New Friends Finale

Posted on Sun Jul 18th, 2021 @ 3:55am by Cadet Senior Grade Rick Gibbs

4,598 words; about a 23 minute read

Mission: Getting started
Location: Cafe
Timeline: Current

“Do you not both think you are taking this entirely too fast?” Rick looked at James and then Izzy. “I can appreciate knowing you have a sister and wanting to protect her. Izzy, I can appreciate you finding out you have a brother. However, you both have spent all of a couple hours together and know nothing about each other.” Holds up a hand, “Just an example, but Izzy how do you not know that James actually is some kind of sadistic serial killer? Or, James, Izzy is actually some kind of interspatial serial thief. You don’t. The heart and thought is in the right place, but you both have a lot of things and time before you truely, emotionally, get to that bonded level.”

Mairie rolled her eyes at James, “And how do we know that you’re not some egotistical self centered idiot? Or I am not some, some, I don’t know.. Pick something! My point is that I guess we have all just met. It’s gonna take time to get to know each other.”

“ I get what you're both saying and I understand that, but blood is blood,” replied James looking back at Mairie “and yes she needs someone much more skilled with Telepathy and how to shut it out better than I can,” continued James as he took a sip of his drink, “But I do understand,” as he knew that those he had just met understood what he was trying to do.

Izzy shrugged. “No one will know anything about each other if they don’t talk and listen. I’m willing to give people here a chance. So far, people here have been nicer to me in the few hours I’ve been here, than I have ever met since I was an infant”, she said. “I learned long ago to trust my gut feeling. And it tells me you are all good people. It has yet to be wrong”, she added with a small smile that reached her bright blue eyes.

Since the Siren hadn't left on her mission yet, Abigail decided to go back to the academy and see if there were some new people, and see who was still there. Besides, she was hungry and Abigail did already miss eating with the others. She walked in and noticed a group sitting there. Abigail brushed back her black hair from her green eyes, then walked over to get something from the replicator, slightly stumbling over what she considered an invisible crack in the floor. Quickly looking about, hoping no one noticed her misstep. At least she wasn't carrying anything when she tripped. Successfully getting her food, Abigail came over to where the others were.

"Hi, mind if I join you?" a bright smile and a hopeful expression,in Abigail's eyes. "I'm Senior Cadet Abigail Gordon, what are your names?"

“I’m Izzy”, Izzy said. “I for one, don’t mind”, she added with a smile. She looked at the other people at the table, her eyes searching for a response from them. She wondered what they were thinking about adding a new person to the table. Izzy didn’t mind at all. Despite her original hesitation to get close to anyone, she seemed to have found a group that she might be able to call friends in the future. That, however, had yet to be seen. She was hesitant to call them friends right away.

“Hello, Abigail. I wonder how we haven’t met. Senior Rick, Gibbs.” Standing up and offering his chair, he could always get another and bring it over. “By all means.” Motioning to the seat.

Abigail smiled at Izzy, then looked at Rick. "Probably because I had my nose in books deep within the dark recesses of the library. Or me almost living in medical. I'm a nurse, well studying to be one." she sat down, "Thank you." smiling at Rick then turned her attention to Izzy. "It's nice to meet all of you. And my mom had told me I needed to meet actual people instead of getting to know people in a book." giving a shrug and placing her tray on the table. "so, what will all of you be studying or are studying?" turning her bright green eyes towards Izzy. "How about you first, Izzy?"

Rick did just what he said, which was get a chair. Bringing it over. Setting it down backwards to lean on the back support of the chair with his arms crossed. “That would probably do it, Abi. If that’s okay I call you Abi.”

Abigail picked up a strand of her curly hair and started twirling it around her finger. "Sure you can call me Abi." turning her gaze to the others, "All of you can call me Abi if you'd like."

Izzy smiled at Abi. “I haven’t picked a speciality yet. Though I’m leaning towards Counseling or Diplomacy”, she told the other girl. “Books are good though. They were my refuge growing up”, she added. Maybe they could talk about books another time. It would be nice with someone to share her love for learning with.

Abi looked at Izzy, saw the gentleness in her. She stopped twirling her hair and said quietly with a soft smile, "I think you would be really good in either one of those, I can see it. You've got that aspect about you." then reaching out and giving a quick one armed embrace, in her enthusiasm.

Abi turned her attention to the others. "Um...Rick, how about you?" looking over at the boy who gave her his seat. "You are going to be going into what?"

Points to himself a moment, “Primarily Tactical with Security. I know a little strange for a race of ‘listeners.’ As one would probably think I’d do like Izzy.”

Eismil walked into the cafeteria. He wasn’t here often, cause people like to stare and it was almost like they were talking behind his back. He was a senior cadet, the head of a dorm even. But it wasn’t just that. He was also the son of the O’Donnaghue clan. And the other students seems to know it. The name O’Donnaghue and Meran ring through in these halls. He rather had his lunch at Dan and Nidria. They really didn’t judge and they were such nice people. Specially Dan, for a Vulcan he was quite soothing even though he just talked with people and make good food.

But Eismil was sent here by his aunt Layla. She ordered him to mingle with new students as he was now a dorm head. Also he was asked to meet a girl here. His aunt said she was going to try and get her in his dorm so he could keep an eye on her. His aunt didn’t tell much about this girl. Just the gist of things. He was hoping this girl would explain what was going on.

As he entered the hall his eyes scanned the room. There were a lot of cadets in here. He walked over to a table with a group of people. Some of them seemed to be new here. Without reading their minds he could tell. He walked over to the table and stopped. “Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, to interrupt your lunches, I am senior Cadet Eismil O’Donnaghue. I am looking for a cadet Isabelle Doe?” He tried his best to hide the fact he was actually pretty nervous.

Abigail looked at Rick, a little bit confused. "A listener? What do you mean by that? Though I would suppose that you are a good listener, you do seem to listen to people." thinking about it, then Abi looked at Rick. "Oh you and Izzy are together as boyfriend and girlfriend?" she looked at Izzy and Rick then smiled. "Well you two do make a great couple. Congratulations!"

Abi's attention was taken away by the entrance of another person she hadn't seen before. Well, let's face it, she'd not been around much, as she had said to Izzy, Abi normally had her nose in a book.

"Woah who is that?" Abi taking a really good look at him. "Oh, his name is Eismil."

Rick gave a glance at Eismil, an….another he didn’t know but apparently was a forth year as well. What is going on here. How did they not know each other already. Shaking his head slight a moment. “Rick,” motioning to Izzy, “That would be her.” Blinking a moment, “What? Boyfriend and girlfriend. No..I just met her.” There wasn’t quite a reaction physically at the implication, though he gave a glance a moment, and then back to Abi.

“As for your question, I’m an El’Aurian. We’re labeled a lot of times as a race of listeners. Which makes pretty well for those two majors that she said she’s doing, as well as our perceptions and ability to read people. Among other perceptions.”

"El'Aurian, I've not really heard of them before. Is that common knowledge about your people?" Abigail searching through her memory to see if she's heard anything about his people. "If it is common knowledge, I must be reading the wrong books. Or I've not come across information yet. Maybe in a more advanced medical book probably." Pulling out her PADD to make a note of it. "Wait, I thought you said that you and Izzy are a couple." hmmnns. Took a few more bites of her food as she contemplated this. Oh!

"Cadet Eismil O’Donnaghue, what are you studying in Academy?" Abi called out.

“Which part being common knowledge?” He tilted his head a little bit, but stopped there so Eismil could answer. Rick didn’t want to talk over anyone.

Izzy looked at Eismil. “I’m Isabella Doe. Call me Izzy”, she said as she studied the young man. She was puzzled. Why was he looking for her? “Why are you looking for me?”, she asked, deciding that it was better to ask than assume.

Eismil just gave a warm smile. “I was contacted by my aunt. She is the Colony’s medical director as well as the academy’s medical director. You have met her before now. Commander Layla Meran.” He looked around the room. “I think it would be prudent if we spoke in private. Unless you are alright that these people hear what we discuss?”

“Let’s talk in private”, Izzy said with a smile and stood from her place at the table. “Let me hand in my tray and you can lead the way”.

"Common knowledge as in, are there those who know about your people and have met you, knowing that you are El'Aurian? I don't recollect meeting someone from your race, and like I said, I've not heard about your people. Maybe I need to study more on history of different races." Abi remarked quietly to Rick. "Right now I feel a bit dumb not having knowledge of your people." her eyes filled with dismay, and her cheeks a bright red.

“There’s a reason for that. My race was all but wiped out a long time ago by the Borg.” Pursing his lips a little. “Don’t feel that way, you didn’t know but now you know the reason.”

James looked back at Abi and stated “Nope, he just met my Sister,” looking at Rick he continued,”and he would have to prove himself to me to ask permission to date her,”taking a sip of his drink, he finished “and yes I just found out today that she is related, but still, I’m going to be slightly protective of Izzy,”

Abi raised an eyebrow at what the other guy had stated. "Um.. what's your name and what are you going into and also. This isn't the Victorian age where a girl has to get permission from her brother to date someone. That is so outdated." narrowing her eyes at this guy. "It is Izzy's decision on whom she will date, and not yours." Abi frowning at this. "You mean overprotective?! Doesn't Izzy get a choice in the matter?"

Those who could sense emotions, would feel Abigail's ire start to rise. She was not happy at all about this. “What is it with brothers being so overprotective of their little sister, that they won’t let them breathe!”

Rick and Abigail could continue that discussion about his race and what happened later. Since apparently the conversation shifted. “That was being teased about. Izzy and I never said we were trying to date. We just met as well. It was only said that they thought we would make a cute couple. I also did explain before, about her needing a mentor and that you both don’t know each other. Family is family, but not until you know them because you don’t know how they are. You or she or both could be completely toxic.” Glancing to Izzy, “Not to talk ill about you or any of you. It’s simply a possibility.”

Deciding she didn't want to eat much more, still feeling just a bit upset at that guy who claimed to be Izzy's brother and he didn't answer her question as of yet. Abi got up from the table. "Excuse me for the moment. " picked up her tray and walked over to dump her food. There were other cadets nearby that she was interested in meeting as well.

She walked up to another Cadet, (Mairie Fae O'Connell) A petite redhead. "Hi I'm Abi, what are you studying here at the Academy, and what’s your name?" she stood there with a bit of a smile. And also turned to the other nearby Cadet “I’d like to know as well what you are studying too.”

Mairie Fae looked up at the girl, “Umm Hi, I’m Mairie Fae O’Connell. I don't really know what I am studying. I just know that I was sent here on orders from my Da after Gran passed on.” Maire shrugged a little, before she continued, “I didn’t choose to be here so I don’t even know what there is to study other than the regular school stuff. Other than getting this uniform and being told where I’ll be sleeping I’m kinda in the dark.”

"Oh! Well this will be a great place to find yourself." then Abi stated, "I am sorry for your loss of your grandmother. You and she must have been close." A compassionate expression in her eyes.

Mairie smiled and nodded sadly, “Ma died when I was too young to remember her, and Da is off on a starship somewhere, so yeah, Gran and I were very close. For all the troubles I put her through, she was still there for me every day.”Mairie folded her hands in front of her on the table, “I think she would have really liked you, Abi. You have a kind heart, and she always said that was important.”

Abi smiled at what Mairie said.

Reading the room Eismil turned to James. “You must be James Icheka. My aunt told me about you as well. I don’t know how much you know about the Betazoid culture, but when it comes to marital businesses it’s the females that make the decisions. So not you but her mom or the oldest sister in the family. I have a younger sister, named Chelsea. She is five, I would protect her with my life if needed, but I would not overstep her right to decide who she is going to marry. My mom, who may not be a betazoid of origin, would still kill me.” He smiled and nodded. “Do with this information as you will.”

Izzy cocked her head to one side, regarding Eismil and then James. While she appreciated that James wanted to be there for her, she was grateful for Eismil’s explanation. She knew nothing about the betazoid’s culture, or way of living. “Thank you for explaining this”, she told Eismil with a smile. “I know nothing about the betazoid as a species yet”.

“Eismil is it,” replied James looking back at Eismil, continuing on ” I heard about your family as well, so here is a bit of advice from me,” leaning forward keeping his gaze firmly fixed on the Cadet “Stay out of my family business and I will stay out of yours , Got it,” giving him a glare “Or I’ll dig in to yours,”

Eismil looked calm at James. “You know, for a first year cadet you got balls talking like that to a superior. Also I gave you advice about the betazoid culture, in no way is that butting in to your family business. Also, make threats to my family again, and you will be in the director's office before you can even say your last name. Is that clear, cadet?” Eismil didn’t even want to hear the answer as he turned to Izzy. “Miss Doe, please follow me.” He then walked ahead of her to the replicator so she could put her tray away.” He then said as they were walking. “How about a drink at Dan and Nidria’s, my treat. I can even show you around campus if you like?”

“Leave her alone Eismil,” replied James looking at Izzy, then turning his glare upon Eismil as James did not want to let Izzy out of his sight as he did not trust Eismil as far as he could throw a frisbee.

“James”, Izzy said, exasperated. “I’m not some delicate flower that needs to be sheltered. I need to go to Dan and Nidria’s anyway. Eismil’s aunt asked me to go there to get some proper food. I can take care of myself. While I appreciate that you want to protect me, don’t smother me” with that she followed Eismil. She decided that it might be an idea to understand James better. Later, that was. RIght now, she was tired of James trying to protect her. She had survived this long without anyone to look out for her. She could, and would, handle this situation on her own. “Lead the way, Eismil”, she said.

Eismil nodded and then just walked out of the cafeteria with Izzy behind him.

James watched his sister leave with Eismil and all he was trying to do is make sure no one hurt her, although he had just met Izzy today which was true of course, James just wanted Izzy to know that she was not alone anymore and had a brother who just wanted to look out for her safety as he shot Izzy a thought ~ Be safe Sis~ as he said “Sorry about that Everyone,”
Tag /Open

Mairie shook her head at James, “That was both uncalled for and utterly stupid on your part. If I had a brother who acted like that, he’d be sporting two black eyes and a few missing teeth and I’d be the one doing the punishing. Izzy doesn’t need you to go acting like some ape man.”

Abigail’s eyes widened, petite people were dangerous just like TNT. Small explosives pack a punch. “Yeah I wouldn’t want you to be irritated with me, Mairie” Abi gave a smile. “And I am serious, besides something happening that would make you that angry, heaven help the receiver.”

“Abi,” Mairie said with a smile, “I have a feeling you would never even come close to making me mad at you! And I am not that bad, really, I’m not!” Tries for the innocent look, but doesn’t quite pull it off .

Rick just watched the exchange, which wasn’t completely unusual for strong opinionated people, not just because of being young, even aged people may have it because of their thoughts, or personalities. There was no reason for him to have gotten in the middle of that one. “Nice to meet you Mairie, I’m Rick Gibbs.”

Giving a glance to Abigail, “You alright over there?”

Mairie looked over at Rick, “Did you say Gibbs? As in House Reed’s Cadet Gibbs? Wonderful, Just Wonderful!” She muttered something about making a lousy first impression and then buried her face in her hands as if that would make her disappear.

“Yes...why?” Raising an eyebrow at the less than enthusiastic expression once she heard his name.

“Because,” Mairie said, trying to hold back a nervous laugh, “That’s where I was assigned!”

“I’ve not taken a look yet as to whom is assigned actually as it’s the weekend. So official stuff hasn’t started.” Giving a little motion of his head to James and Eismil’s previous conversation. “If you’re worried about your little outburst over that, I think we can pretend I didn’t hear it.”

Mairie smiled, “Hear what?” She chuckled lightly but glanced at James once more, “But, I swear, If he keeps up he’s going to be very sorry.”

“Exactly, no clue what you are talking about.” Giving a glance over a moment Rick sighed. “His heart is in the right place. It’s just what goes from heart to brain to mouth I think that is the issue and not understanding this situation. Which I don’t need to go into for a third time.”

Abi had heard Rick and finally answered. "I'm okay, just was...rather irritated at what James said. And I did hear his apology. I have some brothers who felt I needed to be protected and what he was doing hit a nerve."

“Everyone acts differently, and it is always going to be that way, however, everyone also has to remember, just because there is one view, there is always another. One doesn’t have to agree with it but they should keep an open mind.” Rick smiled lightly to Abi.

Abi looked down, her cheeks going red. "You are right, it's just that, my brothers think I can't do things without them" blowing out a puff of air. Abi twiddled her thumbs, as a fidget, feeling embarrassed. "I had a fight with them earlier."

Mairie smiled at Abi, “I guess having siblings isn’t as fun as I thought it was. But, I’m sure you and your brothers will be able to get past whatever it is you argued about.”

Rick reached and took Abi’s hands to stop her from fidgeting. “You don’t need to do that. You’ll be okay.”

Mairie nodded and decided to try to lighten the mood, “After all, Abi, you can tell your brothers that you have a great group of friends here that will make sure you are doing fine without those overbearing brother types butting in. And some of them are even girls!” Maire chuckled as she fake muscle pumped her arms,”See, we’re strong too!’

Abi laughed, and looked at Mairie, “Yes you most certainly are.” and then looked at Rick then down to where he stopped her fidgeting. “Thank you.” smiling.

Looking back at Addison, she said, “I still don’t know his name.” nodding towards him. “Do either of you know it and what he is studying?”

“Who’s name and study?” Rick was pretty sure that he already told all of them those. Forgetting to let go of Abi’s hands.

“I’m in House Hayes under the leadership of Senior Cadet,Addison Rapp” replied James as he knew that he was in a separate house from his sister, he continued “ In Blue wing,”as he was trying to engage in talk to make up his actions with Eismil, “ I will of course speak with him and apologize to him,” as he hoped that they had been paying attention to him. As James knew that he had been Inimical towards Eismil and would make amends to the Cadet.

Abi looked at James then at Addison. “Yes! A mystery solved and Addison is in the Marines. I just noticed the color. Thank you James.” Then she looked down realizing her hands were warm, and that Rick was still holding them, to prevent her from fidgeting. “Oh, uh Rick? I don’t think I will be fidgeting anymore right now. Thank you though.” a slight blush creeping over her cheeks. She gently turned her hands over and then moved his hands towards the table placing them there.

“Huh?” Rick gave a look a moment down. “Oh..Sorry.” Sliding his hands off of the table top.

“Oh that’s okay.” giving a smile to Rick, “Well, I think I may need to go find a place to bunk when I stay here while not on the ship. Um..” .looking at the others, Then Abigail’s eyes settled on Mairie, “I wonder if I get to choose where I can stay. Maybe with you, Mairie or will I be somewhere else?”

Mairie shrugged, “I have no idea, Rick. I just got here today and was told where to go.” She smiled, “Although if you are given a choice, wouldn't you want to hang out with your friends? I know I would. Speaking of which, I need to find out what I am supposed to be doing tomorrow. I don’t even have a class schedule or anything. Bad enough I have no idea what department I am supposed to be in, I wouldn’t even know where I am supposed to be going for classes.”

"Well then that is settled, I'm going with you, Mairie and it looks like I'll be a part of, er House Reed? with Rick being in charge of the house. I like that idea especially with friends. OKay, then show me, show us where we need to go then. Anyone else in House Reed?" Abigail asked, not knowing whom else was going to be there. “And then we can find out what classes I'll be attending, when I’m not on the USS Siren.” she looked at Mairie, “And we might have classes together?”

Mairie chuckled to herself as she stood, “I guess you are a take charge kinda gal.” She faced Abi and smiled, “The trick now will be trying to remember my way back to the dorms. Unless Rick will be so kind as to show us the way, of course.”

Rick let them banter back and forth for the moment until he was addressed. Smiling to them, “I’d have to double check. Assignments are still being passed out.” Looking to the two of them, “Yes, I’ll show you both the way back.”

Mairie was obviously relieved that Rick would be leading them back since she really did not know her way around the campus. “Thank you, So Much,” She said with a smile, “at least now I am sure we won’t get lost and have to spend the night sleeping in the woods.”

“You’re welcome and why would you have to spend the night in the woods? We’re on campus.”

Abigail laughed as she followed after Rick and walked beside Mairie. “It’s a joke, it's just a joke, but camping does sound nice.”

“Perhaps I will come up with an outing like that for the House at some point.” Dean smiled.

“As long as you know the way back,” Mairie said with a small giggle, “I have no idea where anything is yet, except the mess hall.”

 

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