Finally, some quiet

Posted on 10 Oct 2021 @ 12:40pm by Commander Kristiana Petrova & Commander Marcus Wilcox

1,124 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Home
Location: Earth, Kenya
Timeline: Still during the hike

The group hadn’t been moving too long, and Marcus was having mixed feelings about this trip. The circumstances of the trip bothered him, however the ability to be planet side away from all the technology was a welcome change of pace. However, the company bothered him, immensely. He glanced over at his cadet, who was still talking. Boasting would have been the right word.

“But I’m sure you knew that,” McKnown stated to Marcus, or possibly to himself at this point, which made Marcus sigh softly.

Gavin Layne came up behind McKnown and Wilcox, just listening in on their conversation, trying to get a feel for the two.

McKnown continued to talk about his exploits at the last fighter display. “Three times! It’s not a record for the maneuver, but pretty darn close. More than anyone else in my class,” He continued to talk, his ego inflating steadily like a balloon. Marcus for a moment hoped that balloon would have buoyancy and make him float away.

In a moment of silence, Marcus turned to the cadet, “Sometimes, actions speak better than words. Silence more profound than words.”

“Oh I hear that!” McKnown exclaimed, taking the statement as affirmation. “You should have seen the prowess we had during combat, we…” McKnown continued, but Marcus tuned him out again. His eyes going back to the hike and the surrounding area. Marcus would give the kid another chance later, possibly when his ego wasn’t in his own way.

"Ah, Commander Wilcox, cadet McKnown," Gavin jogged up a bit to come between the two, interrupting his fellow cadet without even feeling bad for it. "This place is beautiful, isn't it," he added, trying to make conversation about anything else than Jayson's opinion of himself.

McKnown silenced for a moment, and was additionally cut off by Marcus before he could continue. "I would agree, both visually and audibly," Marcus replied emphasizing that last word for McKnown, "Cadet....?" He finished, not knowing the Cadet's name.

"Cadet Senior Grade Gavin Layne. Just Gavin will do," He offered with a nod. "So how are we doing? How's the heat treating you?"

"It sucks," McKnown blurted, obviously uncomfortable with the heat. His clothing showing growing sweat stains.

"The heat is here. I would not describe it as comfortable, however discomfort is the source of increasing the self," Marcus replied.

"But not unbearable," McKnown added, puffing his chest up a little.

"How is your hike Gavin? What department are you with this trip?" Marcus inquired.

"It's going fine. Hot, tiring, but otherwise - well, look around you, this place is gorgeous," Gavin smiled. "I'm in the command track, with Commander Petrova," he spoke the name with a glance over in Kristiana's direction.

A subtle smile crossed Marcus’ face at the shudder. He understood the glance and shudder from the cadet. He recognized that the Commander wasn’t the easiest to read as a cadet. “A lot of responsibility in the command track, requiring the balance of knowing a lot of information with not knowing but knowing who does. With doing but letting others do as well. It is an interesting track to choose.”

McKnown piped up, “That’s why I went fighter pilot. I’d rather do. Delegation, management, that’s all so boring.”

"Boring but necessary. Without command delegating and managing, how are you going to get your ammunition, repairs and targets?" Gavin smiled at McKnown. "I grew up always taking care of my younger siblings. Father died young. Mom was - less than reliable, as a parent. So raising my baby brother and kid sister fell to me. Guess command track was the only option," he mused. "So, why combat pilot? The need for speed? The call of freedom?"

“To be hands on, to be there,” McKnown replied, not really knowing how to explain his ego and need for adrenaline without sounding like a fighter pilot. He tried to search for a better explanation. “I couldn’t be stuck at a desk.”

"Yeah I can see that," Gavin agreed. "It's certainly a strong call. Part of me wishes I could be out there too, but then - part of me likes the responsibility, the idea of it at least, of being the hand of the federation, guiding its fingers. I'm the hand guiding the sword. You're the sword making the cut."

“Well put,” Marcus said after a moment of silence, noticing McKnown’s lack of knowing what to say next. Marcus wagered McKnown had the gumption for the job, but not the poetics yet. He glanced at his fellow Commander for a moment before looking back at Gavin. “Metaphors are sometimes the easiest way to learn things. Do not forget to step back yourself occasionally. Sometimes under the roughest of cuts is a pure gem.”

"Mm," Gavin agreed. "Being able to describe or explain something poetically shows understanding of the subject matter. Don't you agree, McKnown?" He asked, glancing over at his fellow cadet.

"I guess," McKnown replied, his ego obviously starting to deflate slightly. His attention shifted to the landscape around them, a deflection away from the discomfort the conversation was starting to bring on him.

"You ok?" Gavin quirked a brow, flashing a half smile. "Just a minute ago you had all the answers. Could barely get a word in edge wise. Something wrong?"

“Pfft, no I’m fine,” McKnown shot back quickly. “I think we are lagging behind some, we should catch up,” He added, quickening his walking pace.

Marcus looked at Gavin as he picked up his pace to keep up with McKnown. He smiled but shook his head subtly. “Let us enjoy the day this world brought us.”

"Mm," Gavin replied, waiting a moment until McKnown was out of earshot. "Sorry, had to make a comment. Couldn't resist. He's a good kid really, seen him around. Gets loud when he's enthusiastic. Or insecure. But, dependable."

"The recommendation of another person is a serious position to take," Marcus replied, contemplating the statement. "Many a student has enthusiasm past their knowledge. Not necessarily a bad thing."

"Provided they have the patience and curiosity to allow their knowledge to catch up to their enthusiasm," Gavin mused, nearly stumbling over a wayward root but keeping his balance. Barely. "I'm not built for this kind of hike," he added.

“We will all have our discomforts we will have to contend with this trip,” Marcus replied. “Discomfort is what helps us become who we will be,” He ended with a warm yet neutral smile.

"Yeah. Just wish it were more - " Gavin paused a moment, trying to find the right word. "Comfortable." he eventually settled on.

Marcus chuckled at the answer as they walked along the path.

 

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