Pretty Woman or Women
Posted on Tue Nov 11th, 2025 @ 5:10pm by Major Edmund Merrick & Sergeant Andrew Shy
Edited on on Sat Nov 15th, 2025 @ 9:28am
1,317 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 17 - Going Home
Location: SS Enigma
Timeline: MD002 2100 hrs
A silence had settled for a few long moments between the two men, as Edmund worked on his newest drink. Lowering his glass after he looked over towards the next influx of those coming into the lounge.
Edmund broke the silence pulling his eyes from the ladies who had come in with others towards Andrew.
"So Drew--are there any women who have caught your eye on the Pioneer or somewhere else? You opened that door when you asked your question of me." Edmund giving a smirk.
Not missing a beat, Andrew set his drink down slowly and turned to meet Edmund, locking eyes with the Captain as he said, "Just you, big boy. I've held off saying anything of course, but then the Colonel practically ordered me to take you out..."
Timing, Drew seemed to always have timing. Especially now! Just as Edmund lifted his drink to his lips, the first sip getting ready to warm his tongue. Andrew's comment made Edmund's eyes widen. He breathed in the liquid, and it burned, he couldn't talk, he couldn't breathe. His head was spinning, and he thought he was going to black out with his coughing. He wheezed as he sucked in a ragged breath, his lungs were on fire.
Through watering eyes, he choked out. "Timing!"
Batting his eyelashes coquettishly, Andrew said, "I know Ed. I'm so glad you let me call you Ed by the way. Timing to admit feeling like these is just hard to do. I mean," the sergeant put a hand over his heart, pushing the act, "You being an officer. Me a sergeant. You having all those Merry Maids and all... Those bitches."
Then Andrew sighed theatrically and sipped at his drink, "You ok there Ed. You look distressed?"
The coughing fit had passed and he could now breathe slightly better. Wiping away the tears that had run down his cheeks. Edmund drank the last bit from the glass before he answered Shy. He slowly put down his empty glass, reached out to gently grasp Shy's chin between his index finger and thumb. Moving the man's head from one side to the other, really looking at him.
Part of Shy's features reminded Edmund of Yul Brynner, famous actor of days gone by. The man was quite handsome, he was already sketching Drew in his mind. His sapphire blue eyes slowly scanning Shy's features.
"You are quite the handsome man, Drew." Edmund began, as he slowly released Drew's chin. "I am quite flattered that you find me attractive, just that you are not my type. My type are those that are of the feminine kind."
The way that Edmund had spoken it was as if he'd had this sort of conversation with others before.
Andrew let his eyes grow large as Ed first moved into his personal space, then started to pull away. Deciding to push the joke, Andrew leaned in quickly toward the officer as if to plant a kiss on his lips, but snaked his hand up to cover Ed's mouth first, kissing the back of his own hand. Grinning, he settled back to his chair and said, "You know, that's the most thraggling officer answer you could have given. I'll give A for effort, but you looked at me just a little too long there sir. An enlisted marine would have just told me to thrag off."
Picking up his drink again and said, "All that aside and I think there was a question back in there. No there's no one special for whatever that really means. I'm mostly of a mind to just have as many experiences as I can get away with. Getting mixed up with women that want to tie you down doesn't fit with being a working marine."
Then his eyes glinted slightly and said, "Well. Tied down. Tied up is something else entirely."
Ed's eyes went rather wide, when Drew pulled his stunt, then he laughed heartily.
This caused several in the lobby to turn to look at the two men. Edmund raised his glass towards the onlookers, giving a smile and a wink to one of the ladies.
She smiled back towards him giving a quick lift of her eyebrows and an inviting smile.
He gave her a nod, holding up a finger.
"I was just fixing your image in my mind, that is all. Nothing wrong with being tied down marriage wise with the right woman. And as for the other." he gave a shrug. Though a slight secretive smile appeared.
Movement caught his attention and he looked towards it, noticing the dark haired woman who he had smiled was walking over to where he and Drew were. Along with her friend a red head. Both were shapely, their walk, he couldn't help but watch.
"Drew, it looks like we're going to be getting some company, which do you like? The red head or the brunette? And I think they are a team as well."
His eyes panned over the two of them, their legs shapely like they've done dancing. The brunette had dark brown eyes, and were expressive, she wore a purple dress, the neck line a halter top. The red-head her eyes were hazel and expressive as well. She wore a red halter top style dress. Both of them had naturally long lashes which were dark and luxurious.
The look of interest in both men couldn't be mistaken.
"I'm Cecelia." the brunette pointing towards herself. then gestured towards the red-head. "And this is Rose" when they came to a stop in front of Edmund and Andrew.
Edmund rose to greet them.
"Oh, I play the field," Andrew said quietly. "I don't mind marriage. I've known some very appreciative married women." Andrew regarded the women from his seat, then stood and said. "Hello ladies. Care for a round of drinks and maybe some dancing? I'm Drew, by the by and this very single marine is Ed."
Edmund had raised an eyebrow towards Drew's mentioning married women. He wasn't certain but wasn't going to ask him, as the beautiful ladies arrived and introductions were made.
"Ooh marines!" cooed Rose as she walked up to Edmund and wrapped her arm around his waist. "And I do like the fact he is very single."
Looking through her eyelashes at Edmund, with a come hither look. Edmund's eyes widened, she was a hot one and -- his mind went blank with a rather pleased smile.
Cecelia made her way to Drew, "And I really like you, so drinks, and dancing. I'd like to see what you can do" her melodic voice rather sultry. Giving him a thorough once over, she did love what he was wearing and what he looked like. "Yummy" running the back of her finger along Andrew's cheek.
"Come on, lets dance!" Rose said with glee, as the doors to the dance floor opened up.
Andrew let himself be led along as he glanced over his shoulder at Ed and Rose, "Yes. Lets go dance." Then to Cecelia he said, "I may need a little help...been a minute since I've danced. And then there's the fact that you're very distracting. Nice dress by the way."
"Thank you." Cecelia responded, wrapping her arm around Drew's waist.
Edmund didn't resist Rose's pull and soon joined the throng of the dancers with Rose.
Rose leaned in a whispered to Edmund. "I hope you don't mind a kiss from a Rose." giving a beaming smile, planting one on him.
Edmund pulling her close, then they started dancing.
A Joint Post By
Sergeant Andrew Shy;
Tactical Systems Operator, Team 2, The Cure;
USS Pioneer;
Captain Edmund Merrick
Company Commanding Officer Officer, The Cure
USS Pioneer
RSS Feed