Posted by Captain Julien King (Captain) in Riley’s quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Riley Dekker (CNS & 2O) in Riley’s quarters

Posted by Captain Julien King (Captain) in Riley’s quarters
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Julien rang the chime to Riley’s quarters and knew that Riley would already now know who was in front of his door.

• Julien

OOC: Might take me some time to answer in this thread, but I will keep answering :)

Riley was propped against the arm of his sofa, in loose fitting pants and a t-shirt, scrolling through the latest dispatch of current events from Earth on a PADD when the chime rang. A smile crossed his face.

There were few minds as familiar to Riley as Julien’s. David’s, perhaps, although the scientist always tucked away a secret part of himself. Sage’s, of course, yet even she had been absent more lately, since the loss of her embryos aboard the former Genny.

He stood, depositing the PADD on his coffee table and padded across the carpet to his front door. He triggered the release for the door latch, letting the doors slide open and reveal the large frame of his captain.

Riley crossed the threshold and wrapped the man in a hug. He didn’t know why. Most likely it was because the last time he saw Julien had been in La’kia’s quarters and he knew the emotional toll that conversation had taken on his friend. But perhaps it was something else. Perhaps, he simply needed to hug his friend.

Dekker, CNS

Julien returned the hug without reservation, careful as always to put less strength into his right one. When they walked in, Julien looked pensive and gave Riley a long look.

“So let me get this out quickly before I loose my nerve… not because of what I’m about to tell you, but because of who I’m telling it to.” he said and took a deep breath. If he didn’t know better, he would bet Riley was El-Aurian. How could one looking so young be so wise.

“The talk with La’kia was great, she is, as you know a marvellous woman. She accepted it - all of it, including Marishka.” he shook his head. “There is no chance that I’ll ever live up to that, but if I don’t at least try, especially now that her life is again in danger - and it is with this second inter-species birth - I will always regret it and think less of myself. So many things could go wrong Riley, imagine I’m somewhere charting star systems and meanwhile she and my daughter die on Earth because neither me nor Sage have been there. I can’t ask it of Sage and I would not, her life is here, with Marius. Mine… isn’t. “

He looked up at Riley again. “I’m resigning from active duty Riley. I’ll return to Earth with La’kia. I’ll get my son first and together we’ll be there for the birth of Flavia.”

• Julien King, CO

For a brief moment, Riley’s dark lashes swept downward. Just as quickly he met Julien’s gaze again. A soft smile spread across his lips, even if it’s message of happiness wasn’t completely matched in the Counselor’s dark eyes. Riley reached out with one hand and placed it on Julien’s non-cybernetic shoulder. He gave a squeeze and turned around, walking to a small cabinet nestled in a corner of his living area. From within the cabinet he retrieved a glass bottle with a light blue tinge and two glasses. He brought them over to the small glass dining table perched near the room’s replicator and gestured for Julien to sit with him.

Julien’s eyes followed Riley closely.

“Ouzo,” he said to the man he knew recognized the drink. “I picked up a bottle when we were back at Black Rock, just after we lost the old Genny. I figured we’d have a reason, sooner or later, to crack it open. Can’t say I thought this would be it, though.”

He smiled a bit and took the glass with a nod.

Riley poured a measure into each of their glasses. In the past, the recent past, alcohol had brought out the inner demons in Julien. Over imbibing was a danger for him, but Riley sensed a peace he hadn’t felt in his friend in a long time. Julien was torn between two passions and now that he’d made a decision, his inner turmoil had subsided. It wasn’t gone. Riley wasn’t sure it ever could be, but it was in abeyance.

“I’m happy for you, friend,” Riley lifted his glass across the table in a toast.

Dekker, CNS

“Yes but I need you to stop being a counselor for a bit here Riley. For a change I want to know how you feel about it.” he said seriously. Although Riley had always been there for Julien in more ways than he could count, he knew below that counselor shell Riley was quite sensitive himself and his world had just been shaken badly with the reappearance of Jackson. He felt guilty about leaving Riley behind, he knew Calvin would take care of the crew, but he couldn’t be there for Riley the way Julien was.
If he could, he would take Riley with him, Julien thought, but he knew it was impossible.

• Julien King, CO

Riley took a sip of the drink, pondering Julien’s query. As much as he asked others to express their feelings, It was hard for the Counselor to divulge his own. There was safety living in others’ emotional space. Julien was one of only a handful of people who could draw Riley out past his convivial shell.

“I’m sad,” he stated plainly. “Our friendship is a part of me, Julien, and your departure will take that part of me away. Who’s going to push me out of my comfort zone now? I was counting on you to finally get me to move in with David. The poor man’s going to have to settle for being my next door neighbor now.”

Riley laughed, but Julien would see that his eyes were starting to water.

“I remember my first day back on the Genesis very vividly. It was Chan’s wedding day and I made my way to the Lounge, keeping to the bar so not to interrupt the festivities I hadn’t been invited to. You sought me out. Welcomed me. I think I’ve taken your presence in my life for granted every since.”

Dekker, CNS

Julien smiled at the memory and nodded. “We have experienced so much together. I couldn’t have been half of the Captain I was without your counsel Riley. And no matter what happens, I want you to know that my promise stands. If Jackson or David give you any trouble, I will always be there for you. I may not have a ship anymore, but that doesn’t mean I’m resourceless. Also, promise me to confide in Calvin if something comes up.” he said

Riley looked down for a moment before looking back at Julien, “I will. I trust him.”

Then he pulled Riley into a big hug. “I will miss you.” he said, then he stepped back again and smiled at Riley “you’re the first officer at the moment, you can assign quarters as you see fit.” he said and winked.

Julien King

Riley laughed. It was a real laugh, deep and resonant. It was the avenue of escape for all the pent up emotion of the moment.

“You’re relentless,” he accused the man, knowing Julien was right and as Riley’s intimate circle of friends shrank he would need to rely more on those who remained. “Now go. I know you have a litany of good-byes to make and a new life before you to start.”

Dekker, CNS