Shore Leave

In the days following his heated argument with Captain Flint, Thaddeus made a concerted effort to keep his interactions with Jasper strictly professional. He limited their conversations to work-related topics and avoided any unnecessary physical contact, just as he had done the first time the captain had spoken with him about Jasper.

However, as they worked side by side in Engineering one evening, Thaddeus found his resolve weakening. Despite Thaddeus's initial attempts to keep things professional, their conversation gradually drifted from technical specifications to more casual topics.

"Hey, Thaddeus," Jasper called out, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "What do you think about this power fluctuation in the starboard nacelle?"

Thaddeus tilted his head, his unseeing eyes focused in Jasper's general direction. "What about it, LaBrant? Don't tell me you've managed to break something else."

Jasper rolled his eyes, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "Ha ha, very funny. No, I was thinking maybe we could try rerouting some power from the auxiliary systems? Might help stabilize things."

Thaddeus paused his work, considering. "Not bad, LaBrant. Your ideas are becoming less ridiculous by the day. I might make a decent engineer out of you yet."

"Hey, I resent that," Jasper protested, but there was no real heat in his words. "I'll have you know I'm a quick study."

"That you are," Thaddeus agreed, a hint of warmth in his voice that made Jasper's heart skip a beat. "Now, come over here and show me what you're thinking."

Jasper hunched over the open panel, his face scrunched in concentration. "Can you hand me the hyperspanner?"

Thaddeus reached for the tool, his fingers brushing against Jasper's as he passed it over. The brief contact sent an unexpected jolt through him, but he kept his voice steady. "Try not to electrocute yourself this time, LaBrant."

Jasper chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "That was one time, and in my defense, someone had mislabeled the power couplings."

"Sounds like an excuse to me," Thaddeus mused.

As Jasper worked, he absentmindedly started humming an old Earth tune. The melody was slightly off-key, but there was something endearing about it. Thaddeus found himself listening, the corner of his mouth twitching in an almost-smile.

"What in the name of Bhalmoll are you doing to that poor song, LaBrant?" Thaddeus asked, his tone dry but lacking its usual sharp edge.

Jasper paused, seeming surprised. "Oh, was I humming? Sorry, it's just something my grandmother used to sing. Helps me focus."

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow. "Well, at least your engineering skills are better than your musical ones."

"Hey!" Jasper protested, but he was laughing. The sound echoed through the engine room, warm and infectious. Thaddeus felt something in his chest tighten at the sound.

As they continued working, Jasper's elbow accidentally knocked over a container of tools. The clatter was loud in the confined space, and Jasper cursed under his breath.

"Sorry, sorry," he muttered, bending down to pick them up.

Thaddeus sighed, but there was a hint of fondness in his exasperation. "Honestly, LaBrant, how you haven't managed to destroy this ship yet is beyond me."

As the shift wore on, both Jasper and Thaddeus found themselves increasingly aware of each other. Jasper noticed the way Thaddeus's brow furrowed in concentration, the graceful movements of his hands as he worked. Thaddeus, in turn, found himself attuned to every sound Jasper made - his steady breathing, the soft muttering under his breath as he solved problems.

"I think I've got it!" Jasper exclaimed suddenly, his voice filled with excitement. Without thinking, he grabbed Thaddeus's hand and placed it on the console. "Feel that? The vibration's completely different now."

Thaddeus froze at the contact, of the feeling of Jasper's warm hand over his. He could feel the slight calluses on Jasper's fingers, the strength in his grip. For a moment, he forgot to breathe.

"Well?" Jasper prompted, his voice slightly breathless. "What do you think?"

Thaddeus cleared his throat, trying to focus on the vibrations and not on the feeling of Jasper's hand. "It's... an improvement," he admitted reluctantly. "Though don't let it go to your head, LaBrant. You've still got a long way to go."

Jasper beamed, reluctantly releasing his grip on Thaddeus's hand. "Coming from you, that's practically a glowing recommendation."

As they finished up their work, Jasper began powering down his console, a routine that had become second nature over the past few months. He turned to Thaddeus, a familiar question on his lips.

"So, same time tomorrow?" Jasper asked, trying to keep his tone casual despite the flutter in his chest at the prospect of another day working alongside Thaddeus.

Thaddeus paused, his unseeing eyes turning towards Jasper with a hint of surprise. "No, actually. We're on shore leave starting tomorrow. Don't tell me you forgot, LaBrant."

Jasper blinked, caught off guard. "Shore leave? I... I had no idea. Where are we going?"

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "It's the Stellar Affection Festival this weekend. The entire crew's been talking about nothing else for days. We're docking at Neon Prime. How did you manage to miss that?"

"Oh," Jasper said, feeling a blush creep up his neck. He'd been so focused on his work - and if he was honest, on Thaddeus - that he'd completely tuned out the crew's chatter. "Right, of course. Neon Prime."

Thaddeus smirked, picking up on Jasper's embarrassment. "Don't tell me you've never heard of it. It's only the biggest entertainment hub in this sector. Three days of shore leave in what's essentially a planet-sized casino."

"No, no, I know what it is," Jasper said quickly. "I just... lost track of time, I guess."

"Clearly," Thaddeus said dryly. "Well, now you know. The crew's planning to hit the marketplace. Apparently, some find the ship's entertainment options... lacking."

Jasper nodded, then remembered to vocalize for Thaddeus's benefit. "Right, yeah. Sounds... interesting."

There was an awkward pause as both men realized the implications of the holiday. The Stellar Affection Festival was notorious for its romantic atmosphere, with couples using the time to celebrate their relationships amidst the glitz and glamor of Neon Prime.

"So," Jasper said, breaking the silence, "do you have any plans for the shore leave?"

Thaddeus shrugged, his face carefully neutral. "Not particularly. I might use the time to find some peace and quiet away from the chaos. You?"

"Oh, you know," Jasper said vaguely, "probably just... explore the marketplace. Maybe join the others for some of the festivities."

Another pause, heavy with unspoken words and missed opportunities.

"Well," Thaddeus said finally, "I suppose I'll see you when we return to duty then, LaBrant. Try not to lose all your credits at the gambling tables."

As Thaddeus turned to leave, Jasper found himself fighting the urge to say something more, to maybe suggest they spend some time together during the leave. But the words caught in his throat, and the moment passed.

"Yeah, see you then," Jasper said, watching Thaddeus's retreating form. "Have a good shore leave, Thaddeus."

As the door hissed shut behind Thaddeus, Jasper let out a long sigh. Three days of shore leave on Neon Prime during the Stellar Affection Festival. It was going to be a long weekend.

The next morning, crew members scurried about the deck, in a rush to finish their tasks and chattering about their plans for the upcoming shore leave.

"I heard they've got holographic street performers that can morph into any creature you can imagine!" Lieutenant Chen exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet.

"Forget that," Ensign Ravi chimed in, "I'm heading straight for the Neon Bazaar. They say you can find artifacts from every corner of the galaxy there."

The enthusiasm was infectious, and soon the ship was nearly empty save for Jasper, Thaddeus and a few stragglers who hadn't finished their work on time. As the last of their colleagues filed out, Jasper found himself at a loss. He'd been so focused on his work that he hadn't made any plans for the shore leave.

Jasper made his way to the docking bay, where crew members were already streaming off the ship, their excited voices echoing through the cavernous space. He stood at the edge of the dock, watching as his shipmates disappeared into the riot of colors and sounds that was Neon Prime's main concourse.

The air was thick with the scent of exotic foods and the buzz of a thousand conversations in dozens of languages. Holographic advertisements flickered in the air, promising everything from "Authentic Andorian Ice Wine" to "Once-in-a-lifetime Orion Fire Dances."

As Jasper stood there, feeling overwhelmed and a bit lost, he heard the tap of a cane behind him. He turned to see Thaddeus approaching, a bag slung over his shoulder.

"Thaddeus?" Jasper called out, surprised to see the engineer. "I thought you were staying on the ship."

Thaddeus paused, his head tilting slightly in Jasper's direction. "Change of plans, LaBrant. I'm heading to the marketplace."

"Oh?" Jasper said, curiosity piqued. "What for?"

"Parts," Thaddeus replied succinctly. "The Neon Bazaar is known for its rare tech components. Thought I might find something useful for the ship."

Jasper nodded, then caught himself. "That sounds interesting," he said aloud. He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Mind if I tag along? I, uh, don't really have any plans."

Thaddeus was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to Jasper's surprise, he shrugged. "If you must. Just try not to slow me down or get distracted by every shiny object we pass."

Jasper grinned, falling into step beside Thaddeus. "No promises on the shiny objects, but I'll do my best to keep up."

As Jasper and Thaddeus stepped off the gangplank, they were immediately enveloped in the vibrant chaos of Neon Prime's central marketplace. The air thrummed with energy, a cacophony of sounds, smells, and sensations assaulting their senses.

Brass and copper pipes snaked along buildings, releasing puffs of colorful steam that mingled with the bioluminescent spores floating in the air. Clockwork automatons with multiple arms and glowing alien circuitry served drinks at outdoor cafes, their gears whirring in time with the upbeat music emanating from hidden speakers.

Garlands of bioluminescent flowers draped across walkways, their soft glow shifting through a rainbow of colors. Holographic hearts floated through the air, occasionally bursting into showers of sparkling light when touched.

"Watch your step," Thaddeus warned, his cane narrowly avoiding a puddle of spilled iridescent liquid. "Smells like someone's had too much Rigellian ale."

Jasper sidestepped the puddle, noticing a couple nearby, their bodies seeming to meld together as they kissed passionately. He felt a flush creep up his neck and quickly looked away.

"You're not kidding," Jasper chuckled. "The festival seems to be in full swing."

"Sounds like it," Thaddeus agreed dryly. "I can hear at least three different types of love songs competing for attention right now."

They passed a bustling square where a group of street performers were putting on a show. Shapeshifters morphed into fantastical creatures, telling a story of star-crossed lovers from different galaxies. The crowd oohed and aahed as the performers' bodies twisted and changed, becoming everything from graceful, ethereal beings to hulking, crystalline entities.

As they continued their exploration, Jasper found himself narrating the sights to Thaddeus, describing the intricate craftsmanship of alien jewelry, the swirling patterns of exotic fabrics, and the strange, pulsating lifeforms being sold as pets. Thaddeus listened intently to his animated ramblings, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

As they passed by a row of shops, Jasper noticed couples of various species engaging in traditional Stellar Affection Festival activities. A pair of Andorians were having their auras read by a mystic with swirling, galaxy-like eyes. Nearby, a human and a Trill were participating in the "Loop of Trust," a steam-powered contraption that spun them in dizzying circles as they tried in vain to maintain eye contact.

"Oh, and there's a Buhram couple doing the 'Logical Love' puzzle," Jasper commented. "They have to solve a series of complex equations together to unlock a special gift. Very romantic, in a Buhram sort of way."

Thaddeus snorted. "Sounds riveting."

They paused at a stall selling antique engineering tools, Thaddeus's fingers moving deftly over the items. As he examined a particularly intricate brass and copper device, a group of boisterous Orions stumbled past, their green skin flushed darker with intoxication.

"To love!" one of them shouted, raising a smoking vial of phosphorescent liquid. His companions echoed the sentiment, their laughter mingling with the hiss of steam from a nearby vent.

As the day wore on, the festivities seemed to intensify. Holographic fireworks exploded overhead, raining down shimmering particles that dissolved before touching the ground. Street performers with steam-powered prosthetics breathed plumes of fire in intricate patterns, drawing gasps from the crowds.

Jasper and Thaddeus found themselves caught up in the flow of the celebration, moving from one fascinating sight to another. Despite the chaos around them, Jasper couldn't help but feel a sense of peace in Thaddeus's company, their usual banter and shared interests a constant amidst the alien revelry.

"I think we might be a bit lost," Jasper admitted, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. 

Thaddeus sighed, his cane tapping against the cobblestone street. "Wonderful. Just what I wanted - to be lost in a sea of drunken revelers."

As if on cue, a group of revelers stumbled past, their tentacles intertwined and voices raised in an off-key alien melody. One of them bumped into Jasper, nearly knocking him into Thaddeus.

"Sorry about that," Jasper said, steadying himself with a hand on Thaddeus's shoulder.

"It's fine," Thaddeus sighed, his voice softer than usual. "Just... stay close. I'd rather not lose you in this chaos."

Jasper felt a warmth spread through his chest at Thaddeus's words, even as he tried to remind himself not to read too much into them.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the steam-filled alley beside them. She was tall and willowy, with iridescent skin that seemed to shimmer with stars. Her eyes, pupil-less and swirling with galaxies, fixed on the pair.

"Ah, weary travelers," she said, her voice melodious and otherworldly. "Perhaps you'd like a reading? A glimpse into your futures, perhaps?"

Jasper's eyes lit up with excitement. "Sounds like fun! What do you think, Thaddeus?"

Thaddeus scoffed, his expression skeptical. "Really, Jasper? You want to waste our time with this nonsense?"

"Come on, it could be interesting," Jasper insisted.

Thaddeus sighed heavily. "Fine. But don't blame me when it turns out to be a complete waste of time and money."

The mystic smiled, gesturing for them to follow her into a small, dimly lit tent. Inside, the air was heavy with incense, and a large crystal ball pulsed with an inner light at the center of a table.

"Sit, sit," she urged, taking her place across from them. "Now, let me see..."

She waved her hands over the crystal ball, which began to glow brighter. Jasper watched, fascinated, as swirls of color began to form within its depths.

"I see... challenges in your future," the mystic began, her voice taking on a dreamy quality. "But also great strength and resilience. You will overcome much together."

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Jasper leaned in closer, intrigued.

The mystic's eyes widened suddenly. "Oh my... how wonderful. The love between you is strong, a bond forged in adversity and strengthened by mutual respect and admiration."

Jasper felt his face grow hot, sneaking a glance at Thaddeus, who had stiffened in his seat.

"Your energies are remarkably compatible," she continued, her voice filled with warmth. "Like two gears fit together in perfect synchronous harmony."

"Wait," Thaddeus interrupted, his voice sharp. "What? What are you implying?"

The mystic blinked, seeming surprised by the question. "Why, I'm simply reading what the crystal shows me about your relationship. It speaks of a love that's both fiery and steady, passionate and enduring."

Jasper shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Um, I think there might be a misunderstanding-"

But the mystic continued, her voice suddenly pitching in excitement. "And.. I see... oh my! The crystal shows such intensity in your physical connection. The passion between you is electric!"

Thaddeus recoiled, his face turning a deep shade of red. "Now wait just a minute-"

"Your lovemaking is a beautiful dance," the mystic went on, oblivious to their discomfort. "I see tender caresses and fiery embraces. The way you worship each other's bodies is truly-"

"Stop!" Jasper exclaimed, his voice cracking with embarrassment. He could feel the heat radiating from his face.

Thaddeus stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor as he grabbed Jasper's arm. "We're leaving. Come on, Jasper."

As they hurried out of the tent, Jasper could hear the mystic calling after them. "Don't deny the passion between you! Embrace the love that-"

The rest of her words were lost as they pushed their way into the crowded street, both of them bright red and avoiding each other's gaze.

"Well," Jasper said after a moment, his voice strained. "That was..."

"Mortifying," Thaddeus finished, still not looking at him.

"Right," Jasper agreed quickly.

"I mean, she was pretty off base, right?" Jasper continued, his voice a little too high-pitched.

"Absurd," Thaddeus replied, but there was a strange note in his voice that Jasper couldn't quite identify.

"Right, absurd," Jasper parroted. 

They walked in awkward silence for a few moments, both hyper-aware of the festive couples around them.

"Let's just... forget this ever happened," Thaddeus said finally.

"Agreed," Jasper replied, even as a small part of him wondered what it would be like if the mystic's words were true.

As the twin suns of Neon Prime began their descent, casting long shadows across the city's brass and copper skyline, Jasper and Thaddeus found themselves in a less crowded part of the metropolis. The air here was thick with the scent of oil and exotic spices, punctuated by occasional bursts of sweet-smelling steam from nearby vents.

They came upon a narrow street lined with curiosity shops, their windows filled with an eclectic array of gadgets and artifacts from across the galaxy. Jasper's attention was caught by a peculiar storefront, its facade adorned with gears of various sizes, all turning in a hypnotic, silent dance.

"There's an interesting shop here," Jasper said, guiding Thaddeus closer. "The sign says 'Chronomancer's Emporium: Treasures from Every When and Where.'"

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, his cane tapping thoughtfully against the cobblestones. "Sounds like the sort of place that deals in overpriced junk and empty promises."

Despite Thaddeus's skepticism, Jasper felt drawn to the shop. "Maybe, but it could be fun to look around. Who knows, we might find something useful for the ship."

As they entered, a small brass bell chimed overhead, its sound oddly distorted as if coming from far away. The interior was dimly lit, illuminated primarily by the soft glow of countless timepieces lining the walls. Clocks of every imaginable design ticked away, their hands moving in strange, asynchronous patterns.

The proprietor, a short, stocky human man with a large bushy mustache waddled towards them. "Welcome, travelers," he said, his voice pitched in a salesman's cadence. "What do you seek in the streams of time?"

Jasper glanced at Thaddeus, noting the skeptical set of his mouth. "We're just looking," Jasper said quickly. "Though if you have any engineering components, we might be interested."

The proprietor smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Of course. Please, feel free to browse. You'll find that the Emporium has a way of providing what is needed, even if it's not what you thought."

As they moved deeper into the shop, Jasper described the more interesting items to Thaddeus. "There's a pair of dice here that claim to always have the right roll," he said, peering into a glass case. "And over there, a device that supposedly lets you send messages to your past self."

Thaddeus snorted. "And I'm sure they're all perfectly functional and not at all ridiculous frauds."

Despite his sarcastic comments, Thaddeus found himself intrigued by the various devices Jasper described. His fingers itched to examine them, to understand their mechanisms.

As they reached the back of the shop, Jasper's eyes were drawn to a pair of brass goggles sitting on a velvet cushion, intricate gears and lenses adorning the frame.

"Hey, Thaddeus, take a look at these goggles," Jasper said, picking them up. "These look interesting."

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow. "And what is that supposed to do?"

Jasper shrugged, then remembered to vocalize for Thaddeus's benefit. "Not sure. Let's see..."

Jasper slipped the goggles on, and suddenly the shop faded away, the world through the lenses shifting. 

He found himself looking at the engine room of an unfamiliar ship. It was similar to the Protea's, but with subtle differences. Jasper gasped as he saw what appeared to be an older version of himself kneeling in front of a massive boiler. This other Jasper moved with a confidence he didn't quite recognize, expertly manipulating the intricate inner workings of the boiler.

"Thaddeus, this is incredible! I can see... well, it looks like me, but not quite. I'm on a different ship, I think."

"Just another trick, I'm sure," Thaddeus said, but his voice lacked its usual skepticism. "What's different?"

 "I look... older, maybe?" Jasper explained, his voice filled with wonder.

Thaddeus nodded, listening intently. "And what am I doing in this alternate reality? Surely they wouldn't be foolish enough to let you run an engine room without supervision," he said, a hint of teasing in his voice.

As if on cue, another Thaddeus entered the scene. Jasper watched as this alternate Thaddeus approached his counterpart with a familiar grace.

"You just walked in," Jasper said, his voice slightly strained. "You're heading towards m-"

Before he could finish his thought, what happened next made Jasper's breath catch in his throat. The alternate Thaddeus wrapped his arms around the other Jasper from behind, leaning down to match Jasper's kneeled height. With a tender touch, he tilted the other Jasper's face up and kissed him deeply.