STF

Kalani's Quarters

Posted Jan. 2, 2019, 6:34 p.m. by Lieutenant Commander Jarred Alindor (Chief Engineer) (Steven Sigle)

Posted by Ensign Kalani Kāne (Scientist) in Kalani’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Jarred Alindor (Chief Engineer) in Kalani’s Quarters

Posted by Ensign Kalani Kāne (Scientist) in Kalani’s Quarters
SNIP
Jarred paced in front of Kalani’s quarters, he had just got off with his mom knowing the shuttle was a few days away. She and his dad’s visit signaled a large change in his life and he knew he couldn’t keep Kalani in the dark any longer. She knew many things, their trip and discovery of the bipedal sentients on the planet, the aquariums and romance had been a whirlwind for the last six months. He felt shameful as he thought of the face he hadn’t told her any of this, he didn’t expect to fall in love with her yet he had. Despite this, he feared his secrets could force her away. If that was the case, he needed to know before his parents arrived if he was newly single again.

Paging the door, he didn’t wait as he knew she would be okay with him just entering as he did. “Lani?” he said as he looked around, trying to find out where she was.

Alindor, CE

“Jared, you’re here early,” Kalani said coming out of the bedroom with a cup of coffee. It was then a small blur bolted from under a blanket and headed towards the familiar voice entering the quarters. “I thought you’d,” Kalani stumbled as Ralph ran between her legs and into Jared’s shins. “Ralph,” she groaned shaking the coffee off her hand that had sloshed on it.

“Hey little man .” Jarred said as he knelt down picking up the little fox as he held him close. “Did you miss me buddy? I know I missed you.” Jarred said as he began to scratch right behind the ear he knew would make the little fuzzball stop moving and just focus on the pleasure the small petting did to him.

Moving towards Jared, Kalani rose on her toes to give him a quick kiss. “You know you should do something about that,” she motioned towards Ralph. “He is only going to get older and more difficult to control. Can I get you a beer or something,” Kalani said moving towards the couch. It was not uncommon for Jared or her to stop by after a work shift. Today, however, he must have gotten off earlier.

Ensign Kalani Kane, science

“Me do something about it? He doesn’t live with me, and besides I like my buddy the way he is. Wild and cuddly, just like you.” he said as he flopped down on the couch and let Ralph down next to him. “And a beer is fine babe.” Jarred said, he was calm but he did feel a sense of apprehension as he kept playing his story through his head. His love for her had been sudden but so genuine. He couldn’t help but feel he made a major mistake waiting six months for this conversation. He knew this was coming the day he meet her, yet he didn’t want to give up knowing her better as time went on.

Taking the beer he waited, knowing she would want to curl up her body right next to his. Her dark skin contrasting against his as she often took his hand in hers, she could be a love sick puppy at times. If he was honest he was just as love sick. You will loose her when you tell her, this is your last chance. echoed a voice in the back of his head. He shook his head briefly knowing he needed to get the thought to flee his mind. The truth was, he trusted her greatly. As shocking as what he was about to say, he knew she would give him a chance to explain.

“You say you like him like this,” Kalani said laying her head on Jarred’s shoulder as she looked down at Ralph in Jarred’s lap. The fox was wearing a dopey grin that made him look like he was about to melt with happiness. “Don’t you remember last week when he,” she said and then noticed Jarred was very quiet. While she was the talker of the pair, Jarred always had a snappy come back to most things she said. Turning her face up she looked at Jarred and instantly saw something was wrong. “Baby,” she said moving so she was no longer laying on him but looking him in the eyes.

“I wanted to come by, there is a shuttle coming by soon… my parents are on it and I felt a need to prep you. They don’t visit more than once or twice a year, and they came with a very special purpose…” he paused as he looked at her, letting himself have a little bit of distance to gaze intently in her eyes. He knew by now she had to sense his nerves. One might think it was just cause his parents were coming but once he told her who else was coming he was certain she would balk if only a little.

Kalani stiffened a bit feeling the bottom drop out of her stomach. There was only one reason for Jarred to be acting like this after mentioning his parents were coming. He didn’t want her to meet them. The why didn’t matter in this second. The why might never matter. “Oh....well it’s too bad I won’t be able to meet them. My duty shift was switched. I only had like ten minutes so I will see you later,” Kalani said standing up from the couch. This might have sounded like she was giving him the easy way out but it was far from that. Jarred had effectively killed any future she had planned with his “special purpose” comment. She knew that was slang for “they are coming to see me and not us.”

“They, they are going to be dropping off my daughter, Lizzie.”

“You’re what,” Kalani said giving him a bewildered expression. She even cocked her head to the side visually showing how she was running the sentence over and over in her head. “Wait, whose daughter,” she said taking a seat back on the couch. She sat down not because her legs were weak but more that she needed every ounce of brainpower devoted to processing and understanding the words coming out of his mouth.

“I know that… I know that must be a shock, I have yet to mention her once… I just.” Jarred bowed his head down. He felt lately like he was letting everyone down. First he breaks up with Cori, then he felt angry at his mother for pushing his daughter on him, then the guilt for that feeling. Now on top of all those swirling feelings, he had lied and kept all this secret for Kalani even though he has plenty of times to tell her than a day before.

Alindor, CE

“A shock? A shock,” she said feeling her voice rise out of confusion. That was until she started remembering how one got kids and that Jarred had been married before and engaged twice. “Jarred Nikolos Alindor are you telling me you have a family or you have a daughter because there is a huge difference and I kinda need to know whether I am going to deck you and toss your arse out or continue this conversation with something stronger than arabica.”

Ensign Kalani Kane, Science

“Just the daughter, I’m not married… not anymore at least. That, that ended ages ago when I learned I had a child… I guess it’s been five years ago.”

“You guess she is five,” Kalani asked not so much for clarification but more to buy some time. This was a lot to take in. Everyone had skeletons in their closet and six months was about the time to start unpacking the crap you hauled from relationship to relationship; however compared to the semi Jarred was unloading in her quarters, Kalani’s was more of a pack like Santa carried around. Sure it was bottomless but it was not 80,000 pounds spread over 18 conventional wheels with a diesel engine. Her question was rhetorical and to be fair, Jarred seemed at rattled as her so Kalani did the only thing she could do. She walked over to the relicator and got two more beers.

“Well she turns six soon, so it was a little over five years ago. Her birthday is at the end of this month.” Jarred said, feeling himself grow in courage, so far she hadn’t just walked away she was still by his side. This was what he wanted and needed, and Kalani was delivering it in spades.

“We might need these,” she said handing him one and taking a seat back on the couch.

” I am I know not a perfect father. I tried to give her the best life. Her mother left, and I had zero knowledge of the kid. It wasn’t until a year after Lilly left a man tracked me down, with a little six month bundle. I was angry, alcoholic mess unfit to handle that. My parents were thrilled to see their first grandchild and… I was a little too thrilled to no longer have that responsibility. ” Jarred lowered his head as he stood up and paced a little.

“Hey…hey,” Kalani said walking over to him. She reached over putting a hand on his arm stopping Jarred from walking aimlessly in her quarters. “This is going to change everything but change isn’t bad. It will just be an adjustment. So maybe we don’t get a lot of weekenders and you spend every holiday with her instead of always with me for a while. Jarred it is going to be okay. We got this.”

“This… this is going to be a very long story. I don’t want to have any more secrets from you, I want you to meet my daughter and my parents. I… there is circumstances that have changed. Elizabeth needs to live with me and, am scared to death of this. I want… I need you by my side but I know I am asking a lot and have no right to even begin to ask this of you.” Jarred said as he looked down at her, his eyes soft and tender. He needed her now but he was afraid she may still kick him out all the same.

Alindor, CE

“Wait liiiiiiiiiiive with you not visit. You mean live live as in every day from now until she decides to move out live with you?” Kalani looked at him a bit dumbfounded. It made perfect sense that a child would live with her father but for all his assets, Jarred Alindor was not father material. His quarters ranged from ‘let’s impress my girlfriend clean’ to ‘oh shoot I forgot you were coming over clean’. He was a bachelor. It was expected but now adding another human to the mix. Jarred was right. He was going to need help.

“Okay, how long do we have,” Kalani said pulling him towards the table. “Give me as much as you can in the time we have. We can fill in the blanks later if needed. What time are your parents....and Lizzie coming,” she asked.

Ensign Kalani Kane Science

Jarred smiled as he sat down next to her. His daughter had been an enigma to most, since Lilly had left him and he had found out about the daughter he had dated a few women but none lasted long enough for him to ever have the courage. One night stands here and there meant nothing, and even Alya and Cori despite his deep care for them he had been a coward. Still, his desire to tell Kalani all had been growing, even if Elizabeth was arriving the next day. Jarred had grown much since he first had her dropped off in his lap five years ago.

“She will be here tomorrow, but… there is more to why she is moving back. You… you know how hard of a time I have with my father. We have never really seen eye to eye but… well things have changed.”

“Jarred,” Kalani said in a soft tone. “Let’s focus on one thing at a time okay. Maybe begin with Lizzy and we can move on to your father later,” she suggested. She knew that Jarred and his father were not winning and Father-Son awards but the most important thing now was learning about Lizzy.

” I don’t really know where to begin, maybe a year after Lilly left me. I wasn’t in a good place, barley keeping my position on the Saracen as I ran up a tab on shore leave at Starbase 21.” Jarred said, taking a deep breath he thought back to that moment.

*** Five Years Ago - Starbase 21 ***

“Come on, just one…” a breath hiccup could be heard as Jarred shook his head, trying to seem more together than he really was. “More, just one more come on.” he said looking at the barkeep, wanting nothing more than to continue his sorrow.

“Jarred, you know I love you man… but I can’t let you keep coming back here every chance to flee the Saracen to just kill your liver. Doctor Fenix has already had to prevent alcohol poisoning twice with you. I won’t let you die cause you can’t know when to quit.”

Shore leave was one of the few times Jarred knew he could be outwardly intoxicated, the truth is he hadn’t been truly sober for some time. Here though he could do as he pleased, no need to hide what was wrong and now uniform to wear. This gave him some autonomy and ability to skirt the rules while off duty.

He knew the Captain was worried, as well as Ayla with all the therapy she had forced upon him. He just recently had been forced to move out of the Captain Quarters, a unusual casualty from having to marry the former Captain and have her leave and ditch you the day after your wedding. His emotions for the past year had been frayed and the liquor seemed to be all that made him forget the pain.

“Well… I…” Jarred said as he looked at Jax behind the bar and shook his head. He was probably right, Jax was coming up as double right now and Jarred couldn’t focus at all. Sliding from the bar he headed over to the booth as he slouched in. He needed time to sober before he made the trek to his quarters. He would fall off a railing far before he even got to the turbo lifts.

A few moments passed as Jarred felt some kicking his boots, he had falling asleep in the booth which had become a normal feat while he was here. Most people would take shore leave for adventure or sun, he just went to his favorite bar in the galaxy and slept off night after night. It wasn’t uncommon for Jarred to be awoken by one of the waitresses, or Jax himself as he slowly sat up, head pounding he as he opened his eyes. As he did, the figure that kicked him became to take focus, it wasn’t though at all what he expected.

“Are you a Mr. Jarred Alindor? Jax said I might find you here.” said the small mousy looking woman who stood in front of him. Jarred wasn’t certain at all who she was, she didn’t work here and, well she seemed to be carrying something in what looked like a small basket in her hands.

Wiping the sleep from his face Jarred felt the vision focus more as he took in the details. This woman was no taller than 1.5 meters, she barley looked 45 kilograms soaking wet he figured. The basket she held, it wasn’t quite a basket the more he looked at it, and a small cooing sound could be heard from it. “Yes, that’s correct… and you are?” he asked as he felt himself straightening up more.

“I’m Alison McCreary, I’ve been looking for you for a month now. They said you were not on the Saracen, you became a hard man to track down. ” she said as she sat across from him, gently placing the basket to the side of him as she looked him up and down, the contents covered and hidden.

“Well, guess I didn’t try hard enough to hide now did I?” he said as he eyed the basket, then back to her. “So… what do you need of me Ms McCreary? I don’t think you travel half way around the galaxy to find me when I am on vacation.

“This is a vacation? As places go your choices leave much to be desired. I am here, cause of her…” Alison said as she looked over towards the basket, gently reaching in she pulled out the contents as Jarred watched with a shocked expression. He wasn’t sure if he was still asleep or not, cause once the woman leaned back she had a small child in her arms.

“I’m sorry her? Why did you track me down to show me a baby?” Jarred asked, the child seemed to begin to fuss as she stayed in her arms. He could tell she was a few months old, maybe five or six at most. Enough to have some motor functions but still very much an infant. “I’m sorry I don’t buy children, I’m not sure what you expect of me here.”

“I’m not here to sell you anything.” the woman scoffed, she was finding Jarred more than unbearable, the odor alone was beginning to curl her nostrils as it seemed a few days since he had taking a sonic shower. “Why Lilly insisted custody go to you is beyond me…” she said as she rolled her eyes. It seemed like any second she may just walk away but she didn’t budge just yet as she kept her eyes on Jarred.

“Lilly? What? Why would… why…” Jarred eyes sharpened as he focused on the child then back on Alison. “No… no no no no. No, that’s impossible. Lilly has been gone for over a year. She left me the day after she married me, you must be confused.” Jarred said, this couldn’t be the case he thought to himself. I need to stop drinking Absinthe… he thought as he shook his head as if to wash away the image of the woman and child in front of him.

“It is very much possible, her name is Elizabeth.” Alison said as she let the child grab her hand as she held her close. “She was born six months ago, Lilly… she entrusted me in tracking you down. Look I.. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling. I know Lilly’s leaving was harsh, and no… I don’t know her current whereabouts. I do know though, that this small little girl did nothing wrong.”

Jarred felt everything in that moment, a year of trying to drown in alcohol couldn’t prepare him at all for this. He had no idea when she left she was pregnant, and the fact that she left this child just like she left him didn’t make her feel any better about her as a person. Still, Jarred was not a father figure by any stretch. He was only 25, cock sure, drunk, and avoiding all responsibility not related to a warp core at the moment.

“I am supposed to just take your word? I mean, no offense Alison but my wife wasn’t the most honest. She lied to me, cheated on me, tried to kill a man… her having a kid that isn’t mine only to try and stiff me with it… doesn’t sound to far off the norm.” he said as he kept his eyes on the small girl before looking up at Alison. She would be able to tell how he was pondering, and her face muscles shifting as she sat there told him she expected this question.

“Well, doesn’t take much to prove it, which is why I have this…” she sad, reaching to her side keeping Elizabeth safe she brought out a tricorder. “Simple sample of your DNA and hers can tell the tale right now. I know this isn’t easy for you… but I need you to believe me when I say you are far better than Lilly to raise this child.”

Staring down at the tricorder Jarred felt himself breath in deeply, taking it he looked at it then looked at the child. “When was she born?” he said, stalling as he sat there pondering what he wanted to do.

“January 26th Terran calendar.” Alison answered. “Here, hold her, I will take care of this.” she said, as she held out the child for Jarred to take as he looked mortified at the prospect.

“Hold…” he said, unable to deny the request as she put the baby in his hands as he held the small child close. He wasn’t sure what to feel as he held her, this all had hit him harder than the hangover he had been feeling as he heard the scans begin. Jarred looked over as she took a small hypo to get his blood sample, and swab for Elizabeth as she got the saliva needed to let the tricorder begin to work.

Moments went by, hours to Jarred but mere minutes as he began to take in every detail of the small child in his arms. It wasn’t until he heard Alison speak that he snapped him out as she slid the tricorder between them. The results shined clearly as Jarred looked down. Parent child match could be seen across the screen as he took a deep sharp breath. “So… she’s… she’s mine.” he said, with a dumb founded look across his face.

“Yes, yes she is… I have some documents for you to sign, but we can do that in the morning if you wish. Take her to your quarters, sober up Jarred… she is going to need you.” Alison said as she stood up, putting her hand on his shoulder as she quietly left, leaving the bombshell on Jarred’s lap.

*** Present Day ***

“So… that was how I learned… there… there is a lot more but… well that is how it starts… one small test and you are a father, or at least that’s how it happened with myself.” he said as he looked over at Kalani, trying to gauge her current response.

Alindor, CE

Kalani had no idea her mouth was hanging open until she finally realized Jarred had stopped talking. It still took a conscious effort to close her mouth and form words. This had all the makings of a Charles Dickens or Emily Bronte novel. So many thoughts clamored in her mind to be voiced but one rose above the cacophony. “So this McCreary just left the baby with you…in a bar..on shore leave without anyone to help you?” This may have been seen as a sexist comment but at times men were not the best with kids even when they weren’t three sheets to the wind.

“Oh yes, trust me I was in a panic… I barley knew how to take care of myself back then let alone a small child. I had a crash course in parenting.” he said with a small chuckle to himself, he was amazed Elizabeth even made it out of this at all.

“And you had no idea about the baby. I mean not even a hint?” Kalani was not doubting the veracity of Jarred’s statements but wondering exactly what type of woman he ran with prior to her. So far he picked real winners. The one he married took off right after I do. The one he never married also took off but before the nuptials. Then there was the counselor fling that left him for another man and the corporeal computer ex-girlfriend residing on the ship.

“If only, Lilly had ties to.. things. I honestly don’t know, and frankly don’t care anymore. She was only ten to twelve weeks pregnant, not enough for me to notice and all I ever got was a message saying she had to leave me for Inteligence. Not even a sorry, or best of luck… or hey you put a living being in me.” he said, shaking his head softly at the thought. He had hated Lilly for many years but had since been able to let go of that hate. He didn’t respect her, but he didn’t begrudge her anymore. He may never understand the why but it didn’t matter anymore.

“You know what, keep going,” Kalani encouraged Jarred not really caring about his response. “I’ll just take some mental notes and when we get to the end, if I’m still fuzzy, we can have a Q and A session?” Who was she to debate the quality of ex’s. Her last boyfriend tired to kill her. She picked up the cup of coffee, brewed during the story, and took a sip; however, she did not set it down on the table. Kalani kept it hovering right in front of her mouth in case she had to hide any more dumbfounded expressions or to buy time with a sip if Jarred asked a spontaneous question.

Ensign Kalani Kane Science

“Well… you’re not wrong in many ways. It’s why like any 25 year old, I immediately contacted my parents.” Jarred said, remember the moment he explained to them all that happened.

*** Five Years Ago - Starbase 21 ***

“Wait, you… have a kid? How?” Samantha said, her eyes shinning as she looked sternly at Jarred. Jonathan sat the side, glaring yet saying nothing. It had been awhile since he had gotten his mom and father on one call together. Jonathan and Jarred’s relationship had been scared for years, every push and jab and insult at Jarred for not going down the path he wanted had caused much resentment in Jarred. Overtime it lead to less contact with his family, choosing to speak to his siblings more and parents less.

“Oh, well… I guess it begins when a boy loves a girl very much, he inserts his…” Jarred hurt a curt grunt as he heard his father speak up, cutting him off from his sarcastic response.

“Enough of your smart ass quips boy, you know that’s not what your mother means. Lilly… she didn’t tell you anything?” he asked, the tone seemed calm despite the initial comment. He wasn’t used to such tones from his father which caused him to feel less inclined to follow up with the sarcasm.

“Of course not, I would have moved heaven and Earth to have found her if I knew she was pregnant. I just thought she was the bitch that skipped out on me after our wedding night. I had no idea… I don’t know what to do here.” Jarred said looking scared as he sat there, Elizabeth in his lap cooing as she played with a small toy. He was working on fumes after signing papers, but didn’t know what else needed to be done.

“I need some help here, do… you… can you take her under your care? I don’t mean forever but, I need to learn to be healthy before I ever try and take care of a child.” Jarred said, praying his father would do this one thing to help him. He knew his father could be a right old bastard at times but he didn’t think he would deny a small child.

“Look, we can swing by the Starbase, but you have to be the father. This means you are going to get healthy, you are going to stop drinking and you are going to spend time with her. I am not going to raise your mistake and let you life scotch free.” Jonathan said as he looked sternly through the view screen at Jarred. This was more than Jarred had expected, some might have seen this as an insult but as talks from his father went he seemed almost paternal. He wanted Jarred to get better, something he wasn’t sure he ever heard his father say.

“I am in counseling, and I can… I can do more. I don’t want to ignore her, but… I wasn’t planning to have a kid. I wasn’t a part of this choice to keep a child. I signed… cause I knew it was the right thing. My child shouldn’t suffer in child support but they also should suffer as me as a father.” lowering his head for a moment Jarred took a breath to center himself.

“We will take care of her son, always. Do as your father said… be a good dad to this girl. We look forward to seeing her and you.” she said, smile coming across her face as she sat there.

As the screen went blank Jarred felt the darkness surround him, he had very little lights on, knowing Lizzie would be falling asleep soon as he held her in his arms. He felt the sleepy feeling tugging at his eye lids as he positioned his daughter safely on his shoulder, choosing the chair as his place of choice to sleep in.

*** Six Months Later - USS Saracen***

“Did she get the gifts?” Jarred asked as he looked at his sister, she had similar features to with her ashen brown hair and soft skin. Her face seemed a slight scowl, he was certain she was letting him get off far easier than his parents ever would have.

“Yeah, she did… would have been nice to have had her dad her, instead of gifts and a holo recording. Jarred, you know you can’t just pretend you are not a father right? Come on you’re my big brother, what example do Peter and I have if our big brother does crap like this?” Lucy asked as she eyed Jarred closely, seeing how he would react, the worry evident as she spoke.

“I’m not skipping out I promise. Look it’s just a bad time of year, we have another new Captain on board I am trying to get the crew ready. It isn’t time for shore leave. I can’t just abandon ship for every moment of my daughters life. Besides she’s turning one, she will never have a memory at all of this.”

“Oh, yeah no memories, expect all the photos, holovids, stories. You honestly think as she gets older she is going to not wonder ‘Where was daddy?’ when she looks back at today? Come on, I know you are still getting over Lilly still, 18 months might seem a long time to some but I know you. You always wore your heart on your sleeve and what she did sucked, but you seem to be more sober.” pausing Lucy appeared to think about what to say next, she wanted to hammer this point home but she loved her brother dearly. She had no desire to break him down but if their Dad got a hold of him right now he just might.

“And trust me, that’s good, so don’t tell me you can’t for a few moments have at least called before she went to bed. Effort counts, you didn’t even ask to see any pictures of her. She is getting so big, she looks so much like you at times, and even with the parts that remind us of Lilly, it wasn’t like Lilly was ever ugly. Lizzie is a gorgeous little baby. You are acting like you don’t even want to be in your daughters life here.” Lucy said, the disappointment clearly on her face as she spoke.

“Maybe I don’t, I never wanted kids. Lilly knew that, I mean doesn’t this seem like the ultimate “F” you from her? She knew I never wanted any got pregnant leaves me and then ditches me with a kid she knew I never wanted. I don’t want her to have a bad life, but she can have a far better one without me in it. I will make sure she has all she needs to succeed. I give to mom and dad I send the gifts I won’t forsake her but it doesn’t mean I have to embrace her either.” Jarred said, almost regretting it all as he saw the look on her face.

“Oh, okay… fine. Fine… act younger than your daughter, but one day you are going to wish you knew her. God, I hope she still wants to know you then.” Lucy said ending the call leaving Jarred alone. Looking to his left he saw the scotch and glass staring back at him, it was full but clearly showed no signs of being drank. Taking the glass he took it to his sink, flushing it down before walking out the door.

*** Two Years Later - Earth ***

“He better show, how can a father miss his daughters first two birthdays? She turns three today, he sees her once every like 9 months for a day and then nothing. He has had years to find his rhythm and not act this way. If he doesn’t show I am going to file for custody of her. She is just going to become our daughter legally.” Jonathan said as he paced, Samantha non pulsed by what he said.

Jarred had been dropping the ball for a few years regarding his daughter. At least when it came to visits, he seemed to shower her with gifts. She suspected Jarred cared in his own way, he had set up top of the line schools when she was ready and she had never wanted for a thing. That said, the one thing ever child craves most, affection from a parent, was totally absent in her life. Yes she had loving grand parents and aunt and uncle who were around at all times but arguably the most important figure in her life was like a ghost to her.

“You know he is going to make it, he may be a lot of things but he has never been a liar. He got that from you among many traits. If you give your word you follow through, he won’t let her down today. I can’t speak for the day after, or week, or year… but he will be here today.” Samantha replied, hoping her assumption on her son was as indeed correct as she felt it was.

“Mom, dad, he’s here.” came a male voice voice from the doorway. Peter entered moving his head at the door to indicated the man in question indeed had showed.

In the dining area showed the signs of a party, cake balloons and decorations adorned everything as children yelling and screaming could be heard. Lucy held Elizabeth in her arms as Jarred entered, the hush of parents as many looked to see the prodigal father they heard so much about.

“Well looks like we went all out.” Jarred said as he spotted Lucy, leaning in he gave her cheek as kiss as he looked down at his daughter in her embrace. “Now how excited are you little one?” Jarred asked, noticing the child moving in closer to Lucy as he spoke seeming to want to distance herself from the man in front.

“Oh… well… there is plenty of gifts.” Jarred said as he looked at the table, then to the living area as all the parents seemed to stop and stare as if a nature documentary played out before them.

“Hi, I’m Jarred… but I take it you all know me.” he asked as the noise seem to pick up, as the kids cared little for any drama the parents might be worried over.

“Jarred!” came Peter’s voice as he came out to embrace his brother. It was clear visits from Jarred had been seldom as everyone seemed like it had been decades since they last saw him.

“So, you finally decide to pretend to be a dad?” comes another voice from behind as Jonathan entered staring down his son.

“I’m here aren’t I? I’m sober, I told you I would make it and I did. You always say never give your word unless you mean it. I am also not pretending, she is my daughter.” Jarred added, tension thick as the two men glared each other down. Both Jarred and Jonathan were strong men, Jarred going down the track of Combat Engineer allowed him to stay physically buff much like his father wished if he had become a marine.

“Giving your DNA to her doesn’t make you a dad, it just makes you a father. Anyone can become a father… it takes someone making tough choices to be a dad.” Jon countered, it was clear the two had hit a boiling point as he looked at Jarred, the room as quiet as can be. The children had even taking notice, clinging to their parents as if a storm was about to erupt.

“Yeah, cause you were always the best dad. Insulted me as a child for every choice, sent me away to every camp you could find. I was never good enough to be in the house, I had to be your little toy soldier from day one with you. No choice I made was right, and you let everyone know. You never wanted a child you just wanted another grunt so you could pretend being a marine meant a damn… it didn’t. ” Jarred said his eyes focusing on Jonathan as if he was readying himself for a swing or a shove.

“Yeah, I pushed and you know what… I would again. In the end you didn’t make any choices I liked but they were still your choices, and for the most part you had been doing well with them till you tagged along with that Lilly. Honestly as quickly as she abandoned you and your kid it seems like you were far too eager to follow her steps. You were always too good for her but you let her drag you down, and for what? Your daughter won’t even let you hold her and you think buying gifts and fancy schools make things better it doesn’t Jarred. I may have been hard but I was there for every moment even if I didn’t approve of what you did.”

“Yeah, well maybe you shouldn’t have been. Peter and Lucy never have had any strife from you, I was always the one you seemed to put that level of scorn on. But fine, fine you don’t want me to be a dad… you don’t want me here great. I will be gone.” Jarred said as he looked at everyone feeling his rage boiling.

Walking to the door he heard a small noise, “Daddy.” came the voice, Elizabeth seemed to be picking up on everything and had a small tremor on her lower lip. Turning Jarred looked at found those eyes of his daughter, Lilly’s eyes staring back at him as he bowed his head. “I’ll be back eventually little one, just gotta wait for Pops to die is all.” he said as he slammed the door just before hearing tears streaming behind him as he stormed off.

*** Six Months Ago - Starbase 257 ***

Nodding Jarred looked back, the place was bustling everyone inspecting their cargo and materials. Jarred did find a striking figure north of him, medium build light brown hair, blue uniform leaning against the wall.

Jarred found himself going to the replimat near the cargo requisitions area, it was a small area to relax for their teams and he didn’t feel like exploring the rest of the base. Having a coffee and doughnut was going to do well enough to keep himself satisfied.

As he sat he heard his computer he had begin to page him, opening he saw his mom with tears welling up.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as she began to speak Jarred’s face lost much color in it.

Samantha looked at him, age had seemed to catch up to her as she looked back. Her eyes though were red as she clearly had been crying. “He isn’t going be around much longer, 18 months tops. I can’t… we can’t keep taking care of her. I’m going to be alone and a small child deserves more attention. Your father, he didn’t want me to call and do this but you can’t keep living like your choices have no effect. Lizzie needs you, now more than ever. She is turning six in a little over six months, I feel that’s when you should take her.” Samantha said softly as she looked at her son.

Jarred was siting quiet in the busy Starbase, looking at the computer he felt numb as to what to think. Being told your father was dying and your daughter you purposely had kept arms length for over 5 years as somewhat of a shock to the system to say the least.

“I… I’m sorry. I never wanted this for you, or dad. I was… last time I spoke to him I said he needed to die for me to see my daughter again. Lord he didn’t need to take it so serious.” Jarred said as he shook his head. In the end Jarred had known for awhile he needed to make amends. He wasn’t the asshole 25 year old anymore. He was older and wiser and his father, despite all differences was still is dad. Jarred had learned much about all his dad had done for him.

Holding onto hate, that was easy, this though… this was something else entirely. Long ago he had learned his dad had helped get him where he was in Starfleet. Pulling strings to hide his behavior as Jarred healed and grew as a person. In many ways if it hadn’t been for his intervention he would have been kicked out of Starfleet ages ago. These revelations began to let Jarred understand much of his father in a way he never knew. He once said he loved Jarred just never understood the ways to show it. Of all things Jonathan was a man of action, and helping anyway you could spoke volumes.

“I know, and… he regrets much to. You two have so little time if you ever wanted to make things better now is your chance. For him and Elizabeth.” Samantha said looking at Jarred carefully. She could tell he had grown much, he wasn’t as impulsive or as quick to anger and he was clearly perfectly sober. His darkness may not be gone completely but it was clear he had gotten it under control.

“I… I never expected to say this but I would like that, six months you say?” Jarred asked, taking a deep breath he wondered on the timeline. He had little in his life now outside of work. This felt the perfect time to prepare. “Okay, I will… I will set it all up. How has Elizabeth been handling this? I worry, I am not her first choice to live with I am sure. Peter or Lucy would odds are be far better but…” Jarred paused, he hadn’t asked them to do this and for once he didn’t feel the need to.

“Jarred you can’t give them Lizzie you are her father not them.” Samantha chimed, misunderstanding Jarred’s misgivings as he sat there.

“No… no no you… I don’t want them to. Not at all, I… I love Lizzie. I do, I keep so much of her and my life personal, even Cori or Ayla never knew. I… I can’t keep dodging responsibility. Her coming here is the best choice. I love you mom, and… tell dad I said I love him too, and Elizabeth… tell everyone… life feels much more clear right now. I gotta get going they are getting us to repair the ship but don’t hesitate to call back I want constant updates okay?” Jarred said, wanting his mom to know he was indeed going to be more proactive.

Sitting back Jarred closed the computer, eating slowly the pastry in front of him as he let everything soak in.

Seeing the man take a seat, Kalani walked towards the man with the PaDD hoarding all the treasures everyone in the room sought. “Hello,” Kalani said a bit more sweetly than was probably necessary. It helped tremendously that the Ensign was male and she was female. Even if she wasn’t his type, men were men and a smile often went a long way.

“Ensign Crag,” Kalani said with a soft smile. Shameless yes but she also let her eyes dart away a bit shyly for effect. “I am sorry to bother you but I was hoping that you had some information on my supplies,” she let her eyes slowly meet his.

*** Present Day ***

“And… here we are. I have been keeping up with my mom and my dad. Despite my past with my dad… I am somewhat eager to have him here a few days and Lizzie… well i am scared. She didn’t seemed thrilled at being here and I can tell I am not her first choice as I thought. I just… I can’t keep bucking all my past and ignoring what is in front of me. I am a dad, and… hopefully still your boyfriend. This effects us both but, with or without you I need to make things right. I need to show my daughter I care but I know nothing about children or raising small girls. Like, at all.” Jarred said, the last part seemed almost pleading for help as he stared at Kalani.

Alindor, CE

“Why would you not be my boyfriend,” Kalani said wrinkling up her nose a bit annoyed. She loved Jarred and nothing would ever change that. Not a passel of unknown kids or them being transferred to a rock that was the farthest possible distance from the bright spot in the universe. He hadn’t asked her to marry him and frankly that conversation was way in the future but the point was Kalani saw a future with Jarred. His comment about doing it with or without her was not exactly directed at her. He was not giving her an ultimatum. Jarred was simply explaining the way life was going to change.

“I don’t want to loose you for one second. I love you and, my life changed six months ago. I learned my father was dying and I was becoming a full time father. On top of that, I meet this most wonderful crazy science officer who I also fell in love with. I hid this from you not sure if you would stick around for Lizzie coming to even matter. Here we are though, six months in and… I can’t picture my life with out you, but I also understand this might be a lot for some women. I have to be a father first right now but that doesn’t mean for a second I want to loose what we have, in fact I am hoping it grows.” Jarred said as he reached over as he grabbed her hand, pulling it to his lips he gave her a soft kiss.

“I mean I do get things are going to have to change a lot when she arrives. No more impromptu slumber parties, less PDA except in that small closet storeroom thing off the back of the engine room,” she gave him a small smile. It was a bit forced as so many thoughts filled her head. Kalani had promised Jarred that she would keep a mental list of questions. That list was slowly materializing into a journal. This was not the time to add to the situation. It was time to subtract so that what they were dealing with was as small a situation and adjustment as possible.

“I know you guys are going to need to find a rhythm both with and without me. I am good with that,” she said feeling slightly icky as she spoke the words. She always felt this way when what she was saying wasn’t entirely what she felt. “I will be here through every step of the way okay? Whatever you need I am your girl. All you have to do is ask because I want to be here for you.” Kalani hoped her words sounded sincere. They were. It was just the other nagging thought filling her head that she was struggling to ignore.

Ensign Kalani Kane science

“Thank you love, I know this will be a change but you are used to adventures right? I mean what’s so different from a child and a fox?” Jarred said jokingly as he looked at Ralph as he trundled around in his sofa.

Alindor, CE


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