Lt A Dewitt - Questions and Answers
Emma Banin
((Dewitt Residence, Earth))
A. Dewitt: Whatever the future brings and whatever challenges we all face :looking at both Shayne and Collins: I shall be here for both of you whenever and however you need me.
Collins: And the universe shall be all the better for it, I am sure. I might not be your Chief anymore, but I know you. And I know your Senior Staff. This is only the start of what impact you'll have on the sector. I would stake my now ruined reputation on it ::he said with a sardonic smile::
Ayemet knew how much the two men meant to each other, and how much was left unsaid. Connor’s gift of Quentin’s attendance at her wedding wasn’t just for her. The Captain had been through so much and was still going through it. She hoped that his friend’s words and physical presence would be a reminder to him of his own strength and of the immovable fact that he was not alone.
Shayne: We wouldn’t have gotten here without you.
Ayemet felt a slight shyness. The day had been perfect; beyond perfect, and a small part of her felt like she didn’t deserve it but she would not let that darkness that sometimes plagued her mind take over this day, not when she was surrounded by all the people she cared so much for.
A Dewitt: Thank you for the beautiful ceremony Captain. Thank you for walking me down the aisle Liue…, Quentin.
She embraced them both deeply and firmly not caring about how it looked or what others thought. The times where they could express what they meant to each other so openly were few and far between and she was not going to waste the opportunity.
Collins: It was an honour of honours, Jacin. Though one of your Science Officers thought I was your dad which was...surprisingly humbling heheh.
Shayne: Don’t be modest. You’d make one hell of a father one day, you old spacedog.
A Dewitt: I never thought I could be this happy , and look at me now
She looked at the two men who were so important to her, words tumbling through her mind, but she knew that what they expressed with their mere presence was more profound than any grandiose speech she could give.
Collins: Okay, okay, let's not cause a scene. But I do...I do appreciate it all all the same. And Gods, do I miss you all…
There it was the blast of happiness uninhibited by worries or sadness. The sheer joy of being with someone who brought you joy, whether by deliberate action or by merely being who they were.
Shayne: I want to catch up properly.
A. Dewitt: Yes, and it’s my wedding so you have to do what I say!
Collins: A conversation worth having, to be sure...but first, if you'll allow me, Bride and Sir?
Ayemet huffed and reluctantly nodded. Quentin had asked if Nurse Othin would be attending so it came as no surprise to her that the moment Quentin had spied the Klingon nurse snarling at him from across the room that he would want to take his life on his hands and dance with her.
Shayne: Oh, you’re not leaving already…?!
A. Dewitt: Come back alive! We’ve only just begun to catch up.
Collins: There is a certain Medical Officer I have promised a dance...
Ayemet kissed Quentin on his cheek, wiping away the lipstick she had left with a napkin. She was beyond happy at him being with them but happy to see that amongst the darkest thoughts that occasionally crossed his mind the ability to simply enjoy life was still possible.
Shayne smiled with understanding, shot a wink at the scraggly man, and watched him leave to find his partner.
Shayne: How did you get him to come? He looks… like a hermit.
Ayemet looked after the man who resembled something of a scarecrow wearing a suit. A part of her worried. Much like the captain he faced darkness in his life and she hoped that both men would not try and face it alone. Would realise that they had friends who would be there for them.
A. Dewitt: I can’t claim bragging right for that I’m afraid. It was Connor not me.
Shayne: Gah! Don’t let me distract from the pair of the hour. And… it’s in line with that…
Ayemet turned to face Shayne. What was he building up to? Was it a wedding gift, and if so did it bark?
A. Dewitt: What is it? Is everything okay?
Shayne: I was… well, I was wondering- only if it’s not too forward of me to ask- if you’ve discussed next steps with Connor.
She sighed, and squeezed his hand the truth was complicated, as so much was in her life.
A. Dewitt: Well a honeymoon would have been nice but you know Connor, wants to check on those engines.
Shayne: ::throat clear:: Well, more directly… have you given thought to staying aboard? Or settling down planetside? You know you’ll have my full support, whatever you need.
Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave.
Looking out across the room at the wedding guests she saw the mixture of friends and family. Her eyes watered as she saw Ras approach her mother who sat looking a little lonely and ask her to dance, and the tears never materialised when her mother appeared to accept his invitation and they began to twirl around the room.
She missed Bajor, the lake, the crystal falls. It was ironic that after fulfilling her dreams of joining Starfleet and travelling across the galaxy she yearned for grass beneath her feet.
She wanted a family, a home filled with children and pets. Her capture by the Sheliak had shown her exactly how fragile and precious life was and she didn’t want to miss her chance.
But Connor loved his role, loved the ship, and she wasn’t going to take that from him.
A. Dewitt: :watching her Mother dip Ras and laughing: I’d love a family, a home.
Shayne: Response.
Ayemet looked at him, then back at the crowd. Realising she had been holding his hand for sometime. She didn’t care. She cared little for protocols at that moment. She cared for him and there was so few chances to show that, she wasn’t about to waste this one.
A Dewitt: But we have another kind of home onboard the Khitomer. :Looking directly at Shayne: And another family to be surrounded by.
Shayne: Response.
A Dewitt: Connor is devoted to the Khitomer’s engine room and to you. And I am as well :pause and then winking: Well maybe not the engine room.
Shayne: Response.
TAG/TBC
Lieutenant Ayemet Dewitt
Ship Counselor
USS Khitomer
NCC 62400
A239810JA2Q