| Fantasy Vs Reality |
| Summary: | Alexander and Maia meet up to discuss life in the Fleet, later on Angelica joins. |
| Date: | 2.16.2041 |
| Related Logs: | None |
| Players: |
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Observation Deck
With a quiet view to the stars, this tends to be one of the more popular 'quiet areas' of the Cerberus. Up front is a small-unseated area for ceremonies or other activities while the seating rises up behind it. Each level rises up behind the one before it, comfortable chairs and couches set up for crewmembers to relax, get some work done or even take a nap. A large armored plate is lowered during Condition One to protect the interior against a breach in the glass.
Alexander isn't paying attention to the door for the moment as he reaches down beside him to produce a bottle of water which he takes a sip out of before putting the cap back on. The Caprican actor picks up his book for a moment and he reads aloud to himself not as an actor but in soft scholarly tones as someone who clearly admires what he is reading, "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips' red; If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head." He stops for a moment and places the book back down on his knee as he picks up the notebook and he jots down some notes and when this is done the notebook is placed down and the book is picked back up.
"You're…"
Maia flails alittle as she stands up andhrmms for a few moments, patting herself down fora marker or a pen.An ah-ha shefound one! She heads on over, shuffling nervously towards the actor as she smiles cheerily as she offers hisGQ cover magazine andthe pen. "Um. Can I have your autograph?"
It's the, 'You're…' that catches Alexander's attention and he places his book down slowly and he places it this time on the edge of the couch as he picks up his note book as well to make room for Maia. Once space has been made he turns to look at Maia and he gives an utterly dazzling smile as his nose crinkles slightly, his eyes shine, and the corners of his mouth lift up in perfect symmetry. "Of course, please, have a seat." He asks as he takes the magazine and the pen. "And who should I make the autograph out to Lieutenant?" He says patting the free seat beside him.
"Maia Westfield…" the Westfields were well known socialites of Caprica, so the name may be familiar to the actor as they did fund all sorts of projects afterall. She eases on down with a bright and cheery smile. "I'm a big fan, your movies, your shows, so you're with the Quodel?" she asks curiously, trying to keep herself squealing with girlish glee.
Alexander isn't paying attention to the door for the moment as he reaches down beside him to produce a bottle of water which he takes a sip out of before putting the cap back on. The Caprican actor picks up his book for a moment and he reads aloud to himself not as an actor but in soft scholarly tones as someone who clearly admires what he is reading, "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips' red; If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head." He stops for a moment and places the book back down on his knee as he picks up the notebook and he jots down some notes and when this is done the notebook is placed down and the book is picked back up.
"You're…"
Maia flails alittle as she stands up andhrmms for a few moments, patting herself down fora marker or a pen.An ah-ha shefound one! She heads on over, shuffling nervously towards the actor as she smiles cheerily as she offers hisGQ cover magazine andthe pen. "Um. Can I have your autograph?"
It's the, 'You're…' that catches Alexander's attention and he places his book down slowly and he places it this time on the edge of the couch as he picks up his note book as well to make room for Maia. Once space has been made he turns to look at Maia and he gives an utterly dazzling smile as his nose crinkles slightly, his eyes shine, and the corners of his mouth lift up in perfect symmetry. "Of course, please, have a seat." He asks as he takes the magazine and the pen. "And who should I make the autograph out to Lieutenant?" He says patting the free seat beside him.
"Maia Westfield…" the Westfields were well known socialites of Caprica, so the name may be familiar to the actor as they did fund all sorts of projects afterall. She eases on down with a bright and cheery smile. "I'm a big fan, your movies, your shows, so you're with the Quodel?" she asks curiously, trying to keep herself squealing with girlish glee.
"To Maia Westfield, bringing the beauty of Caprica into the Fleet, Yours, Alexander Aurelia." He offers Maia back her magazine, "I know a few members of your family I believe. I helped them with a fund raiser a while back for relief to Sagittaron." Alexander returns the girlish glee with equal fanservice as he says to Maia, "And I am a big fan of the work you do for the fleet because anyone who makes the sacrifices that someone such as yourself, especially, a Westfield, is a hero to every man, woman, and child of the Colonies." Alexander dips his head slightly, "I am here with QUODEL as a Goodwill Ambassador and to do research on my next role. I will be playing an officer in the fleet and I am here to research what it is like to be an officer. I mean it isn't a secret that I heavily research all of my roles to make sure I am fairly representing something." He stops and lifts a hand, "Though I'm sorry, I must be boring you. Perhaps you would like to tell me about yourself?"
Her cheeks flush a bright tinge of red as she gets all squirmy as he throws compliment after compliment at her. There's a little tee-hee that escapes from her lips as she eases on down next to him, looking at him rather dreamily. "Oh, well thank you very much. It's an honor." she says matter of factly before she crosses her legs to get a tad bit more comfortable. "And no, you're not boring me, it's quite fascinating. But I'm a freshly promoted full lieutenant in the air-wing." she points to the wings on her collar. "Served on the Pegasus for four years and now I'm here. With the recent orders from the CAG, my fun free time on deck repairing my Raptor has been nullified so I was just looking for something todo. Apparently, even with a masters in electrical engineering, as an ECO all I'm supposed to do is well, just be an ECO. And I thought Admiral Cain was oppressive." she says with a sigh.
"Ah, I see, so you were on the Pegasus?" The actor begins to think about his research for a moment and the he gives a slight devil may care grin as he says to Maia, "That would be the one with Rear Admiral Cain. I did not know she was so, oppressive, though between you and me I have only been on this ship a few days myself." For his part Alexander is completely at ease and his does his best to make Maia feel the same by acting like this is all very normal because, really, it is. "And freshly promoted to Lieutenant I see, congratulatons are in order I suspect." The actor says as he blinks, "And a Lieutenant with a masters in electrical engineering, I must say Lieutenant Westfeld, you seem to be quiet amazing."
"Rear Admiral Cain encouraged our continuing education. She didn't want us to just stick to flying. She wanted crew who could cross over into other departments should the need ever arise. The Pegasus was twice as big as say, the Galactica and we only had half her crew." Maia says rather proudly. "The Cerberus is taking the primitive approach of pilots do this, engineers do that, deck crew does this." she says with a shrug. "But thank you, I plan on eventually finishing a doctorate once all this is done."
"So, Battlestars normally run with a lot of cross training then and this one does not?" Alexander asks Maia for clarification since this is his first time on a Battlestar. The actor changes tracks because he is also interested in something else, another aspect of what makes Maia Westfield tick, "So, if you don't mind my asking how is it that you came to join the fleet? I ask because you come from a family of wealth so surely you don't do this for the money." He then lowers his head looking a little defeated, "I'm sorry, that probably came out horribly wrong. What I mean is you are making this noble sacrifice to serve the Colonies so what is it that drives you to do so knowing you have given up a certain level of luxury? I only ask for the reasons of my movie role coming up. Your insights are valuable to me."
"All of us have different backgrounds. Those of us with skills applicable to other departments do cross training, at least that was my experience." she says with another shrug of her shoulders as she crosses her legs to get a bit more comfortable. "My father was a military man. He went to the Caprican Fleet Academy and so did I." she says with a sage nod. "He came from old money but he was instilled with a sense of duty. That's what he taught me and that'swhy I'm here." she says with another shrug of her shoulders."As far as to what I've givenup… sure, the cushy life, but I've met wonderful people. I had life handed to me on a silver platter, being in the fleet has broadened my horizons a bit."
This new bit of perspective is filed away as Alexander asks Maia, "Do you mind if I write this down in my note book so I don't forget? I won't write names or anything but I just want to make sure I remember this perspective for the character I will be playing. Sadly, the script isn't even done yet so I am not sure what I will be playing?" He doesn't pick up his notebook yet but he does make mental notes none the less. "So, Lieutenant Westfield, just so I am certain it was your Father who instilled in you the values that have brought you to serve the fleet. Though you said being here has helped broaden your horizons? How so or I mean in what ways?" Alexander leans in a bit looking utterly fascinated by the lovely creature in front of him with dark hair.
"Surely you have toknow about us Caprican high society brats. We were spoiled. We had everything we wanted. We didn't know how to work hard for what we did." she says with a soft chuckle of amusement under her breath before she shakes her head. "And no, I don't mind. My youth was spent partying with the It-Girls of society. I was a socialite, still am to some extent, and so they wanted to make sure I knew what I had and was thankful for it. Everything we had was at the expense of people who died in the cylon war. That's what he made clear, so I went to the Fleet Academy." she says with a cheery smile.
"I did not learn of high society socialites in Caprica until later on. My Mother Callista Aurelia was quiet famous in her day and while we had access to everything I spent my younger years on becoming an actor. So, sadly I missed out on a typical childhood, however, my adult life has been put on many tabloid and magazines." Alexander chuckles at the thought of it, "Ever have your best friend call you one morning to say, 'and why were you at Dionysis' Cup last night with that model?' and then I have to explain that it is all a misunderstanding but the tabloids think otherwise." Alexander picks up the notebook and quickly begins to jot down notes as he looks up to show his amazing blue eyes to Maia, "So, your Father made it clear that some sacrifice was in order to repay the debt of those who came before us?"
"Pretty much, and no, never had my best friend callme to ask why I was at Dionysus' Cup, though I do have fond memories there in my youth." she says with a wink, letting out a soft chuckle of amusement while running her fingers through her hair.
"So, you are an ECO?" He says turning now on the couch to utterly face Maia straight on since everything she is saying is written down and his eyes keep meeting hers because he wants to know what she has to say. Also, true to his word there are no names but there is a code and it the code reads DHC, "What is the ECO relationship like with a pilot?" It might be that Maia thinks that Alexander is interesting but right now his utter and total focus is on the woman in front of him, "Is it often difficult or is it more of a true partnership? I ask because I arrived here on a Raptor as a special guest so it was amazing to fly inside of one." Then Alexander stops himself and he asks Maia, "And I'm sorry, I should let you have a chance, do you have any questions for me?"
"You're the one trying to find out more about your role, so feel free to ask any questions. Mine would be silly like do you have a girlfriend.." she says with a hearty laugh before she nods. "And yes, I am an ECO. My pilot back on the Pegasus was one of my best friends. It's a relationship that usually builds when you're assigned to one another. LT JiG Jared sikes is my pilot here. Nice guy, but we're still feeling out for the most part. He's utterly adorkable, so I think it'llbe a good thing. And I've heard rumors of ECOs dating their pilots but I haven't."
"Ah, so it can lead to romantic relationships." This is quickly written down in his notebook as Alexander asks Maia, "Are these romantic relationships encouraged as much as the friendships are?" Alexander is focused on his work for sure, "Ah, so JiG Sikes is cute, geeky, and a good friend of yours." Alexander says with a wink, "Is there anything going on between you both?" He asks curiously since he is ready for the full story and all research will help him out. Alexander stops and he says sheepishly, coyly even, "No, I don't have a girlfriend. Despite what the tabloids say I am very careful about who I date because unlike the rest of the Colonies I never know if someone wants to date me for me or for what I represent."
"We're friends, though I suppose you can say there may or may not be some mild flirtation going on every now and then. We're the same age and he recently transferred as well." she explains as she stretches her arms into the air and nods. "I'd imagine it's difficult with all the fangirls."
"Ah, I see, perhaps tension between you both to keep work interesting and to maintain focus." Alexander says as he writes down a few more notes, "What do you think of Viper pilots?" He asks Maia since she is the first pilot he has offically talked too. "And as for the fangirls, I love my fans and some provide quite a temptation but I think the fantasy me will never be as good as the reality that is me and so I let the fangirls keep their fantasies and I never take advantage of my fans."
"He has no game." she says matter of factly. "That is why he is adorkable instead of possible boyfriend material." she explains with another hearty laugh as she hrmms at the Viper pilots. "They're all right I suppose. Most of the arrogant stereotypes of the air-wing can be attributed to them." she says before peering towards him as she lets out a pfft. "Oh come now, I am sure the reality that is you is just as good as the fantasy itself."
Alexander scribbles some notes, "Why is it you think that there are arrogant stereotypes about Viper pilots?" He asks Maia as he looks out at the Observation port as a CAP flies by off in the distance clearly showing two Vipers and a Raptor pass by. There is a slight laugh at Maia's matter of fact explanation of Sikes and why he is adorkable. "Well, I'm sorry to here you haven't found any suitors. Tell me though how does the military feel about relationships on Battlestars?" Alexander then looks Maia right in the eye and he says, "Perhaps, though people want to go to bed with the dream; they don't like it when they wake up with the reality. This is true of all fantasies. I am sure I could make a woman happy but I want it because she loves me and not because she loves my fame."
"They are the hot shot pilots. They go for the kills. They call Raptors buses since we bring people to and fro, but they forget that the powerful electronic countermeasures equipment is on the Raptors and it's us who save their asses most of the time." she says with a wry grin while idlyrunning her fingers through her hair. "Relationships are all right, unless it's between an officer and an enlisted. That can get rather complicated quickly." she saysmatter of factly before raising her brows as Alexander looks into her eyes. "Mr. Aurelia, you're speaking with a former socialite. Fame is the last thing I want to be associated with. Seems too complicated to me."
Alexander scribles down everything that Maia says in regards to Viper pilots and their attitudes toward Raptor pilots and after a moment he stops and he places his note book behind him as he studies Maia, "I see, please, call me Alexander or Lex if you would like." Alexander then remains quiet for a moment as he watches Maia and her form and he asks, "So, Lieutenant Westfileld. this begs the question are you seeking a relationship at this time?"
"If I am to call you Lex or Alexander, then you'll have to call me Maia as well. I'm off duty anyway. but don't let any captains, majors or above catch you doing that. They kicked off a civvie who was part of the QUODEL for allegedly disrespecting someone. The superiors are grumps." she leans in and whispers before extending a hand towards him for a shake, since this is now their formal introduction afterall. "And as tothe relationship question, is this still pertaining to movie role you're researching?"
With no notebook in hand Alexander smiles, "Ah, well then Maia. May I ask this question, do you feel disrespected in the least?" He says flashing an impossible smile this time as his eyes have such bright energy behind them they almost burst as if they were full of a thousand blue suns and his nose has three distinct lines on either side showing he is amused as well as the sides of his mouth which twist almost impossible creating a look that is addorable and smouldering at the same time and he whispers back to Maia as he leans in, "And as for the role, that is always what I am researching. An artist is nothing without his research but even research can take a break to meet another soul." He takes Maia's hand and he shakes it given a ngentle but polite squeeze.
There's a shake of her head as she lets out another girlish giggle of glee. He is so dreamy afterall! Maia's cheeks burn bright red as she hrmms andtakes a deep breath. "Mmm, no I don't, but how do I know you're not doing this with all the other female officers to research your role?" she quips back teasingly, deciding to be coy for now.
"Well, because you are the first pilot I've met." Alexander says quietly and then he adds in bad boy tones, "Though that isn't to say that I don't either." Another playful grin runs along his face as a curl from his hair drops under his forhead for a moment just below the eye and he seems to enjoy the fact that Maia is giggling with girlish glee, the question is this is he serious or is this fan service, fantasy or reality.
"Definitely play a Viper pilot then." she tells him with a soft sigh. He is so swoon worthy. "They like to think they are kings of space and can bed a woman with just simple words and a come hither look." Maia says with a wry grin."I think you have that attitude down pat."
Angelica comes strolling in, whistling as she does. "We should check the tape, see what we got…" as she moves over to the first of the two camera left here since yesterday. I think we got some great shots of the launch, and the reactions from the people. " As she turns off the first camera, then punches a button on the second..turning the one across the room off as well.
Alexander loooks at Maia, "I have a feeling they will script me to be a Viper pilot. Although, perhaps they might write me as a Raptor pilot to show the heroic struggle as pilot and ECO work together. In terms of blocking and film it would make sense to have two people easily on screen rather than a lot of cut shots between Vipers." He stops himself again, "Sorry, I'm boring you with technical script details." He then leans back as he watches Maia, "Well, I'll keep working on my swagger and my come hither look." He then brushes the hair that fell between his eyes back up on to his head using the fingers of his left hand. Then there is a noise and the words tape and camera come out and he whispers something to Maia.
Alexander whispers, "Reporters, if you don't want to get in trouble act cool or else you might end up on a magazine cover youself." to Maia.
Her brows furrow at the noise and the whisper as Alexander leans against her. How scandalous when things can be misconstrued like this. Is the famous Alexander Aurelia trying to bed a colonial fleet officer already? The news! Gasp! Maia nods and chuckles softly, "Well if you have any questions, it shouldn't be too difficult to find me. Now that I can't play with the raptors anymore due to the arrival of the deck chief, I have lots of free time."
Angelica pops out the disc…sure she said tape, but thats like saying album for CD, when it refers to a record. She slips the disc into a case, and stuffs it down in her bag. She then picks up the camera, and makes her way across the room to it's twin. There she opens up the case on the floor, and sets it inside. She opens the second camera, and removes the disc, replacing it with a fresh one.
Alexander picks up his note book and he scribbles a few more notes inside of the pages, "Well, your information so far Lieutenant Westfield has been valuable to my research." The actor says as he now has his left foot on the ground and his right leg crossed so that he can continue to write notes in his notebook, "What is it like working with the Deck Crew?" For his part Alexander is completely at ease in the room but then again when is he ever not at ease in public or in private.
"I mainly discussed things with the LSO. We were friends from the Pegasus." she says cheerily while leaning back in the chair as she hrmms. "They're…" and she hesitates in answering. "Interesting." There, that's the nicest things she can say.
Angelica looks over and spots people..wow, she missed them completly. She closes and locks the case, the picks up the other camera. Smiling she walks over, "Why, hello there..and how are you two today?"
Alexander turns to look and see first if the camera is on and he says, "Hello, can I help you?" The Caprican actor asks curiously as he looks at the camera and then he looks over at Angelica and as he spots all of the clearance badges he gets a chance to look at Akoris Productions and he searches his head to see if he can remember anything about Askoris Productions. For the moment his attention is now focused on the camera though he looks completely laid back about it as he closes his note book careful to make sure none of his research is recorded, however, this action is casual.
"Oh, hello!" Maia says as she looks towards the reporter with a bright and cheery smile.She looks professional now, now wanting to fall over handsome actors. That would not bode well for the crew.
Angelica hmms, "Help?..well sure, I've got lots of heavy gear in here I need to move back to my room. Thanks for asking…" she says with a smile. "I was just gonna go get a cart, but if your offering…"
Alexander looks up at Angelica and he says, "Well, I suppose I could help you since you and I sleep in the same berthings." Alexander looks at Maia and he says, "Lieutenant Westfield, your insights will help me greatly into understanding life here." He looks at the woman for a moment trying to place her face and then he asks curiously, "Where is the rest of your crew? Sound, lighting, camera man, Miss or is it Misses?" Alexander extends a hand, "Alexander Aurelia and this is Lieutenant Westfield of the Air Wing, she is an ECO."
"A pleasure to meet you." she says, extending a hand towards Angelica as she eases on up from her seat, waiting for a hand shake before easing back down. She looks back towards Alexander with a warm smile. "If you need more help, feel free to ask. I have lots of free time now." she says once more.
Angelica hmms, "We do?…well mine is mostly taken up by my gear, portable editing bay and the like. So I'm sure you have much more room then me." She smiles, as she shakes the two hands. "And it's just Angelica…simple enough for me. As to my crew, I wear many hats at the moment. Only got so much funding for this project, so pretty much do everything."
"Ah, are you an independent film maker then?" Alexander asks as he does have a soft spot for independent artists and those who struggle to make things on a small budget, "Perhaps I can help you with your funding and get you some sort of a crew the next time we stop off somewhere?" Alexander looks back at Maia, "Trust me, I intend to take you up on your offer for free time, I've got loads of questions."
"Anytime Mr. Aurelia." Maia says with a sage nod as she continues to just relx in the chair, letting the two media types talk.
Angelica nods, "Well, were getting near the end of the project..but I appreciate the offer. Been working on it, since they announced the construction. So I've already got a lot of time invested in it. Bit of a pet project you know…but yes, I think we'll be able to sell it to the networks when were done. I mean, how often do they build one of these things. Everyone will want to watch."
"Wait, you have been here since this thing started getting constructed?" This is a story that Alexander would like to see, "Perhaps you could give us your observations, after all, you've been here since the start of this ship and now all three of us are standing in it. Fairly impressive wouldn't you say?" There is a turn to Maia, "Thank you Lieutenant Westfield, I look foward to it."
Angelica hmms, "Oh, it's…big I'll give it that. Wasn't thinking it'd be this big, but you know..it is. It's more like a city then anything…a city you can take anywhere."
Alexander nods and pulls out his notebook again, "Please tell me more, I'm researching a new role." He tells Angelica without going into much detail as he does his best to prepare himself, "And please be as detailed as you'd like."