Just Wanted To Say Thanks.

Posted on 11 Apr 2012 @ 9:00pm by Lieutenant JG Drusilla McCarthy & Command Master Chief Markum Quinn
Edited on on 12 Apr 2012 @ 4:22am

5,223 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: Episode 01 - Project Sienna
Location: USS Galileo/Holodeck
Timeline: MD-2: 1900

[ON]

Markum walked to the Counselor's quarters and ran the chime. He normally wouldn't of just shown up, but he really wanted to talk to Dru. He just hoped she wasn't too busy to have some fun.

Dru looked over at her door and wiped away a tear from her cheek. It had been a long day and even though the talk with Tarishiana had helped somewhat, the counsellor knew herself she would need time. Debating on ignoring the chime, Dry realised she couldn't do this incase it was someone who needed her. Looking down at the jeans and t-shirt she wore, with her feet left bare, Dru hit the door panel to open the doors. "Markum? Is everything ok? Has something happened to Marcus?"

Markum always could tell when a woman was sad, and had been crying. He wasn't sure if it was his....advanced maturity...heck..he was old.. and old people just knew things he figured. "Yeah, Marcus is great. He's a bit nosy, but he's great. What's...umm...what's going on? Are you okay is the question?"

Dru bit her bottom lip before smiling across at Markum. She knew this was a small ship but she didn't think it'd have been so small that news would spread so quick. She thought she had been so careful at not allowing people to see the truth. Aside from Tarishiana she had avoided people for most of the day. Because she had already gotten a majority of the crew evals done, she figured noone would mind if she took a break for today, if anyone asked shed tell the truth, as a counsellor she needed to ensure she set aside time for the people who needed to call in unannounced and also needed to get files updated. Pulling herself out of her thoughts, she looked back up at Markum, biting her lip harder, "How many people know?"

Markum gave a puzzled look to Dru. "Umm...know what? You have me at a bit of a loss Counselor. I feel a bit lost. All I know is that you've been crying. Now I just was inquiring why."

Dru pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to get her emotions under control before looking back up at Markum. "Sorry. I'm just not having a particularly good day and you seem to be the second person today who's caught me unaware." Dru stepped to the side and indicated for Markum to enter, figuring there had to be a reason he was here. "Was there something you wanted to speak to me about?"

"It's okay. I wanted to see if you wanted to go to the carnival with me. I hear they have a Ferris Wheel and a roller-coaster." He gave her a little nudge on her shoulder and smiled, "My treat. My way of saying thanks for feeding me the other day and listening. Unless of course, you're scared of having a fun time....well, then I'd understand." he added with a chuckle.

Of all the things shed expected the engineer to say it hadn't been that. As he bumped her shoulder, Dru tried to get her head around his suggestion. "You'd like to take me to the carnival?" Dru blushed slightly as she looked down at what she was wearing. The idea sounded....nice, shed never been to a carnival before.

"C'mon. Grab a jacket. It's chilly out tonight. I'll wait here for you...but don't take too long." He smiled. "At my age, time is a precious commodity that I don't have much left of." Markum leaned against the bulkhead.

Dru grinned up at Markum as she came around to the idea, running into her bedroom to grab a pair of runners and a fleece jacket which she rolled up the sleeves of. Grabbing a hair band, she started to plait her hair as she walked back out. "So where are we heading?"

"Holodeck. I have this great program I have had since I was on the USS Quirinal. It helped during those times of homesick-ides." Markum lead her down the short walk to Holodeck 1. "I love having these on the same deck as our quarters. "Have you ever been to a carnival, or fair before Dru? Oh, is it alright if I can you Dru while off duty?"

"I've always hated ranks and formality, so Dru would be good. I hope that you don't mind me calling you Markum?" Dru blushed from the realisation that she had been doing it without his permission. "I...I'm sorry. It was improper that I called you that without your permission." Dru kept her head down as she kept pace with Markum, suddenly wondering if this would be a good idea. Not only had she shown him a disrespect, he was also bringing her to something she had never experienced before, she would probable end up making a fool out of herself.. "I...I've never been to a carnival or fair before."

"I'm not one for formalities either. On the bridge is one thing, but off duty too? I don't care if you call me old geezer really." replied Markum. As the duo stopped outside of the holodeck, Markum inputted a couple commands. The doors opened up and the sound of carnival music, kids laughing, things popping, and screams of exhilaration mixed with more laughter filled the corridor. "C'mon. You have not lived until you have been to the Mars Colonial Fair. Hot dogs, funnel cakes, cold beer. It is a blast Dru."

Dru looked around her, allowing herself to absorb the atmosphere and trying to allow it to push back everything else she was feeling. She understood Markum had brought her here to have some fun and she wanted to try her best to let that happen. She felt she'd no friends...here was an opportunity for it to happen. "Ok....so what first?"

Markum smiled and let out a chuckle. "Okay, you asked for it. Roller coaster time Dru. I hope you went to the bathroom, this may make you pee yourself." He laughed as he pointed up to the enormous thrill ride. It was five stories, and ran with a long, connecting two seated car-system. "That, Dru, is the Sol systems fastest rollercoaster. Feeling brave?"

Dru went suddenly white as she looked up, up and further up still...even with her head tilted back, she struggled to see the top. "You the ship's engineer...is it safe? I guess we can give it a try but you'd better have a grav lift to hand to get my back to my quarters after I loose all ability to walk from the fright." Dru smiled over at Markum as she found that his sense of enjoyment was infectious.

He grabbed her by the hand and tugged, like a kid wanting something from his parent..."C'mon Dru. You'll be fine. It'll age you twenty-years after the first drop...but you'll never feel more alive." He guided her to the ominous structure. As they approached the the front of the line he asked. "Front, or back?"

Dru laughed as she allowed Markum to tow her along, "Can you afford to add another 20years to your life..."Dru couldn't resist adding the next part after his last comment,"...old geezer." Dru weighted up the options, sit up front where when the roller coaster dropped it would all be experienced head on, or sit at the back, watching the people infront disappear before you were due to. Looking at Markum's enjoyment she knew there was only one option, "It has to be upfront doesn't it."

"Of course." Marlum was just as excited to ride it on the holodeck as he was the first time he rode it as a kid. The ride came to a stop and the doors opened, and the safety latches rose over each seat. he jumped in first, then offered a hand to help Dru down into place. He reached over his head and pulled down the safety device. then he turned his head towards Dru. "Pull that down like so, and we are ready to go. Did I mention it is a five story drop on the first drop, right?"

As Dru took Markum's hand to lower herself down she started to wonder if this had been such a good idea. Reaching up to pull down the safety device over her shoulders and chest she realised that there was now no going back. Going slightly white at Markum's words, Dru took a deep breath, "And you waited until I was tied in before telling me this? I guess at least I can always close my eyes."

Markum chuckled loudly. "You can't close your eyes Dru. Just before the droop, put your hands up as high as you can get them." He turned towards he and gave her a wink, "Trust me." he said just as the cars swooped out of the terminal and began their slow, steady climb to the apex. Markum began laughing loudly.

Listening to Markum laughing, Dry started to wonder if she'd just let herself be lead astray by a madman. How on earth had she missed this aspect of Markum during the psych eval? Mind you she hadn't had a proper psych eval yet. Watching the accent of the car, Dru realised that this really hadn't been a good idea but there was no way to back out now. Turning her head to the side she suddenly smiled, "I'm going to make you pay for this old man."

Just before the drop he replied in an almost child-like giggly voice, "What happened to respect you elderrrrrrrrrsssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" scream Markum as the car went over the edge into the 93 degree drop.

Dru screamed as she realised she was about to die. The absolute fear coursing through her veins had her forcing her eyes to stay open. The only word she could utter was, "MMMMMAAAAAARRRRRRKKKKKKKUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMM"

Markum caught his breath and began laughing hysterically as the cars were vaulted skyward while barrel-rolling into a tight 370 degree loop-DA-loo. He knew that Dru would never forget this experience...and he may not live if she got her hands on him.

Dru had finally managed to get her eyes closed but it hadn't stopped the sensations her body was experiencing of being turned upside down and being thrown from side to side. As she felt the car start to slow, Dru turned her head in Markum's direction, "I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" Dru had begun before the car was thrown into a downward fall again, sucking the air our of her chest.

After a few more short turns and twirls the cars finally came to a stop with a loud >WHOOOSH<. As the safety guards lifted Markum looked over to Dru, and started laughing once again. "See, trust me."

Dru tried to catch her breath before attempting to put her feet back on the ground. Making one small movement at a time, Dru concentrated on the ground and trying to stand. Unable to do anything more, she eventually looked up and glared at Markum, still unable to speak.

Markum reached down and put his arms under her arms and lifted her up to her feet and swung over to rest her and himself on an empty bench. "Dru? You okay? Dru?"

Dru opened her mouth to say something but found she still couldn't find any words. Looking over at Markum she suddenly felt her shoulders start to shake and heard a sound emerge from between her lips. Dru closed her eyes as she realised she was actually laughing. After a few moments, Dru reached up to wipe away the tears. "I'm going to get you back for this." Looking up at the engineer, the counsellor suddenly smiled and found herself leaning across to give Markum a hug. "Thank you."

Markum accepted the hug and returned it. "You are welcome Dru. That still gets me, every damn time I go on it." he replied with a smile. "I hope you forget this real soon....for my sake."

Dru laughed again, shaking her head slightly. "I don't think there's any chance I'll forget that any time soon hun. I'll tell you what. There's something you can do to somewhat make this up to me." Dru pulled back from the hug, staying close to Markum as she looked at him with a very serious face, not giving away that she was still laughing inside.

Markum raised an eyebrow out of curiosity. "What's up Dru?"

Dru leaned in closer, dropping her voice to a whisper, "Do you think you are prepared to take on the challenge?"

Markum looked around and then back to Dru. "Umm, sure? But why are we whispering?"

Dru laughed and shook her head, "I'm trying to be deep and mysterious, it obviously isn't working." Leaning back Dry nodded her head towards a booth just behind Markum. "I will forgive everything if you win me a teddy bear."

"Ha, you're on there." He stood up and tipped his head towards the closest booth. It had bottles stacked upon one another in a pyramid fashion. Markum picked up a ball and looked to Dru. "Piece of cake." Markum whizzed the ball and it hit the bottom of the stand, and bounced away harmlessly. "Oops." was all he said as he picked up another ball. This time he took careful aim and threw the ball into the center of the bottom row, causing the bottles to fall to the ground.

"We have a winner!" yelled the booth operator. Markum looked to Dru. "Pick one. Anyone."

Dru surveyed the prizes on offer and felt her eyes light up as they landed on one in particular. The stuffed bear was shaped like an earth seal with was white in colour and black whiskers. Around it's neck was a little grey scarf with furry balls on each end. He was only the length of an american football, but Dru knew instantly he was that one. "That one please." Dru smiled over at the vender as she pointed at the seal and then smiled softly at Markum.

The vendor grabbed the fuzzy animal and handed it to Markum. He in turn handed it to Dru. "Here ya go. It's a cute little furball" remarked Quinn.

Dru turned and gave Markus another hug before pulling back and taking the teddy, cuddling it in her arms. "I think I'll call him Markum...pay back for the roller coaster." Dru bit her lip to stop her grin from getting broader.

He laughed at the name. "Well, I suppose it it could be worse. The fuzzball could be pink and lacie-looking. I'm glad you decided to hang out with me Dru. I felt like I had to do something for you, since you did so much for me. I would not want your job. When an engine, or a console won't do what you want, or is in need of counseling...well..I counsel it with a wrench, a kick, and I have found that even cursing at it helps. But you can't..well...with some of us you could, but in general you get stuck listening to a bunch of whining. So anyway. You're a great sport, and a good friend Dru."

Dru looked at the ground as she instinctively hugged the seal closer. With all of the excitement of the carnival, Dru had forgotten she was anyone except the human being known as Dru. Markum's words had brought her back to reality, she was the counsellor of this ship.

Feeling a tear slip down her cheek again, the young counsellor reached up to wipe it away. She looked up to smile at Markum, understanding he really was trying to be kind to her. She remembered how he'd cried that day in her quarters, despite his age and position, he really was so kind at heart. Dru realized that one of her upsets had been having no friends to talk to and being made to feel that no one viewed her as anything more then a counsellor, they forgot she was a person like they who also felt emotions. Here was Markum standing here, telling her he at least remembered who Dru really was. Someone who put herself out there to help others and every once in awhile, deserved to be shown it was recognized she made a difference and at least one person appreciated it. Uncertain how to respond, Dru just hugged Markum again, very tightly, and whispered, "Thank you."

Markum held Dru, and let her hold on as long as she wanted. "Hey, hey. Easy Dru. It's okay...something tells me this has more to do than winning the fuzzy thing. Besides, I always win on these. The program level is set for novice level. My dog could win at these games." Markum wasn't sure what this was really about, but he had a pretty good idea. "Would it make you feel better if I let you hit someone with a wrench? I do it to Willis all the time. It's a great stress reliever. "

Dru still held Markum in a hug, she felt like someone actually cared about her. Only with Lirha had she felt this way before, but that seemed different to this. Listening to Markum's words, the young counsellor suddenly couldn't stop her shoulders from shaking, this time realising it was from laughter. Pulling back, Dru wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. "Wouldn't that be detrimental to me? Someone coming to get counselling on why their boss likes hitting them with hammers?"

Markum found her laughing contagious, and joined in. "Well, think of it as I'm sending you business, besides, he likes it. You should see what his wife does to him." Markum looked down at Dru, then wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes. "You are too funny. Scary thing is, you get my humor. Not many do."

Dru smiled softly, wiping away the last of her tears. "Remind me to get Willis in for his psych evaluation sooner rather then later." Dru turned and looked around, seeing a small park, she took Markum's hand, tugging him along. "Your humour is easy to understand as its part of who you are, a kind hearted person. Your one of the people who I took up the profession of counselling for. Because your the people who make life enjoyable for everyone else but forget about yourselves sometimes."

"C'mon Counselor. Your revelation will destroy the hard-ass grump image I've worked so long and hard to portray." Markum said with a chuckle as he followed Dru. "So what about you? What brought you to Starfleet anyway? Nice young lass like yourself, I'm sure you could of done anything."

Dru smiled again at Markum's words, looking at him overhear shoulder, "Be careful now...This could end up as a counselling session with me as the patient. Should I be worried I've got competition for my job?" Dru laughed again before looking back around, tightening the hold on little teddy Markum. She had enjoyed tonight, she was scared if Markum got her to talk it would ruin it for him as he seemed to be enjoying himself also.

"No,no" laughed Markum as he playfully held up two hands, "I'll take the simple things to handle. You know, quantum mechanics, propulsion algorithms, and hitting staff with wrenches and hammers." Markum looked down at Dru. "I'm not interested in doing any Psyche Evals, I just want to make new friends, and you get the honor of being one...although Willis is a friend too..okay, you can be one of the friends that I don't hit with hammers."

Dru laughed and shook her head, looking up into Markum's eyes, "So I fall into the category of friends you'll hit with wretches and scare the living daylights out of at carnivals?"

Markum laughed at Dru's comment. "Yeah, imagine what I do to someone I don't like."

"Hum.....Do you think I need to be giving you counselling on anger management?" Dru wondered why she was managing to have so much fun. "I joined Starfleet to escape the confines of my family. My first assignment was deep space exploration and I fully realized how much I loved being amongst the stars. The stars are just there...a guide to where we are going acting as a beacon of hope."

Markum nodded in agreement. "yeah, something about that first time out that you feel so close to the stars that you swear you could touch them. While in college on Andor, that is where I started falling in love with space, and all the possibilities it held for an engineer."

Dru stopped at a railing and leaned over to fold her arms against it, looking at the aforementioned stars. "Why engineering? I mean you told me before it runs in the family, most people would outright rebel in those situations but you only rebelled against the family company, through it all you still love engineering."

Markum leaned back aginst the railing and looke up, "The passion to build was always there. The joy of taking raw materials, and producing a home for the homeless, a school for a child to learn, a tower for industry to thrive....or a starship to explore the stars. That passion is still alive, and it burns deep and hot inside me still. Just now, I can do more of it, in more places, and explore and call my home...space." He closed his eyes and took a moment of deep thought, knowing he had never been in a happier place. "Finding your destiny in this mess we call life is hard. Most never do, but the few that have, there is no greater joy........and that Dru, is hitting people with wrenches."

Dru laughed and hit Markum with the seal, "Sounds to me like you have underlying issues that you need to hit people with wrenches. It's not healthy....for the people you hit as well as yourself." Dru leaned up and kissed Markum on the cheek. "Thank you for tonight. I found myself in a dark hole and you've really helped pull me out off it." The young counselling craned back her head and looked at the stars again. She smiled to herself at the slight irony that her friend Dexter on the Gladiator had been an engineer and now her new friend was one also. "Life isn't as easy as it should be but at the end of the day it's more manageable when you have friends there."

Markum gave a playful nudge to Dru. "You're an okay person...for a counselor. Dru, you have an opportunity to make lots of friends here....I'm glad to call you my friend....and don't knock the wrench therapy until you try it." he added with a large smile.

Dru felt her smile slip slightly at the mention of making friends, isn't that what she'd been trying to do? Outside of Tarishiana and Markum, everyone else had just viewed her as a counsellor...except Lirha. At least now she had a starting point, no matter how upset she became and how hard things became, she had made 2-3friends and that's what counted. Smiling full beam again, Dru hit Markum on the arm again with the seal, "I think I prefer the Markum Jr therapy. Might help me knock some sense into my patients."

Markum laughed out loud, "Some hook you have there Dru. Try it on Willis next time he comes crying." He rubbed his arm and smiled. "It's proven therapy. Engineer tested and approved."

"No....it sounds like the only therapy Willis needs is a hug if his wife and his boss keep knocking him about. I think I'll keep this therapy for you." Dru swung the seal again and laughed. "What do you think the crew would say if they saw us now? Lirha might have second thoughts." Dru blushed and bit her lip as she realised what she had let slip.

"The captain?" Markum gave a look of confusion to Dru. Markum blushed a bit abd said, "So, you and the CO are..umm...together?....Cool. Love and let live, I always say. Whether they are the same sex, or...umm...twenty years your junior....go for it. Love is a wonderful thing."

Dru kicked a stone on the ground. She'd hoped he might have thought it was her job she was referring to, she hadn't realised he'd realise the true meaning. "Don't tell anyone.....It's kinda still in early stages." Deciding to try relieve the awkwardness, Dru swung the seal again at Markum's arm.

"Okay, okay. I'm the youngest of a bunch of kids. I know how to keep secrets...usually. Don't worry about it. No one will care anyway, and if they do...use my therapy treatment on them. They'll only complain once." He said with a chuckle and broad smile. "You're okay Dru. You're okay. Still the only counselor I ever liked too...but don't repeat that, or back on the rollercoaster for you young lady."

Dru feigned horror and took a few steps back, "Noooo!!!Not the roller coaster...anything but that!!!!" Dru tried to keep a straight face but ended up bursting out laughing. Wiping away the tears Dru smiled up at the old engineer. "So is it time to go or do we have time for one more?"

Markum shrugged his shoulders. "One more sounds fine by me...if you dare." he said with a nudge.

Dru glared at Markum,"I am NOT going on that roller coaster again...given that's the scariest ride I think I can manage anything else...Except the tunnel of love, you can smooch Markum Jr if you want to do that ride, or I could give Willis a call..might be good, you two doing some male bonding."

"Markum smiled and shook his head. "Oh-no! Willis would end up falling in love with me. That kid has been following me around for the past seven years. I even introduced him to his wife, and was his best man. He's like another son to me almost. Although the seal is tempting...."

Dru looks down at the seal and back at Markum, "Do you promise not to throw him overboard if he doesn't kiss back? I am so not wearing the right clothes and footwear to go after him."

"Yeah...I can't promise that." Markum smiled at the fuzzy toy. Then looked back at Dru. "I'm glad I could sway you out of your quarters for a while this evening Dru. You have been a trooper, and you don't look so stressed. I had a lot of fun with you tonight."

Dru blushed and looked down at the ground, nudging a stone with her foot. "I'm better at listening then I am talking.....This meant alot. It's easy for people to say they are friends but to go out of your way and show it..it means alot." Dru felt her cheeks getting hotter. "Thank you."

Markum put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a nudge. "No need to thank me Dru....but you're welcome. Now quit gettin all sappy on me...now where is that wrench?" Markum laughed as he looked at Dru and offered a warm smile.

Trying to rid herself of the colour in her cheeks, Dru took a few deep breaths before looking up at Markum and smiling, "Maybe Willis hid it?"

"Yeah. That would explain a lot then." Markum continued smiling as he replied. "hey, do you like beer? I mean, real beer. Not this synthahol crap. Cause next time we hang out, I'll have to bring out my secret stash of it and toss a few back."

Dru hesitated for a moment as she normally didn't drink but that smiled up at Markum, "You know what, that'd be nice."

Markum nodded and smiled back, "It's a date then. You can bring...someone if you want too. I can keep my mouth shut. Just think about it. Sometimes it's fun to hang out without the significant other, but sometimes it can make it all that much better. Just food for thought from an old sailor." He placed a hand on Dru's shoulder. "You are going to owe me big for this fine counseling session Dru. I hope you can cook."

Dru started to shake her head about the significant other but stopped. "Markum....Is there someone you wanna bring that you wanna tell me about?" Dru grinned as she realised he was hiding something. "And my cooking...I'm sure I could whip up something nice to say thanks. You wanna invite someone to that also? Or do I get you to myself...well to share with Markum Jr anyway."

Markum's face went red, and he smirked and shook his head. "Umm, well. We'll see about that at a later time. Just let me know about getting together again and hanging out. With or without." He added. "I do have to run though. I have an inspection coming soon, and I really do need to be ready for it." He looked at Dru with sincerity. "Thanks again for being a kid again with me. It's good for the soul. Let's get out of here. I'll walk you back to your quarters...all sixty two steps."

Dru turned and headed out the door, watching as the carnival dissolved around them and watched as the stuffed toy disappeared with the program given they were linked. Feeling a sense of loss, Dru started the short walk back to her quarters. "I forgot that would happen.....how about we leave it as just you and me for the moment? Sometimes it's nice to just be able to get away on your own every once in awhile."

"You bet." answered Markum to Dru. "That sounds fun." The doors to the holodeck closed behind them and they began the short walk to her quarters. "If I live to be one-hundred and ten, I will never forget you on the first drop of the rollercoaster."

Dru bumped her shoulder into Markum while laughing, "Well given it knocked a few years out of me I won't hold my breath that I'll live to a very old age." Arriving at her door, Dru felt awkward but leaned up and gave Markum a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Give me a shout when you want to try that dinner. I'll arrange the food and you can bring the beer."

Markum returned her hug with one of his own. "Now that sounds like an offer I can not refuse." He took a step away, then turned back. "I'll find you a wrench to use for your counseling sessions."

Dru just laughed and shook her head, entering the code to open her quarters, "I think I'll stick to seeing if I can replicate Markum Jr Mark2.Dont forget to tell Willis I want him to come see me. Something tells me he'll need a friend himself." Stepping through the doors, Dru gave a small wave as the doors closed.

[OFF]

--

LTJG Drusilla McCarthy
Chief Counselor
USS Galileo

CWO Markum Quinn
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Galileo

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