Close to You

Posted on Sat Jan 14th, 2023 @ 8:19am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Gary and Lia's Quarters
716 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary was in the study he and Lia shared in their quarters. It was a place of quiet reflection like he was doing now. He thought on his past life. Not the one he shared with Caitlin. No, it was his 'dark period' after her death. That period of time he had grown cold, distant and aloof. He did his job. At that time, it was as the Admiral Zhukov's most trusted and deadliest pup. He went where no one else would, did the jobs no one else could on worlds no one else wanted to go. Where the Federation was a foreign word. Never leaving a trace he had ever been there. He was Gray Wolf, the assassin of legend. never failed an assignment. He went where angels feared to thread.

The he was transferred, no assigned to the Elysium to backstop it's new and inexperienced captain. One Phoenix Lalor. However, she proved a quick and adept learner, and his advice grew less and less as she showed she was up to the task. That was over five years ago, and Phoenix was now a Commodore and he had been promoted to Captain. Their professional relationship spawned a personal one and he was proud to call Phoenix a good, close and trusted friend. His assignment here also had a side benefit. He met Lia Holmes; the Elysium's chief of security and he/they instantly disliked each other. it seemed they sniped at each other every chance they got.

However, all that changed on an undercover mission to Risa where they were forced to portray a married couple. something changed and to this day he still isn't sure, but he is glad it did. They started to spend time together, they grew closer. Confided in each other and slowly the new friendship turned to love. Lia helped him knock down the walls he had put up of keeping people at a distance. She helped him to open up and not be so closed off. However, the greatest gift she gave him was her love and it opened his heart to love again. To return the love she had given him. Now they were happily married and looking towards the future of hopefully starting a family of their own and adding to the Elysium family. He had turned down a command of his own so they could stay on the Elysium.

So, he sat in the study and thought of how he could show Lia how much she meant to him. He thought of Lia and just how special she was to him. How his life had changed for the better because of her efforts. He enjoyed life again and didn't avoid people anymore. Then he had it a song. It was how he usually let Lia know how he felt when he couldn't find the words. This time was no different. "Computer, play Close to You by the Carpenters." A moment later the first notes filled the study.

Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So, they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the guys in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So, they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the guys in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Wa, close to you
Wa, close to you
Ha, close to you
La, close to you

As the song ended Gary spoke, "Computer, send to Lia Taylor's PaDD."

"Acknowledged." Came the monotone reply of the computer.

Leaning back in his chair, he smiled. "Thank you, Lia." He said quietly.

 

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