Getting Through the Day

Posted on Wed Dec 21st, 2022 @ 12:04am by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Lieutenant JG Janelle Sykes & Brandon McNamara & Raivyn T'Lar

1,567 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 114 - A Time and Place for Everything
Location: T'Lar's Quarters
Timeline: MD1 1300

Deela finished her short discussion with Coleman per Bremer's orders. She was told about the ships that appeared, the Essex was one of them. It was from another timeline. If these ships appearing had a connection to someone on Starbase 400, she wasn't quite sure who it might be unless it was just because she commands the Essex. It didn't really matter to her. All she wanted to do is be with her kids.

Deela rushed back to her quarters. The kids greeted her as soon as the door opened. After hugging the kids, she went to her room and changed out of her uniform. She came back out and called Brandon to come out of his room, "I just wanted to explain to you why you're feeling so overwhelmed. There are a bunch of ships that have shown up from other timelines. The confusion you felt was the emotions of those on board those various ships. Now that many of them know the situation, they should be more calm." She was already noticing a change and just wanted to assure him.

"I feel better mom already. I hope they get back home. I wouldn't want to time travel somewhere I don't want to be." He smiled.

Deela loved the fact that he was getting older and embracing his abilities. This was still all so new for him. Raivyn would be going through this in 4 years herself. She smiled back, "Good. I'm glad. It's not everyday that you get to experience such high emotions."

Deela was hungry and so was the kids, "Hey, I have an idea. Let's get something to eat then we can go to the holodeck and go ice skating. I've always wanted to teach you Raivyn and I think we should go have some fun."

"But Mom, don't you have to help those people get back to their timelines?" Raivyn's experience was that Deela would have to go to work and they'd be left to fend for themselves.

"That is what Coleman and the other's job is. If they really need me, they'll ask. Right now, I want to spend some quality times with the both of you." She figured that the world wasn't going to come to an end if she wasn't there helping to try and figure this situation out. Not to mention, she needed a fun distraction from her thoughts when she was alone. "We'll leave in 10."

Everyone got ready and they took off to the promenade. While en route, the two kids were disagreeing on what to eat. Finally deciding, they sat down and put in their order...for pizza. As they were eating, a familiar voice came from behind her.

"Ah, Admiral T'Lar, just the person I wanted to see." It was Quark. He was not one of her favorites, by far. She wished that she could throw him out of an airlock.

"Quark! No, no no. Just run back to the hole you live in. I'm here, enjoying dinner with my kids." He tried to stop her form talking but she just kept going, "Do you see what I'm wearing? No uniform which means I don't have to talk to you. So run along."

Quark gave up and walked away as he muttered something that wasn't nice at all. Deela didn't care. She just wanted a peaceful time with her kids and no interruptions.

Brandon watched as this queer short Ferengi walked away, "Who was that?"

"His name is Quark. He owns a bar somewhere else. Not sure why he's here and I don't want to know either." Someone failed to mention that Quark was on Starbase 400. She didn't like that greedy little creature.

"I think Ferengi's look silly. And those teeth." Raivyn playfully shivered.

Deela realized that her negativity about Quark would rub off on Raivyn, "Be nice. I may not like Quark but I don't want you making fun of their looks or anyone. Got it?"

"Sorry." Raivyn continued to eat. Brandon was pretty quiet. He had something on his mind.

"Okay Brandon, what gives? I can see your thinking about something." Deela observed Brandon.

"I'm thinking about all those people. How many ships are there anyway."

Deela reiterated what she was told, "Including the Essex. I'm not sure what my connection is to that ship except that I command it in this timeline."

"So." He was thinking about what she said, "There is all those ships but there is one that you haven't mentioned, the Ark Royal."

Deela didn't want to think about him. She was trying to put her sadness out of mind but she didn't want to discourage Brandon from sharing his thoughts, "And?"

"Well, if all of the ships here are linked to one of the people here, then does that mean that?" He stopped himself.

"Does that mean what?" Deela was curious.

"I'm sorry mom. Let's forget it and finish eating." Brandon was afraid that he might hurt his mom.

Deela started analyzing the facts too, "You're right." They finished their food and made their way to the holodeck. She had the computer start the program and they proceeded to walk in. Brandon helped his sister with her skates and helped her on the ice. Deela followed them and they started to teach Raivyn how to skate. They really enjoyed themselves. Raivyn was a natural to Deela's surprise.

Once finished, they made their way back home. Brandon had a few things to do and Raivyn was just tired from skating. She went off to take a nap.

Deela started thinking about the same thing that Brandon was thinking. She thought to herself. "If all of the ships here are linked to one of us, does that mean that because Jack wasn't there, it didn't show up? Or maybe Jack was..." She felt a tear stream down her cheek.

Brandon got himself a drink of water when he saw his mom's face, "I'm so sorry mom. I didn't mean to upset you." He hugged her.

"I would have thought about it eventually. And who knows. It possibly could be because Jack isn't here, that it isn't going to show up. I refuse to think the worse right now." She wiped her cheek, "I can't stop thinking that Jack is alive somewhere. In fact, that is the only thing that is keeping me going."

"I understand." he stood up, "Um, I need to go finish my homework. It's due in an hour."

Deela nodded, "Oh, I'm sorry. I hope that I didn't keep you from getting it turned in time.

"No, I'm almost done." He walked towards his room.

Deela stood up herself, "Okay. I'm going to leave for a few. I have something I need to do. I'll be back." She went to see the ships that appeared and to see if any others arrived. As she walked, she spotted someone that made her do a double take. It was Janice. It was like a jolt to the gut.

Deela went to the best place to observe the ships. She watched but the Ark Royal hadn't shown up yet. She was disappointed. Not that it would show up, even if the theory was right. She stood there with tears streaming down her face. She just wanted to see Jack one more time.

"Admiral T'Lar?" A voice came up behind her.

Deela turned around to see Lt. Janelle Sykes, "Um, yes."

"Hi. I didn't recognize you without your uniform. Is there anything I can do for you? You look upset." She had done so much for her she wanted to return the favor. She knew about her situation, in fact, everyone knew on the base.

"I wish you could. If you could only make my husband appear before me. " She wiped the tears away, "I'll be okay."

Janelle sighed, "My father went missing and he was never found. I mean, not that Jack won't be. Sorry, that didn't come out right. I just mean that I know what it's like not knowing where someone is and if they are still alive. I was always wondering and I still do. So, if you ever want to talk, I'll be there for you. You've done so much for me, I'd like to repay it."

Deela looked at her with endearment, "Thank you." Deela thought for a moment, "Are you doing anything after your shift?"

"No." She inquired, "Why?"

"How'd you like to come over for dinner?"

"Admiral? Is that allowed?" Janelle was surprised at the offer.

Deela actually chuckled slightly, "It is. And when you do come over, you can call me Deela. Ranks and protocol are left outside the door."

"Then yes, I'd love too. 1700 hours okay? I get off then."

"That is fine. See you then." Deela turned to leave.

Janelle asked a question but she wasn't sure if it was appropriate, "Um, can I hug you?"

Deela nodded. Janelle gave her a short but tight hug. "See you soon."

After composing herself, Deela walked back to her quarters. She looked at herself in the mirror to make sure she didn't look like she was crying earlier. When Brandon and Raivyn walked out of there rooms, Deela let them know her news, "We're going to have a dinner guest. But in the mean time, think what you want for dinner." They all sat down to watch on old movie form the 21st century.

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