A New Friend...

Posted on Sat Oct 16th, 2021 @ 12:00am by Captain George Charles [Reece] & Staff Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik}

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: USS Elysium, Charles Family Quarters
Timeline: MD 6 / 1930 hours
1373 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

After he had been cleared, George and Leilani took Hendor to their quarters. Once there, he had a bath and then the first set of brand new clothes he ever had. He then marveled at the view of the stars outside the ship. "Is that my world?!" Awe filled his voice as he asked the question.

“It most certainly is!” Leilani smiled as she crouched down beside Hendor. “Amazing isn’t it?”

Gazing with his one eye, wide as can be, Hendor could only nod slowly. Finally, he closed his mouth and turned towards Leilani, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "Thank you..." he whispered to her.

“It’s my pleasure Hendor” Leilani gave him a gentle hug. “Would you like to look around you can sleep in the nursery or I can arrange a temporary bed in our room while you’re here.”

Hendor suddenly looked unsure. Looking up at Leilani, he asked softly, "C-can I sleep with you and George? I've never slept alone before."

Leilani looked at George. “What do you think George? Can Hendor sleep in with us?”

George moved over to the pair and smiled as he knelt down. "Of course he can." He then transmitted to his wife, I want him to feel as safe as possible up here. It was horrible down there. There are so many things that he was never able to experience. While he is with us, I want us to help him learn what life at a six year old boy should be.

Leilani nodded in agreement. “Then it’s sorted, you sleep in with us while you’re here. We’ll take you to the holodeck in the morning and show you just how much fun children on our worlds have.”

Hendor's eye lit up in relief. "Thank you, Leilani!!" He squealed as he wrapped her up in another strong hug.

Leilani grinned. “My pleasure Hendor! Now how’s about I get you some ice-cream?”

He smiled brightly. "Yes, please!"

Leilani smiled. “George would you show Hendor the ice cream choices for me?” She offered a smile even though she suddenly wasn’t feeling 100% herself. “I’ll catch you up in a minute.”

George felt her discomfort. However, he didn't let it show to Hendor. 'Of course. Come on, Hendor. Lets go see what the replicator has on file." Then, to Leilani, Are you alright, Imzadi? Is there something wrong with the baby?

Leilani offered a smile. I’m alright my love, just some discomfort I’ll be fine. You go entertain Hendor I don’t want to worry him.


Hendor smiled cheerfully as he followed George. "What's a replicator?"

George pulled a chair over to the replicator. So Hendor vould see the device easier. "Well, as there is only a finite amount of storage space on a starship, even one as large as the Elysium, the ship designers, back in the 2200s, came up with the replicator. What it does is, it takes inert matter, from the storage tanks, disperced throught the ship, then, using the medical and other databases, adds various nutrients and flavors, and creates the requested dish. I've found that, for the most part, the dishes it gives us, taste nearly identical to real, cooked food. However, there are a few things that still need some work. But thats for another time. For now, ice cream!"

Hendor didn't understand everything tbat George said, but, he smiled anyway. He really liked Leilani and George. Almost more than his brothers and sisters.

"Computer," George said aloud. "Two cups of single scoop ice cream, please. The first one, a neopolatin mix. And the other...orange sherbert."

A beat later, two small cups appeared in a flash of blue light. Hendor gasped at their sudden appearance.

George smiled. "It's okay," he said softly. Picking up the cup of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate mix, he took a small scoop of the vanilla and ate it, showing Hendor that it was safe to eat. He then took both over to the dining table and set both on it. He then pulled a chair out for Hendor to sit in.

Climbing up into the chair, Hendor took the spoon and carefully took a bite. As soon as the delicious dessert hit his tongue, his face lit up.

George smiled. "Now, go slowly. Remember what the Doc said."

Hendor nodded and ate the ice cream slowly.

“Looks like you two are enjoying yourselves” Leilani smiled as she walked over to them. “If you’ll both excuse me I think I’m going to go and lie down for a little while.”

Hendor and Gorge looked over at Leilani, smiling. Hendor, in his excitement, answered first. "You were right, Leilani!!! Ice cream is better than lollypops!!"

George kept the smile on his face, but his thoughts were less than happy. Imzadi? Are you sure everything is okay?

Leilani gave her husband a smile. I’m just feeling a little off that’s all, I’ll be fine Imzadi don’t worry. Enjoy your time with Hendor.

George kept smiling, but nodded to his wife. He could feel that she wasn't telling him the whole truth but, with Hendor here, and Kieran and his son soon to arrive, now was not the time to get into it.

“There’s a Little friend arriving to play with you soon Hendor” Leilani smiled. “It’ll be fun.”

This suprised the young boy. "There is?! What's their name?!"

Leilani looked to George as she didn’t actually know. “That’s one for George to answer.” She smiled as she headed for the bedroom to rest leaving George and Hendor to have some fun.

MEANWHILE, IN MASTER SERGEANT FREDERICKS' QUARTERS...

Kieran had just picked Jack up from school and brought him to their quarters.

"How much homework do you have? " he asked the boy.

"Not much. Just a short paper on Ktarian polyfromes. " said Jack.

"I think that can wait a while. We rescued a boy about your age from the planet we're orbiting and he could use a friend. Think you're up to hanging out with him this afternoon? " asked Fredericks.

"Okay. " said Jack. He was always up for making new friends.

"Okay then. Let's go meet him. I have to warn you. He's been through a lot and he might seem a little strange. " said Fredericks.

The two of them walked out and headed towards George and Leilani's quarters.

***Charles family quarters***

George was about to speak, when the door chime rang. Smiling softly, he told Hendor to hold that thought as he stood and moved over to the door. Pressing the control panel on the right side of the door frame, tge doors quietly whispered open. "Top! Thank you for coming, please, come in." As he welcomed their guests inside, he sent a mental message to Leilani.

Leilani was lying down resting when she received George’s telepathic message, she returned it with a request to pass on her apologies to Fredricks as she was tired.

Back in the living room, George made her apologies. "Leilani isn't going to join us tonight, she's not feeling well right now." He looked at Kieran and added, "As you know, she's pregnant with our first, and it's taking alot out of ger right now." He then looked back at the boys. "So! Looks like it'll be a guys night tonight. Now, Hendor, you remember Master Sergeant Fredericks, from the surface? And this is his son, Jack. Top, Master Jack, please allow me to introduce you to young Master Hendor."

Hendor waved nervously to the new arrivals. To their credit, Kieran and Jack were quite friendly with the boy. The evening continued quietly and both boys had fun playing various games together.

At the end of the evening, after Kieran and his son left, George was tucking Hendor into bed. The young boy was already asleep, having expended a lot of energy in his play. George smiled softly as he leaned down and gently kissed Hendor's forehead. "Good night, son." He whispered softly. He then stood and quietly left Hendor's room, setting the nightlight on before closing the door.

OFF