Alone Again...Almost PT 1

Posted on Fri Feb 2nd, 2024 @ 10:54pm by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Commodore Alexandra Harrison & Brandon McNamara & Raivyn T'Lar

1,026 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 119 - "Shattered Mirror"
Location: T'Lar's Quarters
Timeline: MD1 -1635hrs

The night before...

Jack and Deela were sleeping when this time, Jack actually attacked her, having one of those nightmares that he'd been having since he came back. Before he could do her any harm, he snapped out of it. This was the first time that Deela felt scared. Yes, he would thrash, scream and sit up abruptly in bed and she was fed up. He was getting worse and the nightmares were happening almost every night.

Later that day, they had a blow up with each other. Jack stood there as she laid into him, "You are never around anymore. And when you are here, you still are not here. Your duties aren't getting done. You are yelling at people, having a temper tantrum or you withdraw within yourself. And the attacks at night are not going away. They're getting worse and I don't feel safe anymore. You promised me that you'd go see the Counselor but now I find out you never went. It's been over a year and I can't do this anymore. You need help and you're going to get it."

"I'm sorry Deela, I really am. And you're right, We can't keep going on like this. I'm afraid I might hurt you. That's why I've decided to get help on Earth. You're taking Brandon to Starfleet Academy and I'm checking in myself to a place where I can get help there."

"I'm sorry Jack. I know you can't help what happened and I'm glad you've decided that you do need help. But on Earth? Isn't that a little drastic?" Deela thought SB400 counselors would be enough.

"I can't talk to people I've served with. I need someone who doesn't know me from Adam. I think it's best. I know it's far away but their facilities have the best counselors there. If I don't do this, then we'll never make it. I have to do this. I hope you understand." Jack pleaded.

"I get it." She sighed, ""I will miss you. we'll need to explain it to the kids."

"Thanks Deela, and I am sorry." He frowned, "I better go make the arrangements. I'll see you later for dinner." Jack left.

Deela held back the tears as she turned her attention to Raivyn who was wondering what the noise was about. This was going to be a tough topic to discuss. Deela hoped to get the okay from Admiral Bremer to take her ship.

It was a new year, 2402 and it was a horrible way to begin it.

Earlier, Deela pretended that everything was great as she talked to Troi. She knew that she wasn't fooling her as Troi was a fellow Betazoid. Troi telepathically talked to her as to not embarrass her, offered to help. Deela declined. Jack had made up his mind.

She truthfully was having a tough time as she prepared to accompany her son to Starfleet Academy on Earth. Not only was she going to say goodbye to her son, she was also gong to say goodbye to her husband, Jack. Ever since his capture, he was never the same. He was withdrawn, not talking much to her, if at all. And then there were times he was angry and would fly off the handle whenever something happened. He was spending a lot of time on the holodecks. And those reoccurring nightmares. She was glad that he agreed to get help, just not where she thought he'd get it.

Deela would normally take a shuttle to Earth but she had a few things to do on Earth herself, involving her ship too. She would take a skeleton crew with her. As Deela sat in the command chair, Jack was off somewhere on the ship. Brandon was sitting next to her. He was going to enjoy the ride. He hoped that one day, he would have a ship of his own.

Brandon smiled, "Mom, this is so cool. You have never let me sit here with you. What's changed?"

Deela smiled back, "Well, you will soon be a Starfleet Officer and I wanted to give you a bit of an incentive to do your best at the Academy and then one day, who knows, you'll be sitting here, commanding this ship. Besides, I have a skeleton ship right now so there's plenty of room for you to sit here." She added, "And besides, I'm a little depressed so I can use the company."

Brandon frowned, "You mean Jack? I'm sorry mom that things aren't working out right now for you. He's just never been the same. And to tell you the truth, he scares me and Raivyn. He yelled at her for no reason. She said he had this strange look in his eyes.

"I know. It's a shame too because Jack is a great guy. But the torture he endured there on the mirror planet was too much to endure. I'm glad that he has agreed to get some help. They'll take great care of him."

Brandon put his hand on hers, "I'm sorry that I am leaving the both of you like this. Are you sure you don't want me to postpone this? I can always go next year."

Deela shook her head, "No, I don't want you to do that. If you stay, then you'll never go out of guilt. Raivyn and I will be okay."

"Alright." Brandon sighed, "I have to admit that I'm a little nervous and excited at the same time."

Deela smiled, "I know. It's normal to feel that way. You'll do fine. I know you will do your best."

Brandon got up, "I'm going to spend some time with Raivyn. I'm pretty sure that she's going to be sad that I'm leaving. I want to assure her that she's going to be okay and that she can talk to me anytime."

Deela nodded, "Good. Go ahead. I'll let you know once we arrive."

Deela watch Brandon exit the bridge. She watched the turbolift doors close behind Brandon. She had hoped that Jack would walk in next and join her on the bridge but he didn't. It was a sad situation.

TBC...

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