Looking for the past.

Posted on Wed May 8th, 2024 @ 9:15am by Staff Sergeant Liam "Swede" Reece [Reece] & Ensign Alessandra Sheffield

Mission: Season 6: Episode 4: Memory Lane
Location: Medical, Hibernation Room.
Timeline: MD 10 17h00
920 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Alessandra had been reading crew files, trying to see what happened to her fellow crew from the Acheron, when she had discovered that one of the former officers was on Elysium . Samaire Macbride. Now Samaire MacBride-Reece, was now an Operations officer. And from looking she was currently in medical. She followed the computers directions to a large room where there were several hibernation pods, holding wounded crew. Slowly she walked to a double pod where a man sat talking softly to the occupants. She moved so she was visible. She looked into the pod and saw the female pair. She was still wearing her clothing from her time on the planet.

Liam was quietly reading a book to Samaire and Skylah, though it was directed more towards the younger of the two that held half of his heart. "...specimen of a pig -- it's no bigger than a white rat."

"Wash up and eat your breakfast, Avery!" said his mother. "The school bus will be along in half an hour."

"Can I have a pig too, Pop?" Avery asked his father.

" No, I only distribute pigs to early risers," said Mr Arable. "Fern was up at daylight, trying to rid the world of injustice. As a result, she now has a pig. A small one, to be sure, but nevertheless a pig. It just shows what can happen if a person gets out of bed promptly. Let's eat!"

But Fern couldn't eat until her pig had a drink.."

Liam then noticed the other woman, wearing the tattered uniform that Starfleet used nearly a hundred years prior. "Hello," he said politely. "May I help you, Miss?" As there was no rank insignia, he wasn't sure if he was speaking to an officer or not.

"Sheffield. Alessandra Sheffield. I am sorry to intrude, I was on the Acheron with Samaire and Skylah."

As soon as he heard the ship's name, he stood up and offered her the chair he was sitting in. "Please, Ma'am," he indicated the chair. "I'm Staff Sergeant Liam Reece. Sam is my wife and Sky is my adopted daughter."

Aless smiled but shook her head. "Its OK, I have been sitting all day in medical. I am glad to see people made it home." She nodded at the pod. "When they wake.. if you could tell her Aless is here."

He nodded as he replied. "Yes, Ma'am. If I may...Sam gas told me some of what went on, some she doesn't remember. I am sorry that you had to endure what you did, and for so long. If there is anything you need, as a friend of my wife, you're now also my friend."

"Its a good thing she doesn't' remember." Aless said softly. "I know it would be hard but I think its for the best for most that they do not remember what happened to the crew, to them. Its hard enough knowing."

Liam nodded as he reached out and gently placed his hand on the transparasteel cover of the cryopod. Turning his eyes to look at his sleeping wife's beautiful face, then the of Skylah's, he spoke. "They still have nightmares about it. And Sam told me that some of our crew that was sent back with her and Sky...they...they ended up taking their own lives. Because of it, Starfleet Medical put in place a request to each of the survivors, to keep journals about their nightmares and how they are feeling each day. This way, they can get any help that's needed, when it's needed."

"Makes sense" Aless wondered if her former chief had been among those to take their life, after what he had done, she hoped so. "Well I am sure Starfleet have the best intentions."

"I know Sthilg does," Liam responded with an assured grin. "I trust him to keep all of us safe from harm."

"... he is a Gorn" Aless said softly. "It... is strange for me. To have Gorn serving on a Starfleet vessel."

Liam grinned warmly and nodded. He then replied. "As far as I know, he's the only one. He's also the oldest Gorn I've ever met, at over a hundred years old. Apparently, the Gorn who stay within the Hegemony, don't live near as long as he has. Also, while he can certainly go savage, should the need arise, he one of the kindest, gentlest beings I have ever known."

Aless nodded slowly. "Well I should get back to my room before they send someone looking for me. I wanted to check on Samaire. I gave Skylah her first check up when she came to the Acheron. I am sure she keeps you both on your toes."

Liam smiled brightly at the mention of his little girl. Looking back down through the lid of the tube, his eyes fell on Skylah's little angel face. "She and Sam are the best things that ever happened to me. I love them both without question."

Aless nodded. "I am glad she found you." she gave him a smile and headed back to her room.

As she passed him, Liam spoke up. "If you ever need anything, Ma'am, all you have to do is ask."

She nodded and left him alone with his family.

Once she was gone, Liam sat back down by the cryotube and continued to read.

~OFF~
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Author's note: an excerpt from Charlotte's Web, by the author E.B. White was used only as a plot piece of a father reading to his daughter.