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

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

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.

So rare it was these days for Cobb to get a lie in, he considered turning over once Casela had left the room. But presently he groaned and heaved himself out of the comfortable bed then went in search of some decent coffee…

As he entered the room, Zanya handed him a fresh, hot mug of coffee mixed with a little something extra. A peace offering of sorts. Casela wasn’t angry at him, frustrated, but not angry. Zachariah Cobb was a good man, even if he didn’t want to hear it.

“Thank you,” Cobb nodded, his demeanor bearing no trace of the previous night’s disagreement.

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

“You certainly know how to lay on a good breakfast,” he commented to the room at large as he entered and immediately spotted the food. Then, not wishing to be presumptuous, he silently studied his surroundings as he waited for further instruction.

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

Karrah smiled at him as she bustled in and out, and then disappearing with the four children for a little while. “Help yourself.” Several of the children came to say hello to ‘santa,’ Even without the suite the natural beard and rosey cheeks gave him away. The children thought this was great fun being able to have breakfast with Santa and that he ate something other than cookies and didn’t always drink milk. Zanya was at the opposite end of the table, single handedly feeding 3 infant/toddlers at once. And some how managing to NOT get anything on herself, despite the very eager tiny hands that wanted to grab hands, hair, and loose clothing.

With the grateful eagerness of a man wholly famished, Zachariah settled at the table and reached for a plate, piling it high with a full selection of the tapas. With not a second further wasted before digging in to the delicious meal, he turned his mental attention wholly to the gathered children.
“A very good morning to you all,” he announced, “and what exciting plans do you all have for this fine day, eh?”

Terul walked up to Zanya and handed her a piece of paper, “Do you know where Mr Anderson went? Will you give him this?” Casela sighed, she was afraid of this. But she nodded to Terul, “Of course. I don’t know when I’ll see him, but I’ll make sure he gets it.” This exchange brought on a small crowd down on her, Lanshay, Petall, Vedi and Mecona, and Vetad. All with small items, asking about Pinkerton, Sparky, Cpt Kangaroo, and Doolittle. Zanya took them into the other room putting them in a bag before returning to clean the toddlers up and setting them loose onto the floor.

She turned to Cobb after the children left to get ready for school. She topped off his mug and then sat down to peck at a plate of food for herself.
Lt Synthi-er, CNS

With the children now gone, the room assumed an almost venerable calm. Cobb placed his empty plate onto the table then began to glance around the room. “Is there anything else I might offer to do for them while we’re here?” he asked, desiring to make himself useful as thanks for the marvelous food.

• Captain Zachariah Cobb