PL | RAdm. Denterius | "Facing her Parents"

Posted on 241411.28 @ 12:50pm by Rear Admiral Kassandra Harper

Mission: Non-Plot Log

Settled on the couch, her gaze drifted around the room as she took in the soft comfortable look that surrounded her. Hands drifting over the fur of the two dogs that had piled atop of her. So amazed she'd been when she'd made her way up the pathway to the house, only to see her dogs come racing up to her barking wildly and alerting her parents to the fact that she was home.

Closing her eyes a moment as she thought of the tears she'd seen in both her parents eyes at the sight of her, she couldn't help but to feel guilty for all she'd put them though. Even more so, her mother. At least her father knew well enough how starfleet could be. Perhaps that was why she'd grown even closer to her father, and her mother to Sven. Her brother had made it out alive but had decided once more to settle down with Tamara and the children, leaving their folks less to worry about. Yet, with everything that Starfleet had put her though, even more so all the things that she'd not told her folks about, Kassi still stubbornly stayed... and that was something her mother just didn't seem to understand.

The shuffling of feet upon the carpet had her looking up and over to Angelica as her father led her mother into the room. Brows furrowed again as she took in the sight of how fail she'd become. Age and worry had done a number on her. On both parents, but more so her mother. Time was moving on, and Kassi knew that she wouldn't have them about forever, yet the visual reminder of just how old they were getting wasn't easy for her and she wondered what she would do when they passed on. Then again, what had they done when she'd been considered dead? She'd always heard that it's harder on a parent when a child dies before them. A little shake of her head as she tried to push those thoughts from her mind and focus on the here and now.

“I have news” Kassi said after her father had sat down next to her mother. “I'm getting married.”

“Ohh?” Angelica seemed to perk up some at that. “Please tell me it's to that young Irish boy.. what was his name... Ion? He was always good for you and you'll be able to stay on earth and settle down. Perhaps we can move to Ireland and be closer to you.”

Trying to ignore the hopeful look upon her mothers face she gave a little shake of her head and tried for a soft laugh. “Mom, you always said you two weren't going to move again, not after all the hassel it took to move from mar's station to here.” Kassi relaxed a little hearing the soft deep rumble of a hinted laugh from the Captain and she glanced to her father a moment before continuing. “And no, Ian is already married. Though Patrick is an Irishman... I've told you two about him before.”

“Aye, That Marine correct? I thought Sven said you two had broken up.” The Captain asked as he looked at his daughter.

“A Marine... no no no, you can't marry a Marine, Kassandra.”

Sighing softly at her mothers outburst she tried to ignore it as she realized she was rather glad she'd opted to make this visit short. “We did dad, but we've worked things out. We are getting married when I get back before we head out again.”

“You're not marrying him. I've told you before you need to leave there, retire and settle down like your dad and I did.”

“I am going to marry him, mother. You should know by now I'm not content to find some civilian and settle down someplace. Starfleet is in my blood and that is nothing anyone can change. Dad can attest to that. If they recalled him right now, do you not think he'd love the chance to get back out there? And before you sit there and say they can't do that. I know for a fact that they can.” Her tone had changed a little as she spoke, a firmness coming to it. The subtle nod of her fathers head simply confirmed that she was right. “You should also know me well enough that I won't step into a marriage thing unless I truly feel I love the person I'm stepping into it with.”

“She's right Angel.” Her father said softly, using the team of endearment for his wife that he often used. “This is what we wanted for our children. For them to become their own people, to grow and thrive. They may not be leading the lives exactly the way we would like. But we can't protect them from everything, all we can do is hope they continue to live though it all.”

She'd watched her mothers reactions as she and her father spoke and swallowed hard seeing the look of sadness cross though her.

“And a Marine isn't so bad, Sven said this one hadn't seemed bad... for an old guy.” The Captain said with a glance to Kassi at that last part.

“He's not that much older then me.” She fibbed a little... age, like rank, hadn't been important to her when it came to matters of the heart. Though she knew it was likely one more thing her mother would have an issue with. “And you know Sven, he's always got to add that bit of sarcasm to things.”

Her mother rose and looked at them both. “It's late, I think I will go rest.”

“I would like you both at the wedding...” Kassi said softly as she looked between her parents.

“I don't know... I have that trip to go see Sven and the grandchildren that I'm supposed to leave for tomorrow morning.” Angelica said as she started out of the room only to pause and look at her. “It probably is wise if I don't go, I'm not sure I could keep my mouth shut... Good night my child.”

“Good night, mother.” Kassi said softly as she tried not to let the hurt get to her.

“I'll talk to her, no promises... The whole, them leaving you for dead really did a number on her. I can't say it didn't on me either. But, as you said, I am more understanding of things when it comes to Starfleet.” Her father said as he rose and moved to sit closer to her.

“So you really love him?”

“I do dad, I never really got over him, I was stupid to let him go back then.” Kassi said softly, her thumb stroking the crease of the small Boston's nose absentmindedly.

“We all make stupid mistakes in our lives at some point in time. Though it's not often we get second chances to fix those mistakes. Seems the prophets find something special in you... to test you as much as you have been tested and to allow you chances to fix things.”

That brought a slight cant of her head, she'd not thought of the prophets or anything like that in a while, not since... a free hand lifted up to brush against her ear, the same ear that had been... for lack of a better term... naked, since her capture. “I haven't...”

“I know, I noticed it was gone the past few times we talked. It's only natural that you gave up on them, or felt that they gave up on you. But you survived it all, and it's made you stronger. Tomorrow, before you leave, you should stop by the Temple. Might do you good.”

“Perhaps...” Kassi said softly as she shifted slightly.

“I should let you rest my little Admiral.” The Captain said with a smile as he caught the tired look in her eyes. “I must admit, I never thought you would be the one to outrank me.” He said with a chuckle.

“Night Captain.” Kassi said with a soft smile as she snuggled ore under the blankets. Having surprisd them with this visit, hadn't given them a chance to clean out the guest room.

“Ohh... and don't forget tomorrow to take the dogs with you, I know you think that leaving them here would be better for them. But it wouldn't be, as much as they have gone though... they need you in their lives.” And with that, he turned and headed off to join his wife for sleep.


=*= 10 hours later =*=

Waking up with a stretch, Kassi gave a look around as she remembered were she was. The scent of food had her tossing the blankets off and working on standing up with a few more stretches. “Mom?”

“No, dad.” Came the voice of her father. “The dogs are out, food is ready in 10 minutes.”

“Alright, be there in a few.” Making her way to the bathroom, she grabbed a fast shower and tossed on some clothes. Still brushing her hair as she made her way to the kitchen. “Where is mom?” She asked hesitantly.

“She left this morning, I couldn't change her mind. Though she left something for you to open before you get married.” He said motioning to the small white box. “Something old... She said you would understand. There is a note with it.” Taking the plates, he headed over to the table and sat one in front of Kassi.

“Eat.. and tell me about this man, this wedding. I'll be there, after all, I have to make sure this man knows he better protect and take care of my daughter.” He said with a smile as he settled in to eat and listen.


RAdm Kassi Denterius

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