Jun Meets Roxie

[2 years ago]

[Jun stood in the lunch hall surveying the area. Things were much different now, and better at that. Men, women, and anyone else who was old enough to join the IF were sitting among each other, eating and having a good time. Still, there was a ruckus every so often. That was one of the few things that hadn’t changed from when only men were allowed. It might have gotten a little worse in recent times. Whatever the case, some of Jun’s higher-ups approached them to lead the IF’s Human Resources Department to handle any complaints that people—particularly women—may have about their coworkers. Jun wanted to lay low for a while. Though a job like that probably won’t put them in the public eye as much as their previous stunt, they didn’t wanna take any chances. They just wanted some peace and quiet. In that instant, as if to say no to their wish, someone was running directly toward them. They almost tripped on their way to Jun, but steadied themselves by flailing their arms. Jun stifled a confused chuckle. Before they knew it, the stranger was staring straight up at them.]

Jun: Uhhhhh, hey. Do you need anyth-                        

Stranger: Thanks a billion!! You saved my very soul!

[Jun does not know how to respond]

Stranger: Oh? Pardon! I haven’t introduced myself yet! Some know me as the galactic wonder, heroine of the cosmos….But you can call me Roxie!

[Jun cracked a smile. Just then they remembered saving a girl from careening through space earlier that day. Jun wasn’t paying attention at the time, but this must be her.]

Jun: Ohhhh, no prob, man. Couldn’t have you flinging yourself across the Solar System. [chuckles]

[Roxie laughs with them, but quickly goes silent. She cocks her head to the side, inspecting Jun’s face curiously. Her eyes widen in realization.]

Roxie: Wait a gosh darn second! Are you--?

[Jun sighs, knowing what’s coming next]

Jun: Yeah, I’m—

Roxie: Jun Kim!! Ohmygosh, it’s Jun Kim!

Jun: [laughing nervously] Yes, it’s me… Though I’m kinda tryin’ to lay low if you catch my wave.

[Roxie covers her mouth in embarrassment]

Roxie: [whispering] I’m sorry for blowing your cover!

Jun: I-It’s okay, you didn’t know.

Roxie: No, no! Revealing someone’s secret identity is a crime punishable by banishment! Or at least…it should be. I don’t have the faintest clue where I’d be banished from. [dramatically] Space, mayhaps?

Jun: But what if you were revealing a criminal’s identity?

[Roxie puts one hand on her hip and the other under her chin, contemplating. Jun can’t even believe they’re going along with this, but the young cadet is so animated, Jun doesn’t want to be a killjoy. Plus, despite how weird she’s being, Jun found this Roxie strangely endearing]

Roxie: Hmmm, you got me there! If one were to reveal a criminal’s identity, then I declare that they should be heralded as a hero! [she nods] But you’re not a criminal, you’re a hero…at least to me.

Jun: It’s nothin’

Roxie: It’s everything to me! And a lot of other people, I’m sure, but I shalln’t say more, at least not with these prying ears about! [normal voice] Do you wanna eat lunch with me? We can talk about more normal things if you want, or not-normal things, I’m good at talking about lots of things, or if you don’t want to eat with me, that’s ok—

Jun: Yeah.

Roxie: Yaaaaay!

[Jun and Roxie get lunch, and sit at a table away from others, but not far away enough for them to stick out.]

Roxie: The ultimate hiding spot is in plain sight!

Jun: Yep.

[They sit down and start eating]

Jun: Sooo, where are you from?

Roxie: Only the stars know… [she takes a sip of milk, then smiles] I’m from Kansas. Though the stars might as well be the only ones that know, ‘cause my hometown is teeny-tiny!

Jun: Oh, where’s that?

Roxie: Holyrood. It’s smack-dab in the middle of the country!

Jun: Like, the country as in…the whole US?

Roxie: Ex-act-ly~ It’s like the heart of America! Although the heart isn’t in the center of the body. It’s more on the left, which would be where D.C. is, now that I think about it.

Jun: Cool, I never thought about that.

Roxie: [excited] Me neither! Where are you from?

Jun: Ohh, IIII’d rather not—

[Roxie looks confused, but then seems to understand]

Roxie: [smiling] Only the stars know.

Jun: Yeah, that.

Roxie: Do you have any siblings?

Jun: Nah.

Roxie: I am also the only offspring of my parents! Were you ever lonely at all?

Jun: Sometimes, yeah. I had some buds, so that helped.

Roxie: I agree! Friends make the world go ‘round!