Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Avik’s Quarters-Side Sim: Family Ties
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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Avik’s tension in her figure dissipated. She noticed this pleased her brother while he turned his side to them and gestured for his wife. For a bit now, the woman timidly lingered in the background for an open invitation and now quickly sized the one given by Kekec, casually inserting herself into the group. A quieter conversation happened where Kekec explained who Va’rek was, where he knew him and that he would be joining them for the day.

Ignoring his subtle antics, her hand raised in a return greeting, her fingers spread out into the V shape as she spoke, “Peace and Long Life.”

Her arms pulled back to rest behind her as she continued, “I have no objections to you joining us. Especially if my brother welcomes your company.”

Kekec jumped in before she could address the lack of explanation, “I would’ve, if she wasn’t so busy. My sister seems to believe it’s her duty to avoid family.”

Avik frowned visibly at her brother’s jab. His wife, noticing the reaction, gently pushed her elbow into his side and reminded him he wasn’t too large for her to kick his butt. Kekec merely moved on.

“Also, this is my wife. Cassandra. The children are spending the day with her parents and allowing us some peace.”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Lowering his arm, Va’rek clasped his hands at the small of his back. He nodded politely as Cassandra joined them, greeting her with a somewhat quieter: “It is good to see you, Madam.” Kekec’s comment about avoiding family, however, sent a quick pang of emotion through him. His defenses were strong, trained from a young age… Thus, he did not show any outward sign. The powerful pang of regret and sadness wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by anyone with any significant telepathic or empathic ability; though it was gone as quickly as it had come.

“Perhaps we should make arrangements for the afternoon meal,” Va’rek said quickly before Kekec could provoke his sister into an argument. “I was forced to rearrange my schedule due to some last minute duties, and so I did not eat this morning.” He looked from Avik to Kekec to Cassandra, questioningly.

-Va’rek, Eng

Avik’s words were stopped before they left her mouth. When her telepathy had caught Va’rek’s sorrow dig into her mind, it attempted to overwhelm and distract her relaxed mindset. Impulsively, her eyes widened in response. It was fleeting as she quickly regained her composure. However, it wasn’t fast enough. Kekec looked at her, his eyes lingered for a millisecond too long and indicated her failure. She exhaled but drew no attention to it. Her head slightly tilted to indicate the cause to her brother causing him to once more relax.

At Va’rek’s suggestion, Avik nodded in agreement.

Cassandra let a small, but harmless laugh out, “You sound like Avik and Kekec now. All work and no time to take care of yourselves. Is this a Vulcan culture thing?”

Her last question was left for anyone to answer.

Avik decided to move on. She straightened up and began to gesture for them to move, “I believe my brother’s favorite bar and grill is located near the docks. It has a wide selection for all of us.”

Kekec looked at Va’rek for any objections before he moved.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

After no one objected, the small group meandered into that direction. Cassandra took this time to update Avik over her niece and nephew. Though Avik didn’t outwardly show pleasure, her heart warmed with the information. Kivel had begun a career in the medical field while Jasper took an interest in the finer arts. Each child had found their own path with only a little nudge from their parents.

As they drew closer, Cassandra’s conversation died down.

The bar and grill were wedged between two larger buildings, giving it a more humble appearance. Above the entrance was a neon sign with the place’s name: Kindred Pub. The neon flowed from deep red to bright yellow then back. A man stood at the entrance, but only gave them a brief glance and returned to his stiff posture.

Kekac led them to a seating arrangement nearest the bar. A few moments later, a feline waitress arrived. While she placed a holo menu at the center, she told them she would come back to take their orders and walked to another table.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

As the meal wore on, Va’rek apologized and excused himself. He explained he had business elsewhere causing them to part ways. This left Cassandra, Kekec, and Avik to continue the visit on their own.

“The anniversary of mother’s parting is coming up. Are you considering taking leave and visiting her memorial with father? He could use your support and misses your conversations.”

Avik’s mind stalled at Kekec’s elegant attempt to remind her of an event she wanted to forget. She placed the fork down, her appetite faded for the moment and looked at him. Her mind was debating on how truthful she should be.

The truth was worth more than a lie, she decided. Avik folded her fingers together under the table.

“I haven’t considered my schedule for it.”

Cassandra’s lips curled, her expression produced a sour look. Avik could feel the heat in her image but she didn’t address it. Her eyes locked with Kekec who seemed to be peeling away her defenses and piecing together her state of mind. He knew why she hesitated to join her father in remembering their mother. Out of all her siblings, she had been the closest. Their mother’s departure had left a hole within her. One that never completely healed.

Kekec took a cleansing breath and placed his hand on Cassandra, surprising the woman. Her eyes turned to him with a question on her lips. He simply shook his head, a gesture to let him handle it.

“Father would appreciate seeing you at least before the ceremony. You two were the closest to her. Please consider it.”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr