Literary Challenge 18 - Academy Days
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The small pond in the
Academy quad seemed to be perpetually serene. It was that perception that
attracted Kathryn to this place after her first year. She did her best to
schedule classes to allow time to eat lunch at the quad grounds. That time was
one of a handful of hours she was not otherwise sleeping, studying or attending
class. Looking into the pond, a few fish swimming darted back and forth, yet
their motions didn't disturb the water's surface. On more than one accession,
Kathryn would touch the water's edge to see if it was replaced with a hologram,
and every time she was surprised to feel cool liquid to her touch.
A nearby tree provided the few seats other cadets could use from its radiating roots. She climbed onto a large root that protruded from the ground. It twisted back into the earth and the apex of the wood was well worn with years of use from other cadets. Kathryn mused how she always found the spot empty, as if everyone on campus knew this was her spot during the mid-day to enjoy her lunch and quiet-time.
Kathryn was several years older than the average cadet and that set her apart from most of her classmates. It may also have contributed to her lack of friends in reasonable quantity. It really didn't bother her as she dedicated the bulk of her time 'catching up'. At least that was her opinion. Being a slave to the Orions, her subsequent escape and the journey back to Earth, took a lot of time that would have, should have been spent in any other way.
She pulled her satchel forward as she sat down on the root and grabbed a pre-made sandwich box. After taking a bite, she let the juices from the replicated meat tingle her taste buds. Smiling from the strong flavor of Sarnakian Cured Beef, she pulled out a PADD from the satchel. Chewing slowly, she pushed back loose strands of burgundy hair and tucked them behind her ear. The PADD activated to the latest entry: a lecture on stellar cartography in the Beta Quadrant.
Being mid-day, several cadets walked on the pathway nearby, so Kathryn was used to the soft steps taken by others. Yet, it was the moving shadow over the edge of the pond that caught her attention. Looking up, Kathryn squinted from the sunlight to see a human male. He wore a similar cadets uniform with Science colors and stopped from coming closer.
"I hope you don't mind if I sit?"
Kathryn got used to the bright light and shook her head, watching the man sit next to the root's entrance into the ground. His brown hair was longer than most others but still within regulation. A sharp jawline supported average cheekbones and a pointed nose. Full lips were licked to stay moist. After crossing his legs he looked up to Kathryn and smiled. She privately commented how his hazel-colored eyes seemed to invite her to return the smile with her own.
He looked back to the pond. "The water is always calm, that's why I like sitting here."
"Is that right?" She was a little surprised at his comment and curiosity was piqued.
Nodding, he looked back to Kathryn. "I don't usually come here during the day. I take nightly jogs around campus after class and stop here to rest."
Kathryn nodded and took a bite of her sandwich to keep from replying. She also caught herself wanting him to keep talking. His voice was strangely soothing. It reminded her of the automated reminders around campus.
"That must be a good sandwich?"
She swallowed the bite and nodded. "Just something I put together."
He looked at her PADD. "What are you studying?"
Handing him the device, she recognized he had not introduced himself yet and decided to go along anyway. "Professor Worriz's idea to track Tetryon emissions during a sensor analysis of local system space is interesting."
The younger cadet nodded as he read a few lines, and then returned the PADD to Kathryn. "Are you majoring in Astrometrics?"
Kathryn looked at her sandwich, took another bite intentionally and shrugged.
"I see. Please forgive my prying." He leaned toward her and extended his hand. "I'm Kyle Retarius."
Swallowing her morsel, Kathryn reached for Kyle's hand. "Kathryn Beringer."
His grip was gentle, yet firm and he held hand her hand until she pulled away first.
"Now it's my turn, what's your major?" Kathryn took another bite larger than the others.
Kyle looked over his shoulder opposite Kathryn before responding. "Temporal mechanics."
Kathryn nodded as she chewed.
"I've always been curious about the idea where a small change in the past can be so impactful to the future. I mean, is it possible that killing a single mosquito in prehistoric times could say, kill all the dinosaurs?" Kyle paused. "That's a bit extreme. Actually that's a very silly example, but you see what I mean?"
Nodding again Kathryn replied, "well, maybe not probable, but possible? Good luck with those studies, I had to retake the introductory class because the subject is not intuitive to me."
Kyle smiled and shrugged humbly. "I must admit that I've noticed you sitting here regularly. Would you be interested in dinner with me? I know a Pan-European bistro downtown that serves a dish you must experience with me."
Kathryn raised her eyebrows. "Oh, really?" She looked into his eyes to see if he would look away, but Kyle did not blink. For several seconds Kathryn weighed options and there were really only two to consider: yes or no. Kyle was cute and so far pleasant. Anything resembling 'dating' since her escape from Orion captivity was really flings that had ulterior motives attached. Besides, all Kyle was offering was a shared meal. Maybe a break from her studies would do some good? Then again, she was not really interested in a relationship. Having one while also working a Starfleet career would be challenging, if not distracting.
"Still thinking about it?"
Kathryn blushed as she realized her pondering options took longer than usual. She made a choice and wanted to take control.
"Sure. Yes. Are you free tomorrow night?"
It was Kyle's turn to raise eyebrows. "Uh, yes, absolutely! I'll send a message with details?"
He stood and wiped his pants clean.
Kathryn nodded and smiled. Kyle started walking away with a triumphant smile on his face. Kathryn mused that he looked good in uniform.
A nearby tree provided the few seats other cadets could use from its radiating roots. She climbed onto a large root that protruded from the ground. It twisted back into the earth and the apex of the wood was well worn with years of use from other cadets. Kathryn mused how she always found the spot empty, as if everyone on campus knew this was her spot during the mid-day to enjoy her lunch and quiet-time.
Kathryn was several years older than the average cadet and that set her apart from most of her classmates. It may also have contributed to her lack of friends in reasonable quantity. It really didn't bother her as she dedicated the bulk of her time 'catching up'. At least that was her opinion. Being a slave to the Orions, her subsequent escape and the journey back to Earth, took a lot of time that would have, should have been spent in any other way.
She pulled her satchel forward as she sat down on the root and grabbed a pre-made sandwich box. After taking a bite, she let the juices from the replicated meat tingle her taste buds. Smiling from the strong flavor of Sarnakian Cured Beef, she pulled out a PADD from the satchel. Chewing slowly, she pushed back loose strands of burgundy hair and tucked them behind her ear. The PADD activated to the latest entry: a lecture on stellar cartography in the Beta Quadrant.
Being mid-day, several cadets walked on the pathway nearby, so Kathryn was used to the soft steps taken by others. Yet, it was the moving shadow over the edge of the pond that caught her attention. Looking up, Kathryn squinted from the sunlight to see a human male. He wore a similar cadets uniform with Science colors and stopped from coming closer.
"I hope you don't mind if I sit?"
Kathryn got used to the bright light and shook her head, watching the man sit next to the root's entrance into the ground. His brown hair was longer than most others but still within regulation. A sharp jawline supported average cheekbones and a pointed nose. Full lips were licked to stay moist. After crossing his legs he looked up to Kathryn and smiled. She privately commented how his hazel-colored eyes seemed to invite her to return the smile with her own.
He looked back to the pond. "The water is always calm, that's why I like sitting here."
"Is that right?" She was a little surprised at his comment and curiosity was piqued.
Nodding, he looked back to Kathryn. "I don't usually come here during the day. I take nightly jogs around campus after class and stop here to rest."
Kathryn nodded and took a bite of her sandwich to keep from replying. She also caught herself wanting him to keep talking. His voice was strangely soothing. It reminded her of the automated reminders around campus.
"That must be a good sandwich?"
She swallowed the bite and nodded. "Just something I put together."
He looked at her PADD. "What are you studying?"
Handing him the device, she recognized he had not introduced himself yet and decided to go along anyway. "Professor Worriz's idea to track Tetryon emissions during a sensor analysis of local system space is interesting."
The younger cadet nodded as he read a few lines, and then returned the PADD to Kathryn. "Are you majoring in Astrometrics?"
Kathryn looked at her sandwich, took another bite intentionally and shrugged.
"I see. Please forgive my prying." He leaned toward her and extended his hand. "I'm Kyle Retarius."
Swallowing her morsel, Kathryn reached for Kyle's hand. "Kathryn Beringer."
His grip was gentle, yet firm and he held hand her hand until she pulled away first.
"Now it's my turn, what's your major?" Kathryn took another bite larger than the others.
Kyle looked over his shoulder opposite Kathryn before responding. "Temporal mechanics."
Kathryn nodded as she chewed.
"I've always been curious about the idea where a small change in the past can be so impactful to the future. I mean, is it possible that killing a single mosquito in prehistoric times could say, kill all the dinosaurs?" Kyle paused. "That's a bit extreme. Actually that's a very silly example, but you see what I mean?"
Nodding again Kathryn replied, "well, maybe not probable, but possible? Good luck with those studies, I had to retake the introductory class because the subject is not intuitive to me."
Kyle smiled and shrugged humbly. "I must admit that I've noticed you sitting here regularly. Would you be interested in dinner with me? I know a Pan-European bistro downtown that serves a dish you must experience with me."
Kathryn raised her eyebrows. "Oh, really?" She looked into his eyes to see if he would look away, but Kyle did not blink. For several seconds Kathryn weighed options and there were really only two to consider: yes or no. Kyle was cute and so far pleasant. Anything resembling 'dating' since her escape from Orion captivity was really flings that had ulterior motives attached. Besides, all Kyle was offering was a shared meal. Maybe a break from her studies would do some good? Then again, she was not really interested in a relationship. Having one while also working a Starfleet career would be challenging, if not distracting.
"Still thinking about it?"
Kathryn blushed as she realized her pondering options took longer than usual. She made a choice and wanted to take control.
"Sure. Yes. Are you free tomorrow night?"
It was Kyle's turn to raise eyebrows. "Uh, yes, absolutely! I'll send a message with details?"
He stood and wiped his pants clean.
Kathryn nodded and smiled. Kyle started walking away with a triumphant smile on his face. Kathryn mused that he looked good in uniform.
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