Been A Long, Long Time. (Roll Call post)

Posted on Thu Jan 4th, 2024 @ 6:07pm by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Federation Processing Center-San Francisco, Earth
Timeline: Years Ago, Before Gary's posting to the Elysium
905 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

OOC Federation Processing Center


IC:

The shuttle had landed and those who had been held by the Romulans had finally been released after three plus years in captivity. Gary was one of the last off shuttle and as he slowly walked to the processing center, where he was met by a Federation representative who greeted him with a handshake and hearty "Welcome home Lieutenant! We all know what you did. you're a hero!" Gary nodded as he looked for the one face he so desperately wanted to see, the one he had missed for such a long, long time.

After processing was over and he had been briefly debriefed and cleared by the medical staff that he wasn't carrying any Romulan tracking devices or otherwise sick, with some Romulan virus, Gary was released and allowed to exit the facility. As he did, he was mobbed by reporters and well-wishers even as he looked for her. *Where is she?* He wondered when suddenly he saw a placard, big and white and written in large red letters. "Welcome Home Gary! * And below it smiling brightly with a smile that could light up any room was Catlin! She was bouncing up and down, looking as beautiful as the day he first fell in love with her. He pushed through the mob to reach her. He nodded to the slaps on the back along with the shouts of praise and encouragement from the well-wishers.

Reaching her he just stared at her for the longest time before she grabbed him by the neck and kissed him hungrily. "Welcome home Gary!" She whispered, "I bet you'd like to get out of here." He nodded mechanically, wordlessly, still not quite believing he was with Catlin as she took him by the hand and led him to a hover car. Getting in, they made their way from the center and the mob. He still hadn't talked just stared at Catlin; afraid she would disappear if he looked away. After a few minutes, Catlin pulled the car into their apartment building, led him to their apartment. Once inside Catilin turned to him. "Are you alright Gary? You haven't said a word since we've got in the car and all the way home." He nodded, opened his mouth to talk but instead of words, gasps of relief, shock burst from him. His body convulsed as he fought to breath. The enormity of being home, with Catlin finally getting to him. Tears were in his eyes as he looked at Catlin. After a few seconds he had composed himself and spoke in a low trembling voice. "I've waited for this day, for so long. Dreamed about this day and now it's finally here. It is overwhelming. I apologize. Kiss me Catlin." He quietly urged.

She smiled and nodded. "Gary, it is okay. You have nothing to apologize for. You've survived being in hell for over three years. Your allowed to be emotional. As for kissing you....." She leaned over to him and kissed him; the way a woman kisses the man she loves. "I've missed you Gary, I've missed you so terribly. You big lug. You know you're a hero. Everyone knows what you and the others did, to save the rest of the crew." She said softly. "I think you're going to get a medal and a promotion Gary for saving the crew and I couldn't be happier or prouder."

"I don't deserve a medal. I and the others did what needed to be done Catlin." Gary said quietly. "You are what kept me going Catlin. Being reunited with you. Seeing you, your smile. hearing your voice. You saved me Catlin." He paused, "I had a song that sustained me, kept me going. Want to hear it?"

Catlin nodded, "I'd love to hear it, Gary."

He nodded and took a shaky breath and then in a trembling voice he sang.

Never thought that you would be standing here so close to me
There's so much I feel I should say, but words can wait until
some other day.
Kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
I haven't felt like this, my dear, since I can't remember when
It's been a long, long time
You'll never know how many dreams I've dreamed about you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you
So kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
You'll never know how many dreams I've dreamed about you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you
So kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
Long, long time

He finished and looked across to her. "I love you Catlin."

She was crying, her eyes shimmering with tears. She drew in a slow, shuddering shaky breath. "I, I love you too Gary. I dreamed about this day. I prayed for this day. I thought I was never going to see you again, after we got into the escape pods and away from Solstice. Then word came down that you were going to be released and my dream was realized." With that, Catlin wrapped her arms around him, hugged him tightly as they slowly waltzed around the room as she kissed him once, kissed him twice and then kissed him once again.