Chapter Ten: Games
It was midnight and Hoshi couldn't sleep. Reviewing her work for the day did not help and neither did counting the Klingon verbs she knew. So, she had decided to go to the mess hall.
With a mug of warm milk in her hands, Hoshi sat alone at a table. It felt good being able to meditate and reflect on her life. If someone had told her, two years ago, she would be flying in a starship around the galaxy, she would not have believed. But here she was, in a starship, with a cup of steamed milk in her hands. She laughed at the irony.
"What are you doing up late?"
Hoshi nearly jumped. "I had…a lot on my mind," she answered, not turning to face him.
"Oh." She could feel him walk closer. He sat on the chair across from her. "Me, too." He gave her a lazy smile. "I sometimes think about being back home—"
"Uh, Commander," Hoshi cut in, "I should be getting back to my quarters." She stood up.
"Aren't you staying?" he asked, looking up at her. "I mean…I'd like you to stay."
Hoshi looked away, not wanting him to see the pained expression on her face. She wanted to stay, too, but the sensible part of her mind told her it wasn't a good idea.
"I thought we could…just talk," he pressed on.
"Talk about what?" She looked at him, willing herself not to give in.
"Anything, I suppose," he said. "Come on, Hoshi. We haven't talked to each other in three weeks." He gently tugged on her arms. "Stay and finish your milk before it gets cold." He winked.
She pulled her hands away and knew, from his shocked expression, he noticed.
"What's the matter, Hoshi?" he asked.
"I don't think you should be touching me." She tried to maintain her ground. She didn't want him to think she had a crush on him…liked him…noticed him…, no; she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"I don't think that's the reason, Hoshi," he said slowly.
"Look, I don't want to play anymore games with you." Her voice was shaky and she hoped he couldn't sense it.
"Games?" he asked, incredulously. "Hoshi, I'm not the one playing games here." His voice was starting to rise.
"You're not the one playing games? 'Hi, Hoshi. How are you doing, Hoshi?'" She mockingly impersonated him. "I'm not the one who constantly winks at you, or tries to touch you, or even walks you to your quarters!"
"What is this all about? If you were just straight with me I'd be in a better position to understand what the hell is wrong with you!"
She slapped him, hard, in the face.