EXETERRPG: (1, 1900) ACTEO, Lt. Cade Blackwell and ACSO Ensign Senior Grade Adala Michaels

[KJ Deal]

Mission: Auld Lang Syne

Day:01

Stardate: 2445.12.28

(Risa– Suraya Bay Resort, Tropical Sunset Cafe - ACTEO, Lt. Cade Blackwell
and  ACSO Ensign Senior Grade Adala Michaels - 19:00)

[Adalas room, Suraya Bay Resort]

Adala, now dressed in a pale green sundress and sandals, gave herself a
once over in the mirror. Her hair pulled back in a ponytail, held back with
a cloth tie, which matched her dress.

They'd agreed to meet at the cafe. She was nervous.

~Adala get over it~ she chided herself as she let out a sigh and left her
room.



It didn't take her long to get to the cafe and she smiled as she stood near
the door.

The cafe Cade had chosen was beautiful in it's simplicity. The light from
the torches which were tucked into the walls, and along the outdoor deck
sending a low glow and giving a romantic feel. Each table held a vase with
flowers and a candle centerpiece. The breeze from the bay below caused the
flames to flicker slightly. The horizons glowed slightly with the setting
of the suns and the rising of the moons.

Cade waved at her from their table. He was wearing boat shoes,  khaki
shorts and a white linen button down. His vibe said I'm casual but I can
also be fancy.

"Addie over here," he waved.

Adala smiled hearing him and walked over to the table where he sat, a table
on the deck. She was glad he had chosen a  table outside rather than inside
the small cafe. “Nice” she said as she gave him a once over as well as
their table.

"So. I hope you don't mind if we do something grounded and not like tame
tigers or something."

Adala sat down across from Cade and shrugged. “I don’t mind at all.” her
eyes roaming from him to their surroundings. “What’s on the menu?”

"I hear the seafood is really good. Risan sea bass with lemon and ginger.
With steamed veggies on the side "

Adala nodded. “That sounds delicious.”


"But the chicken salad is also good so they say."

“So many choices.”

"What are you in the mood for?"

“What are you going to order?”

“Me, I dunno. I think the shrimp pasta sounds delectable. It’s Risian
shrimp, similar in taste to earth shrimp, but smells like honey. Or so the
waiter said. Supposedly they also use special seasoning to give it a spicy
kick.”

Adala thought for a moment. “I think I want something with a little kick.
I’ll have the shrimp pasta.”

“Unless, you would prefer I eat something that won’t give me a stinky
breath.”

“Be daring Cade. You only live once.” She laughed lightly as she spoke.

"Well isn't that the paradox?" He said with a smile.

Adala laughed and shook her head. “I suppose it is.”

"You only live once. Do you risk it being short but full of adventure. Or
do you try and make it long but with no risk. Which one is a life truly
lived."

“I live for the thrill Cade. But I also am careful with what I do. Yes I
push the envelope. But ….” she let voice trail off to silence as she
watched him, a slight glint in her eye.

"Both have merit. I prefer the middle way. Grounded life with calculated
risks."

“Grounded works as long as you are the one keeping me there.” She said with
a slight smile.

"Stinky breath but delicious food or kissing you but bland food. That's my
calculated risk."

Adala reached across the table and touched his cheek lightly. “I’d kiss you
regardless of your breath Cade.” her eyes meeting his.

"In that case." Cade called the waiter over. "I'll have the spicy Risan
shrimp, over fettuccine, with a garlic and jalapeño Alfredo sauce."

"And for the lady." The waiter asked.

Katie turned to the waiter. “I’ll have the same. Thank you.”

"And to drink?"

"A bottle of the house white." Cade replied.

"Of course, right away."

As the waiter left he turned to Adala. "You're going to regret letting me
eat that pasta."

“I won’t regret it anymore than you will Cade.”

It felt good to be here with him. He gave her the balance she needed.

"So tell me Addie, I feel I know the daredevil you, and the you that was
afraid to leave the lab. But what about the you that dreams. What's your
greatest goal or dream?"

Adala settled back in her chair and gazed across the table at him as she
pondered his question.

"That's a good question Cade."

She bit her lip while she thought of her answer.

"What's my greatest goal or dream?"

she grew silent for a moment.

"I really don't know. I suppose I have been too busy living for each
moment, for the next thrill."

"Surely there is something."

Adala reached across the table to take his hand. "If I have to be honest,
especially with myself. I guess you are my answer to my dreams. You've
given me something I haven't been able to find, something I have needed."
she smiled slightly.

Cade was taken a back. "Me? How, why? What do you mean?"

She squeezed his hand. “You’ve given me a reason to not be as reckless and
daring as I have in the past. Yes I enjoy the thrill, but you’ve given me
something I haven’t had in  my life, not for a long time.” She knew she was
probably talking in circles but didn’t really know how to explain how he
made her feel, or what he gave her, by his presence in her life.

Her past had been surrounded by rocks, a lonely, secluded life and he had
brought laughter, a brightness into her dark, lonely life.

"So are you saying I'm boring, is that it?" He said with a mischievous
smile.

“I didn’t say that Cade.” She watched him puzzled as he turned to the
waiter.

Cade turned and got the attention of the waiter.

"We're going to need our order to go."

The waiter nodded and informed the kitchen.

Cade then stood up and picked Adala up into his arms.

"I'll show you less thrills." He said laughing as he carried her over to
the pool.

Adala laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck knowing what he was
planning.

Then almost on instinct he jumped into the deep end with her, both fully
clothed.

“Smart move.” she stuttered as she bobbed on the surface. She splashed him
and laughed harder.

"We should probably go before we get kicked out" He said.

She glanced around the pool and shook her head. “Hell we’re the
entertainment.” She splashed him once more and headed for the side of the
pool.

"How far is your hotel from here?"

“Not far.” she bit her lip as she pulled herself out of the pool. She
turned to watch him from where she sat on the edge.

Pulling himself out Cade laughed. "We uh need to head out quick before we
get a cold in paradise. Dripping everywhere and what not. Didn't know I
needed to bring a towel" he said as the waiter brought them their food and
wine in a basket to go.  Cade signed for it, smiled, then sneezed.

"Sorry."

Adala laughed as she stood and rang out her hair. “Come on before you catch
a cold.” She said as she took his hand and led him from the cafe.

"I hope you don't  think I ruined the date?"

Adala laughed. “Of course not,  you just made it more interesting.”

"Continue it at your place?"

“Of course.” she said as she led him out of the cafe and towards her
lodging.

(Reply None)

(Posted by Kathleen and Will)
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