Posted by Lieutenant Casela Synthi-er (Counsellor / RTF) in Package Deliveries

Posted by Captain Zachariah Cobb (Commanding Officer) in Package Deliveries
<snip>

Posted by Lieutenant Casela Synthi-er (Counsellor / RTF) in Package Deliveries
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻

Alyssa shook her head, hugging the bear tightly. “That’s not fair. Why does she have to give everything up if her job is so dangerous?” She was young, and the world mostly black and white, even in the harsh reality she had lived. And those that she saw as the good guys, as heroes shouldn’t be punished. She ran off back into the house, past Karra and the others, to her room.

Karra shook her head staring after the girl. She walked over and handed ‘Santa’ a mug. “Zanya said you would enjoy this.” It was kind of like coffee but was mixed with just the right amount of spice and Glenfiddich ‘Rare Collection’ 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. She looked back at the door and then down the path Zanya had taken. “Those two, I fear, will never find their way. Zanya pulled her out of that crumbling mine herself. I couldn’t get her to let go of Alyssa for hours, not even to clean her up and let her eat. In a way, I don’t think either of them have ever let go.” Karra sighs shaking her head. “Come Santa, Jokoth has made a wonderful dish for us, and then we will have the fireworks.”

For dinner, Jokoth and scoured his new cook book for something easy to make, that they could get the ingredients and that was a skill level he could make. He decided on Jumbo Romulan Mollusk with Viinerine for dinner, and then Osol Twist for desert. Everyone in the village enjoyed it, being quite the melting pot of cultures, and there was none left. Even the children ate it happily telling Jokoth how good he did, even the little ones who were picky eaters.

Zanya/Casela missed the whole meal. Alyssa, despite her early frustrations, but a plate away for her. Zanya reappeared half an hour before dark. She slipped into the house quietly and made her way to Alyssa’s room, where they talked until it got dark. They reappeared outside with everyone else. Karra had Vetad bring out a comfortable chair for Santa to sit in. Casela walked over to Cobb and sat/leaned against the wall next to his chair, quiet and subdued. Once everyone was settled she pulled a small device out of her pocket and pointed, so Cobb would know where to look. To the north east, the show would be set off from the old ruins of the governor’s home. She pressed the button and soon the whoosh, whine and whistle of fireworks lighting and taking off could be heard, and then a brief silence and the first boom could be heard and the sky lit up.

The display went on for quite awhile, delighting everyone. Then in the silence there was a subtle shifting of the people. Mentors found apprentices, neighbors were huddled in group hugs, no orphan was left without someone to hold onto, and there was a noticeable shift in the gaiety and fun of just moments before. Casela pressed the second button on the device and put it away. Despite their tension earlier, Casela pulled Alyssa next to her, wrapping the girl in a hug.

The sky began to light up again, but this time the fireworks were not just beautiful displays of light, but photos. People who had been lost over the years to the governor’s treachery, to old age, sickness, injuries, and the families of the orphans. Whether they were born on Delotha or a far away planet, their pictures were there, in the sky, looking down on them with smiles and love, for every person lost to these people. Casela kissed the top of Alyssa’s head, hugging her just a bit tighter as her parent’s picture appeared and then held the girl while she cried. Around the yard, the same was happening as each picture lit up the sky. Gone but never forgotten.

---

That night Santa’s shuttle, with Santa and Zanya inside disappeared, and once out of sight the hologram dissolved. The shuttle settled and using the transporter they reappeared, out of their holiday finery at the back door of the orphanage. Casela led the way in. “Karra keeps very comfortable beds for visitors.” She waved at 3 bedrooms around a small dinning area. Casela sat down at the table with a drink, leaning back in the chair, feet propped on the chair next to her.
Lt. Synthi-er/Zanya

Cobb settled himself into a neighbouring chair. Although a far more enjoyable task than was usually handed to him by the ARU, still the day’s events had taken their toll on the body and the mind of Zachariah Cobb and in that moment he longed for nought more than a potent nightcap and a heavy sleep. But his duty as captain, and also friend, was not yet quite done.

With a gulp from his traditional hipflask, the former Santa stretched his legs out before him, crossed his arms and then turned his inquisitive gaze on Casela.

“I had a long talk with Alyssa earlier,” he began, allowing several seconds to pass before continuing, so that the counselor could gather her own thoughts, fire up those necessary barriers, whatever it was she needed in order to continue the conversation.

She nodded, “And what did you make of her?” Casela got up, exiting to the kitchen and returned with a pot of that warm coffee Karta had offered earlier, and then stepped into one of the bedrooms. She moved around quietly and returned with a bottle of spirits for him. “I keep a little stashed away. It helps to loosen tongues.” She sat back in her chair, feet propped up, and picked up her own drink.

“She’s got a surprising amount of spirit, all things considered,” Zachariah offered, reaching for the bottle and studying the label as if he had any care to evaluate the contents before filling a glass. “But then the same could be said for every child in this place.”

“They are. They are amazing individuals, self reliant out of necessity, but a cohesive whole as well. The dynamic will change after we leave tomorrow. And do you know the amazing thing? Not one of them will be bitter or jealous of Neltus, Vedi, Mecona, and Julin. They will miss them fiercely, but will never begrudge them their new family and new life. There are very few adults in the universe that can do the same.”

“I think, perhaps, she is lamenting that she too was not selected for adoption,” he ventured at last.

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

Casela sat quietly for awhile, eventually finishing her glass. “Alyssa has had opportunities, but when it comes time for the judge…she always said no. She has an infinite amount of hope, and not enough realism. A wonderful trait in a child, but when that hope is destroyed it makes for a bitter life.” She got up to refill her glass, “Alyssa has a good heart. She is very happy for the others. We both lament it.”
Lt Synthi-er CNS

“Aye, well that’s sometimes just the way of things,” the captain shrugged. His toes gripped at the precipice, one tiny, effortless step all that was required for him to open up, just a little. To allow himself to care about these children. To share the sorrow of their tragedy-laden histories and hope at the future potential that lay ahead. Surely, after everything they had suffered through, he could be human enough to offer them that?

His eyes closed, he drained the glass and the precipice retreated, feet planting themselves on familiar, yet infinitely-barren ground.
“Perhaps it’s not entirely a bad thing, to learn the true nature of the universe at such a young and impressionable age.” He raised his head but failed to meet Casela’s eyes with his own. “If nothing else, it will prevent them from squandering their best years on the false illusion of ambitions, hopes and dreams.”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

She sighed, “It’s not squandering.” Her tone fierce and protective. “Why should they walk through life, like us, simply because our life has been cruel. If they can find a better way, shouldn’t we be strong enough to help them?”
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

Zachariah’s eyes locked with her own, a brief shimmer of moisture clouding the cerulean blue, before the shroud of apathy was secured and his gaze returned to his drink.
“You are free to do what you like, Miss Synthi-er,” he murmured around a gulp of liquor. “We are not on duty so you need no permission from me for your actions. And in return, I seek no judgement from you on my own.”

He was angry. And he knew that she could feel it. Long nights in the glow of a campfire and he with soul laid bare. Had not a single word from his lips even registered with her? Had this entire trip, and the superficial tale of festive traditions, served only to force him into a situation he had spent his entire life trying to avoid?

“I recall making no promises to you, Casela.” Every word, every syllable, became a stone in a barrier he was scrambling desperately to build. “I vacated my position and my ship. I wore your ridiculous costume. I wrestled with long-buried emotions that I had sworn never to exhume. All to meet your expectations and your desires for these children. And while I harbour not a single regret for the things that we did today, I…Casela.” Shoulders slumped, head bowed, as if the energy to even hold himself upright was rapidly depleting. “I have, right now, not a drop more to offer. And I would ask you, if our friendship holds even the slightest meaning for you, not to demand it.”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb