Forgiveness

Posted on Tue Feb 11th, 2014 @ 4:03am by Lieutenant General Jewel 'M'lara' Dartt

1,312 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Mission 85 - Q-uality Time Aboard Starbase 400
Location: Diplomatic Office
Timeline: Next Day After Bachelorette Party

She was in her office aboard Starbase 400 going over latest reports trying to get her mind off of things. She had a lot on her mind; she and Janice's father came across her mind. She had never spoken to him
since finding out he was her father. She held a grudge for so long against him. She thought for a moment, maybe it's time to let those grudges go. She decided she would contact him.

She tapped a few controls in her computer and put a call through to Vice Admiral Simon Chricton III. Now she waited for him to answer it. She thought of what she would even say to him after all these years. Would he welcome her or not, a lot of things were running through her head as she waited.

The retired Admiral yawned from his deck chair on the balcony of the New Orleans’s hotel owned by the Fultain family for generations.

“Admiral Chricton, you are wanted on the com screen.” Said Emmaline Fultain-Chricton in her soft Southern accented voice as she play fully tapped him with her sandled foot. “You know if you are going to nap all afternoon, there are better places for it than the main balcony. Having an old man napping right above the front door is very unseemingly.”

“ Yes Ma'am” Simon smiled at his wife, stood up and kissed her cheek. “ I promise I will do my napping on the back balcony, from now on.” He laughed and moved quickly to avoid the swat from her broom.

“When you are done with your call, get those vegetable crates off the service porch.” She called after him.

Simon walked through to the hotel office, and set down at the desk. Instantly recognizing the woman on the screen he removed his hat. “Jewel....”

She looked at him taking a deep breath, "Yes father it's me," Jewel said as she looked at him. "You’re probably wondering why I called you after all these years." She said looking at him. Taking a deep breath before she continued, she was trying to find the words to say to him. "I guess I just want to talk," Jewel finally said looking at him.

“It is good to hear from you.” She poured himself a glass of scotch and water from the bottle that was setting on the desk. Emmaline would be furious about him drinking in the afternoon, but today he needed it.

She looked at him and raised an eyebrow, "There are some things we need to discuss before I can let this grudge go I have had over the years." Jewel said looking at him. She had to know. "And I have other news as well to discuss later." Jewel said looking at him.

She was trying to think of a way to ask him without making him angry or getting herself angry in the process. "I want to know why?" she asked meaning why did he leave her when she was very young.

Simon leaned back into the chair. "You have read my file Jewel; you know the kind of work I was involved in. I got called from Star Fleet Command to come and oversea a hearing. I had
no choice, your mother was so angry at me, and that she said if I left I should never come back." Having Jewel angry at him, was a change from being yelled at by Janice, or having to help Simon out for drunken and disorderly conduct. “I tried to contact your mother many times over the years, but she would not accept me back into her life or yours."

She looked at him then looked down, "Mother died several years ago." She stated. She wasn't sure what to say next at this point. She looked at him, "Maybe I just needed to hear that from you." Jewel stated looking at him. "Well I guess I am asking you to be back in my life." She said looking at him as she smiled softly.

"I would honored Jewel, and at some point I would like to spend time with my grandchildren." He replied to her.

At that point she looked down closing her eyes as a single tear ran down her face. "I'll be back on Earth in a couple of weeks. To lay Jay and Liberty to rest..." she stated as she looked at him. "They were killed in an accident while they were en-route to Starbase 400 for the wedding." Jewel said as she tried to control her emotions again at this point.

Simon shuddered. After the death of Marc and Emmaline was not sure how to handle this. "Oh dear lord." He said grabbing his chest. He had not even shared his latest cardiac episodes with Janice. "I hated the damned federation." He said between gasps.

She looked at him, "Father are you alright?" she got worried. "There was a malfunction on a freighter they were on. They tried to escape but just as they were ejecting the escape pods the freighter exploded. There still investigating the accident," Jewel said as she looked at her father worried. "Father..." she said.

Simon took another long drink, and straightened himself up. "I am fine" Making a pushing away gesture with his hands as if he did not have any help. "Emmaline..."His voice trailed off.
He did not want to hurt Jewel any more than he already had. "Janice's mother takes good care of me."

She looked at him then nodded, "I am getting married next week here on Starbase 400. I know this is short notice but," she started the looked at him. "Would be honored if you could come with Emmaline I am sure Janice would also like to see both of you as well." Jewel stated looking at him. "Then after the wedding I can take you back to Earth on the USS Sutherland when I leave." Jewel added.

He nodded. " I will have to talk to Emmaline, but I will be there for certain." It would give him to time explain his condition to Janice, Jewel, Mike and his grandchildren, and the reasons why he was not going to be treated. If the end of his life was near he was going to face it with dignity, and not some matter generator transplanted heart in his chest.

She nodded, "oh and I got one more bit of news that is a little better," Jewel said with a smile. Taking a deep breath, "I am expecting a son," Jewel stated with a soft smile. "Dad, I am sorry for taking so long to call you. I want to work on our relationship as father and daughter." She said looking at him.

Simon looked back. "I want it to work out as well, and don't worry."

She smiled, "I hopefully see you in a few days?" Jewel asked looking at him.

"As soon as I can get packed." He smiled. Thinking to himself that convincing Emmaline that the excitement would not kill him would not be as easy as packing.

She smiled, "Hopefully I'll see both of you," Jewel said with a smile. "Well I better get back to work." Jewel stated with a soft smile.

"Yes. All ways busy just like your sister. I am sure. I have to get the vegetable crates off the back porch this afternoon, as well. If I want to get any finishing in that is." He replied.

Jewel just smiled, "See you soon dad," she said looking at him with a smile.

"See you soon. Chricton out," He said leaning back down into the chair. Simon resisted the temptation to pour himself another drink. If he did he would have to deal with Emmaline's temper, and he always made a point not to deal with Emmaline's temper.

OOC: Karen played Jewel and Janice's father for me.

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