Letters from the Past
Posted on 21 Dec 2020 @ 8:59pm by Ensign Kell Toran
The screen of a single display lights up the small room, just enough for the young woman in a white robe to idly walk around the small dwelling, cradling a small, sleeping infant. Hints of a golden yellow uniform tossed carelessly across a chair and forgotten can be seen behind her. The woman quietly coos the child with a warm smile, despite her disheveled appearance.
***
2420
The old woman sits behind her desk with a warm smile and tired eyes. Her environment is pristine and the Admiral uniform she wore was as neatly pressed and perfect as those in the recruiting pamphlet. Her long white hair masks her graying spots.
"Admiral's personal log, supplemental.
It's been... I don't know how long now. My daughter is still not talking to me, but at least Sam is still sending me updates. It's been fifteen years since the two were married. Their friends threw them a surprise anniversary party, all planned by Jackie. They are expecting again, and both of them are ecstatic. As to how Sam puts up with Anya... Jackie is thirteen now, and already dating. She had her first school dance last week, and her first breakup last night. I can't help feel for the kid. Yes, I was that age once upon a time. Yes, I do remember how it goes. Hopefully, I'll be able to have time to see them soon. Mars isn't too far....
The Atlantis is still in orbit over Andoria Prime. The support group is wrapping up minor repairs and the Atlantis herself is due for her next Baryon sweep. Maybe I can take a few days and try to get dinner with them. Jackie is cheerleading a Parrises Squares tournament that week. I hope a surprise visit will be alright..."
***
The young woman with the baby gently picks up a bottle from the table behind her, dabbing the nipple against her wrist for a moment, then quietly holds it to the child's lips. She hums a soft tune, sitting down at the edge of the bed.
***
2410
"Captain's log, supplemental...
Dear Anya..." The woman's voice drifted over from off screen.
"You will never, ever hear me say this again, but Joe may have been right... My gods. When that man gets things right from half a sector away..." The captain sits down, finally appearing on screen. Her white shouldered duty uniform jacket was left open, and a glass of green liquor sat before her. "Lieutenant Anya Carter, you continue to be an absolute mystery to me. I know, a mother that doesn't understand her daughter. Shocking. For the last few weeks, Sam has reached out, trying to find a way to keep your marriage from falling apart. Apparently, my dear daughter, you have admitted to cheating on your partner. And of course, Sam wants to keep baby Little Jackie safe. It's a rational concern, but.." She huffs, sipping the liquor. "Anya, if you ever read this, know that I love you with all of my heart, just as I love Sam and Jackie... but fuck you. I raised you better than that. I never thought in a million years my daughter would simply disgrace herself by putting her family though that. No, Sam isn't going to give up you or Jackie. You need to do better.
I love you,
I miss you.
Mom.
Computer, end log."
***
As the baby yawns quietly, cuddled up in her mother's arms. The young woman hid a yawn behind her hand, picking up her tiny person and wanders around in slow circles. She gently pats her back, humming another tune and whispering sweet nothings in her ear.
***
2407
The Trill captain sat her desk with a bright smile, flipping though an antique style photo album. Her short white bob cut hair tucked behind her ears as she looks down at the leather bound toome.
"Captains log, supplemental, December 20th, 2407.
Dear Anya,
It has been two years since you married your beautiful wife, Samantha Carter. And now, you have their first child, a baby girl named after Samantha's father, Jackson Carter. Seven pounds, on the dot. Baby Jackie. She looks just like Sam, but she has your eyes." The woman closes the book and rests her hands on it, smiling softly. "It's times like this that I'm glad you have such a large family to fall back on. Auntie Carmen and Aunt Elise, Uncle Tirik and Uncle Joe... Especially Drakkar. Everyone from the Boston, and a few more close friends from the Galaxy. Now the entire Carter family. I am damn proud of that Kid. Everyone is. Hell, the news made Drakkar cry like the big proud pappa bear he is.
Congratulations on making it to a concept designer at Utopia Planitia. Who knows, maybe you will design the next Boston... I wish like hell I could see all of you. The Algonquin is in damn fine shape, but we are on the Klingon boarder, helping keep watch over a few shipping lanes. With the local Klingon forces involved with an internal matter, Starfleet has aggreged to babysit the area. Actually, we should be meeting up with he Galaxy here shortly as luck will have it. Would be nice to catch up with some old friends.
I miss you.
Love, Mom.
Computer, end log."
***
The young woman quietly set the now sleeping child down. She wrapped the little one in a small swaddle and sat and watched her for a long moment. Quietly, she stepped out of the room, and settled into the cabin's small common area. She picked up a still steaming cup of tea and curled up on the couch. She glanced at the hulking mass of a man passed out on the couch already. She gently tucked him in with a large Academy blanket. and sat back down with a padd...
***
2373
A tired Trill woman sits down at her desk, her red shirt and collar poking out from her gray and black jacket. Her long blonde hair is tied back into a simple braid, draping over her shoulder.
"Commander's persona-"
"MOOOMAH!"
"Commander's per-"
"Mom!"
"...Comman-"
"Hey, Mom, where is my shoes?"
"Anya, for the love of the stars, what? I'm trying to finish my log so I can be done for the day and we can go to dinner."
A young child pokes her head into frame, and quickly snuggles up to her mother's side, waving at the recording. "Hi future people! Mom, where are my shoes?" She looks up at the officer with the same big eyes and dark spots, her black hair tied up in pigtails and wearing a fadded "Class of '61" academy tee shirt.
"I put them in the closet, like I told you to do when we got home."
"Oh. Okay. I don't think the Captain liked it when I was running around barefoot last time."
"No, I don't think.. wait, what?!"
The child runs out of the room giggling, making the tired officer chase after her.
"Anya! Get back here! Computer, end Log!"
***
The young woman looked around her quiet cabin, with her loving boyfriend and darling daughter. with a happy sigh, she touched a key on the padd.
"Computer, Begin new log entry. Ensign's log, Stardate 40445.4. Ensign Kell Toran, reporting. Dear Anya. I hope this will be the first of many letters to come...
***
Tags: personal log
