EXETERRPG: (1 - 1202) MS - CSO Lt Erin Cortez & Lexington CO, Captain Jimmy Hart

[Jaclyn Smith]

Mission: Auld Lang Syne

Day:01

Stardate: 2445.12.28

(Risa– Suraya Bay Resort, Volleyball Court- CSO Lt Erin Cortez & Lexington
CO, Captain Jimmy Hart - 1202)

"Of all the volleyball courts in all the universe and you had to be walking
in the one."



“Well technically I was here first.” He said with a laugh.

Smiling, Erin bit her lip a little and grinned, "Without wishing to sound
ungrateful for this rather nice turn of events, what are you doing here?"



“Umm, its kind of a surprise.”



"Oh… a surprise?"



“I found out a week ago that I’m taking over the Lexington as her first CO.
Then they said they wanted me to attend a conference of my choosing. When I
saw Trip was coming here, I signed up. A little birdie told me the whole
crew would be here, so I thought I’d surprise you and tell you the good
news in person.”



Erin smiled widely, "You… wow. That's amazing, Jimmy. Congratulations." She
walked to his side, took his hand and smiled up at him. "Why do I sense
there's more to this?"



“Umm yeah, about that.” He said as he put his hand behind his head. “I’ve
got a lot more freedom with the Lexington, both in where I can go and…” he
paused. “Who can come with.”


looking at him, Erin could see a question on his mind, something he was
trying to ask. "Jimmy, spit it out. Just say what you are trying to say.
Although if you are trying to poach any of my staff…." She replied, winking
at him.

“Erin, would you…., I mean, I know you love the Exeter and all, but I was
wondering, if you’d come aboard the Lexington as Chief Science Officer.
Trip says you’re doing well with the change, and selfishly it would mean we
could spend more time together. Give this a real go.”



Erin looked at him. ~oh…. Oh I was not expecting that.~ she thought to
herself as she took a breath. "Oh… You're asking me?"



"If you want to move to a duty station where we could see each other every
day. Yes."



"I… that's a surprise. Do I need to answer right now?"



"Take your time. I'm asking you to leave your life. To take a chance on
something that may not last. But I think my confidence is evident in
bringing you on."



"I wouldn't be dealing with you I take it?"



"You'd deal mainly with the FO."



"It's… something to think about. " She replied honestly. Part of her was
thinking about whether she could do it, leave her life, walk away and take
that leap.



Jimmy paused. "Forget. This won't work."



"What… this offer?"



"I can't date an officer on my crew. Just thinking about it. I
just…forget.  It only works if you come on as a Civilian consultant. I..I
can't ask that of you."



"Jimmy, can I be honest?"



“Always.”



She looked at him and smiled, "You offering this to me… it's a big decision
either way. I won't lie and say I'm not considering it. The Exeter is my
home. I have built a life there."



“I know, and it’s great. I love that your life doesn’t revolve around me.
Is independent of me. You have your own life and dreams.”



"However.. you are a part of that life. We've not been dating that long.
Part of me wants to run away into the sunset with you. But part of me is
saying is it too soon?"



“I mean yeah. I just hadn’t thought it through. I mean, being closer, would
be a better way of seeing if it could work you know. But yeah. Its so
rushed, I hadn’;’t thought it through.”



"Listen, I'm not saying no. I'm not saying yes either. I'm asking for time
to consider it. Also, selfishly, part of me is also wanting some time with
you. Just us."



“Well, Tommy is on Mars.” He said with a smile. “Look I’ve got some work I
need to do here, but I’ll let you know when I’m free.”



"Definitely." Erin smiled.



“Got to run, but, dinner maybe?”



"Dinner would be good. Don't work too hard though." She replied and kissed
him softly on the cheek. "Now, go do your work, Captain. " She winked.



Jimmy nodded and went on his way.



Watching him walk off, Erin smiled. ~all work and no play… well maybe
later.~ she grinned and headed towards the beach.



(Reply none)

(Posted by Jackie and Will)
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