#getoffyoursoapbox

[anddaddytheytookmyboot]

Letting go of the young womans hand, Rourke folded his arms and shook his head with a small smile, "Helga has never been the easiest person to get along with, and she has the tendency to be quite... Brash."

"Ah, but isn't it bolder people who make for more interesting friends?" Jane countered, clasping her hands behind her back (which with her stomach made her feel strangely unbalanced).  "Though I can't say she and I have had much difficulty in getting along."

[anddaddytheytookmyboot]

"Commander Lyle T. Rourke, known Helga for years." Chuckling lightly, he held out his hand to the woman, "Pleasure to finally meet the woman who's got Helga all friendly again."

"Oh!" Jane's face lit up in comprehension as she shook the man's hand earnestly.  "Helga mentioned you by name the other day, now I think about it.  And obviously you know my name..." she arched a brow, smiling a little, curiously.  "Was she so taciturn before?  I hadn't realized."  To be sure, Jane's first impressions of Helga had been of a reserved woman, but what had transpired to cause Commander Rourke to refer to Helga's good cheer as again?

[anddaddytheytookmyboot]

"You wouldn't be that Jane Porter that Helga was talking about, are you?"

Jane turned towards the voice in some surprise.  "If you mean Helga Sinclair, then yes, I am!" she exclaimed delightedly, walking towards the man.  "Er...I'm afraid I have no idea who you are," she added as an apologetic afterthought.