Milly - Secret Hiding Spot

[Iain Turnbull]

(( Botanical Arboretum, Deck 9, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

Etan: Hiding? What sort of- :: he stopped as mind finally caught up. He recognised her. :: Aren’t you Lieutenant Maxwell’s-

Commander Etan was a face Milly recognised. Her father had loaned him his treasured – well-thumbed – paperback copy of 'Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There' and he had come by their home a few days ago to return it. Milly had been on a comm-call with her GrandMama and ever the inquisitive sort she had poked her head out to see who was at the door.

Milly: He's my dad. But you're avoiding my questions.

The Bajoran raised an eyebrow at her cutting across him but Milly paid it no mind. She was inqusitive, and always asking questions. Her Grandfather had always told her if you don't know something, ask.

Etan: I could ask you the same question…? :: he trailed off, hoping that Maxwell’s daughter would fill in the blank space for him. ::

For a moment Milly thought about telling the commander about what she had just planted, along with the picture she'd left. Ultimately she decideded against it.

Milly: Yes, you could.

Her answer could have been dismissive, were it not for the smile that it was paired with.

Etan: So tell me, Milly- :: he replied. :: Do you make a habit of sneaking up on command officers out for a quiet stroll?

The smile got bigger, paired with a light giggle. Sneaking had become a bit of a game back on 118, in her Aunt Lauren's flower shop. She'd spent lots of time there helping out, and often popped out from amongst the tall racks and shelves to make Lauren jump.

Milly: They aren't my first choice. Engineers are much more fun to startle. ::Milly paused.:: You still haven't answered though.

Etan: I’ve never been to the arboretum before and I wanted to visit before… :: he hesitated for a moment. It was still so surreal. He pressed on. :: … before I leave.

Leaving was something Milly knew about only too well.

Numerous friends from school on Earth had left when family members had joined Starfleet. Even her own father had left after joining Starfleet, although that had only been a temporary seperation whilst he'd gotten settled into his posting and organised a new home for them both. Her fathers girlfriend Ishani – the only real mother-figure Milly had ever had – had also left, due to a posting change.

Milly: Why would the ships ::She paused, recalling the short title her father used for him.:: X-O be leaving?

A smile spread across the commanders face.

Etan: I’m leaving to take command of a starship.

That earned a little clap of the hands as Milly bounced on her toes.

Milly: Well done! Are you being made a captain?

Ranks were an odd thing that Milly often pondered over. Her father had once been a Lieutenant-Commander, but people addressed him as Commander. Like Commander Etan. Uncle Sal was a Commodore, but when he commanded a ship people sometimes called him the Captain. Mr Paradi was called a Petty Officer, but he wasn't an Officer. Mentally, Milly shook her head. Starfleet just liked to be confusing it seemed.

Etan: response

Milly: Well I'm sure you'll be really good at it!

And she meant it. Young as she was, Milly was a very sharp judge of character.

She'd also heard her father speaking very hightly of the commander and knew he wasn't one to throw around false praise.

Etan: response

Reaching into her pack, Milly pulled free a small wrap that contained several pieces of flapjack. She offered the commander a piece before taking one for herself and putting the wrap back into her pack. Chewing thoughtfully for a moment she made a decision.

Milly: I'll show you why I'm out here.

Making her way back through the trees and shrubbery, Milly headed further away from the pathways until she reached her little spot. It was barely twenty minutes ago that she had planted the Terrucidian Orchid but seeing it again still brought a bright smile to her face that only got broader as she looked at the small framed picture of her Grandfather spiked into the ground beside it.

Etan: response

Tags/TBC

--

Amelia Valentina “Milly” Maxwell.

Civilian.

USS Octavia E Butler: NCC-82850.

Simmed by;

1st Lieutenant Arturo Maxwell.

Marine Officer, 4/73 Marines.

USS Octavia E Butler: NCC-82850.

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