New Friends Part One

Posted on Sun Jul 18th, 2021 @ 3:10am by Cadet Senior Grade Rick Gibbs & Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon & Cadet Senior Grade Addison Rapp & Cadet Freshman Grade Mairie O'Connell & Cadet Freshman Grade James Icheka & Cadet Freshman Grade Isabella Doe
Edited on on Sun Jul 18th, 2021 @ 3:53am

4,519 words; about a 23 minute read

Mission: Getting started
Location: Academy

ON

Having put on his first-ever uniform, James had finally found his house. After changing and his new uniform and making sure that his Rank was now visible for all to see, James still had to find his way around this place. The first place he had to find was the Mess Hall, The reason for that was that he was hungry. As he had not eaten since he had got here. He exited his room and made his way down the stairs towards the exit, James began to wonder who else he would get to meet today besides Izzy as he needed to make friends here.

However; having left Izzy to come to terms with the news that she had just received, James decided that it was better to give her some space for a few days to process it all. but the news that shook him the most was that for some reason his mother had kept this secret for many years and not even told him, However; His first thought was oO How do I approach Mom with this news? Oo finding his long lost nine-month older sibling at Starfleet Academy.

Rick was just getting off a tutorial session with one of the Junior students for them to break for lunch. Having gotten some type of pasta dish, he was sitting by himself at a table and reading what looked like a real book, not on a PADD.

Finally, James had found the Campus Mess hall without having to ask for any directions and this was by pure luck and judgement on his part, upon entering the massive hall he located the nearest replication unit and ordered himself a burger, fries and a large coke. Whilst waited for his meal to arrive. James started to scan the room looking for a free table. All he found was that most of them had only 1 or 2 people on them. He thought to himself oO I wonder if anyone would mind if I joined them? Oo as he continued to struggle with keeping the noise tuned out of his head.

If James looked a little closer, more tables had a cluster of people, which probably were groups of friends, or maybe study groups also taking a break. Or perhaps both were friends as well as study groups. Either way, the options weren’t as open as they first looked. Gibbs already looked inviting, and that could be for any number of different reasons.

Shortly after his meal had arrived and had picked up his tray, James noticed a table that had only one occupant sitting at it, he began to make his way over to it, although his mother had given him some training with how to block out the noise. James sometimes still felt overwhelmed with it all picking up on others emotions. Upon getting near the table he asked the young man in front of him, “Excuse me, May I join you?”

Rick couldn’t feel James coming, his race didn’t work that way. However, his hearing was just fine. Marking the spot in his book and glancing up. Giving a light smile as he motioned to one of the open chairs. “Not at all, Cadet….” looking for a name.

“James Icheaka, the first year,” replied James taking the seat, he continued, “ I just arrived this morning,” placing the tray upon the table, He sat down opposite the young man in front of him and asked before picking up the burger he asked, “and who are you?” after all he had himself given his name to the fellow in front of him.

He was going to offer his hand but James already started eating. Which was fine. He didn’t take any offence. Instead of taking a bite of his pasta, which didn’t have a name. It was butterfly pasta with sliced sausage and a type of sauce, which wasn’t exactly alfredo sauce. “Rick Grimes.” The pip bars on his collar signifying that he was in his fourth year. “Nice to meet you.”

“You know, you are the third person that I have met here today,” he replied before taking another bite of the Burger as he hoped that Izzy was ok with still coming to terms with the news that she had learnt earlier in the day that she had a half brother. he was still coming to terms himself with the news that had shaken him to his core that he had a half Sister. His thoughts still pondering on the question oO why didn’t she tell me? Oo as he picked up the chilled glass and took a sip of the cold liquid.

“Oh? I probably know them, or I may not. It’s a pretty big campus.” Setting the fork down to give his full attention. “And just how are you settling in since it’s your first day?”

“Well, I met another Cadet called Isabella Doe, who by the way has just found out she is half human half betazoid,” replied James looking back at Rick and not offering any more information than he already had taken another sip of his drink. To help him wash down the piece of his meal.

“I would have thought that she’d have known by now. I know many races and that is not something you just find out. It should have even naturally flared growing up, regardless if she didn’t understand what it was.”

“Her foster parents didn’t even explain to her or even tell her,” remarked James looking back at Rick, he asked the young man opposite him, “How would you feel if you found out that all your life you thought that you were a fully human and then a mixed-race?” posing the question to Rick. he finished, “ But I will be helping her adjust,” as he was not going to let on about that she was his long lost Sister.

Muses a moment before saying anything, taking a breath, “I would not presume to know how she feels, or how I would feel in that situation. That is an unfair question. The better question for you and more importantly she would be. Why didn’t she question those feelings? By the way, you said it, she’s always known that something was different. So either, she was afraid to question it, maybe..she grew up in a family where something like that is taboo. Forbidden. I don’t know, I don’t know her. As for your question, I would feel confused as I would think she is and has been all her life. Does she need help with it, yes. Maybe for you to do some, but I also think she needs to talk to someone more qualified.” Rick did notice the completely jet black eyes.

Although he had not contacted his mother to tell her he had arrived here ok, he knew that when he did he would Inform his mother that he had found her dark secret and then drop the bombshell on her. and then find out exactly what the situation was and why was she ashamed of Izzy for that matter and how Izzy had been brought up a confused and scared that she was some sort of freak? He responded, “Yeah I know that and I can understand how scary it is when you're abilities come online,” taking another sip again of his drink, he continued, “ I know I did and I was brought up on Betazed,”

“They should be active from birth, though..slightly suppressed. Either way, not having someone to help her over the years, I believe she needs someone outside of the loop to talk to. Family is well and all, but they can be biased. As can friends. Which I can tell, you are one or the other, or both.” Rick held up a finger, “I know this because of the particular interest you have taken in her and you said you just met today.”

“Well, she is scared stiff and needs someone to look out for her whilst she adjusts,” replied James glancing back at Rick, “and if that means I have to, then so be it,” as he did not like the way it could go and he could understand the struggle to block out the noise of emotions of those around him.

At least James didn’t have to worry about any ‘noise’ from Rick, there wasn’t anything to pick up. Nor mental pick ups either. There was one of two reasons for that. “Did you ask her first what she wants? Some people don’t like having their decisions decided for them.”

Izzy had been nearby when she heard James talk with another male. She did not like the “So be it” comment that James had made. She felt a bit like she was a chore now. She needed to know what the heck was going on. But lunch first. She saw countless tables, with countless students of all ages seated. Picking up her tray of food, she heard the male talking with James talk. It felt nice that the male was questioning James about what she wanted. While she did appreciate James’ friendliness, she didn’t trust him fully. She had been thrown back and forth in foster homes for so long that she knew that it was rare to meet a genuinely caring person. Also, having grown up where she didn’t have a say in wherever she was placed, she valued her choices now. She settled at a table not far from James and the other male.

“Excuse me just a moment. I’ll be back. I’m done with my food, so I need to take this to the recycler. Would you like me to take yours as well, James?” Rick stood up.

“Sure, But I'll keep the drink,” replied James as he just wanted to take in the sounds of the mess hall, but he knew things were going to get tough for him and experiences were going to challenge him in ways he yet to imagine. as he started to relax and close his eyes and take in the hustle and bustle around him and enjoy himself. After a while, he opened his eyes once more and glanced around the room. As tomorrow he would start his course and wondered what his first lesson was going to be in the morning.

Addison had got his uniform on he had really only settled a few hours ago, but hey exploration was in the boys blood. Cadet senior grade pips on show and his uniform pressed and ready to go, he grabbed his cane and walked out the door gingerly. The quad was easily the best place to meet people, he wanted to be social and get to know as many people as possible.

Tapping his cane as he walked to make sure he was going in the right direction, the wind whipped at his hair as felt the outside world collide with him. He heard the cafeteria noise and he made his way over to the line pressing at the side of his head to initialize his sight implants and the world sprung to life in a vivid array of colour.

He didn't want anything too big for lunch. A sandwich would do “One cheese sandwich please” he said as the attendee went over to the replicator and got the sandwich as he grabbed a thing of tea and a tray he went to sit at one of the less crowded tables.

Taking both trays up and moving towards the recycler bin. Rick paused a moment then looked to Addison a moment. Giving a light smile. “To your left.” Dumping things down quickly. Turning again and glancing over, feeling something else, but it was just a feeling for now. Coming over to Addison. “Are you stalking me?”

Addison laughed “Rick I’d find it hard to stalk you, we live in the same room 90% of the time” he said turning to face his friend “I had heard you before I saw you it’s the foot falls that gave you away” he said with a slight smirk.

“90% of the time? You’re never there. You use your blindness to pick up women and go back to their place.” Rick shook his head a bit. “What foot falls? I’m very light on my feet.”

Addison laughed again “Actually im there at least 20% of the time I'm just very quiet” he said with a returning smile “My hearing is the best thing i have even people light on there feet cant escape my ears”

Mairie Fae O’Connell got into the uniform and frowned. She would have preferred her own clothes. At least then if she got into a fight she knew she had the range she was used to. “Whatever,” She said to herself and headed out to get something to eat. At least they didn’t have classes scheduled for a couple of days so she could get used to the campus. She found the cafeteria without a problem and entered the building to a constant hum of chatter from those inside. She grabbed a tray and headed for the food line. “Sweet,” She exclaimed with a smile, “Bacon Cheeseburgers, My Favorite!! I’ll have two of those.. And fries!!” Once she got everything she wanted for her meal she picked up the tray and looked for a place to sit.

Rick made a face a moment, looking around for where James was.. “Huh..Okay..I guess he he’s still hungry maybe?” Giving a slight shrug and then looking to the woman squealing. “I used to have eardrums…”

James sat, continuing to sip his drink as the place was full of cadets enjoying themselves as this seemed the place to hang out and enjoy some time with friends, but he had only met 4 people today and he knew that he had to meet more as he waited for Ric to return to the shared table, He though oO I hope this is the beginning of something special, Oo as he watched the world go by.

Mairie Carried the tray carefully so as not to dump her chocolate shake and two bacon cheeseburgers and fries as she scanned the room for an empty table. She walked slowly further into the table area to no avail. “Son of a … Maybe I should just sit on the floor and eat!”

“Um...You don’t need exactly that much help right now, Addison. I do what to see what all the streaming is about. Since you have those particular skills of perception, you can figure out where I am.” Rick turned and moved over to where Mairie was. “Are we having a problem, Cadet?”

Mairie stiffened at being called Cadet for the first time. “Umm, looking for a place to eat, No empty tables that I can see.” She shrugged her shoulders slightly and kept looking.

Addison looked to the new cadet “Addison Rapp Marine Cadet Nice to meet you” He said extending his hand “We could all go and find a table. I think there’s one over there with another cadet. We're here to make friends right?” he said with a brief smile.

“There’s a table right over there. Are you sure that you’re not as blind as my friend here?” Rick offered Mairie a hand. Shaking his head a little, ‘kids..’ not that technically he was that much older if you split the difference.

Mairie saw the table he indicated, but it wasn’t empty. Mairie really wanted to sit alone right now, but getting into an argument within the first two hours that she was here was probably not a great idea. She allowed the man to assist her to the table and placed her tray down. She mumbled a thanks before she slid into the seat.

Izzy watched the interactions that happened around her. It was rather overwhelming to be around so many people, most around her own age. While she didn’t interact much with the students at her table, she did observe what went on at the other tables. She noticed that the male James had spoken with, was now talking with a cadet. She knew it wasn’t okay to eavesdrop, so she didn’t. But she found their expressions interesting to study. On one hand, she wanted to introduce herself to the other cadets, but at the same time, she was overwhelmed, and that was putting it mildly.

Mairie nodded to Addison, “Nice to meet you, too, I guess.” She shook his hand after she put her tray down. “I’m Mairie Fae O’Connell, just plain .. cadet I suppose.”

“Are you going to join us, Izzy?” Looking to the wayward female over there that had been watching them the entire time. This is what his race did, notice things, different perceptions. Not always on purpose. However, it didn’t take a telepath to notice if one would only listen instead of hearing.

Izzy was surprised. Then she nodded and left the table she had been sitting at. She approached the group at the other table. “Hi”, she greeted them, feeling incredibly awkward. She had had next to no contact with the children her own age back on Earth. Most had treated her as if she was a parasite. It had been tough back then. But… No. She forced the memories of her past back where they belonged; in the past. She looked more closely at the people in front of her.

With the sounds of crashing and banging“Oh hello Izzy, I didn't know you were here,” he said looking back at his first friend that he had made here. “ And who is this?” he continued, glancing over at the young woman next to Izzy, he picked up his glass and took a sip of the drink. He smiled once more at Izzy as he hoped this was helping her to cope with the news.

Izzy smiled back at James. Despite feeling overwhelmed, she had a feeling that these people were kind ones. “Hi James”. She looked at the others, suddenly unsure what to do. Standing there seemed awkward. But sitting with so many strangers was overwhelming. She shifted from one foot to another, nervous. What was she supposed to do?

Mairie was feeling a bit uncomfortable with the growing numbers at the table but tried to hide that from the others. “Hi,” She said as she picked up one of her burgers. Within seconds her mouth was full, and it was impolite to speak with food in your mouth, right?

“Ladies.” In turn he’d pull a chair out for them, if they hadn’t already sat down. Rick giving a look to Izzy a moment again. Then back to Mairie, “Someone was hungry. Then again you were the one squealing over burbers.” That was said that way on purpose.

Mairie looked up at the other guy speaking and shrugged as she mumbled around her mouthful of burger, “Hungry, two days.” She finished chewing and swallowed her food, then washed it down with her shake. “I wasn’t squealing, I was commenting excitedly, thank you very much!”

“Why hadn’t you eaten in two days, and yes, that was squealing in excitement.” Rick poked at an ear, “I think this one is still bleeding.”

Mairie’s shoulders slumped. She had hoped not to talk about this for a while. “I buried my Gran and then was informed that I had to come here on the orders of my absentee father. So I had to pack what I could and travel here.” She placed the burger on her plate, not quite as hungry as she had been a few seconds ago.

“Oh...I am sorry, Cadet,” considering he didn’t actually know her name. “I apologize for the teasing.” Rick gave a motions to the food, “I believe that your Gran would want you to eat and keep your strength up, and excel.”

Mairie reluctantly picked up her burger again and nodded, “sounds like something my Gran would say. She was a tough ol’ bird!” Mairie smiled at a memory of her Gran. “She's been taking care of me for years. Sometimes she would sit all night until I ate,” Mairie took another bite of the burger.

“Well your Gran is a smart woman.” Rick said is for a reason.

Mairie giggled a little, “Yeah, she says I got my smarts from her, and my attitude from my Da!” She grabbed one of the french fries and stuffed it in her mouth, quickly devouring it. “By the way, my name is Mairie, if you didn’t hear me before.”

“I guess I didn’t hear you before. I apologize. I’m usually good at listening.” Giving a light nod. “Rick Gibbs, Ms. Mairie.”

She nodded to Rick, “No, it wasn’t your fault. I think you were busy at the time speaking with someone else. Nice to meet you, Mr. Gibbs.”

“You can just call me Rick,” giving her a light smile.

“I’m Isabella Doe”, Izzy introduced herself. “Call me Izzy”. She wondered what kind of past the others had. Mairie seemed to have had a loving Gran. She couldn’t pinpoint the others, as they hadn’t spoken about their pasts, and she wasn’t going to pry. That would be rude. Especially as she had just met them. She dug into her meal, which consisted of more food than she had had in a while. Her foster homes had fed her, but just only enough that she couldn’t report them to Child Protective Services for neglect. At the sickbay, it had been confirmed what she already knew. She was underweight for someone her height. She had decided to gain some weight and there was only one way to do so. Eating proper food. She looked at the others.

Rick gave a nod, “Nice to meet you Izzy.”

James could still see that she was overwhelmed with the noise and picking up everything was disorienting, although he had some training but not as much as he should have had,” Are you feeling Ok Izzy?” as he knew that she had only found out what she could do, he hoped she would no longer get any more of those headaches that she had been suffering with for most of her life.

There was a motion given, considering all of them were at the same table, or around it. Rick raised an eyebrow, “Nice of you to join the living again, James.”

“I’m alright, given the circumstances. Can’t really expect much else, considering all the information I’ve gotten today”, Izzy told James. “But it has definitely been good for me to find out why I have had all those headaches the past few years. Makes it more endurable”. She sighed. “It’s just… overwhelming, being here. It’s the first time I’ve ever really been talking with people around my own age”, she went on.

“You know Izzy that I have got your back no matter what,” replied James as he knew that he was being overprotective of her as he wondered what the news would be when it came to light about the pair of them, he said, “ I will be contacting Mom later to let her know that I have arrived safely,”

Rick looked between the two of them a bit. Back and forth a moment, “That makes sense, tells me who exactly you are now, Izzy.”

Izzy shrugged. She wasn’t going to deny that James was her half-brother. Nor would she deny that their mother had left her at that hospital at birth. “Our mother didn’t want me”, she said, her tone as expressionless as she could make it. “I’ve been thrown between foster homes all my life. While I’d like to know why she left me, I’m not entirely certain I want her in my life. As far as I know, I’m an orphan. It was only earlier today that I learned I'm not 100% human. I’m part Betazoid. Which I will have to read up on, as my foster homes weren’t exactly good ones”. She grimaced at the memories of the worst of those homes. “My foster parents, in basically every place I was, believed in human superiority. Which, I might add, I do not believe in. I don’t see how one species should be better than the others. While skillswise, some might outdo the rest, it is still my plan to treat everyone with respect until they prove they aren’t worthy of it”, she went on.

“I’ve heard as such actually, a lot of your story. Your Brother here told me. Also that I believe that even though he’s fully Betazoid, you should have someone more fully trained to help you. We all have our trials and tribulations, none of them are exactly the same. However, they can be comparable in some term or another. He wants to help you, but there is only so much he can do.” Rick took a drink of his water.

“I am planning on calling Mother out on this and even my father as he was in on this as well,” replied James as he glanced over at Rick, he continued, “And I will find out which of her lovers is Izzy’s father and make them both take notice of her achievements and to recognize her as their daughter,” he finished, “ as I recognize her as my Sister,” as he looked over at Izzy he said, “and I am making it clear now that anyone who takes the mickey out of her will deals with me,” as he hoped that Rick would understand.

Mairie raised her eyebrows at the once called James, “Sounds to me like you are inviting trouble. I think Izzy just needs to get used to people and does not need an overbearing and overprotective brother.” She smiled at Izzy, “And I think Izzy is quite capable of taking care of herself, If you let her!”

“Izzy, you are no longer an orphan, you have me,” replied James looking back at her, continued “a Brother that will look out for you, even if Mom won't I will,” reassuring her that she needed to make her relax and understand that she was no longer alone and that she had family that loved her.

Izzy smiled gratefully at the people around her. “Thanks. It’ll take some time to get used to the Academy, and to be around so many people. But I’m up for the challenge. I’ve made it this far, and I’ll continue fighting for what I want to do”, she said. “I’m going to accept the help I’m offered. I’d be a fool to not accept that people want to help me with my issues”.

TBC....

 

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