Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice Commandant, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in ???? Means Family

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in ???? Means Family

Posted by Civilian Yavia Crockett (Nurse - Sacred Heart Hospital) in ???? Means Family
Posted by… suppressed (28) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“Sir, we have a problem.” The CCDA agent in the surveillance room on the Orbital Platform squinted at his screen. “Seems like some new arrivals are causing some disruption in the customs queue.”

The Supervising Agent stood up and walked over from his desk. Looking down he studied the scene for a moment. There were four humans, three women of varying ages and one older male, who appeared to be in some kind of argument with the customs agent they were talking to. It was apparently loud enough, judging from the number of people looking at the scene, that is was most certainly ly an issue. The Supervisong Agent set a finger on the comms icon on the desk display and said =/\= Security Team to Customs Intake Twelve asap. =/\= =/\= Copy.=/\= came the immediate response. The SA looked at the agent watching the screen. “Let Command know. We don’t need an incident right now. Tensions are high enough.”

Ten minutes later, a figure in a uniform with lots of rank insignia on his shoulders cut a path through the now-gathered crowd. As they approached, a voice could be heard over the mumbles. “I don’t know what a comm ID is! For the nine hundredth time! Can’t you just tap on that thing in front of you and get what you need? Isn’t that what it’s for?!” “Sir. I am asking you a simple question. I need your comm ID to verify your identity. The facial recognition scan is coming up with someone else besides who you claim to be; and you- unlike literally every other being on this station- has no biometric ID in our system. In fact, sir, I honestly don’t know how in the Nine Hells you even got here because no one can board a passenger ship anywhere in the Federation without* an ID in place!”

Before the man could reply, an authoritative voice cut through the din. “Because, Agent, he boarded a private vessel that picked him and his family up directly from their home; not a terminal. And they haven’t disembarked that vessel since. Scan them and enter them in the system, Agent. Use the name they gave you.” The Agent looked at CCDA Vice-Commander Major General Charles Tenkiller and stammered “Y-y-yessir.” Tenkiller turned and looked at the man and smiled.

“Well hey there, Dad.”

Tenkiller, VC CCDA

Sharah was standing in front of the scrub sink outside the OR. It hadn’t been a terribly complicated operation, just very delicate and a large amount of bone and tissue to treat. The ICU nurses had taken him to recovery and Ilena was cleaning and sterilizing the room. Sharah yanked the red protective gloves off her hands and then pulled the red hooded cap off her head. There was a sudden wash of delighted surprise and joy from many miles above her head. Charles. There was far too many minds between them for her to easily hear the thoughts over the strength of the emotions coming from him. She smiled as she changed out of the surgical scrubs. Whatever it was he would tell them tonight.

The older man- who looked almost identical to the Major General, just with more lines and weathering on his face- turned and looked at Tenkiller and smiled a broad smile as his eyes rimmed with tears. “My son… oh my son my son my son…” he said softly as he took the younger man in a full embrace and held him close. Charles returned the embrace and smiled as he looked past his father. His mother’s dark eyes shed tears and she moved in and joined the hug, as did the two other women. Charles smiled and maneuvered everyone so the hug didn’t crush anyone… especially him. “Dad. Mom. Abby. Mary. Gods above it so good to see you.” They were silent a moment and then the Agent cleared his throat. “General, they are in the system and ready. Sorry about that. I just had never-” and Tenkiller waved him off. “Don’t worry about it, Agent. You did what you were supposed to do. Good job.” He looked back at his family and said “Well… follow me. I’ll give you the tour. Don’t worry about your bags. My team will take them to the house for you.” The two sisters looked at one another and then shrugged and dropped the bags to the deck. Three agents moved and picked them up. Charles smiled and said “Come on in.” and waved them forward.

After a two hour tour of the Orbital Platform, Tenkiller took them to the CCDA Command shuttle bay. He loaded them inside one of the runabouts and took the pilot’s chair for himself. His father sat next to him. “I’ll get us down to the planet surface and then we can head to the house.” His mother leaned forward and said “And then you can introduce us to these two women you told us about, right?” Charles turned to say something, but his sisters started in immediately. “Do they know you have a sweetheart back home? Oh, they are GONNA know.” “If they aren’t Osage, we forbid you from marrying them.” “Two women, Skip? Two??! C’mon… over compensating for anything?” and on and on. Charles just laughed and looked at his dad; who shook his head and crossed his arms on his chest. “You shoulda heard ‘em on the trip out. Like this… but for weeks.” and Charles laughed. “Okay, you two. Shut up and let me fly this thing, alright?” He powered up the craft and lifted them off the deck, slipping out of the bay and into space.

He flew them around the planet for a about an hour, showing them the city and the burgeoning terraforming efforts. Finally he landed at the CCDA Complex and powered down the runabout. A slider was waiting for them, and Charles led them to it. “Inside everybody. Let’s get to the house.” he said. As the last of his family piled into the slider, he took a breath and simply thought Hey… I’m on my way to the house with some folks I want you and V to meet. and he stepped inside as the door closed and the slider moved towards the house.

Tenkiller

It had been a long last 2 hours to an even longer day. Sharah was happily watching the plants in her room glow in the dark. It was calm and peaceful. Yavia was was enjoying a bubble bath and every so often Sharah would laugh at the silly delight she felt. She heard him clearly. It made her feel warm and anchored. He would feel a sensation like a warm brief hug.

“Yavia, Luv?” Sharah walked into her room and peeked in the bathroom. “Charles is on his way and is bringing company he wants us to meet.” Sharah managed to say it with more confidence than she felt.

A few minutes later Charles actually heard her voice in his head. Save me. Yavia is acting like I pumped her full of espressoninfusion units and has insisted she fix my hair.

Sharah

It was about thirty minutes later when a slider came into the driveway. Charles stepped out and looked back in the car. “Wait here a sec. They still don’t know you are here.” He turned and walked to the door, making sure to think the kind of thoughts that made Sharah do everything she could not to hear his mind. He walked in and said loudly “I hope y’all got clothes on. We got company! Come ‘ere!”

Yavia finished twirling one of Sharah’s curls around her fingers when she saw the bright red flush that rose over Sharah’s face. “Oh he’s home!” She laughed as Sharah got even redder. “To your disappointment, we do!” V yelled back up the stairs at him. She took Sharah’s hand and pulled her up. She knew how much Sharah hated meeting new people. It wasn’t that Sharah was antisocial. In fact, Sharah liked people as a general rule, it was just hard for her. “Come on, let’s see what he’s up to now.”

They made their way upstairs. Yavia was surprised they weren’t inside. So she lead the way out the door.

He walked out to the slider and waited for the girls to step outside before he motioned for the occupants to exit the vehicle. First out was a late teen-aged girl with deep reddish brown skin and jet black hair. She was stunningly beautiful, and carried a warmth that washed off her like a tidal wave. Next was a woman a some years older than Charles. She had a look of judgment on her weathered face and her eyes looked over the two women intently. Next came a woman that neither V nor Sharah had ever met.... but Sharah thought she had seen. Or rather, a woman who looked so familiar that it was almost impossible to think she had never met her before. She was a soft, gentle looking woman, with an innate intelligence that shown through her dark eyes like phaser beams. Lastly, a man exited. It was like like looking at Charles thirty years in the future. Weathered, lined skin and graying hair made no difference… it had to be Charles’ father. “Sharah, Yavia… meet my younger sister Mary. My older sister Abigail. My mother Donna Red Corn-Tenkiller. And my dad… Cecil. Mom, Dad, Abby, Mary… these are my partners. Lieutenant Commander Doctor Sharah Fayth and Nurse Yavia Crockett.” He stood back and waited to see who would crack and start laughing first.

Tenkiller

Sharah felt the judgement, but given who they were it wasn’t unexpected. Her gaze studied his mother, she knew she had felt images of her from Charles when he talked about her, but the connection felt more. She couldn’t quite place it for a moment and then she realized, smiling warmly.

Where Sharah was shy and quiet, Yavia was not. She bounded down the stairs and right up to Abigail and hugged the stuffing out of her. “You’re here! TK showed us some of your pottery, it’s gorgeous.” Then she hugged Mary. “You have to tell me how you ever put up with him as a big brother. He tends to try and throw orders around.” Sharah almost laughed, remembering. Yavia moved on to Donna and wrapped her in a hug. “We weren’t expecting you for a few more weeks. I hope you had a good trip.” Then she paused and looked at his father, “Now what are going to do with these two fine gentleman in the house at the same time?” She winked at him before hugging him.

Yavia

Abigail accepted the hug, but her eyes never left Sharah. There was a fire in there that, even for Sharah, was hard to determine if it was a warm one… or a blaze. Mary smiled as Yavia hugged her and she hugged her back. “Are you kidding? He’s the best brother anyone could ask for. Never there, never bugs us, and sends us great presents.” and she laughed. Donna embraced Yavia and smiled deeply. “You are just as Charles described, my dear. It is so nice to meet you.” When she hugged Cecil, he stiffened slightly but patted Yavia on the back twice. “A pleasure.” was all he said, but it seemed genuine enough.

Sharah felt the scrutiny like a forest fire. Sharah worked very hard to keep that balance between sinking into the storms and being present in the moment. She didn’t want to ruin this for Charles or Yavia.

Yavia tried not to looks mischievous at Cecil’s reaction. She liked Donna and Mary immediately. Abigail and Cecil were a bit harder to read. That was okay. Emotions were a tricky thing to interpret. But it was easy to tell they were happy to be there and equally curious. She glanced at Charles and winked.

Abigail walked towards Sharah and stood in front of her. She put her hands on her hips and said “So. You’re the doctor, huh? Chuck says you use some botanicals in your treatments. I would be interested in talking to you about that. He also says you can read minds. Is that true?” Charles looked at Abigail and said “Knock it off, Abby. You know bett-” and Abigail raised a finger and held back towards him, her eyes still locked on Sharah. “Well? Is it?”

Tenkiller Family

Yavia glanced sharply at TK and had to make herself keep still. She didn’t like the way Abigail spoke to Sharah. Sharah had to stand on her own though, no matter how much Yavia wanted to save her the pain. Why couldn’t people leave Sharah in peace? For now all she could do was offer Sharah the equivalent of a empathic blanket.

Yavia

Sharah was grateful for Yavia’s support and Charles’ attempt at interference. She met Abigail’s firey gaze. All Abigail would see in return was a battered fragile soul on the brink of breaking, with an iron will not to give up.

Sharah knew she was being judged. Fairly or not didn’t matter. She was used to it though she wished they would see her and not the illness. Her own people couldn’t even do that, how could she expect them to do so?

Sharah heard the voices, even recognized his grandmother and one or two others. That still weirded her out. “I would be happy to discuss my plants with you.” Sharah felt heart sick as the truth left her lips. She wouldn’t lie, “It is.”

Sharah

There was a sudden flood of affection that washed over Sharah. It came from Abigail, but there was just so much that it couldn’t be just her. Abigail smiled and hugged Sharah close. “Good. I hated being the only one in this family that had to deal with that.” She pulled back and smiled at Sharah. “And you can call me Abby.”

Sharah braced herself as Abigail moved to hug her. It wasn’t that Sharah didn’t hear it all anyway, but the contact brought a forced crystal clear clarity that brought her up out of the storms so that those around her were clearer. The contact was extremely gentle and … well it reminded Sharah of one of the balms she made for cuts. A slight sting and then soothing coolness. The flood of affection made her giddy and an involuntary giggle slipped out before she bit her tongue to stop it. “It’s not for the faint of heart is it? I’m Sharah.”

Mary’s mouth dropped open, as did Charles’. Donna, to her credit, simply smiled and stepped past them. “Close your mouths, dears… you’ll attract flies.” she said and laughed softly. Cecil smiled slightly and began to pull out some bags, but Charles stopped him. “No no, Dad. I got this. Y’all go on in and make yourselves at home. V can show ya your rooms and give you a tour.” and he went to talk to the driver.

Tenkiller

Sharah stood there a moment letting herself adjust to the rhythm before following them inside. She moved toward the bar and began setting out drinks while Yavia played hostess.

Sharah

Yavia grinned. No one had expected that response, but Yavia was grateful for it. She could appreciate Abigail’s flair for dramatics and antics. As TK took over the bags she slipped her hand into the crook of Cecil’s arm. “You just come with me and we’ll get you all settled.” Yavia was graceful and enigmatic without trying, but she was putting on the charm. It was hard not to, she was excited and happy.

The house smelled amazing. Something had been cooking slowly all day on the stove and Yavia had made rolls the night before to go with it. “This is the main floor. Kitchen and bar are over there. The den, which is much cozier than out here, and will fit us all, is on the otherside of the fireplace. Are any of you hungry? Dinner will be ready in about an hour, but we can get you something to hold you over.”

Yavia led them down the stairs. “All the bedrooms are down here.” She stopped at the first door on the left. It was the largest besides TK’s. Yavia opened the door. “Mr. And Mrs. Tenkiller, you’ll be in here. Mary you are right across the hall, and Abigail you are next to her. There are towels in the bathrooms and extra blankets and pillows in the wardrobes. If you need anything, though, just tell us.”

Yavia

Bump

“Donna and Cecil, my dear. We don’t go much for formalities.” Donna said and took Cecil’s arm and walked with him into the bedroom. Mary and Abigail went to their respective rooms as well to see where they’d be staying. Abigail was the first to come out. “Charles Tenkiller. How in the nine blazes did you of all people get a place like this?” and she gave a low, soft whistle. Charles, bringing the bags down, laughed. “I told ya, Abby… I’m really good at what I do.” He dropped off bags in the rooms and then stepped into the hall. “Okay. Y’all get settled and relax a bit. Dinner’ll be on in a bit, and we can all chat and whatnot. Tomorrow, I’m takin’ y’all back up to the platform and showing you around. Then we’ll show ya the city. V and Sharah might even be able to get some time off and come with us. And then tomorrow night, Dad and I’ll grill. Y’all make sides and bread. Sound like a plan?” Mary jumped up and down in excitement, but Abby looked at him with a cocked eyebrow. “You know you don’t get to order us around, little brother. We ain’t your little soldiers, now are we?” Charles’ smile slipped slightly and she stepped towards his sister. Donna started to speak, but Cecil put a hand on her arm. Charles looked down at Abby and said “No, you are not one of my agents. But you are in my home, Abigail. And that means you will give me a certain amount of respect. And while you are here, you are gonna do what I say. This ain’t Pawhuska… and not everyone here is gonna back down from you because they know who you are. Oed can be rough. So listen, learn, and try not to let your mouth write checks your ass can’t cash… got it?”

There was silence for a long moment and then Abigail exhaled slightly. “Ok. Fine. You are right.” and she looked at Donna who gave her a Mom look. Abigail looked back at Charles and said “And I’m sorry for disrespecting your home.” Charles nodded once and then said “Thanks. I appreciate that.” He looked around and said “Go on, y’all. Get freshened up. We’ll meet y’all upstairs.” and everyone turned and went into their rooms and Charles sighed and then went upstairs.

Tenkiller

Sharah had finished setting out drinks on the counter of the bar and had joined Yavia in the kitchen. Yavia had her using a simple metal device to peel, core, and slice apples.

Yavia had gone up the stairs to finish working on dinner. She and Sharah were chatting at the counter discussing Yavia’s last practice. They had their first real game soon. When TK came up the stairs she smiled. “They are lovely. I am absolutely certain Mary and I will get into lots of trouble together. And I will get a smile out of your dad before they leave to go home.” She laughed softly and rolled out a pie crust she had made earlier onto the flour she had sprinkled on the counter. She smiled at him, “You are very happy they are here. I can feel it.”

Yavia

“Happy, yeah. But there are some things I think I might need to iron out with Abby while they are here, thats for sure.” Charles said with a slight shrug.

Yavia nodded, “It will work out. Family can be hard, but it is worth it. Sharah and I can take a walk later if you need some privacy.” She finished placing the pie crusts in the pans. She walked around the counter and kissed him, keeping her hands out of the way. “Want me to make you a drink?” It was impossible for the two empathy to not feel the mild tension that had popped between them, though Yavia wouldn’t hazard a guess as to why, nor did she pry. TK would tell them when he was ready.

Sharah looked up at Charles. “Older siblings. Love them, don’t know what we would do without them, sometimes it goes to their head. It’s our job to keep them in reality.” She grinned. “I wish you could meet Eilah. He won’t get to visit though.” She finished the last apple. Yavia showed her what to do next. Sharah was fascinated with the process of cooking. She had no experience though, but it was something she was taking a delight in learning. Since her run on the Centurion she had bugged them constantly whenever anyone was in the kitchen.

Sharah

“He got posted to the Manhattan, yeah?” Charles asked. “Hell of a ship, from what I hear.” and he grinned. He knew the Manhattan’s Captain. They weren’t friends exactly; but they had a familiarity with one another.

Tenkiller

Yavia took out a cutting board and began to cut potatoes into thin slices and then dropped them into a large cast iron pan with a little oil. “That small bowl, Sharah, sprinkle it over the apples a little at a time and stir them until you’ve used it all.”

Yavia

Sharah picked up the small bowl, it smelled mostly of cinnamon and started sprinkling it over the apples. She nodded, “Yeah. All the way out in the Delta quadrant. I’m happy for him.” Her smiled conveyed her disappointment though. “It’s the kind of assignment he always wanted. He’s always been fascinated by new people and cultures. I miss him though. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him.” She grinned at him, “But that’s the job.”

Sharah

“Sometimes, yeah…” Charles said and then looked away, seemingly in thought. “So has the great Charkes Tenkiller ever learned how to do any cooking besides grill work?” Abby said as she summited the stairs and walked into the kitchen. Charles took a breath and them said “Yeah. As a matter of fact, I even mastered Granny’s fry bread recipe. So there.” and he stuck his tongue out at her. She looked at him for a moment and then said “You’ll have to prove it before I believe it.” She smiled at Yavia and Sharah and said “Ok. So what can I do to help?” and literally rolled up her sleeves.

Tenkiller

“Ohhh, I love his fry bread. I’m going to get fat eating it.” Yavia chuckled as she fried the potatoes in the cast iron pan that had been her grandmother’s.

Sharah spooned the apples equally into the two pie crusts, by some unspoken direction from Yavia. Then she picked up a knife and began cutting long strips out of rolled out dough on the counter. “Charles cooks for us almost every day. His breakfast sandwiches are one of my favorites.” Sharah bumped Yavia’s hip with a grin. Fry bread and pawpaws would make her fat or diabetic.

Yavia grinned mischievously, “You can keep an eye on Sharah and make sure she doesn’t cut herself making strips for the lattice pie crust.”

“Hey! I haven’t gotten distracted since I got back from the Centurian,” Sharah gave Yavia a disgruntled look even as her eyes lit up at the warmth she felt, “and I’ve done five surgeries this week. I’m the best cutter at Sacred Heart.” She tossed her head, sending her black curls flying and gave Yavia a good stare before looking back at what she was doing.

Yavia tugged on one of Sharah’s curls gently. “Don’t you forget it, either.” She shared a warm look with TK. It warmed her heart to see Sharah express genuine confidence.

Sharah glanced at Charles from the corner of her eye. New found confidence she might have, but she still was never going to be completely comfortable with strangers. Which reminded her of their foolproof way of distracting her when she got overwhelmed. That memory made her flustered and turned her face bright red.

“No, but seriously,” Yavia said to Abby, “the yeast rolls need butter brushed over them and then put into the oven.”

Yavia

“Or you can help me with the pies, Abby. I’ve never done this before, so it will probably take me longer than it should.” The dough was flimsy and easy to tear. Weaving it wasn’t like working with yarn or paper strips, and it stuck to her fingers before she figured put the right amount of water and flour to coat her fingers with.

Sharah

Abby wordlessly moved next to Sharah and began to help her with the crust. Charles watched the three of them work and then silently turned and walked out the back door onto the patio, closing the door behind him. There was a brief flash of anger from him, as if he had been slighted somehow, but it was gone as fast as it appeared.

Sharah wanted to go after him. The anger and hurt were like her own, and she wanted to make him feel better. Sharah knew though that if Charles wanted her or Yavia to come out there with him, he simply had to think it. Instead she reached out gently and wrapped him in a warm hug full of love for a long moment. All the while she worked at placing the dough.

Once he was gone, Abby sighed. “Sorry. He and I don’t always see eye-to-eye. And I’m sure both of y’all can pick up on that.” A whisp of jealousy came from her, like a tendril of smoke from a dying fire, but then it too was gone. “So how did all three of ya end up a thing, hmm? Must be a story.” “Abigail Tenkiller.” came a low, deep male voice. “I done told you. No prying. You go on down and help your Mama get settled.” Abigail looked up at her father, who stood in the open archway between the kitchen and dining room, a look of judgement on his face. “Yes, sir.” She said, and there was a cymbal-crash of embarrassment and shame that erupted from her. She looked at Sharah and Yavia and said “Sorry.” She wiped her hands and hurried down the stairs.

Jealousy was hard, and Abby was hurting too. Sharah could tell. She let it slide past her though. It wasn’t her place to pry. She loved Eilah dearly, but they had their arguments and spats. Some much bigger than others. They had had to work through them on their own. No one could do that for them. Sharah patted Abby’s hand gently, once before she walked away.

Yavia smiled at Abby. Family could be complicated, and Yavia had a feeling Abby was unsure of her position in this new place, and for her own peace of mind needed tk clarify it. And well siblings had a knack for annoying each other. “No problem. Get settled. We’ll have plenty of time to chat.”

Her father watched her go down and then turned and looked at Yavia and Sharah and he smiled a somewhat tired smile. “Now don’t ya go an get me wrong… I do wanna hear that particular tale.” He looked back over his shoulder and scowled slightly before looking back. “But I wanna hear it with all of us around.” He leaned against the archway and smiled. “And I also wanna thank you girls. My boy ain’t never been happier than these past months. He had a rough row to hoe there for a bit… I’m glad to see that it paid off.”

Tenkillers

Yavia liked his smile. Even tired it made him look slightly younger, and TK’s resemblance to his father was even more apparent. She laughed softly. “Oh, we’ll be telling that story several times anyway. My grandmother and Sharah’s parents are visiting sometime. This will just give us a way to figure out the best, most dramatic way to tell it.” She gave him a cheeky grin.

“I don’t know much about when he was in Star Fleet, but he is well liked here,” Yavia said. “Thank you for saying so. He’s an easy man to love.”

Yavia

“Yes, he is.” Sharah laughed, “The nurses have turned him into a mascott for the hospital. There was quite the fight over him between Yavia and our head of physical therapy.” Sharah laughed harder as Yavia flicked water at her from her wet hands.

The raven haired woman sobered some though. “What he went through was inexcusable. Not many have the strength of spirit to continue through that type of adversity. We all have our trials.” Her voice carried heavy knowledge and experience. “If he hadn’t gone through it, he might not have left Star Fleet. And Oed is a better community for having him to watch over us.”

Cecil looked at Sharah and said “I agree… to all of that.” He looked at Yavia and said “Star Fleet did him dirty. I’m sure the good doctor here can fill ya in on it.” He shook his head and sighed. “That boy… joinin’ Star Fleet was one ‘a the proudest moments of his life. Right up there with when the Tribe made him an Elder. Damn shame they treated him like that… and for doin’ his job, no less.” He shook his head as if to clear the thoughts form his head.

Yavia smiled, “He told me about that. He is filled with a great pride and deep love when he speaks of his family and tribe.” Especially when he told her the stories of the Osage. That was a personal memory though.

Sharah let Yavia take over the pies as she buttered and then put the rolls in the oven. She looked up at Cecil, “Would you like a drink? We have just about everything.”

Sharah

Cecil looked around and said “Where did that boy get to? Grab me a beer, if ya would, and one for him, and I’ll go find him. Been a bit since he had a beer with his old man.”

Cecil Tenkiller

Yavia finished working on the lattice. She had been doing it for years and it didn’t take her long.

Yavia

Sharah set the heat proof mits on the counter and wipedbher hands on a towel. She moved behind the bar for the beer. She took a guess that Cecil would like what Charles did. She concentrated for a moment before she handed him the two frosted bottles. “He went outside. He was on the deck, but is walking along the east treeline now.”

Sharah

“Always did like being in the wild.” Cecil said with a smile. “Thank you, darlin’. If y’all excuse me.” and he turned and walked outside.

“I understand the need to listen when nature calls to you.” Sharah smiled, “You’re quite welcome.”

It took a minute or three, but Cecil eventually caught up with Charles. “Hey boy. C’mere. Have a beer with me.” Charles turned and smiled, and walked back towards his dad. Taking the beer, he said “I’m glad y’all could make it, Dad. Really am. How are things back home?” Cecil took a pull from the beer and said “Good.. good. Nuthin’ much changed. And you know thats how folks like it.” and he smiled. “The Shadlows are watching the place for us while we’re here. You remember Becky?” and Charles nodded. “Well, she got herself married to a good guy from Stillwater. Had herself a couple’a kids, and her oldest just got accepted to the Academy. Second one from Pawhuska heading out.” Charles nodded slightly. “Well, I hope he has a good run of it.” he said flatly. Cecil nodded slightly to himself and said “Yeah… me too.” He looked around the yard. “You got yourself a fine place, son.” Charles smiled. “Thanks. I like it.”

Inside, the three Tenkiller women came upstairs. Donna smiled at Sharah and Yavia, a wave of warmth and happiness washing over them. “Hello, ladies. Thank you both so much for allowing us to invade your home. If we get to be too much, just say so and we will get a hotel.” Mary smiled at that. “With a pool!” and Donna shook her head and grinned. “I promise we will find you a pool, okay?” Abigail was noticeably silent.

Tenkillers

“You aren’t invading. You’re family; our home is your home,” Sharah said quietly, but with a depth of warmth that included them all. “You have to stay, but only if you want to. There is plenty of room for everyone.”

“Oh I think I can handle the pool. Oed has a huge recreation center, and it has a pool. But Sacred Heart has a private pool for staff and family. I happen to know the chief of staff. I’m sure she will agree we’re all family and give me passes for you all. Don’t you agree Sharah?”

Sharah flushed and tossed Yavia a look. “Oh I’m sure you can convince the chief of staff to do anything for you.”

Yavia opened the bottom oven and pulled out a roasting pan with a pork loin in it. It had been slow roasting all day. Yavia used a rub made of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then she made a glaze with honey, dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. She poured a little of the left over glaze over the pork while she kept it rest. The aroma was mouth watering.

She reset the oven temperature and slid the pies in. Then out of cabinets and drawers she pulled plates, silverware, napkins and such.

Yavia

Sharah walked back from the living room where she had been watering Hope and Charles’ White Snakeroot. They were on a table together by the window. “The men are outside. Do you three want something to drink? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” She was feeling incredibly shy and uncertain, but determined to not let it ruin the evening for anyone.

Sharah

Mary said “I almost forgot!” and rushed downstairs. Donna chuckled and Abigail sighed in exasperation. A few seconds later, Mary came back with a stasis box. She set it on the island in the kitchen. “Chuck said you liked this, and its my favorite, too.” Mary said as ahe opened the box. From inside she lifted a large three gallon blue jug. “Paw-paw juice.” she said triumphantly. “AND! I brought three seedlings. Chuck said Sharah likes to garden, so I thougt she might like ‘em.”

Yavia looked at the jug wide-eyed and grinned. “Oh, I knew you and I were going to get along.” She shook her head, “Three seedlings? We won’t see Sharah for days.” She took the jug and put it in the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher and two glasses. She poured one each for her and Mary. “Anyone else?”

Sharah shook her head. Yavia, is the world coming to an end? You’re sharing paw-paw juice? Yavia’s mental response made Sharah laugh.

Donna walked over to Sharah and stood close to her, but not too close. When she spoke, her words were quiet but filled with warmth and a truly unsettling level of understanding. “You know… my mother was a gifted gardener. She could grow anything. But her favorite was Japanese Maple Trees. She loved the color of the leaves and how the tree would bend and twist to get just the right amount of light. She told me that ’ The truly beautiful things in our lives may grow in ways we never thought of.’” and she smiled while she looked out the window at Charles and Cecil on the far side of the immense back yard. “She also told me that you are very special. And that it was thanks to you and Yavia that Charles found his way back from the dark places. So thank you.”

Sharah smiled. It still bothered her to communicate with Mildred. Her gifts had never worked that way and she’d never heard of such a thing on Betazed. But so much was lost to them. She stared out the window at the two men, “He has weathered a storm that never should have been his to face. At first he didn’t like me at all because of the uniform. Knowing what happened to him, I couldn’t blame him. It makes me ashamed every time I put it on.” She shook her head. Her voice quiet and introspective. “Don’t thank me. That’s all Yavia. She healed him, and they saved me. They still are.”

She rested a hand on Sharah’s shoulder and leaned in and whispered “And I am glad that you could find your way back from the storm. Although I doubt any storm could actually best you. You are much stronger than you realize. And your light is wonderful to see.” She squeezed Sharah’s shoulder and then turned and walked back to the kitchen.

Tenkillers

Sharah turned, flushed, and watched Donna go back into the kitchen with the others. She wasn’t sure what to make of that brief conversation, but it was one she would never forget. Donna was a soothing warm presence.

She followed a moment later. She walked over to Abigail, “I have a few of my medicinal here, at the house. Most are in a special garden at the hospital. I know Charles wants to take you around tomorrow, but I would be happy to take you any time.”

Sharah