Saying Goodbye

Posted on Mon May 3rd, 2021 @ 12:02pm by Commander Hades,MD & Lieutenant Commander Ariana Monroe-Wayne & Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD

1,395 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 109 - The Dust Settles
Location: Verdari Colony
Timeline: Current

ON:

Hades sat in the café on the colony waiting for Ariana and Carolyn. this would be a difficult conversation.

Ariana had been resting in her assigned quarters, when Hades call to meet him had come through she’d quickly headed out to see him. To say she’d missed him was an understatement.

Crossing the small town square, Carolyn exchanged some friendly hellos with a few who passed by as she slipped into the cafe. A few she knew from walks she had taken with Harris, others strangers. Word, however, was travelling at warp speed. And with Hades in their midst, this was not a meeting that would go unnoticed.

Although, as she approached the table she noted that not only did it have a peaceful view of a small tranquil lake but that it was otherwise deserted save for a few wait staff. And they were keep a discreet distance unless needed.

"Sorry," she offered in apology as she sank gratefully into a seat. "I now officially have two outfits that fit over the bump. I may pull planets into orbit soon."

Ariana grinned as she appeared behind Carolyn “I think I’m starting to understand how a mother space whale feels.” She took a seat. “I’ll admit I love how comfortable the beds are here, any chance I can take one home with me?”

Hades gave a nod, his thoughts jumbled. He lifted a hand and out of seeming thin air a guard appeared. "Lord Hades," He said bowing.

"Ensure that the bed this young lady occupies is examined," He said pointing to Ariana. "Get a new one and prepare it for the return trip of her ship."

The guard nodded and all but ran. Hades then snapped his fingers and two wait staffers came, one baring water and another with a pad in hand to see what they wished to order.

“Anything sweet and smothered in chocolate please,” Carolyn told the young woman, feeling a need to be doubly polite to compensate for the finger snapping. If someone did that back in Dublin they’d be served their fingers on a plate. But then here Hades had a reputation to maintain.

“I’ll second that one” Ariana grinned. “With a side order of chocolate cake please.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Fattening but delicious!”

"Just tea." He said.

The wait staff nodded knowing that he wanted Vulcan spiced tea instantly. They scurried away. He sighed. "I've been gone so long they are starting to believe with the rest of the First Federation does that I'm some crazed tyrant." Hades looked at Ariana. "The ship will be leaving soon, to return to the station."

Alone again, Carolyn wondered if they had asked for enough chocolate. She felt a pang of guilt, knowing that the news Hades was about to share with their friend was going to be hard on her. Yet Ariana had a life - and family - back on 400.

Ariana nodded her smile fading a little as she looked at Hades. “You’re not coming back are you?”

"No. It is time I stayed with my people. I have...been away too long," It was the truth and it was as difficult for him as it was for the colony. Goodness knew that he hadn't asked for the mantel but it was his and now that the Romulans had helped with the last of his revenge he wanted to stay here, to rest, to find Harris.

Ariana’s gaze turned to Carolyn. “From your emotions I’d say you’ve got news for me as well?” She was already feeling like she wanted to cry, but she was doing her best to hold it back.

"That's cheating," Carolyn chided her gently, trying not to be swept up in the emotion but it was hard. At this point, emotional was the key pregnancy theme. "But yes, I do. Before we left the station, I turned down the admiral's offer to become CMO. And submitted my resignation. I promised to finish the talks and from there... honestly? I had no idea. Go back to Earth maybe? But I'm going to stay here. Keep doing the work Harris used to do, and give this baby the best chance."

She did want to offer up the wild hope Hades had given her about Harris. Because she would have stayed regardless.

"I know it's a lot and I am gonna miss you, and Stacey, and Kitty and even Mendez..." she went on, feeling tears starting to well up. "But we will stay in touch, I promise. I want to hear everything and anything."

Ariana didn’t say anything, she was too busy trying to hold her emotions back. “So I ... lose both of you in one fell swoop!” She wiped away a few stray tears trying to stay strong but she was rapidly losing the fight.

"Rol will still be there and Splendora will be going back," Hades offered. "We will talk all the time."

“Absolutely,” Carolyn agreed.

Ariana took a deep breath, she didn’t want to turn into a blubbering idiot in front of her friends. “It won’t be the same without you both! Hades you’ve been more than a friend to me, you’ve been a mentor too. Carolyn you’re my best friend!”

“You’ll be more than okay,” Carolyn promised. “And you’ll have a new CMO to keep in check. Not to mention two children to look after. Trust me, I’ll be constantly calling you for parenting advice.”

Hades gave a nod. "Indeed and you will always be welcome here."

Ariana offered a smile. “Don’t think I won’t take you up on that offer Hades. As for you ..” She looked at Carolyn. “I have no doubt you’ll make an amazing mother.”

Hades smiled, "She will make an amazing mother. You both are amazing." He handed Ariana a PaDD, "for the Admiral."

Ariana took the PADD “I’ll keep it safe until I get back.”

"I have a favour to ask of you. I've asked Rol to look after Bow until I can get her back here. I also asked him to pack up my things to go into storage... but could you help him?" Carolyn asked Ariana. "He's a good friend and all but the idea of him packing up my clothes.... just no."

Ariana laughed. “Don’t worry I’ll make sure your things are packed safely ready for transfer here.”

Hades laughed. "Splendora can help. She will be coming back next month she can bring all the things. I will ask you to do the same for me help Splendora pack and bring back my things, and Kalani's." A sadness settled as he thought about his wife.

"Then maybe we can ask Splendora to include some of the chocolates she loved from DeVere's," Carolyn suggested. "And we can share it while you tell me your favourite stories about her."

He reached out and took Carolyn's hand. "My son did right by marrying you. Best decision he made."

"You are getting soft," she teased as she squeezed his hand before she scooted to the side to allow the wait staff to set down their food and drinks.

The food was laid out quickly and with a curtsy they left.

"I must admit," Hades said. "I miss being Hades the terrible."

Carolyn rolled her eyes, "you are gonna be trouble, aren't you?" she teased.

"Very much so."

“I will miss both of you so very much!” Ariana smiled a somewhat sad smile before tucking into her chocolate cake.

Hades looked down at his own plate. "If you two make me cry...." He pushed around the piece of cake on his plate.

Ariana paused, pushed out her chair, stood and walked around to Hades. Not able to bend easily given her bump she knelt beside him and gave him a big hug. “I will miss you so very much. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!”

Hades hugged her back. "I will only be a call away. You will come here on your next vacation. Bring the family."

"Yes!" Carolyn agreed as she finsihed a mouthful of chocolate something. Whatever it was, it was devine. "Promise you will come?"

“You try keeping me away!” Ariana grinned looking a little more cheerful.

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