WRESTLE TREK:
VOYAGERS
SEASON ELEVEN
EPISODE 1: BREAKDOWN
By: Elektra and XC
SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER. THESE ARE THE VOYAGES OF THE WWF TITANPRIZE. IT'S MISSION: TO EXPLORE AND ENTERTAIN NEW SOCIETIES AND NEW CIVILIZATIONS. TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO WRESTLER HAS GONE BEFORE!
TITANPRIZE CREW:
Captain
Vince McMahon
First Officer, Commander
Jericho (Unit Y2J)
Chief Engineer,
Commander Stephanie McMahon
Chief of Chiefs,
Commander Linda McMahon
Chief of Security,
Commander Kane
Chief Medical Officer,
Dr. Taker
Tactical Officer,
Lieutenant Commander Austin
Transporter Chief,
Lieutenant Commander Debra
Communications Officer,
Lieutenant Commander Rock
Counselor Al Snow
(assisted by H.E.A.D.)
... And many more!
WWF TITANPRIZE - BRIDGE
Captain McMahon tried to dodge the flying sparks as he gave his order, "Lt. Commander Rock, open all hailing frequencies! On every possible WrestleFleet channel, send the following message: This is Captain Vince McMahon to any WrestleFleet ship through the wormhole! Our hull integrity and Engineering have been compromised by the gravitational pull of the wormhole! We have lost navigation and warp engines. We are falling apart! Repeat--we are falling apart! Titanprize may have casualties! We are going to try to make it through, but once we come through, the ship must be tended to immediately! We--"
Suddenly there was a fizz and an explosion at The Rock's comm station, "What in the blue hell!" Rocky snapped as he was singed by the small fire. He quicky got back up, his Maivian healing abilities kicking in, "The communications array can lick a Llama's nipple!" he shouted angrily as he studied the burned-out console, "The Rock is unable to communicate with anyone on-board or otherwise!"
"Damnit!" McMahon shouted as the console before him exploded as well, "Everyone to the safety shelter before the Bridge goes up in flames! Let's go!!" with that, the Bridge personnel quickly ran to The Smackdown.
"Out! Everyone OUT!" First Officer Jericho commanded as he ran into Engineering. White-hot Sparks flooded through the deck as a good portion of the bulkhead fell around the crew. Jericho's fingers frantically flew over the nearest console as he attempted to stabilize the warp core, which was heating beyond acceptable levels. "I said OUT! That's an order from your undisputed first officer!" he shouted to the crew. Another shower of sparks convinced them that Engineering was no place to be. He quickly programmed the safety doors shut, protecting the rest of the ship from a possible warp core breach... but also preventing himself from escaping any time soon.
"I'd argue about you encroaching on my command, but now wouldn't be the time!" a voice shouted from the other side of Engineering.
"Steph!" Jericho shouted, "I ordered everyone OUT!"
"I'm the Chief Engineer!" Stephanie snapped, "I am not leaving my engines!" She dodged an explosion from the console beside her, "Damnit!"
"No time to argue! We have to make sure the ship gets through the wormhole in one piece!" he said as the sound of twisting metal became almost unbearable. The violent lurching of the ship did nothing to help the already unstable warpcore. What direction was the Titanprize going in? For all he knew, they'd end up even more lost then before. Jericho ran to the plasma conduits and tore away the protective panels. He began rearranging the silicon chips and wires in an attempt to stop the warp core from burning up and exploding.
Stephanie studied the read-outs on her console, trying to redirect some of the warp core's extra energy elsewhere, "It's cooling. Slowly! But our engines are going to be fried after this! This ship is as good as dead. I only hope we end up in Federation territory!" She let out a scream as she was thrown from the console in a burst of flame.
"STEPHANIE!" Jericho shouted.
"I'M FINE!" She replied, only slightly battered. She quickly jumped to her feet and ran to the closest console that WASN'T on fire to continue her work, "This is the best we can do," she said. "It may not hold for long but---" her words were cut off as a hull breach created a huge vacuum in Engineering, taking all the oxygen with it. Stephanie could see the stars through the hole a few feet away, and her very breath was drained out of her body as Engineering began to depressurize.
Jericho gasped for air. Why the hell was HE unable to breathe? Regardless of his environment, oxygen was supposed to run though his systems non-stop. No time to worry about that now as Stephanie was holding on to a console for dear life, the ominous hole trying to suck her through.
He fought the vacuum and his lack of oxygen. He had to get her before it was too late! He clamped an arm around her waist and used all his strength to pull her back against him. He could almost feel his artificial lungs burst as they demanded oxygen that was never coming.
With Stephanie in one arm, he forced his way from the vacuum of space and into a jefferies tube, pulling the panel shut behind him.
Jericho took a deep breath and felt his lungs burn as the oxygen came rushing into them. Stephanie wasn't in much better shape, her body racked with a violent coughing fit.
"You.... okay..?" he croaked out. It wouldn't do for her to find out he almost suffocated like she had. It wouldn't do at all. He still couldn't understand why his oxygen processors had malfunctioned.
Stephanie nodded, still unable to find her voice. She sat against the wall of the jefferies tube, taking deep gulping breaths. It was so quiet in here compared to the explosions in Engineering. All that could be heard was the creaking of the hull as it protested the violent trip through the wormhole. They could still feel the ship lurching violently beneath them and soon found themselves airborne as gravity briefly disappeared.
Stephanie closed her eyes, groaning. Luckily she had gotten used to roller coasters when she was younger, or else her lunch would have ended up in the jefferies tube when the gravity harshly returned -- which was something neither of them could afford at the moment.
Stephanie quickly got to her hands and knees and made her way to the middle of the jefferies tube, as far away from Engineering as possible. Jericho followed her lead.
"At least we got the warp core somewhat stabilized," Jericho said.
Stephanie nodded, then tapped her comm badge, "Daddy?" she called, but recieved nothing but static. She tried again, "Daddy?!" Still no answer. She tried repeatedly, "Daddy? Daddy? DADDY ANSWER ME!"
"It's not working, Steph!" Jericho said.
Stephanie looked at him, eyes wide, "What if he's gone?" she gasped, "What if they're all gone! What if we're the only ones who---"
"Stephanie, would you please just SHUT the HELL up!" Jericho snapped, "Listen... they're not gone, ok. They CAN'T be gone," he insisted desperately, "They just... they can't be, ok!" And to think, the other day I was convinced I wouldn't give a damn if something DID happen, he thought. He really hated realizing he had lied to himself all this time.
"You're as scared as I am," Stephanie said. There was no question. It was a fact. Her voice grew quiet, "I don't want to die, Chris. Not now. Not like this!" Stephanie leaned her head back against the wall and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to fight back her fear.
"No one can chose WHEN we go," Jericho replied.
"YOU can chose," she answered.
Jericho raised an eyebrow, "And what is that supposed to mean?"
Stephanie sighed, "You'll never die. Not until you shut yourself down!"
"That's not entirely true," he answered, but stopped. Should he tell her that the hull breach had almost killed him? "I couldn't breathe!" He thought to himself, "ME, of all people! I was suffocating!" Itwas the most frightening thing he had ever experienced. It made him wonder if he wasn't only mortal after all.
There were far too many odd things happening to his body lately for him to ignore -- first the blood in his fight with Triple H, the mood swings, then the hunger, the effect of drinking too much Kanatian brandy, and now the lack of oxygen. Maybe the Chief Engineer could help him figure it out.
"Steph--" was all he could get out before Stephanie suddenly pressed her mouth against his...
... until another shift in gravity threw them both apart.
The two Commanders stared at each other wordlessly until the ship suddenly lurched to a stop. It was floating dead, the jefferies tube filling with a deafening silence that replaced the creaking metal and violent protestations of the warpcore.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the WWF TITANPRIZE!" Stephanie could hear Captain McMahon's voice boom outside the jeffries tube, the communications back online--barely, if the hissing and popping was any indication. "This is your Captain speaking! We've made it! We're HOME!"
"HOME?! You mean, we're not going to DIE?" Stephanie's eyes lit up as she crawled to the farthest panel. Before she could remove it, Jericho grabbed her arm, stopping her dead in her tracks, "Let go!" She snapped, "We're HOME! We're ALIVE! I have to get out of here! I have to find daddy!"
"Why did you KISS me?" he demanded, then realized, "Was it because you thought we were going to die?"
"WHAT?" She snapped angrily, then her words came out in an angry rush, "You said you couldn't breathe! That you were suffocating! So I just gave you CPR, ok? THAT'S IT!" She snapped, "If you thought it was something else, then you have a serious UNDISPUTED ego problem! But that's nothing new! So LET GO OF ME!"
Jericho had thought outloud... and she had used that as a very convienient excuse. Not letting his eyes leave hers, he let go of her arm, "Ok, Steph. If you say so," he then smirked ever so slightly, "I guess that was a new 'French' version of CPR," he said, "Thanks for showing me. I'll add that to my first aid program!"
Stephanie quickly looked away from him, "You're an ass!" she hissed angrily. The Chief Engineer's fingers nervously fumbled to removed the panel and allowed herself to tumble into The Smackdown, extremely relieved to see rest of the crew already gathered there.
WRESTLEFLEET HEADQUARTERS - BRIEFING HALL (two days later)
"Attention please?" Chief of Chiefs Linda McMahon stood up on the podium and addressed the crew of the WWF TITANPRIZE, "I have a few things to address. Some of you may like what I have to say, some of you may not. First things first: All Nytrons that served aboard the WWF Titanprize are now officially recognized as WrestleFleet officers. If you do not wish to be a part of WrestleFleet, please leave now and inform a Chief or Admiral as soon as possible. You will hand in your rank and uniform, and will be free to live your life as you please. As for the Nytrons that have gone into hiding, those guilty of severe crimes against WrestleFleet will be found and punished!"
Several WrestleFleet officers cheered while several Nytrons sighed with relief. Finally the Nytrons-come-WrestleFleet officers would be able to start anew, without the threat of death from their overly-loyal commrades hanging over their heads.
Linda waited a moment for the crew to quiet down, then continued, "Now on to the second order of business -- As of now, the WWF Titanprize is damaged beyond repair,"
A collective gasp, and a chant of "WHAT" forced the Chief of Chiefs to raise her hand and hush the audience, "We have recently started work on another Main-Event Class Starship much like the WWF Titanprize, but it will be some-time before it is completed. It will be called WWE Titanprize. Until then, we have two Mid-Card Class starships in dock. They were built only recently, and have yet to be taken into Space. The ships are called the TNN RAW, and the UPN SD. The RAW will be run by Captain Ric Flair, and the SD will be run by Captain Vince McMahon. We will be splitting the crew in half until we can finish work on the WWE,"
A mumble of discontent rose up from the crowd. Split? In two? They didn't WANT to be split! The crew had been through too much! Suffered too much to be torn apart now. This wasn't going to work. They knew it wasn't.
"You will all be recieving your new assignments later today. Those that do not recieve anything, please come see me tomorrow afternoon. I do regret having to tear this crew apart, but we have no choice at this point in time. We hope you'll understand our position here, and realize that this is for the best. Thank you," Linda left the podium and headed back to her office.
Bishoff listened carefully to the meeting below him. After barely surviving the Titanprize's descent through the wormhole, he swore he would stop hiding in air ducts. Besides, Russo was gone. No need.
But yet, cowardice still resided in his heart. What had happened to him? Ever since Russo had taken over the Nytrons, Eric had been running scared. It was time to bring back the Ruthless Agression that had created the Nytron movement in the first place! No more running from those who tried to challenge him -- that's how Russo had taken over in the first place.
It was time for Eric Bishoff to get back in control. But how... how to go about it? Chief Linda McMahon spoke of two new Wrestlefleet ships. One was the TNN RAW, the other the UPN SD.
Perhaps Eric could make himself useful on either one. Perhaps... if he could convince Linda that he was back in control of his mental faculties, she would offer him a position. He was sure he could convince the Chief of Chiefs that he was no longer a traitor. In fact, he was a victim of Russo! Yes, that would work! And he had the scars to prove it as well. Surely she would take pity on him.
And then... with his extensive background, perhaps she could find a position for him after all!
Now, if he could only find Stephanie and remind her of the time he had saved her life...
WRESTLEFLEET HEADQUARTERS - CHIEF OF CHIEFS' OFFICE (the next day)
"Mother!" An angry Stephanie McMahon burst into the Chief of Chiefs' office, "Why wasn't I assigned to either The RAW or SD?" she demanded.
Chief McMahon sighed and put away the padd she was working on, "Have a seat, honey,"
"I don't want to sit! I want to know what's going on!" she insisted as she stamped a foot on the plush carpet, though she had a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach that her suspicions had been accurate.
"Steph, honey, we -- your father and and I -- figured you'd be better off here," Linda explained.
Yes. VERY accurate. "I don't want to be HERE! I want to be out THERE!" she absently indicated the sky, "How could I be better off HERE?"
"Well, a few reasons, actually. You knew the WWF Titanprize Engines like the back of your hand. You could help us with the WWE Titanprize's warp core design!"
"Commander Jericho knew them too!" she snapped, "So why don't you make HIM stay instead?"
Linda studied her daughter. How to say this in the nicest way possible? "Well... your father and I think.... you might be a liability," before Stephanie could protest, her mother continued, "In name, only," she added quickly. "There have been two incidences showing that neither the crew, nor it's enemies, are beyond using you and your name as a way to gain power within WrestleFleet and on-board it's flagship," she held up one finger, "Triple H married you for political power," then held up another finger, "And High-Commander Russo tried to have you killed in an attempt to take over the Titanprize and destroy the Milky Way -- an attempt, may I add, that caused the WWF Titanprize to get lost in space for a year,"
"I divorced Triple H!" Stephanie shouted back, "And I'm not to blame for Russo's derangned mind! In case you've forgotten, I managed to take pretty good care of him later!"
"Yes, this is true. Before that, however, how many times did you need the Hardy Ensigns or Commander Jericho to help you out of a sticky situation? I'm sorry, Stephanie. The decision stands," Linda was apologetic, "You're staying here. It's safer for you! This matter is closed,"
"No it is NOT closed! I don't WANT to be safe!" Stephanie replied angrily, "If I wanted to be SAFE, I never would have--"
"Chief McMahon?" A voice broke through Stephanie's rant. She turned around to see who had so rudely interrupted her. The gold-uniformed officer smirked, "Ahh, Commander Stephanie. Feel like teaching me some new CPR techniques a little later?"
Stephanie was not amused, "Excuse me, Jerkicho, I'm in the middle of something here!"
"I believe your Mother said the matter was closed. Now speaking as one who IS assigned to a ship - the TNN RAW, in fact - I need to speak to the Chief of Chiefs... if you don't mind, your highness," Jericho replied, his voice full of sarcasm and arrogance.
"Yes, I did have a meeting with Commander Jericho," Linda spoke, "I'm sorry, Stephanie. This discussion is over," Stephanie scowled at both Jericho and her mother, then marched out angrily, "Now, Commander... how may I help you?"
"It's my assignment," he began as he sat down, "Why wasn't I given rank of First Officer on-board the RAW? I served as First Officer onboard the Titanprize for several months!"
"Well, yes... but we feel that your talents are better used as Chief Engineer on the RAW. You managed to stablize the warp core when the Titanprize went through the wormhole. It saved the ship from burning up and helped bring everyone home safely," Linda explained,"Besides, we are bringing in another First Officer for the RAW,"
Jericho raised an eyebrow, "Oh really?" he asked, "And who, may I ask, might that be?"
"Commander Shawn Michaels will be given rank of First Officer," Linda answered.
"WHAT?" Jericho jumped to his feet, "You're getting that past-his-prime Commander to take MY Undisputed spot on-board the TNN RAW?"
"We're currently lacking any other high-ranking officers,"
"That's MY SPOT!" Jericho repeated angrily, "I've worked long and hard to get this rank!" he pointed to his Commander stars, "And WrestleFleet has the gall to yank it out from under me?"
"You're still a Commander," Linda replied calmly. She was used to dealing with WrestleFleet egos, "You're just assigned to a different position,"
"And who's bright idea was it to bring him back?" Jericho asked.
"It was actually a suggestion made by Captain Flair himself," Linda answered, "But ultimately, it was WrestleFleet's decision in the end," Linda explained, "Now if you'll excuse me, Commander, I have a board meeting to go to," With that, Linda stood up and left her office, leaving a fuming Commander Jericho staring after her.
WRESTLEFLEET HEADQUARTERS - MESS HALL
Ensign Hurricane studied the padd before him, "It seems we're both on the TNN RAW! How very fortunate!" he looked at the pretty blonde girl beside him -- well, she used to be blonde, but now her hair seemed more cinnamon brown. Hurricane wondered if it was a Houdinian thing. The masked man decided to leave that question for later. Right now, he had a greater concern, "I still have my mighty sidekick!"
Ensign Molly Holly frowned. She was hoping they wouldn't be on the same ship. Without him, she was hoping she'd finally be taken seriously! Another bithday was approaching. The age-of-maturity was sneaking up on Molly. Not only was her mentality changing, but Molly's physical appearance as well, for the closer her birthday came, the darker her hair had grown . It was all part of the same thing. It was all a part of growing up. Soon, Molly would be more like her older cousin, Hardcore.
Molly suddenly felt a pang of seperation anxiety. She was split from her Cousin Crash -- he had been asked to stay at WrestleFleet headquarters. She didn't like that. Not at all.
As for her partnership with Hurricane... well, as far as she was concernced, he was a silly fool living in his own little world. She had already planned to take care of him.
"Just so you know, Hurricane," Molly started as she grasped the small lead frying pan behind her back, "I've resigned from the super-hero business!" She lifted the frying pan high, and struck. The poor boy's Hurri-senses kicked in a moment too late...
"Steph?" Jeff Hardy started as he saw the ex Chief Engineer sitting alone in the Mess Hall, "What's wrong?"
"It's over," she said.
Jeff furrowed his brow, "Over? What's over?"
"My career!" she replied bitterly, "It seems my loving parents have assigned me to WrestleFleet headquarters. They said it was safer..."
Jeff looked forlorn, "Yeah... I've requested a transfer to the TNA NWA. The Titanprize crew... they're just... not for me. But I think Matt will be on the TNN RAW," he offered her a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He wasn't very happy about his decision, but it was for the best, "I'm not going to miss having to save your ass all the time, though,"
Stephanie let out a harsh laugh, "And that's one of the reasons I'm stuck HERE!"
An unwanted guest interrupted their conversation, "Hey, Princess! What's with the long face? It's not very attractive on you, but then again--"
"Shut up, Chris!" Stephanie snapped, not really in the mood. Jericho made himself comfortable at the table her and Jeff currently occupied. Stephanie glared at him, then quickly got to her feet and walked away.
"Steph?" Jeff called out, but she didn't look back. Jeff turned his attention to Jericho, "You know she's staying here,"
"Yes. I heard you're transfering," Jericho replied.
Ensign Hardy nodded, but the air was tense between them. Things had not yet smoothed over, "Chris, this is probably the last time we'll see each other for a long while," he started, then held out his hand, "Even though I still don't like this new you, I just want to thank you for the friendship we DID have,"
"I haven't changed as much as you think, Jeffery," Jericho spoke quietly, but didn't bother to elaborate as he shook Jeff's hand, "Goodbye, Ensign,"
"Who knows how long it will be before you see her again," Jeff called out as Jericho got to his feet, "You should tell her before she finds someone else,"
Jericho turned back to him, the arrogance returning, "Tell who what?"
Jeff sighed, "Chris..."
"It's Commander Jericho, Ensign Hardy. I suggest you remember that!" Jericho replied, then turned on his heel and headed out of the mess hall, leaving the Hardy Ensign shaking his head.
WWF HEADQUARTERS - PLANET EARTH - QUARTERS OF MATT AND JEFF HARDY (06:00h)
"Do you really want to be on the same ship as the Cocky Kanatians?" Jeff asked of his brother as the two lay in the dark of their quarters.
"I don't care. Lita's there at least. You're leaving, remember?"
"I heard the love in your voice when you said that." Jeff said sweetly.
"Clean your ears." Matt mumbled, burying his face in his pillow. Maybe only suffocation could block out that squeaky voice....
"Ah, company!" Jeff bounced off his bed and pulled a wrinkled t-shirt over his spiky red and purple hair. "Come!"
"I hope I'm not disturbing you guys." Commander McMahon blew into the room and sat on the edge of Matt's bed. "You weren't sleeping were you?"
"No, we're having a frickin' party." Matt snapped. "See, we're playing charades, and I'm only pretending to doze off because I have to be up in three hours."
Jeff rolled his eyes. "His blood sugar must be low. He probably ate a whole five minutes ago."
"I have this idea." Stephanie seemed completely wired. Her eyes were wide and bright, her hands busy with her braided hair. "And I needed to tell someone, in case, you know, it didn't work."
"I don't wanna know." Matt groaned.
"I'm going to stow away on the RAW." Stephanie blurted out eagerly. "Any idiot can put together plans for the new Engineering deck on the new WWE Titanprize. Even you, Jeff!"
"You're too kind." he said dryly. "Gee, isn't that Jericho's ship? Stashing away, defying Daddy, risking your ex's abusive wrath....so romantic."
Steph frowned. "Grow up, Skippy. Jericho can't be trusted with Engineering with his bitchy selfish attitude."
"And you can?"
Matt sighed. There was no escape. "Just ask Daddy to hire you back, Steph. Don't you have him wrapped around your little finger?"
"Right." Stephanie said bitterly. "Before he adopted Chris maybe. I'll ask, but if he insists on shielding me from Hunter and treating me like a fragile doll, I fear I will have to rebel."
"Hunter kicked the crap out of you." the elder Hardly reminded her.
"I'm your friend, Stephanie, so let me say this." Jeff said solemnly, taking her gently by the arm and steering her away from Matt's bed. "My brother is right here and-" Once they got out of earshot, he lowered his voice. "God, what a stick in the mud he's become. What's the point of hiding if you can't do anything?"
"I'm your friend, so I won't say anything about those pigtails." she retorted, shaking off his grip.
"Do you think you're just going to pop out of a closet and say hi y'all?" Jeff demanded. "How will you eat?"
"Maybe you could advise me on coming out of the closet." Stephanie snapped. "Once we're in deep space, out on a mission, Daddy will just have to deal with it!"
Jeff sighed, "I guess I can't stop you. Take your Crippler. You know if Hunter finds out you're on the ship, he can kill you and get rid of you and no one will ever know?"
"Duh." Stephanie didn't seem appropriately concerned. "I'll let you know when I make it aboard. Until you go your seperate ways, listen to Matt, okay?"
"Why start now? Did he suddenly find something interesting to say?"
Steph raised an eyebrow. "You have, like, NO friends since you're transfering! You're stuck with each other. Got it?"
Jeff pinched his own arm. "Ow! God, guess it's not a nightmare. How about a good-bye kiss with lots of tongue to make it better."
"How about I leave here and you still have a tongue?" she suggested.
"Fair enough." Ensign Hardy held his arms out awkwardly. "A hug. Hands above the waist I promise."
Stephanie thought about it for a moment. "Nooooo.....let's stick with our no-touch policy."
"Yeah, you're afraid the desire will overwhelm you, it's cool Steph." Jeff nodded. "So good luck and stuff."
"And good night." Matt said pointedly.
Commander McMahon departed, feeling pretty pleased with herself. Why did they worry so much about Hunter? She knew how dangerous the Game was to play, she'd learned the hard way and almost lost everything. And yet she felt a little sad too.....
Not that she'd admit it to the Aerialians. After all this time, it was still difficult to swallow the idea her best friends were mere alien ensigns. Who knew when she'd see Jeff again? When she was hiding on the RAW, who'd make subtle slams about her slutty ways and her so non-existent crush on Y2J? Who'd show Lita how to match her clothes or help force Matt onto a diet?
Stephanie took a deep breath and headed back to her quarters. She couldn't think about that now....she had a mission.....
The Chosen One eyed the man before him - a WrestleFleet officer. The man stood smugly, his blond hair tied back into a ponytail, his black shirt embrodiered with three "H"s. This was one of the top members of the Kliq.
But then, he was also with a Kliq member - a member who had only recently up and left WrestleFleet.
The Chosen One signalled "Razor" to take the briefcase their contact offered. Razor opened the briefcase carefully, showing the contents to his Commander.
Before them were blueprints for a highly-destructive weapon called the F5. A weapon WrestleFleet had already built and pushed as 'the next big thing'. Knowledge of the weapon had not reached the general public yet, nor had it been positioned on a ship, being considered far too uncontrollable.
Another briefcase was given to the WrestleFleet contact in exchange. The WrestleFleet officer checked inside and smiled at the several-million credits that lit his face in a soft green glow.
No words were spoken as the men parted ways.
Stephanie turned a corner and almost ran into the undisputed egomaniac, Commander Jericho. Stephanie scowled at him, and started to walk on. Jericho shot an arm out, stopping her in her path. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, neither turning to face the other. Stephanie swallowed the nervous lump in her throat, waiting for Jericho to ask why she was wandering the Hardy's corridor this early in the morning. Figures HE would be the one to catch her...
"Commander--" Jericho started.
"Save it, Jerkicho," she interrupted quickly, "I don't need you bragging about how you're going out into space, and I'm stuck here, thanks!"
A pause, then almost regretfully, "Goodbye, Stephanie,"
Stephanie took a step back and looked at him. He truly seemed sincere, "Goodbye, Chris," she replied quietly.
The two locked eyes. You should tell her before she finds someone else. Jeff's words from yesterday echoed in his head, but Jericho said nothing as he nodded to Stephanie, and continued down the hall.
It was over.