Lt Ross - Romantic Insights

[Hannah S]

(( Director's Office - Black Tower - Starbase 118 ))

Ross had no idea how it had happened: But suddenly he found himself entangled in the romantic tales of his very own boss. And not only that - he even inquired further. 

Ross: So - what happened with you two?

She finally returned her attention to him, sipping her drink.

McLaren: It started innocently enough. Casual flirting on some shoreleaves... you know... but then she left Starfleet.

That sounded all too familiar. Ross hesitated for a second. 

Ross: For what reason?

McLaren: Before she left Starfleet... she took a shuttle into Cardassian space... without the knowledge of our Captain, to rescue her only remaining family. :: She paused. :: I covered it up for her... and then she never came back.

He subconsciously held his breath. Sol, of all people, covering for another crewmate although she probably knew better? It was weird to imagine her as a young Ensign or Lieutenant without the strict moral code and icy demeanour she carried around today. But somehow it made sense. 

Ross: And after that... you never... - ?

McLaren: I transferred to 118 shortly after, and then some time into my tour here... I was pulled for a long term undercover assignment. I never stopped looking for her though...

He tilted his head slightly. 

Ross: But you never found her? 

She shook her head.

McLaren: Oh no... I found her. :: She gave him a pointed look. :: Im very good at my job Evan. Especially when it comes to someone I care about. :: She chuckled. :: I tracked her down on shoreleave to Starbase 104... traveled all the way there. Confessed my love for her. She wasn't ready to return to the fleet... but we decided to give the long distance thing a shot.

This became wilder and wilder. Ross inhaled sharply, not even noticing how his hand clenched around his glass. 

Ross: So... what happened then? Did you stay together? 

McLaren: We tried... but at some point I realized that it was unfair to her when missions would pull me away for long periods of time. :: She paused. :: We--I called it off... :: She sighed. :: I haven't seen or heard from her since... probably been four or so years now.

He tensed his jaw and gave an understanding nod. 

Ross: Yeah, I... I get that. Long distance isn't easy. Especially with an unsteady life like ours. You did what you thought was best for her. 

He paused for a moment before taking a sip. He felt weirdly honoured by the way Sol had opened up to him. 

McLaren: ? 

Ross: Thanks for sharing that. You didn't have to. 

McLaren: ? 

He shook his head lightly, struggling to find the right words.

Ross: No, I... she wasn't the first I kinda messed up with. At least this time we talked about it. I guess we are on good terms. That's more than I can say about other people.

He gestured faintly, subconsciously shrinking into his seat with guilt. 

McLaren: ? 

Ross: I'm just not good with distance. It's a big commitment and I... I don't know. Sometimes I think I became kind of a weirdo, being out there all these years on my own. It's hard to put into words, but I... ::he trailed off:: I guess I'm just good on my own, a lot of the time. I mean I like people. I get along fine with most of them. But once they're gone... ::he bit his lip:: Yeah, I just kind of let them down. It's a pattern. And I didn't want this to happen with her too. T'Reyna just deserves better. She's a good one, you know? You don't meet those very often.

He managed a wry smile, although it was drenched in pain. She was gone. Maybe forever. All he had now were some soft memories and a good whiskey burning down his throat. 

McLaren: ? 

--

***

Lieutenant Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
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