Key Largo

Posted on Sun Mar 28th, 2021 @ 2:45am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Gary's Ready Room
Timeline: Before Rescue Mission
577 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary sat in his Ready Room. He was going over crew assignments and other such mundane work, sipping on a glass of tea when Catlin popped into his head. He stopped and sat back surprised by the thought then instantly was ashamed. He hadn't thought of Catlin in awhile especially since he and Lia had gotten married.

"I'm sorry Catlin." He whispered casting his eyes upward. "Please forgive me. I could never forget you. I've been busy with work even more so than usual with the trip into the mirror universe and meeting the evil me. That was a revelation, let me tell you. I know that's not a reason especially not a good one." He pushed the chair back and stood up, "You know I love you and I always will.

"Do you remember this song? We used to joke about going there when our careers were over. Have two homes the ranch and this was going to be our summer home. " He spoke to the computer, "Computer, play Key Largo by Bernie Higgins." A moment later the song began.

Wrapped around each other
Trying so hard to stay warm
That first cold winter together
Lying in each other's arms
Watching those old movies
Falling in love so desperately
Honey, I was your hero
And you were my leading lady

We had it all
Just like Bogie and Bacall
Starring in our own late, late show
Sailing away to Key Largo

Here's lookin' at you kid
Missing all the things we did
We can find it once again, I know
Just like they did in Key Largo

Honey, can't you remember
We played all the parts
That sweet scene of surrender
When you gave me your heart
Please say you will... play it again
'Cause I love you still
Baby, this can't be the end

We had it all
Just like Bogie and Bacall
Starring in our old late, late show
Sailing away to Key Largo
Here's lookin' at you kid
Missing all the things we did
We can find it once again, I know
Just like they did in Key Largo

We had it all
Just like Bogie and Bacall
Starring in our old late, late show
Sailing away to Key Largo.

As the song finished and faded away, Gary spoke again. "I'll never forget those days when we were first married Catlin. The dreams we had, the family we were going to have. We were going to change the universe." He walked back to his desk and sat heavily in his chair. "That all changed when you died. When you died my dreams died with you. It was only when I met Lia and after deciding not to kill each other." He joked. "After a couple of more meetings on the holodeck and a clearing of the air chat, we found out we actually liked each other." He sipped his tea and continued, "Well, that liking each other turned to love and here we are married. I do love her so Catlin. Lia has helped me so much. Got me to open up and live again to enjoy life. That doesn't mean I love you less. I never could. Please don't think that. I promise that we'll talk more regularly. You'll always be my Bacall." A bittersweet smile coming to his face. As he got back to work thinking on what might have been. Such was what dreams were made of even unrealized ones.