Apprentice Old Maids
Posted on Sat Apr 16th, 2016 @ 7:45am by
Edited on on Thu Jun 2nd, 2016 @ 11:36pm
Mission:
Time and High Society
Location: Quarters, SB-332
[ON]
After yet another long day of overwork, Ricki was grateful for shoulder-rub therapy. Conversation was light, mostly due to fatigue over recent events. At feeling the slight sting of thumb work over tight spots, she informed her masseuse, "Stress point, there."
"I know. It'll break loose. Music help?"
"Actually, not right now. The silence is golden."
Monday shook her head, "Two more people asked me today if you and I were in a marital relationship."
"It's called gossip mongering, Mon. Humans crave the sensational. Any close friends will be so accused, these days."
Monday transitioned to slow scalp massage, to which Ricki closed her eyes, "Okay, you found my weak point." After a few moments, concerned eyes opened, "Mon, did you mention that because it might interfere with you finding a mate?"
The Herisian tipped her head, "A mate? It seems like a strange concept. I've seen couples in love, but it all seems so fleeting. Sometimes, males approach me, but I don't seem to know the answer and they go away."
"I'm going to use the F-word, Monday. You tend to come off as emotionally frigid."
"People keep asking me if I'm part Vulcan. I have emotions."
Ricki nodded slightly, "Hmm... You're an aesthetic. You absorb what goes on around you."
"Like a probe?"
Her friend chided, "You are normal, Mon. You just don't exude flattery. It doesn't matter how pretty you are. Eventually, men will lose interest. Well, now I'll use the L-word. Unless love somehow enters the equation." Ricki sighed, "I should be one to talk. I'm not dating material, myself."
"What? You're a very social creature!"
She shook her head slightly, "I know how to play the game, but relationships take a lot more commitment. I'm guilty of being the B-word, far too busy."
"You certainly are. I'm genuinely surprised, right now. You've gone five whole minutes without diving into your day planner and exchanging messages." Monday focused around the ears, "Am I deficient?"
Ricki felt confident, "Only in the eyes of people who want something from you. No, you're fine." She held up two fingers, "Remember, you're this many years old. You were created in mature state form. You might have knowledge, but you lack experience. It'll come with time. You can't make it happen. You must let it grow naturally."
Monday nodded, "What about you? How long will you keep working so hard? Don't you feel like you're missing out on life?"
Ricki smiled, "Not at all. I touch lives with each patient whom I help. It's only a brief experience, but it's real and very often deep. Hmh... one day I'll wake up an old maid who nobody wants."
"As will I?"
"I don't know, Mon. I think... that you'll discover yourself and change over time."
"It would have to be soon. I am basically human, and we don't live nearly as long as you Thorians do. I'll be an old maid long before you will."
Ricki reached back to grasp her hand for a moment, "Don't you worry. Fate, providence, grace, or choice... You have a seeking heart, and that will be rewarded."
[OFF]
Dr. Ricki St. Louis
Ens. Monday Starr
Starbase 332
Pegasus Fleet
