Coffee And Counsel - Part IV

Posted on Thu Apr 3rd, 2025 @ 9:48pm by Lieutenant JG Gianna De Luca & Captain Robert Burke

1,009 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Archanis Orbit, USS Hecate Briefing Room
Timeline: MD030 0800 hours

::ON::

[And Now the Conclusion ...]

"As with everything, there's no doubt that the universe has someone out there just waiting for you. Well, that's the way I see it anyway." She'd always had the sunnier disposition on that topic, "Meeting people is just another process we have to go through to find that one person that's more special than the rest. Lord knows that's what I'm doing now."

Placing his hands around his mug, Burke arched his eyebrows. 'I know you've signed up for a five-year voyage in to the unknown,' he said, 'but I'm surprised that you're unattached. You seem ...' he paused trailing off as he understood he was probably crossing a professional line, 'charming,' he concluded with a smile. 'But I'm not the prying type. I'm sure that you have your reasons.'

He was being truthful in that he wasn't a man who would pry into someone else's private business, but every fibre of his being was suddenly invested in her reasons for being unattached.

"Charming? That's it?" Gia laughed as she leaned back into the chair and folded a leg underneath her. She was fully aware that this conversation was about to cross into dangerous territory but she'd humour Robert and give him something.

"I have three older brothers who have spent what seems like their entire lives trying to protect me from everything, guys included and first dates included," she drummed her fingers on the table, "and thanks to their intervention with one particular date, I kind of vowed, well not vowed, more like decided, to put my career ahead of my love life. Even if it meant sacrificing certain aspects for a while."

'I'm understating it, naturally,' Burke flashed a rare rakish smile. 'As the eldest of four, I can understand the protective urge we have over younger siblings. Particularly a younger sister. It doesn't make it right to be overbearing, however.' He shrugged, 'a lot of us put our love lives on hold for different reasons. Personally, I don't think I would allow my siblings to spoil that chance for me.' Burke laughed, 'I just allowed my career to derail those chances.'

"Oh, I don't think my brothers had a choice to look out for me," Gia laughed again, "The order would've come down from our father. Regardless, I think a lot of men get the wrong idea when it comes to meeting a woman who's intelligent and has a good career and options for her future."

She leaned forward and put her hand on her chin, thinking this change in the conversation would be better shared over wine and homemade cooking after shift was finished.

He looked deep into her dark hazel eyes and his lips quirked into a smile again. 'Strong women are often intimidating. Luckily for me I've been around strong women all my life. There's no intimidation there.'

She appreciated the compliment and went to leaning back in the chair, "I appreciate that compliment, in a way, but um, I do think this may be getting slightly off track here. What do you think?"

Burke blushed, a soft reddening of the cheeks and throat. 'Possibly,' he conceded as his smile turned sheepish. 'Perhaps it could be pursued off-duty? And we can keep to business for now.'

"Perhaps." Gia, while she was flattered at the attention, she didn't want things to be seen as an attempt to win favouritism above others, "I'll tell you what. On the premise of me wanting to learn more about Titan and how growing up elsewhere than Earth has shaped your perspective on things, how about discussing that over some homemade pasta De Luca style after shift one night?"

'De Luca style sounds delightful,' Burke said after a moment's pause. Being sensible about the situation, he supposed this was the only fair offer either of them could accept for now. 'And in return, I'll bring some wine, if you enjoy it, and you can tell me what growing up on Earth, in a city, is like.'

"I'm not opposed to a merlot but swapping stories sounds like a deal," was her reply and Gia moved her leg out from under her leg and pushed her chair back slightly. "Whenever you're free, I'm sure I can clear some space in my oh so currently busy schedule and we can make it work." Time to get wrapping up this conversation.

'It's a ... deal,' Burke said as he saw her shift, and looked to the chronometer. 'Don't allow me to detain you further. I've kept you far longer than I should have.' He got to his feet and flashed a smile, 'can't have you be late for your first shift.'

Gia stood up as well and straightened out her uniform before she replied, "Thank you for inviting me to this little breakfast, I've really enjoyed it." She smile the same warm smile she'd given him first thing, "I still need to get everything sorted before I meet the team and get my schedule sorted out, so I had better get going."

'Of course, Lieutenant. You're welcome to breakfast any time,' Burke responded with a genuine, warm smile. 'Good luck with your first shift.'

Gia could feel a little spark of something but she didn't know what it was. She nodded, "Thank you, Captain." And pushed her chair back in before she left the briefing room.

As he watched De Luca retreat from the room, Burke went around the table and cleaned up their breakfast, stacking everything neatly before summoning the commisary staff. Leaving them with the request that the remains be cleared, Burke left the room and headed to his Ready Room, a bounce in his step.

For the first time in a long time there seemed to be a glimmer of life that didn't just involve duty to Starfleet.

::OFF::

Captain Robert Burke
Commanding Officer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant Gianna De Luca
Chief Counsellor
USS Hecate

 

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