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"Confused Mind"
[Previous Post: "Getting There"]
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Setting: USS HATHOR, Bridge, Ops station
Stardate: 63076.0500
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Elliot was a bit lost, this being the first mission he'd been on in years without the girls being with him, he had been happy to be back at the ops station even if it was in another ship, familiar buttons made him feel more relaxed.

Ensign Thomas looked up at the Captain when he announced "Shadow Walking", then noticed that the whole bridge was centred on the CO. After Akira had responded to him he then explained about "An ancient Native American story", and after this he dropped the bomb shell that the USS ANUBIS CO was still alive and on the VALLA ROYAL.

::Dang she's alive. That's the best news I've heard for so long, I don't know who wouldn't give their life for that woman. All I know is if it comes down to the mission or rescuing her, the rescue must come first::

ET looked over at the aCSciO, he wanted to speak to her, but now was not the time. He decided the right time to talk would be when they went for their first break around 05:50hrs. Elliot could not help himself from looking over at Akira any time he was able, but to his disappointment he had never once caught her eye and even wondered what he would have done if he had caught it.

The COO had been so busy working and reading the sensor displays while on route that he had not noticed Ensign Mitshiba leave and head off to the mess hall. Elliot looked at the time display on the console 05:55hrs. ::I think it's time I asked Aki if she wants to go for a quick talk at break.:: As he looked up from the console, she had gone. The COO's cover arrived for him to go for his break, so he headed to the mess hall; alone.

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Setting: USS HATHOR, Mess Hall
Stardate: 63076.0600
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Elliot walked into the Mess Hall, just as the Counsellor was walking to exit. She acknowledged him while passing and then called back with a chuckle, "Stay away from air-locks Ensign." The COO looked back with a puzzled expression as she walked out. ::Air-locks? what was that all about, I'll need to ask her next time I see her,:: He looked back around and noticed Ensign Mitshiba sitting at a table.

The COO walked over to the table, "Hi there Aki, I'm just going to get a drink, is there anything I can get you while I'm up?" asked Elliot shyly.

"I'm OK thanks ET," she replied with a smile on her face.

Ensign Thomas walked to the replicator ::She smiled, is that good? Its got to be good isn't it? Maybe she's just being polite?:: "Iced lemon water, in a tall glass," he commanded the machine. The glass with a piece of lemon in it appeared, Elliot grabbed the glass and approached the table and sat opposite Ensign Mitshiba.

"Hi Aki, so what's up?" enquired ET.

"Not much Elliot, what about you?" she quickly replied.

"I'm fine thanks, just keeping busy, you know," stated Ensign Thomas dryly.

"Yeah, I think we've all been busy." responded Aki expressionless.

There was an uncomfortable silence as Elliot stared at Aki, then he just let it all out, "OK I'm sorry I just have to say, I miss you and I know that things have been really strange between us over the last year, all the up's and down's but we have an unmistakable chemistry. I don't know how you feel right now, but I needed you to know that I miss and still need you," he reached over and touched Ensign Mitshiba's check softly making her eyes shut and memories flow through her, then leaned over and kissed her head gently, "I have to get back to my station, please think about what I've said honey," he whispered in her ear, then headed back to the bridge leaving Aki sitting at the table. After Ensign Thomas had left the Mess Hall, the aCSciO was displaying a smile on her face.

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Craig Mitchell
Ensign Elliot Thomas
Chief Operations Officer
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501