The Disappointment

Posted on Mon May 13th, 2013 @ 12:47am by Ensign David Brody & Lieutenant Anandra Delair

850 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Mission 82 - The Aggressor
Location: Ensign Brody's Quarters
Timeline: The Evening of "Work Can Wait"

Ensign Brody had just gotten off duty. It was a routine day of calibrating targeting sensors, verifying torpedo magazine counts, and eliminating variances in the phaser arrays. He was exhausted as he held over his shift to complete his work. When he made it back to his quarters, he kicked off his boots, took a hot sonic shower and got into his sleepwear. He had been having trouble sleeping lately, but found himself finally able to relax. He had just begun to doze off when his console chirped. The computer's voice broke his solitude. "Incoming transmission from Starfleet Academy".

Brody spilled out of bed and made his way to the console. "Computer, who is the source of transmission?" He stepped over to his sink and splashed some cool water on his face.

"The message is from Starfleet Instructor, Commander Michael Brody."

Brody hung his head over his sink in response to the name. He and his uncle had not spoken for several years. Their last conversation was heated and led to a rift in the family he had left. His hands clenched the sink basin until his knuckes turned white. He took a deep breath and sat in front of his console. "Computer, on screen."

Brody's uncle Mike appeared in front of him. He was a harsh looking man, with aged wrinkles, slicked back salt and pepper hair and an unkempt goatee. His image conjured immediate feelings of anger and resentment. His uncle had aged terribly over the last couple of years. No doubt an occupational hazard. "Uncle Mike," Brody said not hiding the venom in his voice, "how can I help you?"

Commander Brody responded with equal disgust. "Hello...Ensign." He emphasized his rank, letting Brody know that he was trying to be insulting. "I figured you'd be a Captain by now. At least a Commander like your old man."

"I'm happy where I am. What is this about?" Brody made it clear he did not want to prolong the conversation.

Commander Brody let out an annoyed, brief chuckle. "I see you were recently on Luna."

"What of it?" Brody had no idea where the conversation was headed.

"I just wanted to thank you for not looking in on your sisters. Whatever your motivation, it was for the best. They're happy in their lives and to have you swoop in and bring your special brand of chaos would just upset the balance."

Brody was furious. "You know nothing of my relationship with my siblings! Don't presume to understand."

"Look, I'll keep this brief. Your sister, Paige, is getting married. She will invite you. I want to you graciously decline. I don't care how or why, just stay away Ensign." The Commander had a look of disgust on his face.

"If my sister invites me, of course I'm going to show. Why would you want to stop me?" Brody could no longer contain his disdain.

"Look, son, you are a disaster. You've had a rough childhood, I'll grant you that. But you've squandered every opportunity afforded you in adulthood. You could have had your own command had you applied yourself. Instead, you've become a career Ensign. You have more reprimands than commendations in your jacket and spent more time in the brig than in situations that would get you promoted. You are a disappointment and a liability, Dave. Your sisters and brother have excelled. Please leave them be."

Brody felt the urge to jump through the screen and assault his uncle. However, despite all his recent attempts at change, he knew that his uncle was right. He had been a liability and was definately a disappointment. He had failed to meet the bar set by his father.

After a brief pause, the Commander interjected. "Have I made my point, son?"

Brody had had enough. "I am not your son!" He stood up and slammed his fist on the console, terminating the transmission. He frantically paced back and forth, angrily talking to himself. He eventually found himself in his bedroom. He pulled a large truck from under his closte and entered the code on the attached PADD. Inside was one of his father's uniform and comm badge. He removed it and threw it on to the floor exposing the contents underneath. Revealed were a collection of phasers and several bottles of variously colored liquids. He grabbed one indiscriminately and removed the seal. "Here's to you dad. From your disappointment of a son." Brody emptied the bottle at warp speed. The green liquid left a film inside the empty bottle. He fumbled around for another bottle and put it to his lips. "And to you Uncle Mike. You can go to hell!" Another bottle was drained.

In short order, Brody had eliminated his problems by dousing them in liquor. He was no longer conscious to be aware of his feelings. It was an old habit that had once again reared its ugly head. He had promised himself that he would change once arriving aboard Starbase 400. He would soon realize that it was something he would not be able to do alone.

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