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

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

(snip)

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?

She side-eyed him. What was he getting ready to go on about? And she could feel and hear it and it started a fast deep burn. She would not use THIS place and these children, these people in such a devious and back handed way. Obviously he hadn’t listened to her either, if that was how his thought process was going.

“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

She snorted, and it sounded exactly as it was-condescending. “I never asked you for one. I never hinted, alluded, begged, insinuated, or stated that I needed or wanted a promise from you or anyone else for that matter. I’m not asking you for anything or telling you to do anything. Ease your fear, it was a rhetorical question. Today I did my job. The captain needed a morale boost, and you did a good thing. Ease your conscience. Today you got to see first hand the good that the work of YOUR ship does in the universe. No more, no less. That’s my job on your ship, to ensure everyone can keep doing their job. Today made sure you can keep doing yours. I’m not going to demand things of you. You’re the one that made demands with that bedamned campfire. Do not make the mistake, sir that I am offering this place up to you. I was your friend. I offered you respite and you accuse me of…” and she let that hang. He obviously wasn’t friend enough to simply talk unless it served his purposes. She downed her drink and stood up, grabbing her coat. “I suggest you make use of the fine beds Karra keeps. We leave early, and we’ll cross paths with your ship in 2 days. I’m happy to drop you off.” She shrugged on the coat and stepped out the door.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

The next morning, Karra was up early. She knew Zanya and her friend would be leaving very early to take Neltus, Vedi, Mecona, and Julin to their new home. Karra was subdued this morning. She would miss her children, but she was very happy for them. Cobb would hear a knocking on the door across the room and Karra firm but soft voice, “Zanya, get up. You pull your weight around here. I don’t care if you stayed out all night. Come help cook.” Zanya groaned. “I’m a guest.” Karra snorted, “No you are not.” Zanya’s light laugh could be heard as she made her way into the kitchen with Karra.

Soon the smell of breakfast came wafting through the entire house. The children were up early as well. Playing, helping the others pack, saying good bye, and mostly being kids. Karra, always a mother figure, created a wonderful breakfast of homemade tapas, ham croquettes and tortillas, cheese, olives, and a selection of juices and coffee. Zanya helped with the babies and toddlers, while Karra disappeared to say her good byes.
Zanya