Missing a Dear Friend

Posted on Fri Aug 25th, 2023 @ 9:05am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Holodeck 1
Timeline: Backpost
660 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary stood in the holodeck. He was in the restaurant on the space station. It was Christmas and he was seated at a booth looking across at his best friend, Liselle Qwyyn. He had frozen the program because he wanted to see Liselle and tell her how much he missed her and a few other things. Things he had kept bottled up for far too long.

He swallowed hard as Liselle gazed back at him, her big brown eyes on his. "I wanted to tell you something Liselle. Something I should have said while you were here on the Elysium, but I didn't so here I am now. " You are my best friend. I trust you unconditionally. You know my secrets. But do you know how much I looked forward to our holodeck adventures? Then that mission where we were captured by the Romulans changed all that. You said you hated me." Tears filled his eyes, "I was crushed Liselle. Totally crushed. I never wanted want was done to you to happen. I still feel responsible for what happened to you, Lia and Phoenix." He stopped as he fought to control himself. "I miss you Liselle, your smile, your laugh. Your unique way of looking at everything. You were a breath of fresh air. You could always make me laugh. I still laugh when I think of you first fired that shotgun when you were Doc Holiday, when we fought the Clanton gang at the OK corral and it knocked you on your butt, but you had the biggest smile on your face. Then our later adventures with you as Sheriff Liselle Quane and me as the mysterious stranger. God! What good times we had. I miss you, Liselle. Every day I miss you and I will continue to miss you. I hope you are safe and happy." He leaned across and kissed her softly. He leaned back in the booth. "A song for you Liselle." He spoke to the computer. "Computer play That's What Friends Are For. By Elton John, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder." An instant later the first notes filled the restaurant.

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember
Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
Oh, keep smilin' and keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
Oh, that's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'

Knowing you can always count on me for sure
'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for (that's what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'

"You are my best friend Liselle and I hope wherever you are you know that."