LL's Christmas

Posted on Fri Dec 26th, 2025 @ 8:36am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: Taylor Family Quarters.
Timeline: 25th Dec. 2389
717 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary sat on the couch and looked at the small tree with its twinkling ornaments and blinking lights. Gifts lay under it. Most
were for LL but there were a few for Naxea as well which he would give her when they got together. He was quietly enjoying
this time before LL woke up and exploded into the room. he was looking forward to her reaction of receiving gifts. He still wasn't
quite sure she understood the concept of Christmas but she would never say no to receiving a gifts or gifts.

He sipped his wine and laid his head back against the couch and he thought back on the events of the bittersweet year. They were still making their way back to the Alpha quadrant and it seemed like they were no closer but he knew they were making progress. The crew's morale was still good, still positive a goal to work for and reach. Of course there was the terrible tragedy of Lia's death. it still hurt and he missed terribly even after all these months and he knew he would miss her for the rest of his life. However there were a few bright spots the main was meeting Naxea, forming a relationship and falling in love with her. Her presence, was pleasant and welcome and needed and he enjoyed the adult conversation (among other things.)

He took another sip of his wine when her heard LL 's feet hit the floor and an instant later she was moving into the room at warp speed. Her arms outstretched "Merry Christmas Daddy!" She screamed t the top of her voice as she launched herself at him from three feet away. "Oof!" Gary exclaimed as he barely had time to set his glass on the end table as he caught her in his arms and held her close, giving her a kiss on her cheek. "Merry Christmas LL!!" He returned. She squirmed in his arms to turn and see the tree. "I like our tree Daddy. It is so pretty." Gary smiled at the observation. "I like it as well LL. But I bet what you would really like is to see what is in those packages under the tree." She bobbed her head excitedly up and down. "Yes, I sure would Daddy." As she jumped off his lap and scrambled to the tree and the packages under it. "Are these all for me?" She asked swinging her arm at all the gifts. "Most are. Some are for Miss Naxea and there is one for Miss Cerese as well." Gary answered. "I love Miss Cerese." LL stated. "I know you do and she loves you as well." She picked up a package and held it for Gary to see. "That one is yours." he told her. "Yay!" LL exclaimed as she tore into the package with a ferocity that would make a velociraptor proud. As the wrapping paper flew about the room until the package was opened to reveal a doll. Gary thought it was called Bluey. LL squealed and hugged it to her. "I love it !" As she moved to another present and opened it and moved to another and other. In a full fledge frenzy. When she had finished, There were new shoes for her, another doll, some books he would read to her. A playhouse for Bluey. A dress Naxea had picked out for her and a scooter.

"Wow LL, I think you have quite a haul here, do you like your gifts?" He asked. "I sure do Daddy. I love them. I wish Mommy could be here." She said her voice going soft. "Hey now, Mommy is here, she is all around us and she sees what you got. Never forget how much she loves you." Gary answered. "She loves you too." LL pointed out. "Yes, she sure does and we are lucky to have that love to keep us going." He paused to rein his emotions in and then after a few seconds. "How about some breakfast?" LL grinned, "Blueberry pancakes with syrup?" Gary nodded, "Sure thing." He answered as she dashed off into the kitchen. He followed her slowly, grateful for all he had. His daughter, Naxea, his friends here on the Elysium. Despite everything it was a wonderful life.