01-24-2026, 10:30 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-24-2026, 10:31 PM by Carol Harriman.)
Carol took a deep breath, trying to let the fresh air clear out her brain. The nebula mission had been rough on everyone. She was also still carrying the personal disappointment of losing an opportunity of serving as department head. Having served as the department head earlier, only to not get the permanent position, she felt a bit like a ghost on her own ship. She felt like she’d messed up yet another opportunity. She was beginning to realize she did enjoy the challenge, though didn't...until it was gone.
Coming to the BBQ felt like a performance she wasn't ready to give. She wasn't bitter, just tired of feeling like she was standing still while everyone else was moving forward.
She walked toward the gazebo, nodding to a few familiar faces but heading straight for the hiking maps. She wasn't ready to sit and chat over burgers; she needed to get some miles under her boots and find a different perspective.
"I think I need a change in altitude," she said, looking toward the group as she tucked a map into her pocket. She hoped she sounded more casual than she felt. "Anyone know which of these trails is the steepest? I think I need to wear myself out a bit."
== tag anyone ==
Coming to the BBQ felt like a performance she wasn't ready to give. She wasn't bitter, just tired of feeling like she was standing still while everyone else was moving forward.
She walked toward the gazebo, nodding to a few familiar faces but heading straight for the hiking maps. She wasn't ready to sit and chat over burgers; she needed to get some miles under her boots and find a different perspective.
"I think I need a change in altitude," she said, looking toward the group as she tucked a map into her pocket. She hoped she sounded more casual than she felt. "Anyone know which of these trails is the steepest? I think I need to wear myself out a bit."
== tag anyone ==