Would You Like Fries With That?

[Tachyon 0]

“Would You Like Fries With That?”

A Joint Log by Lt. Willow McDaniel and Lt.jg Dave Grey

March 1, 2155

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Willow sat there, munching pasta and staring at Dave. Jas’ words played through her head, and she tried to focus on the task at hand—making sure he was feeling okay and to provide him with moral support. She wondered how best to start a conversation. . . .

 

“Is your pasta warm enough?” she asked.

 

Between mouthfuls, Grey nodded. “Yeah, a little spicy though.” He put down his fork and took a sip of the tea next to his tray. His leg still hurt from that encounter with the tiger-cat.

 

“How is your sister doin’?” Willow bit the inside of her mouth, wondering if that was the best way to put it.

 

Grey abruptly stopped eating. The pasta in his mouth suddenly did feel cold and unpalatable. “Er . . . well . . . she's, you know . . . doing okay, considering.”

 

Noticing him tensing up, Willow cringed inwardly. “Well... how are you doin’?” Why hadn't she just left this to Jas? She felt sure now that she should have.

 

“I’m fine, except about that tiger-cat bite. Why did we have animals on this ship in the first place?” Grey sighed and started pushing pasta around his plate, not at all hungry anymore.

 

Willow leaned on her arm, rubbing an eyebrow, and wondered what to say next. “Um... actually, I wasn't referrin’ to your physical state.” Looking down at her own plate, she added, “We're just a little worried about you, Jas and me.”

 

“Oh,” the monosyllable escaped his lips as if he expected more to follow, but nothing else came out. After several seconds of silence, Grey finally said, “I think I just need to think about it, you know? Process the information . . . make decisions. . . .”

 

Willow put her fork down. "Thinkin’ about it too much though, it can eat you up inside." She looked up and him. “Sometimes talkin’ can help a lot. Just remember, we're here for you if you need to talk.” She gave him a small smile, hoping she had not completely ruined his lunch break.

 

Grey wondered if Willow was intentionally trying to ruin his lunch break. He looked down into the dregs of his tea before saying quietly, “Thanks.”