Thompson had been given a rare day off and for once she had planned to take advantage of the time off. She decided she was going to go to the holodeck and do some ziplining. She had reserved the holodeck and was excited for some time away. She activated one of her favorite programs, which was an intense all day ziplining course through the hills of West Virginia.

Though she was not from the area she had been introduced years back by a few friends and now it was one of the best escapes. The doors whooshed open to the holodeck where Thompson was hit by the outdoors with many smells coming to her nose and the noise of birds above the tree line. She smiled as the cool autumn air hit her face. She walked down the path heading for the beginning of the course.

Her eyes shut as she took a moment to relax for the first time in months. Her thoughts were interrupted by what she thought was the opening of the door to the holodeck. She didn’t turn around still trying to focus on the serene peace.

Jade entered the room and immediately halted. She had expected the room to be empty but instead found the room occupied and currently in use. Feeling her cheeks turn hot, she thoughtlessly reached up and rubbed her cheek before tucking some rogue strands of hair behind her right ear. She was super embarrassed and prayed that it wasn’t readily visible across her face.

“Oh…I am so sorry!” She called out to the woman before her. “I didn’t realize this holodeck was reserved. I asked about using it and was informed it was available. Obviously, there has been some type of miscommunication. Please forgive me and I will leave you to it,” Jade spoke a little too quickly. She tended to get like this when she was nervous. She grabbed a hold of her bag and adjusted it a littler higher on her shoulder and then turned to leave.

Thompson looked back to see the newcomer someone she had never seen before. She put up two hands and smiled “It’s ok. Sometimes the system seems to not register the information as it is required.” She thought for a moment “You look like your wanting to do something outdoors…would you want to join me?”

Jade stopped walking and stood there. She wasn’t sure how to respond. Of course, she had come here to do the very same thing but she didn’t want to intrude. But she had really looked forward to this time and she really could benefit from “spending some time outdoors.” She turned back towards the woman before speaking. “If it’s not too much, I’d love to join you. I don’t want to intrude or anything though. I’m Jade by the way,” she spoke as she slowly approached the woman.

“Oh my apologies I am Sonja Thompson, Lieutenant JG in the Promenade Security division.”

Jade gave her a small smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m also a Lieutenant Junior Grade. I’m currently serving a deck officer working my way towards JAG specialist. I take it you are a fellow lover of the outdoors. I love to come here and take a breath, if you know what I mean.”

Thompson smiled and nodded “While I have never been here in real life this is one of my favorite places to come. I have multiple programs around here. I was planning to do a long round of ziplining if you would want to join. Most people won’t do it because they’re scared of heights.”

“That sounds fantastic actually. I’d love to join. It sounds like just what I needed. I’m not going to say that I’m fearless but I have never been one to be afraid of heights.” Jade spoke as she softly placed her bag on the ground beside her. “Lead the way,” she said as she approached and then stopped right in front of the other woman.

Thompson nodded and made the way to the beginning of the course and helped Jade get into the harness for the course. She turned and gestured to the beautiful view of the mountains and valleys they were about to traverse. “So have you ever done this before? Ziplining is tons of fun, but you can’t be scared of heights to be able to do this. Its a quick and exhilarating feeling and something I love.”

“I have been ziplining before. It’s one of my favorite things to do actually. Sadly, I haven’t had a chance to enjoy it lately. I’m glad I’ve finally been able to have some free time to enjoy it again,” Jade finished fastening the harness and securing herself as she spoke.

Thompson smirked “I think you will enjoy this one. It is one of my favorites and one I have done in person, but I also come back to it because of the thrill level and the beautiful views it provides.”

“Sounds perfect. I could use a little bit of thriller right now. You ready to go?” Jade smiled as she spoke.

Thompson nodded “Let’s do it!”

Jade nodded at Thompson and then took a second to take a deep breath and calm herself. She rocked back and forth on her feet for a few seconds and then let go. Her smile was huge as she ziplined through the terrain.  This was just what she needed and she had hopefully even made a new friend in the process.