Part I - I'm starting to worry about his sanity

Posted on Sun Jan 25th, 2026 @ 7:38pm by Lieutenant Xavier & Lieutenant Amanda Rose

1,109 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: Mess Hall

ON:

Xavier was walking towards the shuttle bay when he heard someone call him. He stopped and looked over. "Counselor. I was going to stop by to see you later today."

"Oh, good!" Amanada replied. "Because I was on my way to see you. Wait, that was somewhat obvious wasn't it?" she asked with a slight blush.

"Not necessarily. We could have been walking down the same call and you called out to say hello. But it is good you are here. I wish to thank you for talking to Mr. Tox. He seemed himself when he came to yell at me for sending you to him."

Amanda laughed prettily and heartily. "Yes, I wish I could fully take credit for that. Your mere name seemed to be enough to shake him out of his stupor. Tox is rather oblivious to a lot of things and I have to say the willful ignorance is both frustrating and amusing."

He raised an eyebrow. "It is one of his...better qualities. He is...what on Earth would be known as a lovable goof."

"That's certainly one way to describe it," Amanda replied with a slightly stifled giggle. "Not my type, but then again, he would not be interested in me even if he was." The Counselor stopped and thought about that. "I'm not even certain why I mentioned that. Please excuse it."

She shrugged and asked, "So, was there anything else that you wanted to talk to me about, Xavier?"

"Yes. But first may I tell you that you seem to be rather...hard on yourself. You are an attractive woman. Do not sell yourself short nor allow others to do so."

"Looks aren't everything, Xavier." She shrugged helplessly. "So, what can I do for you?"

"I did not mean in that sense only. You are intelligent and have much to offer. Finding your match takes time but it is worth finding the right one." He sighed. "I have gotten some practical advice from the doctor who is a very to the point and logical man. I now need a romantic opinion. One of your strengths."

Amanda ignored the thoughts about herself. She was not going to get into that discussion when someone else came to her for help. Besides, she had started to accepted that she was doomed to nothing but unrequited love. "I thought that the scavenger hunt was very romantic. Unfortunately, your loveable goof also is oblivious. That said, how can I assist?"

For the first time in his life he laughed in front of someone. "Oblivious is putting it mildly. I thought for sure last night he would figure it out when he came to yell at me but he got distracted and...." He laughed again, the action changing his features by lighting them up.

"You should do that more," Amanda replied, referring to Xavier's laughter. "If you're not going to be a stoic Vulcan, the laughter and smile look much better on you.... Just my opinion, though."

He gave a nod. "I am not prone to laughter. Tox seems to have brought it out of me. Perhaps we can strategize my telling him who I really am. As I said I thought he would have figured it out last evening but he seems as you say oblivious. I have planned a birthday surprise for Mister Tox. I just am not sure if it is ... romantic enough."

"Why would you say that?" Amanda asked curiously.

He shrugged. "I am not the most romantic of persons. Can we perhaps have a coffee and I shall explain?"

"Of course, as long as my coffee is a hot chocolate," Amanda replied with a sweet smile and small chuckle.

He sighed. "That might be a good idea I have already had a few cups myself. I have ... a few days until the reveal anyway."

"So, why are you keeping me in suspense? Let's get that hot chocolate and tell me everything," Amanda answered like an excited teenager.

He sighed. "Very well."

They detoured to the lounge and got their drinks sitting off to the side away from everyone. "I have prepared a three day birthday surprise. One of which I may need you assistance with."

"Three days?" Amanda asked excitedly. "And you think that you're not romantic?" She leaned in towards Xavier and tried to keep her voice low. "So tell me everything!"

He sighed. "I can read romance not execute it well. Ensign Higgins joined the crew from Earth just days ago. I had arranged for him to bring...a few things. We served together on my previous ship as well. Kerbe...Tox had always said if he could have any pet he would have a Fennec fox and so I was able to obtain a tame one. She is in my quarters and surprisingly get's a long with Deimos and Phobos. She will be the second gift. The first will be a replica of the Pluto resort in the Terran system...his favourite place. I had it built on Earth and will be delivered in a few days to him. I have also planned a zero G flight in the observation lounge working the holo inducers to ensure that he feels like he is flying amongst the stars...it is something he mentioned in his letters."

"Your attention to detail is amazing, Xavier." Amanda's eyes sparkled. "It is such a shame that you're not into auburn haired female counselors," she replied with a laugh. "Oh, don't get upset. I'm just teasing. But seriously, Xavier, all of that sounds amazingly thoughtful. If he does not fall head over heels after all of this, then he's a bigger idiot than even I am."

"You are not an idiot. Lieutenant Soren..." He pressed his lips together. "Never mind."

"Lieutenant Soren?" Amanda pressed lightly.

He sighed. "Yes...he's in my department. We attend Vulcan meditation together. He has mentioned that he has an interest in you...he wishes me to play Cupid. I did research it; however, I do not wish to walk around the ship in a diaper."

"I'm pretty certain that was metaphorical, not literal, Xavier," Amanda answered trying not to roll her eyes. Tox and Xavier were definitely a match given their mutual blissful ignorance.

"In any case, let's get back to what you need me for with Tox. Everything sounds planned well."

"Indeed." He paused and then said. "I am starting to worry about Tox's sanity."

"What in particular? He's a lovable goof, as I believe you called it."


To Be Continued...

Lieutenant Amanda Rose
Chief Counselor
USS Ontario

&

Lieutenant Xavier
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Ontario

 

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