Alone Again...Almost - PT 2

Posted on Thu Feb 29th, 2024 @ 8:47pm by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Commodore Alexandra Harrison & Brandon McNamara & Raivyn T'Lar

791 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 119 - "Shattered Mirror"
Location: USS Essex
Timeline: MD1 - 2348 hrs

By slipstreaming there, they arrived at Earth and Deela left the bridge to find Jack. He was sitting in their quarters, just looking at the holo pictures of them together. Deela put her hand on his shoulder, "We've arrived. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I was just reminiscing." He half smiled at her, "I'll say my goodbyes to the kids and then I'm checking in. You don't need to escort me. I won't run."

"I know. I will miss you but we'll keep in touch, I promise." She assured him.

"They say I won't be able to have visitors for awhile."

Deela nodded, "I know. It'll be rough at first but this will be good for the both of us."

They hugged each other for what seemed an eternity and then he kissed her, "I love you."

Deela smiled with tears streaming down her face, "I love you too."

With that, they both walked out as soon as Alex Harrison who was her acting XO, came to the bridge. Alex didn't say anything, just nodded to her. Brandon and Deela made their way to the shuttle bay. Raivyn was also there to say her goodbyes as well. It was heart breaking for all of them.

Next, it was Brandon's turn. Deela beamed down with him to help him get settled before the Essex docked at Starfleet headquarters. Brandon looked at his surroundings and then smiled as he saw someone he recognized, "Paul? As I live and breathe."

Paul smiled back, "Welcome to Starfleet Academy. I couldn't let you come here without my help of getting you settled. I wish I had someone do that for me but it wasn't possible. Anyway, I'm glad you decided on this career. Maybe we will serve on the same ship sometime."

"Thanks Paul. I appreciate the help. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous." He felt a bit silly saying that out loud.

Paul turned to Deela, "Admiral T'Lar, I didn't mean to not address you."

Deela always hated the formalities of being an Admiral. She decided to go for it, "Hello Ensign Harrison. Thank you for meeting us here." She laughed, "Paul, you should know by now how much I hate formalities."

Paul looked at her very strangely. It was weird seeing her with a sense of humor. He wasn't used to it, "Sorry. It's just..."

"I know." Deela turned to her son, "Well, I will leave you in Paul's good hands. I have been asked to speak at one of the classes and I have agreed to it. Paul, it was good to see you again. After you help Brandon here get settled, feel free to beam aboard my ship and visit with your mom. I'm sure Alex would love to see you again. She misses you."

"Thank you. I will. It was good seeing you again."

Deela smiled, "Same here." She then turned her attention back to her son, "Well Brandon, this is it. I'm going to miss you so much. If you need anything, just let me know. I can be back here in hours if need be."

Brandon smiled, "I know mom. I'm going to miss you too." He added, "And Raivyn too." Brandon and Deela hugged.

Deela tried to hold back tears, now knowing how Alex must have felt when Paul left. I love you."

"I love you too." Brandon let go of Deela.

Paul waited for Brandon to finish. Once Brandon looked over at him, Paul smiled, "Ready?"

'As ready as I ever will be. Bye mom. Have a safe trip back."

Deela smiled, "I will." Before she left, she looked at her all grown up son. Wow, how fast time went by. She finally left for the class she was going to speak at.

Hours passed by. Paul asked permission to beam aboard. He spent an hour with his mother. She was glad to see him. It had been a while. Deela arrived on the bridge. Paul was just getting ready to leave as well.

Paul assured Deela, "Brandon has successfully settled in. He should be okay."

"I know he will. Thank you Paul for coming here and helping him settle in."

"You're welcome. I'm going to have a meal with him before I take off." He turned to his mother and hugged her, not caring who was on the bridge.

Deela and Alex both watched as Paul stepped into the turbo lift and disappear. Deela exhaled, "Was it this hard for you?"

Alex nodded, "Yes, it was. Brandon will be fine."

"I know he will." They both took their positions on the bridge and the Essex took off. Deela thought about everything that just happened and felt alone. At least she had Raivyn with her still.

RSS Feed