"Getting Things Out Of The Way"

[Aidan Driscol 0]

"Getting Things Out Of The Way"

A joint log by Lieutenant Senior Grade Kairi Kassem and Lieutenant Junior Grade Aidan Driscol

 

Aidan had just gotten off his shift and didn't feel like going back to his quarters. It had been a long day. He had run around the ship to get everything he had needed and then set to work on the samples to find out what had caused the Selshan to die. He didn't have any results yet but he had a couple of theories one of which, he was confident, had to be right. Maybe he should just go to the gym to work out some, although he almost felt too tired for that. Then he wondered what Lexia was doing, was she off duty, too? He'd ask later, for now he wanted to be alone.

 

Kairi was quietly walking down the hall. She had just got off duty, which was long since being involved in the marine holodeck investigation. The Chief was tired, but she really didn't feel like going to her quarters. It was too quiet there and she needed someone to talk to. Eventually Kairi found herself at the doors of the science lab, which she soon entered. As expected, Aidan was at his workstation. She quietly walked over to him. "Hi. Any luck?"

 

Aidan looked up to see Kairi and was surprised by her presence. "Ah, science is slow work, maybe I'll get some results tomorrow. I have a few theories though. You look tired." Aidan felt a little uncomfortable, he knew what Kairi expected and he'd hate to disappoint here, yet he should clear things up soon.

 

She let her hair down and sighed. After taking a seat, she rested her head on the desk, facing Aidan. "I am tired. It's been a really long day."

 

He grinned at her. "I can imagine, I heard something about a holo accident down with the marines, I imagine that's where you were. But that desk isn't a good place to sleep, trust me I've tried."

 

Kairi frowned as she nodded. "One of them is in sickbay right now. I understand she's in pretty bad shape." She stopped there, knowing she couldn't say anymore about the investigation. Lifting her head up, she smiled once again. "So how are you?"

 

"Knackered and hungry, want me to carry you over to the mess hall for a bite?" He wasn't sure if he wanted her to accept or decline his invitation, but then he also didn't like to eat alone.

 

"Mmm...Sounds tempting, but I think I'm too tired to eat," she said in reply.

 

"Rubbish, I bet you haven't had anything to eat all day, I need to talk to you about something anyway." There, now there was no going back for him.

 

Kairi gave a fake sigh as she smiled. "I suppose you're right."

 

Aidan walked over to the doors and waited for her to follow him. The mess was just down the corridor and his stomach was violently demanding food. "C'mon then."

 

She smiled as she playfully shuffled her feet up to Aidan. "Alright...I'm coming."

 

Leading the way to the mess Aidan didn't talk much, he was preparing a speech in his mind, which he knew he wouldn't use anyway.

 

It was quiet on the way to the mess hall, but Kairi dismissed it for now. She figured Aidan was thinking about something.

 

Aidan remained quiet until they sat down wondering if he should eat first and then bring it up or if he should get it over with right away and risk dinner. He looked at Kairi thoughtfully.

 

Kairi sat down with her food, taking a small bite. The silence was really starting to bother her. She looked up at him. "Aidan, what's wrong? You've been really quiet."

 

"Yeah, I suppose so." Absent-mindedly he waved his empty form around a little. "I've just been thinking... things."

 

She frowned slightly as she placed her fork down. This seemed to be more than just going for a bite to eat. "What's on your mind?"

 

"Well, there's just something... I've been thinking about us." Now he knew what he'd do, he'd not tell her there was someone else but just tell her why it couldn't be her. "You, know, I got the feeling that you might be, somewhat, interested in me."

 

The Chief gave a slight smile. She seemed to know where this was going. "It's alright. I think I know what this is about." Putting a hand on his, she looked in his eyes. "Aidan, you are a really great person. You make me laugh, and I know you are someone I can go to when I need help." She looked away for a moment, seeing a picture of Jamie in her mind. "But I'm not ready for a relationship. I just want to be good friends."

 

Aidan was taken aback, and honestly a bit disappointed. He was glad that she didn't want more, because that'd mean he wouldn't have to hurt her, but on the other hand his ego would have quite liked the thought of her wanting to be with him. Secretly he was glad neither Lexia nor Kairi could read his mind. "It'd just be strange, I mean, I'd just feel like a substitute in a way." He had constructed his speech, so he thought it'd be a pity to let all the arguments go to waste.

 

Kairi quickly retracted her hand. "Please don't say that..." She looked away, eyes welling up with tears. "Why would you think I was looking for a substitute for the man I loved?"

 

"Kairi, I see the way you keep looking in the direction of the labs. He was a scientist, I'm a scientist. I don't know, I just... it'd feel weird." Didn't she think it'd be weird, too. Aidan didn't understand women, or maybe he just didn't try hard enough.

 

She looked down, a tear steaming down her face. "Does it matter what position you are on this ship? I just needed a friend..."

 

Aidan looked at her and reached for her hand. "Kairi, that's not what I meant, I'm sorry, I am you friend, just not more... you know." What had that annoying Security guy said earlier, he was blunt. God, could he ever not put his foot down his mouth so far it needed surgical attention?

 

Kairi took his hand, wiping away her tears with her free one. "I'm sorry..."

 

"No, no, don't be. I have to be sorry. It was a long day and I'm not thinking straight and... well, I'm glad we agree though. On being friends I mean." He handed her his napkin so she could wipe away the tears. He felt really bad for making her cry.

 

She took the napkin and wiped her face. "Thanks."

 

Aidan started to eat and smiled at her. "Guess what!" On he went, again ignoring what had just happened, this was just how he worked.

 

Thankful that he changed the subject, Kairi gave a faint smile. "What?"

 

"Half an hour from now we'll both be getting some sleep. At least I know I will, been a heck of a day." He happily shovelled food in his mouth, it had been ages since he'd last eaten.