Pulling That Thread

Posted on Fri Jun 5th, 2020 @ 4:39am by Commodore Jane Saulitis & Hak

Mission: Cruel Meridian
Location: Starfleet Academy, San Francisco, Earth
Timeline: Sometime around 2376
1099 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Jane was looking at herself in the reflection of a PADD that was turned off. She made faces, her lips pouty, her eyes wide, wiggling her eyebrows as if studying how by the move of a muscle she could make herself look different, more attractive, less attractive and so forth. She hadn't heard anyone come up in front of her nor was she paying attention to any shadows that the figure cast as he got closer. Until he said something she thought herself completely alone on that grassy knoll.

"The many faces of Jane Saulitis," Hak said, breaking the silence as he approached across the grass. "I was going to ask if you wanted company, but I see now you're entertaining yourself just fine," he grinned, knowing he'd caught her in a private moment.

She blushed and tossed the PADD down onto the grass. "Just a little psychological experiment," she muttered. "What are you doing?" Jane asked, quickly changing the subject as she patted the tuffs of grass next to her indicating he could sit down.

"Between classes, can't stay long," he answered as he dropped down into the grass next to her. He stretched out his legs and leaned back on his arms. "Commodore Divens is supposed to be observing this afternoon. I think I have a real shot at getting into the Temporal Program. I don't know. We'll see. Or maybe we've already seen. Maybe there's a future version of us that knows all the answers already. You ever think about that, Jas?"

"Not specifically," she said somewhat amused that he'd just flopped down, made himself comfortable and started pondering the mysteries of the universe. "I think about parallel universes and time travel. I guess there are so many possibilities I would have trouble narrowing them down."

"Inifinite possibilities. Maybe even one universe where you and I are mortal enemies," Hak chuckled, pulled up some grass by the roots, and tossing it onto the leg of her uniform slacks. "Could you imagine even having mortal enemies," he thought aloud after he said the words. "Who has time or energy for that kind of stuff?"

"Maybe it began because you were throwing grass at me?" Jane asked, then took up her own handful and tossed it right back at him. "You do," she answered his question. "I get the impression you like thinking about possibilities. You're so . . . . quick. I think you'd do really well in the temporal program."

"Yeah, I don't know," he sighed, "I don't think I'd start with grass. You start with grass and it leaves you no room to escalate... what's next? French fries?" His eyebrow quirked. "Hold on a sec. Did you say you're doing psychological experiments? Are you transferring to a secret Starfleet Psy-Ops program? Taking selfies with your PADD has to be part of the application process, am I right?" He glances around the knoll, as though mockingly suspecting they were being surveilled. "Don't acknowledge it out loud." 'They might be listening,' he mouthed the words silently.

Jane shook her head but she was grinning. "You're such a dork. I was just looking at my reflection, nothing to panic over." She laid back in the grass but had to put her hand up to block the glare from the sun. "If you want something to talk about I have a conspiracy theory for you. Commander Taylor hates me and is determined to chase me out of the Academy."

"Alternate hypothesis: Commander Taylor likes you and is extra hard on you because he sees your potential. Isn't there an earth saying about a diamond forming under pressure?" Hak wondered for a moment.

"I'd rather believe my version because it makes me want to try harder to prove him wrong." Deciding to tease him a little bit she glanced his way. "Are you telling me I'm a diamond?"

"Are you wanting to be compared to a pretty rock?" Hak countered, scrunching his brows together, trying to figure out how best to do that. "Highly valued in some cultures... and highly reflective?"

Jane giggled. "There are a lot worse things to be compared to." When was the last time she'd been so completely relaxed around someone? She loved that about Hak, he was just so . . . . easy. And she was always so guarded like her father. "If you had to pick, what would you compare me to?"

"That sounds like a trap," Hak noted, biting his lip as he looked up at the clouds in the sky, thinking on the question for a second. "How about Tholian silk? Incredibly rare, exceptionally strong, and... perfectly elegant. You know, even it's flaws are part of its beauty."

"You talk your way out beautifully when you are trapped." Jane replied smiling at him. She reached for his hand tentatively as if she didn't quite know if that was acceptable or not. Her thumb brushed over the top of his palm.

"You know, after I said it, I thought for sure I was going to get in trouble for inferring that might have any flaws," he flashed her a smile as she touched his hand. Her smile and touch warmed him like no sunshine ever could. He appreciated her companionship beyond words he could ever express to her. "You know, I wish we could stay here. Who needs time at all? Just freeze it and live in this moment forever."

"Nah, I know I have flaws, I probably know them more than most people and I think we might get a little bored if we froze time right here right now. But the sentiment is nice." She didn't want to remind him that he had a class but she also didn't want him to be late. Then again he could read her thoughts sometimes.

"No, I promise I wouldn't get bored at all," he grinned, pushing himself up and brushing off the dirt. She was right about one thing though, he did need to go, even if he didn't want to. And now he'd have to run to class or be late. "I'll call you later, but don't wait for dinner!" he said as he headed off.

"Sure. Good luck!" Jane called after him as she watched him jog off. Was this what it felt like to be in love? That was a scary thought, so scary she turned her attention back to the PADD she'd tossed earlier and picked it up to resume her studying.

---

Hak
Just a guy in love with a girl

Jane Saulitis
Future Thorn in Hak's side for a long time to come