Private Thomas “Teddy” O’Reilly & Lieutenant JG Lhandon Nilsen: Budding Friendship?
Toxin Arlill
(( Marine Barracks, Gator Deck, Deck 12, USS Octavia E Butler ))
The new rank of Private First Class brought its perks. Teddy had just finished moving his few possessions to his new top bunk after his old roommate was promoted to Lance Corporal and moved into new quarters. Teddy's new roommate hadn't yet arrived but was expected before the ship left DS 14. Until then, Teddy was going to enjoy the single quarters for a bit.
Teddy pulled a seat over to the edge of the bed, sat down and put his feet up. He was about to take a deep breath when the door chime rang out.
O’Reilly: Come in.
Nilsen: O’Reilly, it’s Nilsen
O’Reilly: My fellow Gaultan, how are you?
Nilsen: I’m good yeah…you’re doing alright I guess?
Lhandon was close to surprised at the greeting, it was friendly and maybe this will be less painful then first he thought. The adage “don’t stare the giftehorse in the mouth” likely applies here.
O’Reilly: Just got a promotion, so feeling good right now.
Nilsen: I noticed, well deserved.
He paused for a moment, and a silence came between them for a short moment, Lhandon spoke with a slight hesitation, as if he had been in deep thought.
Listen, I erm wanted to talk to you about a few things. Can I sit down?
O’Reilly: Oh! Of course, how can I help?
Lhandon sat across from Thomas, the reason he was here, he didn’t relax, rather he lent forwards as he sat, like this was serious and O’Reilly needed to listen.
Nilsen: So first, I never got around to saying thank you for the pick up on Cheyd'lang, after the broadcast, you know when you’re team came down to help us out. I don’t remember much of that but I know you were there and you didn’t have to come down so…erm…thank you.
O’Reilly: No thanks needed, I go where I’m ordered to (beat)
Teddy realized how that sounded and quickly corrected.
O’Reilly: Of course I’d come help out a fellow Gaultan any time.
Nilsen: I mean that whole period was not fun in slightest but…it gave me a lot to think about and I thought about why us two were fighting and it’s fecking stupid. Why should we be at each other throats just because of the choices our parents did, or didn’t make?
O’Reilly: I guess the generational anger ended on Earth but kept carrying on up here.
Nilsen: So if you’re happy to bury the hatchet, then so am I?
Lhandon holds out his hand for Thomas. A peace offering given with sincerity.
Teddy paused; he didn't want to insult the large figure before him. He had been raised to despise those who didn't align with the Ferengi coalition. However, he now felt conflicted. The Ferengi weren't honoring their agreement, and the Nilsen’s were aiding his family. Teddy wasn't typically an emotional person, but the conflicting feelings of anger and relief were stirring up his usually dormant emotions.
O’Reilly: I think I can, but I can’t speak for the rest of the family. ::he reached out and shook Nilsen’s hand::
It did feel like some relief to take that off his chest, he knew it would take more convincing for his parents, but that would take time; it’s hard to fix generations of animosity.
Nilsen: I can appreciate that and same for mine, they’ll take work.
O’Reilly: You want a drink?
Lhandon didn’t expect that, but he was glad it was going this way. The two were not fighting anymore. He of course knew as that it would take time to persuade his own father that he was doing the right thing by making good with an O’Reilly but they are an entire quadrant way.
Nilsen: I’d like that. Writers room?
O’Reilly: That sounds good, I haven’t tried it out yet. Us marines usually stick to the canteen down here.
Teddy realized he probably shouldn’t share the marine’s less known “secret” drinking destination for when off duty. It really was just one of the marine’s quarters that converted into a speak easy of sorts after hours.
Nilsen: I’ve noticed, Max is the only one I see out and about you. You lot know there’s more then one deck to this ship right ::smile::
Following Nilsen to the door, Teddy stopped at the mirror he used to check his uniform, he adjusted his silver chevron and followed Lhandon for that drink.
Nilsen: Poser.
Lhandon smirked and let out a small laugh, he wasn’t serious in that, just a small jab, a sign that they weren’t rivals anymore.
O’Reilly: I’m sorry Lieutenant, oh I mean Lieutenant JUNIOR GRADE… you get that promotion yet? ::smirking::
Nilsen: The chevron suits you though
And thus, the rivalry of O’Reliy and Nilsen comes to an end, at least between the two sons. Lhandon for one was glad to shed the weight of this spat off his shoulders. The two unable to control the events which happened prior but at least, able to control their own narratives going forward.
Nilsen was surprised how painless that was, aside from the nerves at the start, no negation was needed, there was no terms or conditions set up on this, just an agreement between two men who had grown up to bury the hatchet.
[[ End of Scene ]]
Private First Class Thomas O’Reilly
4/73 Marines, USS Octavia E Buttler NCC-82850
USS Octavia E Buttler NCC-82850
Writer ID.: O239910TA4
&
Lieutenant JG Lhandon Joseph Nilsen
HCO & Acting Asst. Chief
USS Octavia E Butler
O240007LN1
He/Him/His (Both player and character)