Finding a Sitter

Posted on Tue Mar 25th, 2025 @ 10:17pm by Cadet Freshman Grade Cerese Gemini (Kelea-Salik) & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Gary's Ready Room
Timeline: Current
1151 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary had given the matter serious thought and after a lengthy inner debate he decided on the course he was about to take. It was the right course, the proper course for all involved especially LL who would be the most to benefit from the arrangement. "Taylor to Cerese. When you have a moment can you come by Ready Room, please?"

Cerese was just finishing off cataloguing the plant life in the arboretum on deck 2, and was on her way to deck 3 to get started when Gary’s message came through. “I’m free now Sir, I’m on my way.” It didn’t take long before she was standing outside Gary’s ready room. Pressing the chime she waited for an answer.

Hearing the chime, Gary called out "Enter!" and waited for who was ever on the other side of the door to come in. He was expecting Cerese, now it was time to see if his expectations were correct.

Entering the room Cerese offered a respectful smile. “Reporting as ordered Captain.”

Gary smiled at Her, "Have a seat Cerese and no need to be so formal. It is just us here. Before we get started would you like something from the replicator?"

Cerese took a seat as invited. "Nothing for me thank you" she smiled warmly. "What can I do for you?"

"As you wish. How are your studies going? Any difficulties? Everything going along alright?" Gary inquired.

Cerese nodded. "It's going along just fine, your crew have made me welcome. Your ship is amazing."

'That is wonderful. I am glad you have been welcomed, and you feel comfortable here. Yes, the Elysium is an amazing ship." Gary agreed. He looked across the desk at her, "Cerese, I'd like to offer you a position if you are interested and your studies allow it."

“Oh?” Cerese gave Gary a curious look. “I’m intrigued.”

Gary nodded, "As you have met and know LL, I would like to offer you the position of sitter for her. You both got along well and she has told me how much she likes you. She said you make her feel good."

“In that case I would love to be your sitter” Cerese smiled warmly. “Little Lia is a wonderful child, I’ll do whatever I can for her. "

Gary nodded, a relieved smile coming to his face. Thank you very much Cerese. I appreciate that very much and LL will be delighted to hear that. I doubt she will be able to contain herself."

“She is a wonderful little girl, you’re a lucky man Captain” Cerese offered a more relaxed smile.

Gary beamed at Cerese's comment." I certainly am. She is a constant source of joy to me." He replied. "The next question is how many days will you be available? I don't want to take you away from your studies or any other activities you have."

“I tend to do my studies in the evenings, but that doesn’t mean I can’t babysit. I can always study while Lia sleeps.” She smiled warmly. “If not then I can always catch up.”

A relieved smile came to Gary's face. "That is great Cerese, and I don't wish to cause you any inconvenience in regard to both your studies or personal life."

“It’s not an inconvenience at all” Cerese smiled warmly. “It gives me something to look forward to.”

"I think you are being very kind and generous Cerese and I thank you. When would you like to start?" Gary asked.

"Whenever you need me" Cerese smiled warmly. "I'm a little busy tonight but I can do tomorrow onwards. Any changes, or times I can't do I'll let you know."

"That is fine Cerese. I know you have a life of your own and I want you to live it. "Starting tomorrow will be fine. Yes, please keep me updated on any times you will be unable to watch LL." Gary replied with a smile.

“Of course I will” Cerese nodded. “If I may ask what’s the latest news on your wife? I don’t want to be unable to answer any questions Lia might have.”

Gary nodded, "Of course you can ask and that is a good point, for LL will undoubtedly ask you at some point. Lia is going to be moved out of stasis and into a quarantine room, where Dr, Sthilg hopes to be able to remove the virus from her."

“Really!?” Cerese smiled warmly. “That’s wonderful, I’m so happy for you! I hope all goes well for both of you.”

Gary nodded, "Yes. So, fingers, eyes and toes crossed that all goes well. I don't know how long the process will take or how involved it will be, but it could take a long time before Lia is returned to us."

Cerise nodded. “Well some hope is better than no hope.” She smiled warmly.

"Very well said and quite correct. Have to stay and remain positive and upbeat especially around LL." Gary pointed out. "and with her senses it could be hard if we falter."

“Ahh so she’s an empath?” Cerise smiled. “She’ll find me harder to read as I’m also an empath. My species are born that way.”

Gary nodded, "Yes, she is, and she does very well not poking into others minds but she is also very good despite her age at sensing when things aren't as they should be. That is wonderful! I know the two of you will get along just fabulously."

“Being an empath at such a young age isn’t easy” Cerese offered. “I’ll try my best to help her to learn to use her gifts, to learn control.”

"I would appreciate any and all help you can offer LL will be greatly appreciated." Gary replied. "I know she will listen to any and all advice you can give her."

Cerese nodded. "I understand you recently lost your wife? I'm very sorry, how is Little Lia accepting it?"

Gary nodded, "Yes and thank you." he replied quietly. "She is coping. She misses her mother a great deal. I do all I can for her but I thinking having another female that she can talk to will help her."

“Of course” Cerese nodded. “I’ll do all I can to help with her transition.”

"I appreciate it, and I know LL will as well. Just having someone she can talk and confide in will be an enormous help." Gary replied with a smile.

“It’s going to take time, but you’ll both get through this” Cerese offered a kind smile.

"I hope you are right. All we can do is take it one day at a time and see what each new day brings However, I know you will be a great help to LL" Gary answered with a smile of his own.

{OFF}