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

[snip]

Day of the Anniversary

Avik walked out of the shuttle. She had requested the time off to address family matters. The captain didn’t press on the matter, much to her relief. When she stepped onto the colony planet from the shuttle, a gleeful yell caught her attention. Her head turned to spot a small group of children dart toward her. She stepped back, allowing them to slip past her. Their hollers echoed behind them as they vanished into the background.

For a moment, she envied their carefree nature. This stage in their life held little responsibility or conflict, everything so clearly laid before them. Avik inhaled before her attention turned to the horizon ahead of her. She scanned for her parental figure. He hadn’t arrived yet.

She felt her nerves shot up, but she pushed them down. Becoming filled with useless emotions wasn’t ideal right now. Not when they would be visiting her mother’s gravesite and paying their respects.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

After about an hour, her eyes spotted his figure through the parting crowds. His eyes locked with hers before he moved quickly to her position. He dressed modestly into a tunic and a pair of pants, blending with the other colonists. He let a small smile flicker over on his lips. It vanished when he came to stop before her.

“I didn’t expect you until later. Something about ship delays for no clear reason.” He pointed out then stepped to the side. His arm swept to the side and extended forward.
“Shall we walk as we talk?”

Avik nodded as she stepped forward, her father keeping pace beside her.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr