Statues and Empires

Novus stood patiently in the waiting room and Jack was lying down beside her. He looked around the room and sniffed for several minutes before he settled down and began to clean himself. Novus looked around, trying to find out where the obnoxious snorting and grunting was coming from. When she noticed it was Jack, she quickly turned away.

"Must you do that here?" she asked staring straight ahead.

Jack turned to look at her.

A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.

Novus looked at the dog and she swore that he had replied to her comment. She shook her head. Dogs couldn't reply to you. Right?

As she was absorbed in her thoughts, the door opened and Adam stepped out. Of course, at first Novus didn't realize it was Adam in his tailored suit and combed hair. She nodded a greeting and Jack merely continued grooming, uttering a 'Sup' to Adam.

"Novus. I wasn't expecting you," he said neutrally. Inside he was happy to see her, as the more time he spent with her, the more she seemed to have a personality.

"Captain Quinn has ordered a debrief. He would like you to come as well."

"Not sure I'll be that much help," Adam mumbled as he followed Novus and Jack out of the therapist's offices.

"We're only a short way away from the bridge, so I figured we could walk. Adam nodded and walked alongside her and his mutt. After a brief silence Novus spoke again. "How was the session?"

"It was good," Adam said awkwardly. "What have you been up to?" he asked, wanting to keep the conversation going, even if only to avoid any long silences.

"Not much really. I often go to the library and read, but other than that, I don't really do much."

"Well, I still need a tour of the ship. I would be happy to have you as my tour guide," Adam replied. Novus was taken aback for a moment before smiling and happily agreeing. "What do you read? I used to love to read back when I was in the city," Adam said, for once thinking of the city in a positive light.

"I read anything I can get my hands on. From old classics to modern novels, you name it. I also on occasion watch a movie or holovision show."

Adam guessed a holovision was some form of T.V. Making a mental note of checking out the library, Adam heard Jack snorted disgustedly.

Nerds.

As they walked through the corridors and halls, Novus and Adam talked about their favorite books and authors. Jack was bored out of his mind as the two morons babbled on about Moby Dicks, Charles Dickens – they really talked about dicks a lot, Jack mused to himself.

Adam was glad to have finally found someone who shared his interest in books. He hadn't had such a great connection since . . .

Before the pair knew it, they were at the door to the bridge. Adam had never seen Novus so alive and excited, and he had to admit, he was too. The large double doors parted to reveal the massive viewing decks. Many levels of monitors lay in front of them, staggered, like giant stairs. Hundreds of crew members hurried about, and even more sat at the translucent blue screens in front of them. Black and grey metal made up the floors and walls and the grid of bars on the oversized window.

A lone security officer stood, blocking some of Adam's view of the impressive decks, and the breathtaking view of space. "Right this way, please," the officer beckoned. His words were friendly enough but his tone wasn't. The helmet with blank, black eyes added to the hostility as well. The officer ushered them into a smaller room off to the side. Black and grey seemed to be the theme of the ship, as this room had grey floors and black walls as well. "They're here," the officer announced.