A Fine Mess, Part III

[Jylliene 0]

(Log events take place after "Restoration"/the retaking of Aegis)

 

A Fine Mess, Part III - Tea for Two

 

Jylliene walked in a daze toward her quarters. She paused for the security checks along the way, then continued. It felt like it had been weeks since she had slept. She had found herself nearly drifting off at her console, and realized that she needed at least a short break to try to get some food. A nap would be good too, but she wasn’t sure if there’d be time for that before she had to be back. Glancing up, she recognized a figure ahead of her.

 

“Nijil?” she called out. She quickened her pace, catching up with him, and repeated, “Nijil?”

 

“One seven three, panel three seven, power surge. Access tube one baker, junction three. Optical data network node twelve, main trunk beneath engineering...” Whether or not Nijil noticed her remained a mystery. So many things to remember. So many repairs to make. “Computer, Engineer access ‘tr’Korjata One Three Jylliene authorise..” Something did not seem ‘right’ with Nijil. Many thought this, but this time was different.

 

“Mr. tr’Korjata?”

 

He stopped suddenly as if he forgot to get fresh milk from the replimat on the midway. He paused for a few moments.

 

“What? Is that you Tajai?” Nijil asked to the air. He gripped his PADD forcefully.

 

“Unless Tajai is a Romulan term for “Annoying Ops officer who still wants to have tea with you”, no, I’m not.” Somewhat concerned, Jylliene hoped for at least some recognition, or she’d follow him and make sure he got orders to sleep, if need be.

 

He did not look at her, he only handed her a PADD. On this PADD was the face from the morgue, one of a female Romulan. Pretty once, but lifeless now. The autopsy report listed her as one of the conspirators. Name: Tajai.

 

“A lovely woman. Did you know her?” she asked, softly, as she looked at the image.

 

Nijil nodded slightly, a tear fell down his cheek but rapidly caught by his hand. “She would be what you would call a first love.“

 

Jylliene winced. “I’m sorry. Should I leave you be?”

 

Nijil reached out with his hand and grabbed her uniform at the shoulder. “I should not be alone.” He finally looked up. “Tea.”

 

“Tea. My quarters, if you’d like? Or yours? Somewhere a bit quieter than the midway or the mess?” She glanced at him.

 

“Umm. Yours I guess. Mine is...unsuitable at this time. Thank you,” he answered, still a bit wacky.

 

“Of course,” she said, as she handed back the PADD, and led him further down the corridor. “It’s just over here.” With the push of a few buttons, the door slid open, and she gestured to the open doorway. “Come on in.”