Out at Night

Posted on Thu Feb 20th, 2014 @ 2:17am by Lieutenant JG Saia Roswell & Lieutenant Commander Mathew Caldwell

579 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: In the Dark

=/\= Vindicator Camp =/\=

Caldwell began the march to the perimeter, with his infra-red visor attached at his forehead. His phaser rifle now at the ready, with the folding stock having been fully extended. He walked, through the snow, in the darkness.

Saia paced leisurely, but far from silently in the still, cold air. She smiled at the sound of the snow crunching beneath her boots. She saw someone moving ahead but in the dark and with the distance, she couldn't make out who. She wasn't concerned and rather took comfort it was a watchman. She continued her stroll about 3 meters from the outside of the set perimeter.

He heard the noise of someone approaching his position and his rifle swung forward, the servos activating with a slight hum.

"Who's there?" Matt called out.

Saia had stopped seeing him spin around, and wondered in a split second just how trigger happy marines were. She held her hands up and choked out timidly, "Roswell. Lieutenant... Junior Grade... Roswell. Saia..."

Matt nodded and lowered his phaser rifle: "What are you doing outside your tent, Lieutenant? Are you lost?"

Saia shook her head, "I couldn't sleep. So, I decided to enjoy the planet's atmosphere. And... was wondering if you needed help with the watch."

Caldwell shook his head: "Lieutenant, I don't believe you have the tactical training necessary to be proficient at that task. Your best bet is to stay at the camp where it's safe. And try not to linger out of your tent. It's not safe here."

Saia frowned in disappointment, but nodded, "Yes, Commander." She started to walk back to her tent where she planned to just do some more research on what information they had. She paused and turned, feeling like a teenager asking for one little compromise, "Just outside my tent? So I can still look at the stars?" She added, attempting to sound matter of fact, "To help with my data study."

Matt frowned, realizing that he was denying her the opportunity to do what scientists naturally did. He himself was a mediocre science student, always wondering why it was necessary to learn equations and to memorize laws. But for some people, the study of the universe was fascinating. "Lieutenant, I'm about to take a watch. Why don't you come with me and study from our sentry post?"

The smile returned along with a nod and an enthusiastic, "Thank you, Commander!" She paused for only a moment, checking her pockets, and there were the PADDs, so she stepped closer to him, "This is very much appreciated." She glanced up at the stars again and her hands were itching to get out her PADD to check her guesses that were reeling in her mind.

Matt looked at her oddly: "The position is a half-klick away from here. We better get moving. Do you have adequate gear for the cold?"

She had planned to be out awhile anyway, so nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, sir."

Matt nodded: "Alright, follow me. Do stay alert, though. This is a sentry post." He began the walk through the deep snow, and casually assumed she was right behind.

Saia practically skipped along behind him and she spent a marvelous evening watching the stars, making notes and the enjoyed the comfortable silence. She seemed to forget he was even there, but in the back of her mind, she was comforted to not be alone.

=/\= END LOG =/\=

Lt(jg) Saia Roswell
Chief Science

LtCmdr Matt Caldwell
Chief Security

 

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