Bad News
Posted on 07 Oct 2021 @ 8:58pm by Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari
Mission:
Picking up the pieces
Location: Aidan's quarters
508 words - 1 OF Standard Post Measure
It had been a long day, between trying to get a workout, a full and busy duty shift, and then spending time with Saeri. Aidan knew that his carefree days were long since done and dusted, but to occasionally have some time to himself would've been nice.
He placed Saeri down in her play pen, then got himself a quick shower and a change of clothes. He smiled as Sherlock came swooping in just as he pulled a clean shirt down over his head. "Yeah... you miss her too don't you?" he said as the blue landed on his shoulder.
Aidan watched his reflection, watched Sherlock settle himself and marveled at how big the firelizard had gotten. He remembered when he'd been this tiny glinstering thing that had hatched into his hands. Had it really been only about 8 years? Thank fully though, Sherlock had stopped growing a long long time ago, and would never be taller than his own arm was long.
Sherlock chirped at their reflection, then went to watch the toddler in the playpen, as he often did. Watching him leave, Aidan then went to his desk and activated his messages. His eyes lit up when he saw there was one from Emme.
Was she finally coming back to the Andromeda? Aidan did really hope so, surely she understood Caeri needed her mother? The Trill honestly hoped she would come back, understanding only too well how hard it was to grow up without a female role model. His own parents having been killed when he was 9, his foster mother had disappeared not long after, leaving his foster father to raise his daughter, and him, on his own.
As he started to read, his expression changed, tears coming down his cheeks when he finished reading. He looked up as his hand was getting nudged. "She's not coming back Sher," the Trill whispered, nodding towards the screen. "I had held hope, but she's not coming back, ever." He heaved in a shuddering breath. "She wants a divorce, and she's giving me custody. She says she's not ready to be committed to being a mother, and she needs to find herself again."
Knowing Sherlock probably didn't really understand half of what he said, Aidan walked over to the playpen and picked up his young daughter, cradling her to his chest. "This wasn't what I'd wished for you dear one," he muttered, hugging her close, "I want you to know your mother, I'll never speak ill of her for I did love her and I still do. And perhaps, in time, she'll be ready to be a mom. But until then, we're going to be rowing it alone." Still cradling her, he walked back to his desk and signed the documents Emme had sent to him. All he wanted, and wished for, was for her to be happy now, and if this would help her, then so be it, even if it would leave him feeling broken for a while.
Lt. Commander Aidan Datari
Chief Science Officer
