Homecoming

[A Davis 0]

Homecoming

A Joint Log by Nicolas Lepage and Amanda Davis

 

The shuttle from TKR-117 had just arrived and after 16 or so hours cooped up, Amanda was ready to get out. As soon as the shuttle door opened, she was down the ramp and into the shuttle bay. It had taken Counselor Amanda Davis five months to get the Deosi settled in the colony. They were now in charge of their own affairs and free from the domination of the Breen.

 

Bag in hand, she made her way to the main reception area where she thought she spotted a familiar head. “Nicolas!” she called, but he was too far away, so she pushed through the crowd toward him. “Nicolas! It’s Amanda!” When he turned she waved a hand.

 

Nick was surprised to hear someone calling his name. He had arrived a couple of hours ago and now he was wandering around aimlessly, trying to clear his head and process all the information he had gathered since setting foot on the station. Hearing the voice, however, was as pleasant as it was unexpected.

 

Turning around Nick smiled and waited for amanda to catch up to him. “Need a hand,” he asked, holding out his hand and offering to carry Amanda’s bag.

 

“Yes, thank you, Nicolas. How are you? It’s been ever so long.”

 

“Yeah, been a while,” Nick replied with a grin.

 

“So where have you been?” she said, forging on. “I’ve not even heard from you in ages. I’d heard you left the station, but never got the particulars.” She stopped, gave an apologetic look, and handed him the bag. “Listen to me, babbling on like a nanny. I’m sorry, it’s just that I... we... have missed you. Terribly.”

 

The grin on Nick’s face spread even wider as he listened. “I’ve been on Earth. It was nice while it lasted.” A deep frown replaced the grin and his expression grew somber. Not particularly keen to go into the subject, he nodded his head in the direction of the shuttle. “So, what have you been up to? Making trips.”

 

“Working the Deosi into their new environment,” she said, settling into the conversation. “And you?” She fell in step with him as they proceeded toward the lift.

 

“I did what you’d expect a doctor to do. I worked at this nice civilian place, tried out pediatrics for a while but I got tired of being puked on. Before I could get another job, however, I got reinstated to active duty and voilà. Back to Aegis it was. So, how are the Deosi doing?” he asked, still trying to avoid the subject of his return.

 

“Well, Nicolas. Especially for a people who’ve been suppressed, mistreated, and... well, you know how the Breen are. But how about a chat over tea? I’ve not had a decent cup for... well, since I left over five months ago.”

 

Nick knew exactly how the Breen were and so he simply nodded. “Tea would be nice,” he agreed though he’d actually have preferred a cup of coffee.

 

Half an hour later the tea tray sat between them. Amanda settled into the settee opposite Nick, finally relaxing in her own office on the station she called home. “So, tell me, Nicolas, how is DJ? I’m surprised she didn’t come with you.”

 

Nick took a sip of his tea, trying to buy himself some time to contemplate his answer. When he set down the cup he sighed and shrugged. “She’s taking care of the kids, doing a great job, too. And she got her old job back. You know, in Florida. And let’s face it, this place,” he made a vague gesture towards the ceiling clearly indicating that he meant Aegis “ it’s not a good place to raise children.”

 

“I’d have to agree with you, Nicolas. A space station isn’t exactly the place I’d want to raise a family either. I was wondering, though, if you’d consider the colony on TKR-117? It really is beautiful. The Deosi are natural farmers, very diligent, and the planet itself is pristine. It’s secure, because the station protects it. When the Athra attacked, we hardly knew there was a war. Perhaps she would consider locating there with the children? You’d be closer and more able to visit.”

 

“I never really considered it,” Nick admitted. “Mainly because I never thought I’d actually be back here, to be honest.” This option could actually prove to be the solution to a lot of problems, Nick thought. It was one thing to hardly see each other because of work. His current position, however made it almost impossible for him to see DJ, possibly for years. TKR-117 didn’t sound too bad.

 

“Do mention it to her. I’m sure she’d love it.” Her cup empty, she passed the shortbread to Nick and offered him a refill before filling her own, then pressed on. “So she’s there and you’re here. And we have a new ship that’s about to depart - or so the latest newswire said before I left. It sounds exciting, looking for new planets. Will you be going or staying?”

 

Nick munched on his shortbread, already planning how to sell a move to TKR-117 to DJ. “Yeah,” he replied slowly. “I’m going. Since Mimi’s staying on the station I’m going. Technically she’s my boss now.” Nick couldn’t help but grin at the thought.

 

“Well, she is quite capable, and the station will be in very good hands. It should be an interesting trip, Nicolas,” said Amanda, glossing over his last thought. “I wish you well. And... goodness me, I’ve not reported to operations.

 

“I’ve enjoyed our chat,” she said finishing their conversation more abruptly than she would have liked to. “But I must get up to the control tower and check in. Please, feel free to stay and relax. You know this office is always open to you, and whenever you need to get away from it all, please let yourself in.”

 

Confused, Nick set his cup on the table and got up. “I guess I should get my stuff to the Aegean. Thanks for the tea and...euh...everything.” With that he turned and left, his mind busy planning his next conversation with DJ.