Knock on Wood {Lars}

[Jordan Maxwell]

Janurary 19, 2523

Jordan slowly walked to the Captain’s door, she wanted to speak to him about their new visitor, but at the same time she would rather just leave it alone. Was she angry they were randomly called to service a law man? Yes, she was. She found herself torn, she thought Mack was a nice and charming man, much like she did with other that had work with the Alliance in the past. Perhaps she had been wrong on that front, but she still believed that they stood on the wrong side of the fence.

Her eyes looked up at the door, it seemed much more massive suddenly. Though a smile crept across her lips as she saw the stenciled words of “Captain” across the door. She had done it a few nights ago while he was sleeping, though now, she wondered if he even noticed her new obsession. She was night painting while everyone slept, since she couldn’t. Though there was more to it, she had just simply ran out of things to upgrade or repair for the time being.

Jordan’s hand raised to knock on the door, but she pulled it back, did she want to go through with this and speak with him? She wasn’t sure. She turned to walk away but something in her mind screamed and made her knock on the door, she just stood there looking at her hand, but the damage had been done. He called for her to come in, and she did. Closing the door behind her she looked across the desk at Lars, her Captain and she felt as though she was being sent to the principles office in school. “Sir, I think we need to talk.” She said it in an unsure whisper, as her eyes moved towards the ground, she was trying to get up her courage.

[Lars Engström]

Lars was sitting in his favorite position, legs kicked up on the desk when Jordan came in. "You are right, we do need to talk." He said with a smile, "I have been looking for the one responsible for the art that is springing up all over the ship." He smiled, "Thanks Jordan, now what do you really need?"

[Jordan Maxwell]

Jordan smiled then gave Lars a doubtful look. Part of her wanted to thank him and part of her wanted to smack him, thinking he was teasing her. However, she took it as a good thing, at least for now, and decided to flash Lars with a classic overly happy Jordan smile. “Cap’n I wanted to tell you that I was planning on making a home made, cheese based ravioli tonight for dinner. Mack asked for some garlic and this has that slight hint of it and I didn’t really plan for it so I’m going to be making home made noodles again, unless you would prefer something else….” In classic Jordan style, she waited only a few seconds then continued her talking.

“I am also making apple pie again, everyone seemed to enjoy it last time, I was going to do something else but it seemed silly, since it’s been months and I really wanted some apple pie, I’m also going to be making some Jam tonight in the ship….” Once again, she only paused for a couple of seconds, just enough time for him to take a breath and think about speaking before she rambled onward. “Why didn’t you come speak to me yourself?” Once she finally hit what was bothering her she approached him and sat down on the chair in front of his desk.

[Lars Engström]

"I'm sorry, what?" Lars asked, realizing as soon as the words were out of his mouth what she was asking about. He sighed, and raised an eyebrow. She had a way of losing him, and then coming back to the point she really wanted to make without warning. "Alright," He said, with an amused sigh, "This is more like what I expected." He took his feet off the desk and leaned on his elbows. "I didn't think I would have to come and find you personally," He began, "Because I made an announcement." He indicated the speaker in his office, "But someone seems to have taken to listening to music, and not paying attention to what is happening on ship." He gave her a look, "I didn't mean to surprise you, but I assumed you had heard."

[Jordan Maxwell]

Jordan sighed and nodded as she looked down at her hands picking at a scab that had formed there. “I had been using the mini torch to secure several points…” She sighed once more and just shrugged at him again, she didn’t really have a reason she enjoyed music. “I’m sorry Cap’n..” She let out a sigh, she was in the wrong there, and she had no reason to deny that.

“But why are we pickin’ up purple bellies to begin with?” She gave him her own look in return, one full of confusion and concern. They had been doing fine finding their own jobs, fighting the good fight, why did they suddenly need to allow the Alliance to tell them what to do with their ship.

[Lars Engström]

Lars had to admit she had a point. "Well he is a federal marshal and he said his mission was important, I didn't have much of a choice." He shook his head. "But we might have to talk if he is telling the truth about just needing a ride home." He sighed, "But we were in the area anyway and regardless of his political views he needed a lift." He smiled.

"Don't worry about it though, Jordan." He said, "Make sure you don't throw any cups at him, and we should be fine." He let out an amused chuckle. "Oh, and remind me to get you set up with a music player that is less.... soundproof." He smiled. "Anything else you need?"

[Jordan Maxwell]

"Cap'n I think I might be on the wrong ship... I mean, since I've been here two people have kissed me, we have run across Reavers, pirates.. I feel rather useless." She also felt lost and confused. Relationships were complicated, and it felt like she was going crazy at least two thirds the time. She needed someone else's opinion and it felt as though he was one of the few that didn't have an agenda for her remaining. He could easily find a new mechanic.

[Lars Engström]

Lars' smile faded from his face at her words, his eyes narrowing slightly in concern. He felt his mouth fall open slightly, and promptly closed it, regaining his composure, and studying her face, leaning back as he did so. When he finally spoke, it was in a very calm and measured voice. "If that is what you think you have to do, then I am in no place to stop you." He laced his fingers together, putting his elbows on his chest, and resting his chin on his hands. "You have most certainly fulfilled your initial agreement." He shrugged slightly.

"But if you are leaving because you think you are useless, then allow me to disillusion you." He sat forward slightly, looking her in the eyes. "You are the reason we managed to get off Osiris, and you are why we are still flying. I couldn't ask for a better person to be in that engine room, and you know it." He gave her a semi stern look, with a half smile. "As far as your personal relationships are concerned, if you need me to knock heads together, just lemme know." His face broke into a full smile. "Let me put it this way Jordan." He said, "I need you on my ship, and so it seems do at least two others." He smiled playfully, "So even if ordering wont get me anywhere, I am going to try, and if that doesn't work, perhaps asking nicely will?" He inclined his head at her, waiting for a response.

[Jordan Maxwell]

Jordan looked at Lars and allowed a sigh to escape her lips. He was right about a couple of things, but she wasn't sure what to say to him. "I suppose I should stay, after all you would be lost with out me, and someone has to keep Trance out of trouble, and all my things are here.." She looked up at her Captain, for the first time, she thought of him as her captain, someone she wanted to be around. Well, maybe not BE around but someone she could go to in a time of crisis and look for comfort. Well maybe not comfort, but he was, family.

"Dinner in a couple hours Cap'n.."

[Lars Engström]

Lars smiled and let out a small sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted, or needed, was to be losing crew members again. He was extremely glad that she was staying, mechanics were easy to find, good mechanics were another thing entirely. "I am glad to hear it." He said with a smile, sitting up and smiling. "I wouldn't know where to go without you.... that is for sure." He laughed. "I'll be there, how could I miss one of your meals?"