Shake, Rattle and Roll

[Marcus Garret]

2030
Garden

Making the milkshakes hadn’t taken all that long, but with a few other people trickling through to grab a snack, he’d decided to change the venue. So, he’d sent a message to Major Logan to let her know of the change in venue, and he’d hopped in the nearest teleporter. He was still getting used to the things, but he didn’t want to truck half-way across the city with the milkshakes melting every step of the way.

After returning to active duty, he’d sort of stumbled upon the small garden that he was quickly making his way toward. While the records in the city were lacking in any kind of detail about why the garden was located in the city, it was sort of hinted that it was the private sanctuary of a botanist that had been a part of whatever group of Ancients that had inhabited the city. How the place had survived was a mystery. It was even more extraordinary that the plants hadn’t become overgrown and completely taken over the balcony that they’d occupied. If he had to make a guess, Marcus would have surmised that either the plants were designed to maintain their current balance, or that some kind of robotic gardener kept the place looking as nice as it did.

Walking through the entryway, he sets the glasses on the small table that was off to one side as the lights set near the door bring the ambient light close to what a full moon would give, and moves the two chairs closer to the table. He stops for a moment, and looks around the balcony with a smile. He hadn’t told anyone about the place since he’d found it, and turned it into his own private sanctuary through his silence. The pair of trees at either end gave just enough shade to keep the flowers along the edges from getting burned by the sun lamps that were built into the ceiling, and the bushes along the outer edge had just begun blooming large white flowers that closely resembled the blooms of a Cherokee rose.

He took a seat in one of the chairs, and smiled as he leaned back. He'd started sneaking off to relax here whenever he had the chance soon after he’d found it, and so far, he hadn’t seen anyone else here. With the way things had gone on the mission, he hoped that Major Logan could get even a sliver of the peace he felt whenever he came here.

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2030
Garden

When Katrina received her message to meet Marcus in a spot she had never heard of before, curiosity was killing the cat, so to speak. She couldn’t help but smile as Marcus kept to his word about having his phenomenal shakes waiting for them and a nice long talk. After the mission, it was exactly what the doctor had ordered. Her sessions with Collins were going smoother and more and more memories were becoming unsuppressed and peace started to regain its control over the Major’s inner being, her soul.

Not wanting to be late, the medical officer followed the instructions and walked through the beginning of what seemed like a paradise compared to the violence and despair so common in all the missions the major was accustomed to. Her attire wasn’t anything elaborate. This was a meeting of friends to just sit and talk, wasn’t it? There were so many things flowing through Kat’s mind. But, she also didn’t want to sound or make this acquaintance a psych session she had been fluently attending with Vanessa.

However, the lush green trees filled with small buds and surrounding areas of floral arrangements caught the major’s eyes. She had to take a moment and inhale the scent of the peaceful greenery. She even stopped to admire a small patch of white and red roses set off by from the rest of the garden. Kat took a bud gently within the grasp of her fingers and just enjoyed its rich and intoxicating aroma. Perfect flowed through the medic’s mind as she made her way to the balcony.

Chocolate is a scent that any woman can decipher from yards away. And those shakes were drawing Katrina close to her destination. As she made her way to the balcony, she saw Marcus sitting there almost in a transient state. She didn’t want to surprise him by her appearance, so a soft “hello” formulated quietly from her lips. She walked up to the other empty chair and stood there waiting for his response so as not to startle him. But there were other thoughts flowing through the major’s mind, thoughts that were pushed aside for now as she anxiously awaited to take the first sip of that infamous shake sitting there with her name written all over it.

<Tag: Marcus>

[Marcus Garret]

2031
Garden

Marcus’s smile grew as he heard the footsteps that came closer, and he looked up at Katrina when she offered her greeting.

“Evening, ma’am.”

He gestured at the chair and the shake nearest her as he lifted the other and took a sip through the straw.

“Please, sit. I hope you enjoy the shake.”

He leans back in the chair, occasionally sipping from the drink as he lets his gaze and mind wander. He was quite happy to simply sit and share the scene around them quietly. Naturally, though, words eventually decided to come out.

“I was wandering around right after I got back when I found this place. You might have noticed that the door wasn’t exactly apparent like most of the others here. Took a bit to get it open that first time, but I managed. I’ve been coming up here to relax every once in a while ever since.”

He chuckles a bit before taking another drink from his shake.

“I haven’t filed a report about it, yet. All I’ve been able to figure out is that the room was a kind of personal getaway for one of the botanists before the city was abandoned. I guess the room itself was modified to take care of the plants, or that the plants are modified to look after themselves.”

He looks over at Kat, and winks.

“I haven’t told anyone else about it. So I guess it can be our little secret for a little while.”

He was glad that she'd come. Whether she wanted to talk about anything that had happened, that was her decision. He wasn't going to press her about it. As long as she got to relax a little and get away from some of the others for at least a while, he was happy. It was the little things such as this that he enjoyed. So, sitting back and enjoying some milkshakes for a little while with a dear friend was certainly high on his list of ways to wind down after a mission.

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2031
Garden

”Good evening ma’am” came with a warm smile as Katrina took her seat next to Marcus. ”You know, that’s polite and all, but please call me Kat. Ma’am sounds soooo……old” she finished with a small chuckle before taking her first sip from the cold beverage. The ripples of chocolate and milk slid sweetly down the major’s throat causing a huge “mmmmm” to arise after wards. It may have been a bit embarrassing, but at the moment she simply couldn’t help herself. After another drink (she wasn’t putting this puppy down, brain freeze or not), Garret asked about the drink.

”This is the best one yet” she answered just wallowing in the texture and goodness that came from the shake as it cooled her body almost to a chill. Goosebumps ran softly down her arms, but the medical officer could have cared less even when a small shiver was beginning to emerge from the continual intake of such a good drink.

She listened to him explain the discovery of such a beautiful place and even responded with another chuckle after the explanation of how the place became open. ”Leave it to you to find a way in.” He continued on bringing more curiosity and bit of concern to the reasoning of plants. ”Well, it maybe a secret place, but if either one of us turns purple or develops unnatural behaviors, we’d better report it” she finished almost in a full laugh but still taking in the wondrous cold beverage.

This is what she needed after such a trial and tribulations the last few months. There were many things on her mind. She didn’t want to bother him with her personal life. Kat already knew that half the base was aware of the relationship she already had (or thought was over) between her and her commanding officer. The distance between them was obvious but no one said anything. It was hard. But her current company seemed to lift away that burden and pain. His presence and friendship was something she was so grateful for and wanted to explore further. But how do you start a conversation when everything she had on her mind dealt with the torture and pain she went through.

”Hallowed is the shake maker. All shall perish if they do not indulge in such greatness and taste.”

Maybe that would break the ice, or maybe it would backfire. Only one way to find out.

<Tag: Marcus>

[Marcus Garret]

2032
Garden

Marcus laughed at the joke that she’d made. It was good to see her humor coming out. Of course, he knew that it was only a step along the path toward her recovery. He wasn’t entirely sure how long that might take, but he was happy to see her joking.

“Perish? Nah, that’s a little heavy-handed. Languish in the misery of not having any, perhaps.”

He chuckled a little at that.

“ ‘Sides, it beats anything I got while I was back in the hospital.”

He takes a drink, and shakes his head with a smile.

“Any more than a couple days of hospital food gets really old. I started getting cravings for a cheeseburger after the first week.”

He thinks back to the time, being stuck in the hospital bed with his leg in traction. Not being able to do more than read or work on a computer started taking a toll on his mental state as soon as he was well enough for them to take him off the heavy pain meds.

His thoughts turn back to when the cave-in had happened, trapping him and crushing his leg. The pain had been horrible, but he’d managed, somehow. At least he hadn’t been stuck under the rubble for too long. From the time he was found and freed to the point after most of the reconstruction surgery was completed, he was heavily medicated. They’d had to slowly nurse him off of the opiates because of the time he’d been kept on them. He understood the reasons why they’d kept him on the pain meds for so long, but he never wanted to have to go through the dependency and withdrawals ever again.

“One thing’s for sure, going through that again is definitely NOT on my list of things to ever do again.”

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2032

Kat listened to him and it reminded her of her own trials and tribulations of the past few months. The torture, the training and the mind swiping to believe she had harmed loved ones. Her eyes were blank for a moment, but came back to reality when taking another sip of the shake. Marcus was here for a reason and it was a good one. She knew they had become closer and she wanted to explore it. They were able to open up like books (at least she could) and now might be a good time to let it all out.

Well, maybe not all at once.

”You went through hell and I’m sure you gave those nurses a hard time. I remember how stubborn you were to take medication I gave you for pain” she ended with a sarcastic roll and grin. But then she became serious. The major placed her hand over his arm. ”But I’m glad your back Marcus. I’ve…I’ve missed you” which came out odd but she did. Even with Walker protecting her, Marcus was always there making sure that if Walker was incapacitated, Garrett would make sure she came back home every mission. ”You’ve saved my life a couple of times, and I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”

<Tag: Marcus>

”I know, I know, it’s what we do for each other as soldiers and friends. But lately, it feels like I’m alone. Walk….” she wasn’t sure if she should press the issue or not. He obviously knew of their relationship, but didn’t know just exactly how her feelings were about it. ”Marcus, I’m scared. I’ve changed, he has changed. I’m just not so sure it can be what it was as much as I want it to be. I’m just not so sure it’s meant to be anymore.” Now she felt like she was in Collin’s office. ”I don’t want to bother you with my problems Marcus and I’ll gladly keep quiet. I just wish I had a crystal ball. It seems every time things are looking so well (with Robert and I), something tears us apart, like a higher being trying to tell me something.”

She looked down at the shake and took another sip. Maybe she went a little too far. But Marcus was such a kind heart, she knew he would have words of encouragement or something up his sleeve. It’s the reason she met him in private to begin with. She needed someone right now and maybe right now, it was him.

<Tag: Marcus>

[Marcus Garret]

2033

Marcus smiled at the thought. Unless there was some cosmic beancounter out there keeping track of who owed who, neither of them owed the other anything.

“Kat, you’ve saved my life a few times, too, as I recall.”

Let’s see… there was the time in the jumper with the concussion, and there was the time he’d been shot in the back. Plus there were any number of other times that he just couldn’t remember off the top of his head.

And then she laid the big one on him. He let out a sigh and set down the shake before rubbing the back of his head with his free hand. He wasn’t much of a relationship counselor. Sure, he’d given out some vague, but helpful, advice in the past to some of his co-workers at previous assignments, but that’s all he’d ever done. Small little innocuous tidbits he’d given out (that had gone on to save the day (sometimes) when some small relationship crisis had occurred) were about the only things he’d ever given. This situation, at least as far as he was concerned, was well outside his ball field. He’d do what he could though.

And so, he thinks for several moments before continuing thoughtfully.

“A crystal ball would be more trouble than it’s worth. People change too much for that to be much help. The only constant in the universe is change. The best we can do is to accept that both parties have changed, and either grow closer with the changes, or grow apart because of them. That’s why some people say that someone ‘grew on them’, I guess. We grow closer to some friends, and further away from others. No matter how old someone is, they’re still growing, whether that growth is physical, mental, or spiritual in nature.”

He picks up his shake and looks over apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Kat. That’s about the best advice I can give you. Truthfully, I’ve always been too busy with work or school to even think about a relationship of my own. I don’t regret it, but I sometimes wish that I had taken a little time for myself to find someone.”

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2033

“A crystal ball would be more trouble than it’s worth. People change too much for that to be much help. The only constant in the universe is change. The best we can do is to accept that both parties have changed, and either grow closer with the changes, or grow apart because of them. That’s why some people say that someone ‘grew on them’, I guess. We grow closer to some friends, and further away from others. No matter how old someone is, they’re still growing, whether that growth is physical, mental, or spiritual in nature.”

Kat just looked at him for a moment, blank. She looked at her shake then back to Marcus. That’s when the smile came. The advice was really not much but it somehow tickled her funny bone. With a small giggle, the major just joked back, ”And that’s why you’re the scientific one and I’m not.”

“I’m sorry, Kat. That’s about the best advice I can give you. Truthfully, I’ve always been too busy with work or school to even think about a relationship of my own. I don’t regret it, but I sometimes wish that I had taken a little time for myself to find someone.”[/b]

Ahh, a subject change will only meant Marcus was possibly uncomfortable talking about this situation. Kat could tell. She didn’t mind that he wasn’t able to give her answers. Heck, no one had the answers except Kat. To work through all of this, she just had to keep the faith which was becoming harder and harder to do lately.

”Well I’m sure if you took the time Marcus the line would be long to get their hands on you.” Her face felt a little flushed after that comment making her realize just then how good of a catch was sitting right in front of her. The mannerisms, the looks, the intellect, the caring behavior were all too good to be true. It made her almost envious of not being that special someone in his heart. ”There’s someone out there for you and when you find her, she’s going to be one of the luckiest girls in the galaxy.”

<Tag: Marcus>

[Marcus Garret]

2034

“And that's why you're the scientific one and I'm not.”

Marcus grinned a little bashfully at that. One of his nicknames that had resurfaced from time to time was 'Marcus Aurelius'. There were still times he thought it a little strange to be likened to the Roman emperor that was known for being a philosopher. With the way things were going, he was actually surprised no one in the expedition had called him that, yet.

Then Kat commented on his eligibility, and he felt the burning that accompanied his face going scarlet. He bent his face to his shake with a sheepish look on his face. He'd heard similar comments before on a few rare occasions that he'd been the designated driver during parties for a couple of his female coworkers at his previous units. Despite the fact that he'd heard it before, it still didn't fail to get him worked up. If anything, hearing it from Kat only got him that much more flustered. After a few sips from his drink, he speaks again.

“Thank you, Kat. She may be one of the luckiest girls in the galaxy, but I'll be one of the luckiest guys in the galaxy.”

He shrugs, his face still beet red. “I'm not exactly the most social of guys, and I've always been a bit on the shy side.”

He takes a few sips of his shake before continuing.

“I'm sure you noticed the times I was at some of the social events. I tend to hang out along the edges and play wallflower. That's probably why I was so good as a SERE instructor. I've always preferred small groups or being alone, and wandering around the woods is great for that. It makes it a little hard to meet girls, though.”

His face still a bit flushed, he gives Kat a bashful smile before taking a sip of his shake.

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2035

By now, Kat was stirring the cup with a straw to get the chocolate, somewhat melted area, and still hardened area of the shake to remix. Damn, almost gone already she cursed herself being a pig knowing that once the shake was over, Marcus would probably feel odd sitting and talking for nothing. He seemed so off around females and now the medical officer completely understood why. She offered nothing but subtle smiles back to his obvious uncomfortably crimson features and listened nodding once or twice during his little spout about SERE.

”Maybe Marcus,” she began leaning almost as though she were about embark on a dangerous journey. Her face was close to his, but not dangerously close (well maybe just a little). ”..if you’d take someone on those walks with you in the forest, you might find some comfort or joy pulling deep within the soul that you never dreamed you could feel.” It had been ages since she and Walker did anything together in length. With a head turned and leaning back again, the young medical officer couldn’t even remember the last time the two had any time alone together like this. The major felt a little deceived for the moment thinking back to the last time the two had shared anything remotely as close or intimate as before. It was then she realized just how much she missed the walks they would sneak away to take, the long talks, the arms wrapped around, the…..

Now’s not the time Kat rang a voice deep inside her head, the prior’s voice. Kat closed her eyes tight for a moment whispering, ”please not now” hopefully unnoticeable. There were minute times since her return as a prior where a voice would try and dominate her brain. Only this voice was trying to help her instead of changing the way she focused or believed. After a while of hearing this voice, it became hard to distinguish which part was prior and which part was her conscious breaking through, the one that had been lost for so long.

Hearing the gurgling sips of an almost empty glass, Kat’s heart sank. This is what they came out here to do in secret; to have shakes and talk. But would he really talk without the shake? She placed the empty glass down. ”Damn you Marcus, now I’ve gone and drank the whole thing too quickly” she joked trying to break tension that was there, but was it felt both ways?

Probably not.

<Tag: Marcus>

[Marcus Garret]

2035

There he was, waist deep in a monstrous vapor-lock...

At least, that was what was going through the one miniscule part of his conscious mind that was still functioning properly. He hadn't expected Kat to lean close like that, and he was still recovering from that particular surprise. After several grueling moments of rhythmic blinking and somewhat ragged breathing, he snaps out of the fog, and thinks over what exactly it was that she'd said. So, he comes to the conclusion: 'Hey! That's rather deep and profound!'.

His attention is brought back to the present with the exclamation from his drinking partner, and he subconsciously takes a sip from his shake, only to hear the same gurgling coming from his straw that had just come from Kat's drink.

He blinks at his glass, and then over at her's before finally saying something to break the tension that was still greatly present.

“Well, I could go makes some more, if you want. Or we could just sit here talking... I've always enjoyed spending time with you, and I've liked you for a while now... so...”

Right about then, the part of his brain that filters what exactly comes out of his mouth comes out of the dregs of the vapor lock, and the blush that had only recently receded comes back with full force. He covers his face with one hand, and grimaces as he begins thinking of how he was going to extricate his size 10 boot from his mouth this time. Little wonder he was usually very careful about what he said, and to whom.

'Oh, great, now I've done it! That wasn't supposed to slip out!'

Turning his head so that it was slightly angled away from her, he continues.

“Kat... I'm sorry. I know that you and Colonel Walker have a relationship, and I didn't mean for that to slip. I just want you to be happy.”

That was very true. The entire reason for this little rendezvous was to try to cheer her up, not to profess the fact that he liked her as more than just a friend. Now he'd not only thrown the cheerful situation into jeopardy, but the friendship the two had was in just as much, if not more, peril. He hung his head slightly, and rested his forehead in his palms.

'What a mess this is!'

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2035

“Well, I could go makes some more, if you want. Or we could just sit here talking... I've always enjoyed spending time with you, and I've liked you for a while now... so...”[/b]

Well Katrina liked Marcus. He was there when she needed a friend the most. He was there to help her through the difficult transition to realize all those implanted memories of killing the ones she loved were all fake. He was there…..

Friend, well I like him….I…..

She looked at him, faced covered with a hand as the texture of skin turned more crimson than before. It was then she realized, OH! That kind of LIKE! Oh boy…. The major’s head looked at the empty glass, then looked back to Marcus who still remained silent and flushed. What could she tell him? Could she actually reveal that similar feelings were beginning to fluctuate through the back of her mind? Could she actually like or even love anyone else? This was a shocker, but she was also a very confused woman at the moment.

“Kat... I'm sorry. I know that you and Colonel Walker have a relationship, and I didn't mean for that to slip. I just want you to be happy.”[/b]

She looked at him a bit flushed herself. Slip? Now he must feel like about oh ½ a inch tall right now. What could she say? ”Marcus..I…don’t be sorry. Ok, that was a good start, but how does she explain this without losing a dear friend or possibly a developing relationship that she knew was wrong. But, her heart still remained in one other person’s mind. But conflictions were there. ”If you call passing someone in the hallway with just a touch of fingertips and nothing more a relationship, then I don’t know anymore.”

2036

Reaction set in. Katrina stood up, not to leave but to try and clear her mind and take this in without making him feel more uncomfortable. Turning her body, the tears were about to start. He probably thought she was going to just up and leave, but she didn’t. Her voice remained soft, but a touch of confusion was riddled through her words.

”He wants to make it official. He wants to place his career in jeopardy. I’m not even sure if he wants to get married anymore. He’s never mentioned the ring. He’s never mentioned us being as one.” A trickle of salted tear fell softly down her cheek. ”I miss being held at night. I miss the times we’ve shared before those damn Olympians got a hold of me.” Her voice broke as more water began to develop within her eyes. ”And I’m so ashamed to admit this, but I like you too. It’s wrong, I know this, but it’s true.”

Now the cat was out of the bag on her end. What would happen now? God only knew. She just didn’t want to lose him as a friend if anything. She just stood there waiting to hear footsteps either walking or running away.

What do I do?

<Tag: Marcus>

[Marcus Garret]

2036

Head still bent with his face resting in his palms, Marcus only barely caught what Kat said about how things were going with Colonel Walker. So, it took a bit to sink in. When it did, it was like a punch to the gut. Here he was embarrassed about the situation, and she was in pain.

Somewhat in shock, he nearly missed her getting up from her chair, and he sat forward. Not quickly, but deliberately, as he was willing to accept whatever was to come. What he didn't expect, was that she simply stood.

When she started talking again, he slowly stood, his head still hanging, but his hands hung at his sides loosely. When she finished, he smiled slightly, nearly imperceptibly, and glanced over at her. The light glinted off of the tear, and he began moving. His footsteps light and his trod deliberate, he slowly came to stand before her.

What he did next surprised him. Not because he did it, but because he did it so suddenly. Like a cat suddenly deciding to jump into a lap.

He reached out and hugged her close.

After a moment, he spoke in low tones, his head still bowed.

“Kat, far be it for me to give you advice. All I can do is be here for you. What kind of a friend would I be if I couldn't at least give you a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, or a few kind words?”

<Tag Kat>

[Katrina Logan]

2037

Yeah, he’s leaving….no way….I’m such a…

It was then a set of strong hands turned the major around gently then pulling her in for something she needed. Everyone on the base was keeping their distance from the medical officer, even Robert. Kat honestly couldn’t blame them, she could have gone “prior” on them at any moment. But, only two people actually reached to her and one of them was Marcus. He didn’t really understand the full extent of what she went through. He was too busy getting himself patched up and ready for upcoming missions. But, he was there now.

It felt awkward to feel a different set of arms enveloping the young woman, but then again, she felt safe. Logan didn’t resist the urge to cry a little as well. Part of the healing process of pain is crying and just letting go. But how much would she let go? She found her arms tucked underneath his and just barely hanging on. He did enough pulling in where she didn’t need to pull back.

But this also meant, things changed, from the moment he touched her. Doubt was now going to develop with her current relationship and wonder if it was best to just let go. Her heart did not want him to lose his career over her. They argued quite frequently about it. He was adamant that he didn’t care, but she did. Maybe she cared too much. She didn’t realize the thoughts processing through his mind because they never really sat long enough to talk it out. He was always being called away for a meeting of some kind. And a small part believed he was avoiding her, believing she wasn’t the same woman he fell in love with. But, she wasn’t the same and never would be.

It just depends on which direction the medical officer decides to take that decides the outcome of her upcoming dreams, her life, her happiness.

She just hopes it's the right decision in the end.

-------END STORY-------