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

[snip]

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

“I’m strongly in disagreement it would be the best course of action…” Avik began before Kekec interrupted her.

“Father does miss your presence. I know you two have become distant because you chose not to confide in him over Salkr’s death. Instead, I had to inform him.”

Kekec’s last statement silenced Avik for a painful moment. Her eyes turned from him, unable to look him at. In a few moments the waitress came back to retrieve their plates. As the woman moved away, they began to get up.

Avik fought the urge to run away from the situation as they began to walk out. After his last statement, Kekec wisely decided not to push on the topic. Even Cassandra had appeared to relax from her earlier judgement.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

After the meal, the trio continued to spend time together. Avik played tourist guide as she took them to the more notable sights and attractions. Thankfully their conversation never treaded back into the earlier subject. As the day closed, Avik said her goodbyes and once more boarded the ship.

The experience left her exhausted. She made her way to her quarters. When the doors hissed shut behind her, her eyes shifted to her datapad and she bit her lip. Delaying it would only make it worse. Resigned to her decision, she took off her pad from her desk and slid onto her bed.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr