay out of restricted areas only humans with partner pokémon may enter. Also, there was the massive bounty of the great ocean that we kept surfaced upon. Any catches are shared throughout the convoy, and treasures dug up from below are researched and put in a safe place somewhere on one of the ships. There were more, but I think I zoned out at the time. A minute or two passed by, and the admiral had to take his focus back to his job. Nudging Elfie towards me, leaving us alone in a vacant corner to chat amongst ourselves, although we did not 'chat' much.
At first there was an awkward silence, as I attempted to maintain eye contact with a small smile, and yet again I had to break the ice. "Erm, it's nice to officially meet you?" She never made eye contact, never spoke a word. Again, and admittedly, "I, uh, don't know how to start a conversation with a girl…" She made eye contact then, but broke it just as quickly. It was a few seconds before I heard a voice in my head, no doubt being Elfie. "I'm sorry, but I don't handle well around strangers…" That voice was clear and silky even with a slight accent, and from her immediate appearance I could tell that she was obviously treated very graciously. But what she spoke did confirm the suspicion I had of her. She was very shy around strangers, like they might hurt her. I was then that I noticed a scar running down her hindleg. That must be the reason why she doesn't trust strangers at all. "Oh…I didn't realize that you've been badly hurt before…" was all I mumbled, and she turned towards me making direct eye contact, with a look of shock on her face before she raced outside the bridge and across the ship.
Why she acted like that was unbeknownst to me, as I've never witnessed this kind of secrecy before. I suppose my visit to the bridge was done, and the rest of the day awaited me outside the room. I only wish I could talk to Elfie more. The sun was at its peak in the sky, with barely any clouds across the bright blue, and I still had to find my place here. Considering the age of her scar, it almost seemed like we had similar experiences…