(Untitled)

[lieutenantkim]

::pulled a late shift in the Delta Flyer, helping annikahansen tie together a few last minute ends on her transponder project::

::isn't willing to face ramifications of the next stage...testing...yet::

::home is a trick question these days

Comments

[linnis_paris]

No, Harry, I've simply mastered the military art of sleeping upright for fits of time at long last.

::rocks back on heels, rolling neck slightly while looking up::

I think the candle ran out of patience.

[lieutenantkim]

...

Oh.

::kneels as well, glancing down::

::lifts eyes back to half-Ocampan, shrugging slightly::

No matter. To tell the truth, the flame is pointless. Just something to look at.

[linnis_paris]

Maybe I looked too hard...

::breaks off quiet musing, resting hands on knees and pushing self to stand::

I didn't know when to expect you, so I went to dinner with Renara. Did you replicate anything?

If not, I can make a run to the mess...

[lieutenantkim]

No, I'm fine.

::stares at abandoned candle stub for a moment, finally pushing self to feet as well, closing short distance between::

How long have you been here?

[linnis_paris]

If that was your best effort at consolation, I'm disappointed.

::glances over, crinkling brows in thought::

It was my fault. I've been a terrible mother to him, when I've been one at all. You can't begin to understand how much I want to make up for that...how much I just want to see him again.

::twists head, moving gaze to shadowy corner::

I've tried to do better for Renara, and I think...I hope I've succeeded.

[lieutenantkim]

::stares at her profile for a long moment::

::finally has to break fragile silence, straightening and rubbing hands across knees awkwardly::

You have, you know that. She's a...great girl, Linnis. Smart, self-assured...

[linnis_paris]

If you try any harder, you're bound to rupture something.

::returns attention to companion, curving lips upward in slight smile to soften words::

Harry...she's mature enough now to make most of her own decisions.

Sooner or later, someone is going to succeed at this...interdimensional travel nonsense...and there's going to be a way home. To Voyager.

Last time...

[lieutenantkim]

::grimaces, dropping hands back to cushions::

She didn't like it, yeah, I remember.

[linnis_paris]

I don't really remember five years ago beyond a haze of pheromones, a scratchy veil, and the most boring buddha mock-up I've ever had the misfortune to encounter...

::releases a faint smile at his sudden look of indignation, sidling closer to drape an arm over a shoulder::

I know you take your vows seriously, Harry.

...believe it or not, I do as well.

But there's nothing wrong with letting go. I wouldn't blame you for choosing to go home.

[lieutenantkim]

::stares::

::shakes off her grip, clambering to feet::

Of course you wouldn't. And in the meantime you're perfectly happy to have me here, your uncomplaining devotee.

Thanks, Linnis. I feel like the universe's greatest speed bump!

[linnis_paris]

...

::tilts head, narrowing eyes in faint confusion::

Speed bump?

[lieutenantkim]

::huffs, waving a hand in disgust and heading for door::

Forget it. I'll join Tom.