That's All

Posted on Mon Jan 8th, 2024 @ 9:25am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Gary and Lia's Quarters
767 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary was in the quarters he shared with Lia and Little Lia. His Bobsy twins as he teased them. He had a few minutes before they returned from wherever their latest adventure had taken them. A few minutes to reflect on his relationship with Lia. He loved her totally and without question of that there was no doubt. But he did doubt. He knew Lia loved him, but he was afraid that she felt like she was playing second fiddle to Catlin his first and deceased wife and that bothered him.

Nothing could be further from the truth. His love for Lia knew no bounds, had no conditions or limits. He didn't compare Lia to Catlin. Never said, "Catlin did it this way or Catlin cooked it like this." Never spoke about Catlin unless he was specifically asked. His sole vice were some holoprograms he had of her that he would revisit on occasion. Yet he felt Lia felt overshadowed by Catlin or rather Catlin's ghost.

He wanted Lia to know she was first in his heart and in his mind. Catlin would always hold a special place in his heart like a first car. It always held a special portion of your memory. It was like that with Catlin. She was his first true love and maybe he did look at it through rose-colored glasses but Damit! She was his wife, and he was allowed a certain leeway especially in the area of love. He needed a song, a special song to show her how he felt. He thought long and hard and then he had it. "Computer Play That's All by Frank Sinatra. Nobody did a love song like Frank. An instant later the first notes filled the cabin followed by Frank's captivating voice. His own voice joined in to sing the simple yet so profound song about love.


I can only give you love that lasts forever
And the promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own is yours and yours alone, that's all, that's all
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light to warm the winter night, that's all, that's all
There are those I am sure who have told you
They will give you the world for a toy
All I ask for these arms to enfold you, and a love, time can never destroy
If you're wond'ring what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore for now and ever more, that's all, that's all


When the song finished, he spoke again, "Computer play I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders." The computer beeped in acknowledgement and the voice of Chrissie Hynde filled the cabin.

Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
'Cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
So if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'Cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
And when
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you


As the song finished, Gary leaned against the countertop and smiled. "Those will do." He whispered to himslef. "Yes, those will do quite nicely."