10-20-2025, 12:24 AM
The impromptu jam session had taught the assembled officers a lot about each other. And one thing they were about to learn about Mara was that she had no idea whatsoever how to handle personal compliments. Her caramel complexion had flushed a deep red as she blushed at the kind words from Robin and Aeryn and the look on Hally’s face, and it left her speechless to the point where she didn’t manage to form enough of a coherent sentence to actually ask the Tactical Officer for the drink that had been offered.
I feel so stupid sat here not sayin’ anythin’, but… I don’t really know what to say? These are the biggest steps I’ve ever taken tryin’ to bust through nearly 30 years of self-repression. I hoped they’d like it. I wasn’t expectin’ to get actual fuckin’ applause. Hally looked blown away. And that was me. I did that, up on stage doin’ something I’ve always loved but never been able to share because of… Well. Because of me.
Calleja was still quiet as the others performed. She showed her appreciation with enthusiastic applause and a smile with the same genuine warmth from earlier, even if she couldn’t quite find the words to join back in with the conversation.
Quietly she slipped away from the table to go and get herself a strong coffee, hoping the caffeine buzz would help her get out of her own way again. As she punched the code into the replicator control panel, Mara found herself contemplating making a swift exit from the room, to get away from the awkwardness caused by her prolonged silence. It was only a fleeting consideration though. By the time the steaming mug was ready, she’d banished the doubts and headed back to the group.
"I wonder if anyone else will go up after we've finished?" Aeryn asked.
The Security Chief covered her mouth with her hand as she cleared her throat before speaking.
“I could go again,” she said. “And sorry for goin’ quiet on you all. I just… Yeah, I’ve been told I’m good at what I do for the ‘day job’. But compliments on personal stuff? Not so much. Although that’s kinda self-inflicted. I don’t come outta my shell much. Just safer that way I guess? Although everyone ‘round here is teachin’ me that there’s another way, and I think I prefer it.”
The spark of warmth was still bright in her dark eyes as she spoke. This version of Calleja had always been in there, albeit buried deep, but it was the real her. The one she wanted to be more often yet never quite managed to release.
“I did hear you earlier,” Mara said, looking over at Hally. “If you still need someone to play backin’, you got me. That stage is scary. You don’t have to face it alone,” she added with a grin.
== Apologies for the delay, but I think I’m caught up! ==
I feel so stupid sat here not sayin’ anythin’, but… I don’t really know what to say? These are the biggest steps I’ve ever taken tryin’ to bust through nearly 30 years of self-repression. I hoped they’d like it. I wasn’t expectin’ to get actual fuckin’ applause. Hally looked blown away. And that was me. I did that, up on stage doin’ something I’ve always loved but never been able to share because of… Well. Because of me.
Calleja was still quiet as the others performed. She showed her appreciation with enthusiastic applause and a smile with the same genuine warmth from earlier, even if she couldn’t quite find the words to join back in with the conversation.
Quietly she slipped away from the table to go and get herself a strong coffee, hoping the caffeine buzz would help her get out of her own way again. As she punched the code into the replicator control panel, Mara found herself contemplating making a swift exit from the room, to get away from the awkwardness caused by her prolonged silence. It was only a fleeting consideration though. By the time the steaming mug was ready, she’d banished the doubts and headed back to the group.
"I wonder if anyone else will go up after we've finished?" Aeryn asked.
The Security Chief covered her mouth with her hand as she cleared her throat before speaking.
“I could go again,” she said. “And sorry for goin’ quiet on you all. I just… Yeah, I’ve been told I’m good at what I do for the ‘day job’. But compliments on personal stuff? Not so much. Although that’s kinda self-inflicted. I don’t come outta my shell much. Just safer that way I guess? Although everyone ‘round here is teachin’ me that there’s another way, and I think I prefer it.”
The spark of warmth was still bright in her dark eyes as she spoke. This version of Calleja had always been in there, albeit buried deep, but it was the real her. The one she wanted to be more often yet never quite managed to release.
“I did hear you earlier,” Mara said, looking over at Hally. “If you still need someone to play backin’, you got me. That stage is scary. You don’t have to face it alone,” she added with a grin.
== Apologies for the delay, but I think I’m caught up! ==