OOC: Takes place just after the bowling alley incident and before the shuttle arrived in the main sim

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Drudoc sat at the dining table in her shared quarters with her now 13 year old daughter Tel’eck. The half-human, romulan girl was starting to show the first signs of a growth spurt if her need for new clothes was any indication. While she knew the ship’s school would cover similar education in time, Drudoc wondered if she might have to have a more serious version of ‘the talk’ soon with her daughter. But that sobering thought was put aside for now as she observed in more detail her daughters efforts to make a homemade tomato soup, homemade bread, and then turn both into tomato soup with grilled cheese. The girl’s efforts reflected the duty and never give up attitude to learn and grow that she and the girl’s now deceased father Bradley Mitchell had instilled in her from a young age.

Tel’eck had found the challenge of preparing the soup and bread challenging but careful effort and a redo or two had seen her succeed more often then fail. Her goal now was to not burn the bread toasting with the melting cheese in the small pan she had picked. So far she was doing well. But also, Drudoc reflected, clearly had other things on her mind then just the dinner preparations. No sooner had she echoed these thoughts in her mind then, sure enough, her daughter spoke them. “..Mom? Um…can I ask you something?” she said tentatively while moving the sandwich about the hot pan for an even coating.

”..Of course my Bright Star, you know you can always ask me anything no matter the topic. What is on your mind?” she asked. Sipping a cup of warm herbal tea spiced with mint and lemon drops.

”..Do you....do you still think about Dad?” She asked.

Drudoc paused, not having expected that sort of question, setting the cup down she gave Tel’eck her full attention. “..Of course I do. Every day, not a night or day goes by that your Father’s missing presence is not somewhere on my mind. Surely you don’t think I have forgotten his love and impact on both our lives?” she asked.

Giving the pan a moment of attention, Tel’eck flipped the sandwich with a flick of her wrist and hand. Setting the buttered side down again to toast she continued, “..What? No! Of course not, I love Dad too. I know you’d never forget him, nor would I. The fact we even found him alive on that asteroid in the Beta Quadrant in subspace was a miracle to the Elements and all other deities above! But then losing him so soon after in a few months after we barely got a sense of normalcy in a second chance. I mean....we both took that second loss hard.” She said, pausing a second to slide the finished second sandwich out of the pan and onto a plate. Before moving to serve up two bowls of the homemade soup she had made. Despite the sad tone of the topic, she was clearly proud and happy of her work on the dinner she had wanted to make for the two of them. Drudoc rose to help, but Tel’eck quick added. “..I got it all Mom, you just sit and relax, you deserve it!” She said. Once the plates and bowls were set down on the table. Tel’eck took her own seat and the two let the topic she had raised die down as they enjoyed the meal. “..Soooooo how is it?” Tel’eck asked.

Knowing a simple answer like ‘its good!’ or the like would suffice her daughter. Drudoc considered the tastes and appearance. “..The bread is a little thick but still tasty. The soup has a pinch too much salt for my taste but it too is good. Otherwise everything is excellent for your efforts to prepare dinner. Keep this up and I might have you do it regularly!” She said.

Smiling pleased with the answer, Tel’eck nodded. “..Yeah I think I used too much flour and kneading of the dough. As for the soup and salt eh I think its fine! But I’ll take what you said into consideration next time. As for doing this more? Honestly, Mom I’d like to do that. You do and have done so much for me and this ship. You deserve to be pampered some..” her daughter said. “..I’m pretty sure most of the crew would agree with me too!” She said sensing a coming protest.

”..Maybe, my Bright Star.” Drudoc conceded.

”..But uh back to my point, Mom. Losing Dad a second time was hard and I know you’d never dishonor his memory or forget about him. But…” Tel’eck bit her lip trailing off.

”..But?” Drudoc prodded gently, sensing perhaps where this was going but wanted to let her daughter get this off her chest.

”..But well, its been almost 5 years now and you haven’t really done anything for......moving ya know on after all this time?” Tel’eck said trailing off awkwardly. Drudoc was about to deny her daughter’s words but got cut off again, “..And don’t tell me you’re not lonely!” She rallied though to deliver a stern tone of her own voice. “..When Ensign Fayth was over the other night it was the happiest and care free I’ve seen you in a long time when making a meal for more then just me..” She declared.

Crossing her arms defensively about her chest Drudoc considered her daughter’s words. “..Are you implying I find Ensign Fayth attractive in that way?” she asked.

”..I…I don’t know, I don’t think so. Plus I think she’s already got someone from what I heard. But my point is you’re lonely. Even if you’re not going to get into a relationship Mom. You deserve someone close to you besides me and just serving as Captain of this ship. I think even some of the crew can see that!” Tel’eck said.

Drudoc was quiet a long moment, her daughter’s words were.....surprising....to say the least and quite mature for someone of her still relatively young age. “..Is she right though? Am I lonely? Am I so absorbed in Brad’s memory and being the Captain of the Ark Angel that I’m letting my personal life and emotional well being suffer?” She considered in thought.

Tel’eck seeing her words had an impact continued. “..Look Mom, I’m not ya know expecting you go bed the next person who you find attractive or errr something. But just take care of yourself too? Maybe go to one of the single’s meetings off duty among the crew sometime? Just......maybe try? I don’t know if I’m making any sense.” She said ending in a mutter and looking down at her empty plate and bowl.

Drudoc was broken from her thoughts and musings to rise and go over to her daughter. Bringing her into a tight motherly hug. Kissing her ridged forehead she said. “..No my Bright Star! Far from it. You are making sense, maybe you are right that I hold too tightly to your Father’s memory. I know he would want me to move on, especially after the first time and especially now. I’ll......think on what you said ok? I’m making no promises but I’ll least consider it, you got my promise on that.” She said.

Sniffling a bit and returning the tight hug, Tel’eck wiped her eyes on her Mother’s proud shoulder blade. “..Awww Mom…I just....I just want you to be happy.” She said.

”..I know my lovely flower. I know. Dating someone among the ship’s crew is a complicated affair as you know. Much less finding someone, like I said I’ll think about it either way. You don’t think your Mother is getting too old though hmm?” She teased stepping back and striking a pose.

Getting a laugh from her daughter, Tel’eck said, “..By the Elements no Mom! You’re still in your prime and you know it!”

”..Heh, good answer. For that I’ll do the clean up, you go do your homework.” She said looking at the pile of pots and pans around the kitchen prep area and dining table.

”..Woo! Yes! My plan succeeded!” She giggled getting out of the chair. Obviously joking as she went into her room to do her studying.

Drudoc smiled, if nothing else her daughter bringing this up showed just how well Brad and her had raised the girl to be a caring, compassionate and open minded bundle of joy. Turning she decided she may as well get to work cleaning up. Afterwards she knew a pile of ship reports still awaited her to handle before she could given consideration to what her daughter had brought up.

Drudoc Andone CO / Tel’eck Andone