Trying to Move Forward

Posted on Thu May 1st, 2025 @ 3:32am by Cadet Freshman Grade Cerese Gemini (Kelea-Salik) & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Taylor quarters/Arboretum
Timeline: Days after Goodbye Commander
963 words - 1.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary sat on his sofa; LL was in her room. it had been several days since Lia's service and wake. He decided they needed to get out of their quarters even if it was onlyfor a few hours.

"LL, come in for a minute please." He called to her.

A few seconds later she appeared. "Yes Daddy?" Her wide eyes on him.

"How would you like to go to the park and feet the ducks, ride the Merry-Go- Round and get some ice cream?"

"Really Daddy?" She asked.

"Yes, pumpkin really." Gary smiled at her excitement.

"I would love to go! Can we ask Cerese to come with us? I really like her."

"Sure, we can sweetie."

"Thank you, Daddy."

Gary smiled at her as he tapped his combadge, "Taylor to Cerese." and then waited for a reply.

Cerese had just finished her reports when Gary’s voice came over the comms. “Cerese here Commander, what can I do for you?”

"LL and I would like to extend an invitation to you for a fun filled afternoon in the arboretum, consisting of duck feeding, riding the Merry-Go- Round, ice cream and who knows what else." Gary's voice came back through the combadge.

Cerese couldn’t help but smile. “In that case I can’t refuse that! What time would you like me to be there?”

"Oh say within the next half hour if that works for you." Gary replied his voice coming through the combadge and in the background LL could be heard saying "YAY!"

Cerese couldn’t help but grin. “That I can do, I’ll see you then.”

"Great, See you then." Gary replied and closed the link. Then turned to LL, "Now for you, young lady, let's get you ready for your afternoon out. You want to look your best for Miss Cerese don't you?"

"Yes Daddy, I really like her, she is so nice."

"I agree. She is nice. Now let me comb your hair." Gary replied taking her hand and heading for LL's bedroom in search of a comb.

~ Sometime later ~

Cerese pressed the door chime as she stood outside Gary’s quarters, she was looking forward to spending time with Little Lia again she was a wonderful little girl, with a wonderful father.

Hearing the door chime LL darted to the door. Opening it, she exclaimed happily, "Hi Cerese!" and grabbed Cerese's hand and pulled her into the cabin. "Daddy! Cerese is here!" A few moments later Gary came from the back of the cabin and smiling broadly greeted Cerese. "Thank you for coming. I am glad you could make it and you can see how LL feels."

Cerese nodded and grinned. “I certainly can! I’m sure we’ll have lots of fun together.”

Gary smiled at the interaction between Cerese and LL. it was quite evident that the two liked and cared for each other. "That's the plan for today, to have fun. So, let's get to it. The ducks, and Merry Go Round are waiting."

And ice cream Daddy!" LL hollered.

"Yes. LL." Gary replied chuckling at his daughter's excitement.

“I’ll be honest I’ve never tried ice cream, I’m looking forward to giving it a go.” Cerese grinned. “You’ll have to help me choose what flavour though.”

"Be glad to, I think you will like it and once you've tried it, you will be hooked." Gary replied with a grin of his own. "Now let's get going before LL burns a hole through the deck."

Cerese laughed, Gary was a wonderful father and he was doing his upmost to move on with his life. “Anytime you need some time to yourself I’ll be more than happy to entertain Little Lia for you.”

Gary offered her a warm smile. "I appreciate that Cerese, but you have your life and studies and as much as LL likes you, I don't want to monopolize you."

“Don’t worry I won’t let my studies be interfered with, I want to be a part of this crew.” Cerese smiled warmly.

"You are already part of the crew so, don't worry about that and please don't let your studies falter. LL wouldn't like it if you had to give up looking after her." Gary observed with a smile.

“Ohh don’t worry, I’m not planning on letting my studies suffer.” Cerese offered a warm smile. “If I’m to become part of your crew properly then I need to become a proper part of the crew.”

"Good. I am happy to hear you say that and i know you will do everything to be a proper part of the crew." Gary replied with a smile.

“There is one thing I wish, I have no idea where my twin sister is, we were separated years ago.” Cerese sighed. “I just wish I knew what happened to her.”

"I hope we can make that wish come true for you in finding your sister or at least what happened to her." Gary offered. For her part LL moved to Cerese and threw her arm around the woman and hugged her tightly. "I love you Miss Cerese!"

Cerese smiled as she returned Little Lia’s hug. “Thank you Lia, that means more than you know,”

Gary smiled as LL and Cerese hugged. it was quite obvious the two cared a great deal about each other and that made Gary feel good as he watched their interaction.

“Now let’s go and enjoy ourselves!” Cerese grinned. “I’m looking forward to having lots of fun.”

"That's what I've been waiting to hear!" Let's go before they run out of ice cream." Gary added.

Nodding Cerese held onto LL’s hand as they all set off for the holodeck.