Post #63 ‘Knock, knock, who's there?’
Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 3:04pm by Commander Jordan Haines & Lieutenant Marty Stokes
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 3:07pm
935 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission: Obsidian
ON:
Jordan stopped outside the counselor's office door and rang the buzzer. He had this group of people who he gave that respect to and she was one of them. They weren't just crew members, they were family. Marty had been his partner when they had gone back in time. There wasn't much he wouldn't do for her.
Marty looked up from her computer screen. She didn’t have any appointments at the moment so she had no idea who was on the other side of the door. “Come,” she said going back to her computer screen.
Jordan walked in and took a seat. “I thought I’d stop by and see how things are in your office and what you need.” He paused. “You are going to keep this crew going until things are better.”
“Of course,” Marty said looking at Jordan. “You’ve aged,” she said quietly. “But then again, so have I,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll let you know when or if I need anything and the same goes for you.”
“Why the chip on your shoulder?” Jordan growled in return. “I thought we had a truce, I haven’t done anything yet to irritate you but I can work on it.” He didn’t think he looked older, maybe it was a dig.
“We’ve all been through a lot,” Marty said running her temples. “If I have a chip on my shoulder it’s not because of you,” she said quietly. “It’s just the circumstances that have brought all of us together again I suppose,” Marty said with a sigh before she smiled at Jordan. “And I meant to say that you look good with a little more maturity.”
Jordan smiled back. “I try to keep in shape.” He paused .”I won’t lie the past few years haven’t been hard but I am looking forward to being back with you all.” He glanced up. “Just wish some of the others had made it here.”
“So do I,” Marty said reminiscing. “Being single isn’t so bad, it’s just lonely.”
“You know marriage was never in my cards.” Jordan said seriously. “What happened, if you don’t mind my asking.”
“We just drifted apart,” Marty said with a shrug. “I had my career and he had his,” she said looking down at her lap. “It was for the best.”
“I feel for both of you.” Jordan said quietly. “The two of you almost had me thinking marriage was forever.” He paused. “I take it he has the twins.”
Marty nodded slowly as she thought about how big they had gotten the last time she’d seen them. They’re better off with the him, he’s stable,” Marty said with a slight sigh.
“I know you miss them.” Jordan said quietly. “And maybe they are safer but not better off just different. Kids need both their parents. They know you love then and trust me. That means a lot.”
“I know,” Marty said with a giggle. “You would make a great father.”
“I wouldn’t know how to begin.” Jordan laughed, one of those honest deep ones people rarely see. “I’m more of the favored uncle. When Josiah quit, he met someone and they have a few, plus Jude.”
“It would be hard to see you walking around bouncing a kid in your shoulder,” Marty said with a grin. “Late night binges take on a whole new meaning.”
“And don’t even talk about diapers to me.” Jordan shuddered. “I’m better at being the uncle.
And in my line of work most women would run.”
“Most but not all,” Marty said with a slight smirk. “I think some would take on the challenge of taming you like a circus master tames a lion.”
“Fat chance of that!” Jordan laughed. “I am a bit selfish when it comes to coming first in my personal life. I like my space and living alone. It’s who I am. Women want to cuddle and shop. No thanks!”
Marty grinned. “Forever a bachelor then,” she said. “Can get really lonesome sometimes.”
“It can.” Jordan nodded. “But I am not made for a wife, kids, the whole white picket fence. I’d rather have my friends and the occasional date. It is not complicated.”
“Of course,” Marty said knowingly. “Just don’t close any doors, Jordan.”
It felt weird to Jordan to be back among people who really cared and weren’t playing games. “I will.” He nodded. Jordan didn’t think a woman existed who could put up with him.
“Where you off to now?” Marty asked as she waited for her next appointment.
“I am going to see Jude.” Jordan grinned. “He’s Josiah’s oldest. I know you weren’t a fan of him but Josiah is not the same person anymore. He is married and has several children. Leaving intelligence and getting a different line of work was good for him.
“I’ll have to catch up with him at some point then,” Marty said with a smile and a nod. “Take care and I’ll see you around.”
"If you need a friend." Jordan said seriously. "I am always here. Don't forget that." He hoped she knew that because he meant it. And if he found out she was being kept from seeing her kids, he would be having a chat with their father. He liked Marty's exhusband, they were friends but kids needed both their parents.
Commander Jordan Haines
Executive Officer
Starbase Obsidian
Lt, JG Marty Stokes
Chief Counselor
Starbase Obsidian
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