The Oldest and The Youngest

Posted on Thu Aug 26th, 2021 @ 12:53am by Master Chief Petty Officer Samuel Ross & Briella Vianelli

Mission: Lower Decks
Location: Day Care Center

Sam was on his walkabout through the ship. He had wanted to make his presence known amongst the officers and crew. He was working his way from the keel to the Bridge, currently on Deck Three passing a door marked Children's Services Facility, when the door opened and a giggling toddler came scurrying out. He bent down and scooped up the fleeing child just as Claire emerged in pursuit.

Caught unexpectedly, Briella stopped giggling as she felt herself hoisted into the air by strong arm, arms much stronger than Momma or Nani. She looked at the face in front of her, her brow furrowing in consternation. This person didn't look like Momma or Nani either. This person didn't look like anyone she'd ever seen before. He looked cranky.

Claire was through the doors moments after Briella made her escape, just in time to see the toddler swept up into the arms of someone wearing a red collared uniform. "I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed hurriedly. "I swear, this little monster, look away for a moment and she's off again. If only we could siphon that energy off," she added with a laugh.

Briella looked toward Nani as she spoke before looking back toward the stranger holding her again. Nani laughed. He didn't laugh. He was definitely cranky. He didn't have a binkie. Maybe that's why he was cranky? She reached up, pulling her binkie from her mouth and just as he opened his mouth to reply, she stuck the binkie in, tilting her head to one side, chocolate curls framing her face. "Better?" she asked in her sweet little toddler voice.

As Claire realised what had just happened, the look on her face changed to abject horror. "Oh Goddess..." she muttered, suddenly wishing the deck would just open up and swallow her whole. "I am so, so, sorry..." was the only thing she could manage to come up with as she stared at the shocked face of the aged Chief of Boat with a binkie stuck in his mouth.

Sam stood there not quite frowning as he held Briella in his arms, a pacifier stuck in his mouth. He deftly shifted the toddler to a one arm hold and withdrew the pacifier, handing it to Claire first to secure, before transferring the more precious cargo to the woman. He gave the little girl a smile before glancing at Claire's face. "I have five grandchildren. It isn't the first time something like this has happened aaaand...probably won't be the last either."

Briella scowled as first her binkie was handed away, then she herself was offloaded back to Nani. This person was apparently very grumpy. He didn't even want her binkie. Didn't he know binkies made everything better? She leaned into Nani, wrapping her arms tightly around Nani's neck. "He's grumpy," she stated with a pout. "He needs naps."

Claire settled Briella on her hip, slipping the binkie in her pocket before she shook her head, trying very hard not to laugh. "Again, I'm sorry. She's a bit precocious this one. I just look after her while her Momma works." Shifting Briella to make sure she had a good hold on the toddler, Claire held out a hand . "I'm Claire, but she calls me Nani... and this is Briella."

Sam struck out his right hand to Claire. "Master Chief Gunner's Mate Samuel T. Ross at your service Ms. James. If you need anything at all, just let me know."

"Please, call me Claire," she offered a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Ross."

Sam scootched down slightly to look Briella in the eye. "I only pretend to be grumpy most of the time. It helps keep the people onboard focused on their job during work hours."

Briella watched him for a moment, leaning toward him, studying his face carefully before she reached out with a small hand and tugged at his trimmed moustache before turning back to Claire, a curious expression on her face. "He's fluffy," she stated simply.

Reaching out, Claire pulled Briella's hand back quickly. "Bri, stop," she chastised gently. "That's not nice." She offered an apologetic smile to Sam. "I'm sorry Mr. Ross." She sighed and shook her head slightly. "She's a very curious child."

Sam just smiled warmly at both Claire and Briella as he rubbed his mustache for a moment. "It's quite alright. My youngest granddaughter does the same to me all the time. Since you have given me permission to address you as Claire, please call me Sam. Calling me Mister Ross makes it sound like I am a commissioned officer." He glanced at his watch. "Well, I better get back to it. I hope I have the pleasure again soon." He glanced at Briella. "With both of you ladies." He started to turn.

Claire hesitated for a moment, feeling Briella's arms tightening around her neck, knowing the little one was due for her nap. "Faith should be finished by 1800 hours, if it wouldn't be too presumptuous to suggest we could meet for a drink later?" she asked, already feeling almost embarassed for asking.

Sam paused, somewhat at a loss for words for a few seconds. "Um...say 1930 hours. We could meet in the lounge. I mix an outstanding margarita."

Briella snuggled into Claire, one hand reaching and tugging at the front of her dress. "Binkie?" She yawned widely. "Nani, I'n sleepy."

Claire gave a quick smile to Sam. "I need to get this one home for a nap... but I can't wait to find out," she said softly. "Tonight in the lounge?"

"It would be my privilege, honor and pleasure." Sam hated cutting their conversation short. "If you'll excuse. Duty calls."

Claire offered another smile and a slight nod of her head. "Of course," she said cheerfully. "Bri, say bye bye to our friend?" she prompted.

Briella shifted her head, dark chocolate eyes locking with Sam's for just a moment before she looked away, turning her face into Claire's shoulder. "Binkie."

There was an apologetic smile. "Sorry, It was lovely to meet you, Sam, but yes, I'll see you tonight."

Sam resumed his rounds, though for the remainder of his watch it was difficult to maintain his scary scowl, especially around the lower enlisted.