Past and Present
The Big Question
Chapter 3
"And while docked at Mars we will be getting some new crew members and some Starfuries. All crewmembers have forty-eight hours of shore leave available, just make sure you let Lt. Matheson when you leave and come back so we don't leave anyone behind. Any questions?"
"Yes I have one Captain," Max asked, "How come we weren't allowed to go on Babylon 5 when we were docked there getting supplies?" He twirled his pen in his hands and gave Gideon a sly smile.
"Because, we weren't going to be there that long."
"But why did you go aboard then?" Max retorted. He wasn't going to Captain get away with this one. Dureena and Sarah both laughed to themselves.
"Is there something going on here that I should know about?" Gideon asked, trying to weasel his way out of it.
"Well Matthew that depends on what you're talking about." Galen stepped inside the door to the conference room. "Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting. Please continue. He lowered his hood and Gideon could see a smirk forming on his face. The other people in the room looked around trying to find out what was going on.
"And when did you get back?"
"A few minutes ago. Lt. Matheson said you were in a meeting, so I decided to come in." Galen replied keeping his cool as usual. He knew it bothered Gideon, but that was one of the reasons he kept doing it.
"Ok, this meeting is over. If anyone has a problem talk to John." He turned towards the bridge. "Galen, follow me." Galen looked up from the floor, and followed Matthew with a confused look on his face. As soon as both men were out of the room and the doors shut, Max, Dureena, and Sarah burst into hysterics.
"Did you see the look on his face when you mentioned Babylon 5?!" Sarah muttered between giggles.
"I thought he was going to pass out, his face went white as a ghost!!" Dureena joked.
"Come on you two, let's get out of here before he comes back and thinks we're plotting against him." Max instructed and walked out. The girls followed, still trying to stop laughing.
***********
"Is there a problem Matthew?"
"I don't know, I was hoping you could tell me that."
"Are you asking me for help?" Galen smiled, enjoying every minute of this.
"I guess so...yes." Gideon replied. "What is wrong with my crew?"
"First of all I don't see anything wrong with them, and how would I know if I just got back on the ship?"
"You know something, at least you did back in the conference room!"
"Do you think so?" Galen really loved to mess with Gideon's head.
"Wha...?" Gideon paused, trying to think. "You know something, I can see it in your eyes."
"No I don't. All I know is that the Excalibur is heading to Mars for supplies."
"No, you know something else besides that. Have you been talking to them while you were gone?" He pointed back towards the conference room.
"No." Galen replied. "Are you done? I need to go see someone."
"Who?"
"Dureena, not that it's any of your business."
"Oh really, and why do you need to see her?" Galen just looked away. "I think I see what's going on here, mister powerful Technomage does have feelings."
Galen conjured a sound proof shield over himself and Gideon. "If you ever say anything about that to anyone, I will make sure the security camera video from Captain Lochley's room is played over and over on this ship for a week!" He disengaged the shield and stormed out the door leaving Gideon standing there speechless. Once in the hallway, he stopped, and tried to regain his composure before talking to Dureena.
Back on the bridge, Matthew was still in the same spot, trying to figure out what just happened. It figures, now that I finally have some dirt on Galen, he has something much worse on me. Dammit, he won again!
**************
Galen checked his probes and found Dureena was in the mess hall, by herself. He hopped on the transport and made his way to her.
Dureena sat against the far wall in the dining room, trying to enjoy her meal. She couldn't stop thinking about the Captain though. Even though I make fun of the guy, I wish I could be as lucky as he is. Even if I don't like her, at least he has a girlfriend. I really need to get off this ship for a few days! Dureena always put on a strong face, but deep down she was very lonely. She looked up and saw Galen enter the room. That's odd, I usually never see him here. And he's even getting something to eat!
Galen entered the cafe line, and tried to pick out the foods that looked the best. I can't believe these people eat this stuff everyday! After getting a drink, he headed over to the table Dureena was sitting at. "Mind if I join you?"
She pointed to a chair, "Not at all. So what brings you here?"
He looked down and thought, Certainly not the food! "I was hungry, and you looked like you could use some company."
"Do you always eat here?"
"Not a lot, sometimes." He paused to take another bite of food. "So, are you going to Mars like the rest of the crew?" He looked up at her.
"No, and why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Sorry, I was just curious. I didn't know anyone else asked."
"That's ok. It's just that Trace has been bugging me about it all week." She looked up at him. "Are you going?"
"I don't know, I've never been to Mars before. If I would go, I would want to go with someone else. When I'm by myself, people give me funny looks, afraid that I'm going to do something terrible to them."
Dureena chuckled. "Sorry, I know what you mean. When I walk around by myself, people think I'm planning on stealing their valuables."
Galen laughed at this. "Like I said before, that doesn't bother me. Anything of value to me, is kept in my ship, and no one can get into it if I don't want them to."
"Why do you keep to yourself so much?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"You could, but I asked first." She smiled.
"Well for a lot of reasons. Most people are tend to get nervous around me. I don't know why, I'm not going to hurt anyone. It's easier on everyone just to avoid those situations." He took a sip of his coffee. "How about you?"
"Long story."
"Well, I'm free for a while."
Dureena actually thought about telling him the truth, but then her mind over ruled her heart. "Sorry, I don't like to talk about it, especially not here."
"Why not here?"
"Too many people around, too many computers and other things that can be used to spy on people."
"And if I could take you to a place where you wouldn't have to worry about those things, would you tell me then?"
"A secret place on this ship? Good luck!"
"I'm being serious Dureena. Will you come with me?"
Dureena didn't know what to say, things were starting to happen too fast. "I guess I will, but only because I'm curious, not because I want to talk."
"Fair enough." Galen led her all the way down to the flight decks where his ship was parked. "Come in, I promise it's bug free." He opened the door, and noticed that she hesitated before walking in. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." She gazed around the room they were standing in and noticed how dark it was. "Why are you doing this Galen?"
"Doing what?" He lead her into the control room, figuring the bedroom would just give her the wrong idea.
"This, bringing me on your ship."
"Aren't I allowed to have company?" He asked with a smile. They both sat down. "Now if you want to talk, I'll listen, no one else will hear us."
"I said before that I don't like to talk about my past."
"Any particular reason?" Galen asked, but when Dureena gave him an evil look he dropped the question. "So, what do you plan to do while we're at Mars?"
"Stay on the Excalibur, I guess. Either that or go down to the planet when Trace isn't looking." She laughed. "You?"
"Well, like I said, I don't want to go down by myself. I would ask Max, but I heard about the last time and decided that would be a bad idea. There's the Captain, but he's meeting with EarthGov officials, and Matheson is going with him. Dr. Chambers is visiting old friends, so that leaves her out. That means the only one left is you."
Dureena was only half-paying attention when Galen said her name. "What? Me? What about Trace?"
"You're kidding right?"
"Why did you ask me? I said I wasn't going down!"
"Well, you're the only one left so, I figured I'd try. You don't have to go, if you don't want to."
Dureena actually thought about going with him, but then decided against it. "Sorry Galen I can't. Can you let me out, I need to get back to my room?"
Galen looked hurt but let her out. "Good night Dureena." She hurried out of the flight deck and all but ran back to her room. Galen closed the door and sighed. "Well that went well." He sighed again and went to make himself something to eat.
Back in her room, Dureena paced around the floor. Did he ask me out? No, that can't be it, I'm just over reacting. Still... Oh God, I almost said yes! Why is this happening? He must have cast a spell on me. Although, getting off this ship would be nice, and I really don't think spending the day with Galen would be that bad. Better than Trace. Did I just day what I think I said? Why am I having these strange feelings all of a sudden? I really need to get some sleep tonight! Dureena's mind was all jumbled with thoughts as she changed for bed and finally fell asleep.
**************
The next morning Gideon was talking to Matheson and Galen on the bridge when Trace wandered in. "So when are my shuttle-run times?"
"Here you go. Sorry for the number, one of the other pilots got sick this morning, leaving everyone else to pick things up." Matheson handed him a vidpad.
"Not a problem. Have any of you seen Dureena this morning? I wanted to talk to her before I left."
"I haven't seen her since the meeting yesterday." Gideon told him. Trace nodded and headed for the flight deck. When he was gone he looked at Galen.
"What makes you think I know where she is?" Galen asked him.
"I never said anything." Gideon smiled. "So Lieutenant, are you ready to sit through some meetings?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
"Good, I will see you later Galen." He walked towards the door, then turned around and gave Galen another smile and laughed. Galen just shook his head and headed for his flyer. When he stepped on to the flight deck, he saw Dureena leaning against the wall by his ship. Hmm. I wonder what she's doing here? "Can I help you with something Dureena?"
Startled by Galen's voice, she didn't know what to say. "Well, I uh...I was wondering if you were still going to Mars?"
"I wasn't planning on it, why?"
"Oh, uh...no reason, really." Dureena replied. Why do I sound like such an idiot this morning!?
"Why, are you going down there?" Galen smiled hopefully.
"Well, I'm trying to find someone other than Trace or Max to go with."
"If you want I could go with you."
"Oh, no, you don't have to go out of your way for me. I'll just find someone else." She started to walk off, when Trace stepped out on to the flight deck.
"Hey Dureena! I've been looking for you!" Trace shouted above the noise. "I have to do a few extra runs today, but I'll pick you up after I'm done?"
"No thanks Trace, I decided not to go down. I'm not feeling that good, this morning. Maybe tomorrow."
Trace frowned. "Well ok, but you're going to miss a good time." He walked on to a shuttle and a few minutes later it took off.
"On second thought, Galen, I would be glad to go with you."
"Alright, let's go." He walked towards one of the Excalibur's shuttles.
"Aren't we taking your flyer?"
"No. It would attract unwanted attention. I'll just let the Captain know I'm going to borrow one of his toys today." He smiled. Dureena just laughed as they boarded it.
"Can you fly this thing?"
"Please! It can't be that hard, everything is labeled!" Galen glanced around at the controls. "Ok, so it's a little on the primitive side, but I'm sure we'll manage."
Dureena laughed out loud and sat down beside him. This is weird, but I'm actually looking forward to spending the day with Galen. They sat in a comfortable silence as Galen flew the shuttle to one of the designated areas.
To be continued..........
The Big Question
Chapter 3
"And while docked at Mars we will be getting some new crew members and some Starfuries. All crewmembers have forty-eight hours of shore leave available, just make sure you let Lt. Matheson when you leave and come back so we don't leave anyone behind. Any questions?"
"Yes I have one Captain," Max asked, "How come we weren't allowed to go on Babylon 5 when we were docked there getting supplies?" He twirled his pen in his hands and gave Gideon a sly smile.
"Because, we weren't going to be there that long."
"But why did you go aboard then?" Max retorted. He wasn't going to Captain get away with this one. Dureena and Sarah both laughed to themselves.
"Is there something going on here that I should know about?" Gideon asked, trying to weasel his way out of it.
"Well Matthew that depends on what you're talking about." Galen stepped inside the door to the conference room. "Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting. Please continue. He lowered his hood and Gideon could see a smirk forming on his face. The other people in the room looked around trying to find out what was going on.
"And when did you get back?"
"A few minutes ago. Lt. Matheson said you were in a meeting, so I decided to come in." Galen replied keeping his cool as usual. He knew it bothered Gideon, but that was one of the reasons he kept doing it.
"Ok, this meeting is over. If anyone has a problem talk to John." He turned towards the bridge. "Galen, follow me." Galen looked up from the floor, and followed Matthew with a confused look on his face. As soon as both men were out of the room and the doors shut, Max, Dureena, and Sarah burst into hysterics.
"Did you see the look on his face when you mentioned Babylon 5?!" Sarah muttered between giggles.
"I thought he was going to pass out, his face went white as a ghost!!" Dureena joked.
"Come on you two, let's get out of here before he comes back and thinks we're plotting against him." Max instructed and walked out. The girls followed, still trying to stop laughing.
***********
"Is there a problem Matthew?"
"I don't know, I was hoping you could tell me that."
"Are you asking me for help?" Galen smiled, enjoying every minute of this.
"I guess so...yes." Gideon replied. "What is wrong with my crew?"
"First of all I don't see anything wrong with them, and how would I know if I just got back on the ship?"
"You know something, at least you did back in the conference room!"
"Do you think so?" Galen really loved to mess with Gideon's head.
"Wha...?" Gideon paused, trying to think. "You know something, I can see it in your eyes."
"No I don't. All I know is that the Excalibur is heading to Mars for supplies."
"No, you know something else besides that. Have you been talking to them while you were gone?" He pointed back towards the conference room.
"No." Galen replied. "Are you done? I need to go see someone."
"Who?"
"Dureena, not that it's any of your business."
"Oh really, and why do you need to see her?" Galen just looked away. "I think I see what's going on here, mister powerful Technomage does have feelings."
Galen conjured a sound proof shield over himself and Gideon. "If you ever say anything about that to anyone, I will make sure the security camera video from Captain Lochley's room is played over and over on this ship for a week!" He disengaged the shield and stormed out the door leaving Gideon standing there speechless. Once in the hallway, he stopped, and tried to regain his composure before talking to Dureena.
Back on the bridge, Matthew was still in the same spot, trying to figure out what just happened. It figures, now that I finally have some dirt on Galen, he has something much worse on me. Dammit, he won again!
**************
Galen checked his probes and found Dureena was in the mess hall, by herself. He hopped on the transport and made his way to her.
Dureena sat against the far wall in the dining room, trying to enjoy her meal. She couldn't stop thinking about the Captain though. Even though I make fun of the guy, I wish I could be as lucky as he is. Even if I don't like her, at least he has a girlfriend. I really need to get off this ship for a few days! Dureena always put on a strong face, but deep down she was very lonely. She looked up and saw Galen enter the room. That's odd, I usually never see him here. And he's even getting something to eat!
Galen entered the cafe line, and tried to pick out the foods that looked the best. I can't believe these people eat this stuff everyday! After getting a drink, he headed over to the table Dureena was sitting at. "Mind if I join you?"
She pointed to a chair, "Not at all. So what brings you here?"
He looked down and thought, Certainly not the food! "I was hungry, and you looked like you could use some company."
"Do you always eat here?"
"Not a lot, sometimes." He paused to take another bite of food. "So, are you going to Mars like the rest of the crew?" He looked up at her.
"No, and why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Sorry, I was just curious. I didn't know anyone else asked."
"That's ok. It's just that Trace has been bugging me about it all week." She looked up at him. "Are you going?"
"I don't know, I've never been to Mars before. If I would go, I would want to go with someone else. When I'm by myself, people give me funny looks, afraid that I'm going to do something terrible to them."
Dureena chuckled. "Sorry, I know what you mean. When I walk around by myself, people think I'm planning on stealing their valuables."
Galen laughed at this. "Like I said before, that doesn't bother me. Anything of value to me, is kept in my ship, and no one can get into it if I don't want them to."
"Why do you keep to yourself so much?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"You could, but I asked first." She smiled.
"Well for a lot of reasons. Most people are tend to get nervous around me. I don't know why, I'm not going to hurt anyone. It's easier on everyone just to avoid those situations." He took a sip of his coffee. "How about you?"
"Long story."
"Well, I'm free for a while."
Dureena actually thought about telling him the truth, but then her mind over ruled her heart. "Sorry, I don't like to talk about it, especially not here."
"Why not here?"
"Too many people around, too many computers and other things that can be used to spy on people."
"And if I could take you to a place where you wouldn't have to worry about those things, would you tell me then?"
"A secret place on this ship? Good luck!"
"I'm being serious Dureena. Will you come with me?"
Dureena didn't know what to say, things were starting to happen too fast. "I guess I will, but only because I'm curious, not because I want to talk."
"Fair enough." Galen led her all the way down to the flight decks where his ship was parked. "Come in, I promise it's bug free." He opened the door, and noticed that she hesitated before walking in. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." She gazed around the room they were standing in and noticed how dark it was. "Why are you doing this Galen?"
"Doing what?" He lead her into the control room, figuring the bedroom would just give her the wrong idea.
"This, bringing me on your ship."
"Aren't I allowed to have company?" He asked with a smile. They both sat down. "Now if you want to talk, I'll listen, no one else will hear us."
"I said before that I don't like to talk about my past."
"Any particular reason?" Galen asked, but when Dureena gave him an evil look he dropped the question. "So, what do you plan to do while we're at Mars?"
"Stay on the Excalibur, I guess. Either that or go down to the planet when Trace isn't looking." She laughed. "You?"
"Well, like I said, I don't want to go down by myself. I would ask Max, but I heard about the last time and decided that would be a bad idea. There's the Captain, but he's meeting with EarthGov officials, and Matheson is going with him. Dr. Chambers is visiting old friends, so that leaves her out. That means the only one left is you."
Dureena was only half-paying attention when Galen said her name. "What? Me? What about Trace?"
"You're kidding right?"
"Why did you ask me? I said I wasn't going down!"
"Well, you're the only one left so, I figured I'd try. You don't have to go, if you don't want to."
Dureena actually thought about going with him, but then decided against it. "Sorry Galen I can't. Can you let me out, I need to get back to my room?"
Galen looked hurt but let her out. "Good night Dureena." She hurried out of the flight deck and all but ran back to her room. Galen closed the door and sighed. "Well that went well." He sighed again and went to make himself something to eat.
Back in her room, Dureena paced around the floor. Did he ask me out? No, that can't be it, I'm just over reacting. Still... Oh God, I almost said yes! Why is this happening? He must have cast a spell on me. Although, getting off this ship would be nice, and I really don't think spending the day with Galen would be that bad. Better than Trace. Did I just day what I think I said? Why am I having these strange feelings all of a sudden? I really need to get some sleep tonight! Dureena's mind was all jumbled with thoughts as she changed for bed and finally fell asleep.
**************
The next morning Gideon was talking to Matheson and Galen on the bridge when Trace wandered in. "So when are my shuttle-run times?"
"Here you go. Sorry for the number, one of the other pilots got sick this morning, leaving everyone else to pick things up." Matheson handed him a vidpad.
"Not a problem. Have any of you seen Dureena this morning? I wanted to talk to her before I left."
"I haven't seen her since the meeting yesterday." Gideon told him. Trace nodded and headed for the flight deck. When he was gone he looked at Galen.
"What makes you think I know where she is?" Galen asked him.
"I never said anything." Gideon smiled. "So Lieutenant, are you ready to sit through some meetings?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
"Good, I will see you later Galen." He walked towards the door, then turned around and gave Galen another smile and laughed. Galen just shook his head and headed for his flyer. When he stepped on to the flight deck, he saw Dureena leaning against the wall by his ship. Hmm. I wonder what she's doing here? "Can I help you with something Dureena?"
Startled by Galen's voice, she didn't know what to say. "Well, I uh...I was wondering if you were still going to Mars?"
"I wasn't planning on it, why?"
"Oh, uh...no reason, really." Dureena replied. Why do I sound like such an idiot this morning!?
"Why, are you going down there?" Galen smiled hopefully.
"Well, I'm trying to find someone other than Trace or Max to go with."
"If you want I could go with you."
"Oh, no, you don't have to go out of your way for me. I'll just find someone else." She started to walk off, when Trace stepped out on to the flight deck.
"Hey Dureena! I've been looking for you!" Trace shouted above the noise. "I have to do a few extra runs today, but I'll pick you up after I'm done?"
"No thanks Trace, I decided not to go down. I'm not feeling that good, this morning. Maybe tomorrow."
Trace frowned. "Well ok, but you're going to miss a good time." He walked on to a shuttle and a few minutes later it took off.
"On second thought, Galen, I would be glad to go with you."
"Alright, let's go." He walked towards one of the Excalibur's shuttles.
"Aren't we taking your flyer?"
"No. It would attract unwanted attention. I'll just let the Captain know I'm going to borrow one of his toys today." He smiled. Dureena just laughed as they boarded it.
"Can you fly this thing?"
"Please! It can't be that hard, everything is labeled!" Galen glanced around at the controls. "Ok, so it's a little on the primitive side, but I'm sure we'll manage."
Dureena laughed out loud and sat down beside him. This is weird, but I'm actually looking forward to spending the day with Galen. They sat in a comfortable silence as Galen flew the shuttle to one of the designated areas.
To be continued..........