In the nick of time

Posted on 22 Mar 2015 @ 1:31am by Lieutenant Aria Rice & Lieutenant Commander Amynta Markos

859 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 08 - NIMBUS
Location: USS Aventia, Loading Bay
Timeline: MD-02, 13:00

[ON]

"I don't want to," Aria Rice whispered, frowning at the larger man's grip on her shoulder. She looked up at the handsome features...even kind features. This was her own fault, she had been playful and flirty. But she didn't want him. Her mind didn't want him.

Avery looked confused, chuckling as he pulled her closer. "Come on..." he said softly, leaning to kiss her, his other hand gripping the back of her neck.

Aria frowned, pushing hard against him, twisting, trying to get him off him. "No!"

"Let her go," Markos frowned as she stood in the doorway, watching them. Without ceremony she walked over, reaching to insert herself between them, looking up into the tall man's eyes. "She said no. It means no. So you step back, you apologise and you pray that she doesn't go and report you. Do I make myself quite clear, Mr Harlowe?"

Harlowe watched her with shock before looking over at Aria. "I...I am so sorry," he said, meaning it. "I thought...I thought you weren't being serious. I..." he frowned, shaking his head...genuinely upset at the misunderstanding. "Aria, I am so sorry."

Aria looked at him before letting out a breath, taking a moment just to calm down. "Look...it's not okay. But...I know you weren't believing me. So..so I forgive you. Just don't...ever...do that again. To me or anyone else. You're not a rapist. I...I know. But I didn't want to be kissed."

"I'm sorry," he repeated, nodding at acceptance of the words. "I just..." he hadn't been rejected before. It was a new experience. "I'm sorry."

Markos watched them before sighing. "Harlowe, get out of here. Now," she said, watching him go before turning to Rice. She reached out, to touch the young woman's shoulder. "Are you sure you do not wish to report him?" she asked quietly. "It can be done. What he did was inexcusable and you shouldn't feel pressured not to report him."

Aria watched Markos with surprise. Not just the words...but that she was being reasonably friendly. She didn't think she had it in her. "I..." she stopped and shook her head. "No. I don't want to ruin his career over this. And it was a mistake on his part but...he isn't evil. And he was as shocked as me when he realised I didn't want it. But...but thank you, ma'am."

Amynta held her eyes before nodding, stepping back. "Come to my ready room. You need something for the shock," she said bluntly, leading the younger woman with her to her Ready Room. She got her a glass of brandy, offering it to Aria before sitting down, watching her. "Are you going to be okay working with him? Because I have no qualms about moving him off the bridge."

Aria sipped the brandy, closing her eyes for a moment before taking a breath. "I'll be okay," she said softly, watching the other woman closely, biting her lip. "Really, I will be okay. He didn't rape me, he just kissed me. It's not that bad...I will be okay. It was just...I didn't want him to kiss me. I like..." she stopped and looked away. "I like someone else."

Markos chuckled softly, nodding at that. "Well, just...be careful. And I will keep an eye on you. This isn't something you can necessarily brush off, or should have to. I run a tight ship...if he tries anything, you come to me. At once. Understood, Lieutenant Rice?" she met her eyes, her own serious.

"Yes ma'am," Aria whispered, finishing her drink before placing the glass down. She regarded Markos for a long moment, taking in her features. "I...thank you. You've been...really understanding."

Markos frowned at the words before shaking her head. "Don't see if there is anything else I can be. I am human," she said before arching an eyebrow. "And he was in the wrong. You're my responsibility while you're under my command. So, I will make sure you are okay. And if you do not wish to report it or see a counsellor...then this is all I can offer."

Aria nodded at that, looking away. "I don't want a counsellor...or need one. Thank you..." she met her eyes and stood, slowly. "Thank you for the drink and the support, ma'am."

Markos stood as well, giving her a nod. It was awkward now. She wasn't used to and didn't like the tone of her voice. Gratefulness. It didn't sit right with her. "It's nothing, Rice. So no need to thank me," she said before motioning to the door. "Dismissed."

Aria let out a breath, nodding before leaving...and oddly enough, feeling better than she thought she would. She would be fine, she knew it. Harlowe wouldn't harm her, she knew that too. So it would be okay. And besides...it was a few more days. That would be okay.


[OFF]

Lt. jg Aria Rice
Security/Tac
USS Aventia

Lieutenant JG Avery Harlowe
Science Officer
USS Aventia

&

Lt. Commander Amynta Markos
CO
USS Aventia

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