Unexpected Friend

Posted on Thursday, 23 July 2020 - 6:59pm by

Mission: Operation: Jabberwocky
Location: Risa, Hotel
Timeline: 2393 - MD06

{ON:}

Tilian sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. It had been an eventful couple of days. He had knocked off a few more things from his list but had missed on an exhibit that he’d wanted to see at the Ancient Civilizations museum; he didn’t regret it though. If he hadn’t been here a life would have been lost.

The chime from his door drew him out of his thoughts. He set Luna to the side and stood up. Walking quickly he opened the door to find Dallas Walker standing there. “They released you?” The surprise in his voice was clear. Last he’d left Mr. Walker, he was in the hospital after Tilian had found him passed out on the balcony. A fall had knocked the man out cold and left him with a concussion.

Dallas smiled, “I’m alright.” He paused. “Thanks to you.”

Tilian inclined his head. “No thanks necessary. I was happy to be of assistance.”

They stood there awkwardly for a few seconds before Tilian spoke. “Come in. I was going to make some tea.”

Dallas paused at the entrance. “Are you sure I am not intruding? I know you have a list to get through.”

Tilian grimaced a little. “I know I sound a little…crazy but I like lists. I like order and cleanliness. I like schedules. That does not mean that I do not stop to, as Human’s say, smell the roses.”

Dallas smiled. “Good to know.” He entered slowly and allowed Tilian to lead him to the table. Noticing Luna he scooped her up. “What a beautiful cat!”

“She is very intelligent. Loves to sit on my desk as I write in my journal.”

Dallas looked up and raised an eyebrow. “You like to journal?”

Tilian gave a nod as he brought two mugs of steaming water and several kinds of tea bags.

Dallas chose mint and dropped the bag into his cup. He watched as Tilian did the same.

“I journal too,” Dallas said.

“I find it therapeutic.”

“Indeed.”

Both men talked as they sipped their tea and were surprised to find that they had much in common. They had shared interests and liked the same books and shared a love of the theatre and museums. The minutes soon turned into hours and before they knew it they were having lunch and continuing their conversation.

When the time came for them to head to the door Dallas paused and spoke. “Listen would you like to see the Through the Ages exhibit?”

A look of pure surprise crossed Tilian’s face. “But that exhibit closed yesterday?”

Dallas smiled sheepishly. “Tonight is the hotel owners gala. I have a spare ticket.”

“But how?”

Dallas motioned around. “I own this hotel.”

Tilian just stared at him. “You…But…”

Dallas laughed. “I don’t tell people often. Look I’ll be there for eight. I know you really wanted to see this exhibit and if I hadn’t fallen…”

Tilian sighed. “Don’t think like that. I was glad to assist.”

Dallas placed the ticket on the table. “I’ll leave it here and if it works in the schedule I’ll see you there.”

Tilian stared at the ticket. He was genuinely touched by the offer. “It actually doesn’t work.” There was a pause. “But I will be there.”

Dallas smiled. “Great. It’s … a da…deal then.” He turned and hurried away.

Tilian allowed the door to close then headed out to do some reading. He filed away the interesting conversations that he’d had today for later. Perhaps this Mr. Walker wasn’t that bad of a guy.

He knew that he would enjoy the exhibit and he knew that he had a few days left in which to enjoy the rest of Risa and finish his schedule. This would prove to be a good night.

Sighing he settled in and opened his third book of the trip. Once this one was done he’d have two more to go and all would be well. Another ’to do’ item crossed off the list.

{OFF:}