Merry, merry...

[linnis_paris]

::shoves another inventoried med tray back into its proper place, moving on to next

Comments

[lieutenantkim]

::checks chronometer, frowning in annoyance::

::looked in mess, looked in Delta Flyer, looked in observation lounge::

::no Linnis::

::plows through sickbay doors as soon as they open, giving cursory glance to sole occupied biobed before finding the missing::

Lin.

[linnis_paris]

::jumps, very nearly dropping tray::

::blows out a breath, turning to check on Secorro::

Quiet, Harry.

[lieutenantkim]

Isn't it about time she came around anyhow?

::shrugs before reprimand can be given, stepping further into room::

I'm sure she appreciates your company, but couldn't someone else be just as good at the job?

You went out for snacks-

[linnis_paris]

Those.

Yes...well, I checked in the mess and didn't see anything I thought we would want, so I was going to go replicate something...but then I wanted to come check on something for a minute...

[lieutenantkim]

Of course.

::folds arms, staring::

Three hours ago.

You know, Linnis, you're beginning to outgrow the term 'workaholic'. In fact, pretty soon I'm sure you'll move a mattress and pillow in and we'll never see you outside sickbay again.

It's Christmas.

[linnis_paris]

::sits tray down::

And you're Buddhist.

[lieutenantkim]

::exhales, unfolding arms and moving a little closer::

That's beside the point.

Call in a relief and I'll wait on you. You should be at home with your family today.

[linnis_paris]

Harry...

::steps away frombiobed, waiting for companion to follow::

Just because most of the crew aboard don't have family within reach doesn't mean they should automatically be consigned to duty on the holiday.

I'll be back in a couple of hours to tuck Renara in. We'll have all the time you could want alone then.

[lieutenantkim]

Don't play martyr with me, either. It won't work. I know you better.

::lowers snap to faint wheedle, grabbing an elbow and tugging linnis_paris close::

Come on, sweetheart.

[linnis_paris]

I don't think so. In fact, I was waiting on kes_ for an examination. It's going to be at least another hour.

[lieutenantkim]

That's a convenient excuse.

I'm surprised she doesn't live here already, just to provide you with ready made test material.

[linnis_paris]

::draws back, staring::

::shakes head, twisting away and returning attention to tray::

Pretty soon she won't be living anywhere at all.

Instead of sulking over my shoulder, why don't you take yourself off to the Flyer and do some actual work toward a solution on your end?

[lieutenantkim]

Fine. I will.

::moves a few paces back, hesitating::

But sweetheart, don't you think-

[linnis_paris]

::inhales::

Go, Harry.

[lieutenantkim]

Okay, okay.

::lifts hands in surrender, heading for door::

I'll go. I'll go pick up the brat and head to the Flyer.

Be home in an hour.

[linnis_paris]

Excuse me?