Longing

Posted on Mon Dec 16th, 2024 @ 3:17pm by Lieutenant JG Xalanth & Captain Remy Johansen

739 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Shore Leave & Ship Repairs
Location: USS Astrea

The sound of the ship security xo feet moving could be heard as he moved through the ship's corridors a pad in one hand and a coffee cup in the other. He had a look of annoyance on his face that anyone could make out even with his raptorial head as his yellow eyes looked at the data on the padd in front of him.

Captain Johansen was making her way back to quarters to change after a workout when she saw the assistant chief looking none too happy. Remy cut diagonally across the corridor so that she would cross his path. "Everything okay, Lieutenant?"

Xalanth head jolted up from his padd. " Sorry, captain didn't see you there. No everything not okay. Just got a note from my third. Are daughter Cemet not doing well." He said his tone showing the concern for his distant daughter he had.

"What's going on? And where is she again?" Remy asked, stepping over to the side so that they were standing against the wall out of the way of foot traffic.

"She's my third child and she's with her mother Zola. She's getting older and asking more and more why her dad only exists over a coms device. Apparently, some kid at the ship's school has been teasing her about it. " the lizard replied letting out a sigh as he finished. "I miss both of them. A daughter I've never held and a love I've been separated with for far to long."

"What sector are they in now? Is it feasible to get to them for a visit?" Remy asked.

"They're on a deep space exploration ship far outside of federation space I'm afraid. " The lizard explained with another sigh.

"Where outside of Federation space? We're not exactly staying inside borders on our next mission," the Captain asked.

" Seven years away at maximum warp. " the lizard said with a sigh. " Zola put in a request to be transferred back when they meet up with the first supply ship. " he sighed again clearly annoyed at this whole mess.

"Seven years? How did they get so far out? Is there anything I can do?" Remy asked.

" They'd been travelling for seven years since their mission started. I got separated from Zola just after we graduated from the academy and we found out we were being assigned to different ships." Xalanth replied as he fiddled with his bonding bracelet. He clearly cared about her and it hurt they were apart for so long. " I don't think there is anything you can do captain. My best hope for seeing them again is that the supply ship on route to meet will be one of the newer transwarp vessels. "

Remy furrowed her brow and shook her head sympathetically. "Hopefully soon. It's already been too long. I'm so sorry."

" Thank you, captain. " Xalnth replied his tone showing how honest he was with those words. " Here's hoping I'll be re-united with them soon enough."

"I don't know if I'll have the pleasure of being here for seven years, but assuming that I am, they'll always have a place here for as long as I am in command," Remy assured him. "Starfleet's protocol's indicate a preference to keep families together whenever feasible, and I'll be pushing to enforce this on your behalf. We're a galaxy class with civilians including children on board already and services in place to accommodate schooling and daycare. There is no reason to not start bringing everyone back together."

" I appreciate that captain. " Came the lizard's reply. " I hope i can repay you one day."

"Stop. I'm just thankful for a loyal crew. Any good Captain knows the crew comes first. You work hard enough as it is. And Fulvia is already looking like she'll be an asset."

Xalanth smiled at the captain's reply. " Thank you captain I'll be sure to let Fulvia know that."

Remy nodded. "If the two of you need any time off or leave, you can talk to Commander Spello. I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue."

" I'll keep that in mind." Xalnth said breathing in deeply as he slid the pad into one of his trouser pockets. " Now I'd better get back to my duties. Can't have the xo of your security party standing around now can we."

"Fair enough. Talk to you later." Remy watched him go, wishing that there was more she could do for Xalanth and his family.

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