Ensign Elijah Kovacs: Hello Mr. Rude
Mark P
(( Gymnasium, Deck 5, USS Octavia E Butler ))
It was always hit or miss with Eli when it came to socializing with others; either they struck it off right away, like he and Miash had, or he fumbled through the conversation like he had with Arlill. Now, he was the sole other occupant of the gym, and Eli had attempted to start a conversation, but it definitely needed more kindling.
Arlill: Eli (beat) how are you doing?
Kovacs: I was thinking upper body today — it’s my first time here but seems straightforward. (beat) Did you need a spotter?
Eli played that back in his head for half a second, the chief hadn’t asked what he was doing but rather how. But before he could tack that on, someone the ensign didn’t recognize emerged from the change room. Kovacs’ eyebrows furrowed, he was sure he hadn’t seen this guy before, the orange and bluish hair was not familiar to him, and they had now been on the OEB for several months.
Henri: He’s already got one ensign.
The man seemed pretty rude; not even introducing himself before wedging in between them. Eli wondered if there was a hint of protectiveness or jealousy.
Kovacs: Uhhh…
Then the chief took control.
Arlill: I guess I’m all set Eli, but thanks. (beat) ::a look of concern crossed his expression:: How’s Lhandon doing.
Kovacs: He’s… he’s doing (unsure) alright? (beat) Thank you for writing that letter for him at the trial, I know that he values you… and your relationship.
Arlill: ::a little quieter:: not that that has much value anymore. (beat)
Henri: What was that Toxin?
There was a look that Toxin shot the mysterious man, and then he returned his gaze to Eli.
Arlill: Not much value in that letter but hopefully it helped a little.
The other man had started to warm up with his own light workout, and Eli had somewhat unconsciously shuffled his feet so that the guy was behind him.
Kovacs: Don’t discredit yourself (smiling) There was a lot going against him, and I must think that every little bit helped. Even if it just made that SCI work a little bit harder given the sponsorship he had, it was worth it. There’s nothing worse than just doing nothing… especially when it’s both a friend and a department colleague.
Eli wondered if the last part was laying it on a bit thick. From Lhandon’s accounts, the chief was a large part of his life and there seemed to be a sudden shift in the relationship. And from what Nilsen had shared with him, it didn’t seem like it was a logical change; but maybe he was leaving something out.
Arlill: Well that’s good. (beat) I’ve not had the opportunity to catch up with him (beat) you know (beat) work and all. (beat) I heard he was back on board, so I assumed all that ends well… ::trailing off::
Kovacs: I’m surprised he’s not here; this is starting to become his second home away from home. Him and Morro at least. Have you guys worked out a lot together?
Arlill: Umm, not really, Lhandon tried teaching me a few routines, but I’ve been working out for ye… (beat) a while.
Eli’s eyes flicked over Toxin, as if he was taking an inventory of his athleticism. It was clear that he took good care of himself, but Eli had heard that the gym contributed greatly to both physical health and social needs. However, it seemed like he had enough of chatting about their mutual acquaintance.
Arlill: How’s the shore leave been for you so far?
Kovacs: Good, calm. Just how I want it. Una’s organizing some sort of party, so that should be fun. Other than that, just staying aboard the ship and trying to take it easy before our next… adventure. How about you?
Arlill: I’ve not left the ship beyond visiting the Dyson Ring for work, otherwise I’ve kind of enjoyed the quietness of the ship with so many away.
Eli nodded, at least this was a sentiment that they shared. He noticed Toxin steal a glance backward to the other man, and then back to him.
Arlill: Actually, you mind spotting me?
Kovacs: Sure. ::stepping behind the bench::
Arlill: ::beginning the set:: You had any opportunity to get over to DS14?
Kovacs: ::looking downward and shaking his head:: Not this round, but I’ve been there before. It’s nice to see a modern take on starbase design; the transparent ceiling gives a breathtaking view and I hear that the Dyson ring had a similar design.
Arlill: Response
This time Eli took a look backward at the man and then to Arlill.
Kovacs: So… who is that guy? I’ve not seen him around before.
Arlill: Response
Kovacs: (pursing his lips before responding) I thought I knew everyone down there; my last couple of duty assignments have been repairs after the ‘ingenuity’ overloaded several consoles and EPS manifolds.
It looked like Arlill’s grip was about to buckle, so Eli placed his hands just a few centimetres below the bar in case he faltered. He’d never spotted before, but this was what he’d seen others do and assumed it was the right action.
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Ensign Elijah Kovacs
Engineering Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)