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Cmdr Ridire

Decisions

By: Cmdr Ridire & Dr. Matthews

 

Aidan had spent the hours of his shift after the staff meeting starting to deal with all the issues involved with decommissioning a ship that he needed to take care of. He had also attended Deb’s medical staff meeting just to sit in. For two reasons really..he wanted to be with his wife right now and to have some indication on how the crew was likely to take the news.

 

 

 

 

When he got back to his office after the meeting he found several messages waiting for him on his computer. One of which was, to his displeasure, an offer from Starfleet Command regarding the command of the new Sovereign class USS Essex. The message also noted that, of course, the Chief Medical spot would be Deb’s for the taking if he accepted. He had spent a little while trying to decide how and what to tell Deb about this little offer. He knew he couldn't hide it, he just hopes she believes him in the decision he is willing to, and wanted to, make regarding their future in Starfleet. Somehow he suspects this little offer was going to cause her a little consternation.

 

But right now he’s stretched out on the couch waiting for Deb to get home from her shift. A prepared supper of chicken salad sandwiches, a salad and slices of the cake they had bought on the Starbase is spread out on the low table in front of the couch. There were things they definitely needed to talk about and he suspects he’s going to have to put a little effort into convincing her that he really didn't have a problem with retiring and leaving Starfleet at this time. He also suspects that she is going to be a bit sad over Gracie’s upcoming transfer. Not that Aidan didn't feel the same, the Chief Nurse had become a close friend thanks to her helping them with advice at the start of Deb and Aidan’s relationship. And there was something quite personal that Aidan hoped to discuss with Deb though he’s not sure whether he should bring it up now or wait until later. Though to be honest he is a little concerned she may have changed her mind over it.

 

Deb wanted to speak to Aidan as the turbolft whisked them from the bridge to Sickbay. Unfortunately, they weren't the only passengers in the lift so she kept her thoughts to herself. By the time they arrived in Sickbay, most of the medical staff were already milling about wondering what the meeting was all about. Aidan stood nearby monitoring as Deb informed her staff that Reaent was being decommissioned and most of them would be leaving for other assignments at Starbase 709.

 

The announcement was met with stunned silence. She advised everyone she would meet with them privately starting the following day. But there were a couple of people she needed to speak to immediately. One was Merina....to advise her she would be staying with the ship. The other two were Studly and Gracie who would leave once the ship arrived at Starbase 709. Rocco was upset but stoic. Gracie....not so much. She quickly retorted she would fight the transfer. Deb found herself agreeing to help.

Twenty minutes later, as Deb was about to leave, Gracie informed her, in no uncertain terms, she would not leave Reaent at Starbase 709. Her "man," Cullen McBride, was staying with the ship. Gracie insisted she would stay as well. She'd already filed her appeal.

 

By the time Deb made it back to her quarters, she felt like she'd been run over by the entire Romulan fleet. She was tired, hungry and emotionally undone. For all of her talk about retiring, she suddenly found the idea of leaving Reaent quite disconcerting.

 

When the door opens Aidan gets up off the couch and steps over to Deb where he embraces her and kisses her gently. He starts to say "I take it you had a..." and he was going to say "rough day" to finish that until he realizes that of course, she had a rough day and his stating the obvious was silly. Instead he hugs and kisses her again. He decides to hold off on bringing up the conversation they needed to have until she's recovered a little. Gesturing to the couch he says "I have supper waiting if you're hungry. You want some wine or something else to drink?"

 

Deb more or less melted into her husband's embrace. It had been a rough day....for everyone. "Gracie's fighting her transfer," she mumbled into Aidan's shoulder. "Cullen is an engineer and he isn't leaving so she's not willing to go either." She pulled back and looked up at his handsome face. "I told her I'd help. Maybe you can suggest something that will persuade the brass to allow her to stay."

 

She immediately burrowed her face into his shoulder once again then nodded. "And yes, dinner sounds good but I think I'll skip the wine."

 

He leads her over to the couch as he asks "Well, what do you want to drink?" After settling down on the couch he says "I'll see if I can pull a favor for Gracie or at least make a strong push. Though..she can always break down and marry the man, you know." He smiles and shrugs "It's worked out for us rather well, after all." He reaches to squeeze her hand gently "Either way, I'll see about pulling some favors, might as well use them while I have them."

 

 

"Thanks," she replied then promptly leaned back into the couch and closed her eyes. "I've already told her marriage would be the simplest solution." Deb paused a moment and frowned. "Maybe I need to tell Cullen the same thing." She took a deep breath and rotated her neck before looking up at Aidan. His smile was a bit off...didn't quite reach his eyes. But why should it. This had been an awful day. She wasn't sure she could muster a smile at all....even a fake one.

 

"I'll have an iced tea she finally replied. "But I'll get it myself. There's no reason for you to wait on me." She pushed herself to her feet and stood in front of him. He didn't move. She again studied him closely with a strong feeling something was amiss. Maybe it was just the situation with Reaent. It was bound to unsettle him. "Thanks again for helping out with Gracie," she said quietly. Deb gently cupped his face and softly kissed his inviting lips before stepping around him. "So what have you been up to during past couple of hours?" she called over her shoulder as she made her way to the tiny kitchen area.

 

He sighs and shakes his head "I've been dealing with many the same things you're dealing with except mine is on a shipwide scale. I signed off on an authorization for Tomlinson to transfer to where Anna is stationed once we reach the end of the line. Had an entire shift of people stopping by on the bridge or my office to talk. And through the grapevine I've heard of possibly three engagements. Which I can guess I can understand because if we weren't already married I'd have made bloody sure to propose now. I also recommended quite a few people for promotion including Shamor, the aforementioned Tomlinson and even Murray..which I'm quite sure will come as quite a surprise to him." He smiles and adds "I figure a good revenge on him is doing what he least expects. I also recommended T'kar be given a medical assignment that she's been asking for the last few years, presuming she can test out with high enough grades. And I assume you will be recommending promotions for Merina, Studly and Gracie for sure, yes?"

 

He pauses slightly "I was going to call home as well but then decided that should wait until everything is finalized." He frowns and pauses for a few seconds, not sure he wants to say the last thing..the part about the Essex..at least not right now.

 

Deb listened quietly as Aidan spoke but her thoughts were moving at warp speed. Her husband's words only served to remind her of all she still had to do. She frowned at the thought of the paperwork involved with the upcoming transfers at Starbase 709 followed by the ship's decommissioning once they reached Utopia.

 

"Merina can run a Sickbay blindfolded and with one paw tied behind her back," mused Deb as she returned to the small dining table. "So can Studly...so can Gracie for that matter. She's better than some of the MDs I've run across." Deb returned to the couch and sat down in front of the plate of sandwiches. "I'll ask Merina and Gracie to help me review the service records of all of our staff." She chuckled mirthlessly. "It should only take us a couple of weeks to do that." Leaning back in the chair, she gave Aidan a mischievous grin. "So you're really gonna promote Murray?"

 

 

"Well, as Gracie is Chief Nurse it seems to me that her input in reviewing the service records of all the medical personnel on this ship would be valuable to the point of being necessary." He smiles "I'm considering recommending Murray for a promotion. He's had the bridge several times and he managed to not get the ship blown up which is a definite plus in his favor. And like I said..I think the best revenge against some of his shenanigans that he pulled when he was younger is doing what he doesn't expect and he'll definitely will not expect me to recommend that he be promoted. I think he's earned it."

 

He reaches for one of the sandwiches and takes a bit from it. He chews quietly for a few seconds as his thoughts return to the offer regarding the Essex.

 

Deb couldn't help chuckling. Murray was certainly the life of the party. Even when his "shenanigans" were less than appreciated by command, she would often find herself choking down her laughter. She was pleased to hear the man was up for promotion.

 

But there was another question that loomed large before her. And there was no point avoiding it any longer. Although Reaent's forced retirement was unexpected, it had pushed this particular question to the forefront of Deb's concerns. She looked at Aidan and smiled slightly. "So, what about us? Where are we going after you hand Reaent over to Utopia?"

 

He finishes the bite of the sandwich before answering, which gives him time to form the words.

 

"Well you do deserve to know that Command has offered me the Captaincy of the new Essex and the CMO position is also open, I'm pretty sure there is a notice of the offer for you on the computer." He watches her reaction carefully for a few seconds before adding "Though, however, I've decided to turn it down. I think its past time that we retire..to Hawaii."

 

Deb heard the words but it took her weary brains a couple of seconds to process them. She was on her feet in a heartbeat. "Essex!" she very nearly shouted at her husband who continued eating as though none of this was earth shattering. "They've offered you Essex? Aidan....that's wonderful. It's a dream come true for you. I'm so happy for you." Her shoulders slumped a bit and she slowly returned to her seat. "Are you sure about turning it down? Please give this careful consideration....and I mean more than a couple of hours. This is a big deal....a really big deal. I don't want you giving up this opportunity because of me."

 

 

He studies her for a minute, trying to gauge how honest she was being about what she said. He doesn't fail to notice the slump in her shoulders as she sits back down. "Darling, we have been saying ever since we got married that we would retire to earth and settle down to have a family. We both agreed to not have kids until then. Retiring to earth and living in that house with you, whether or not you choose to bless me with any children, means more to me then anything else. It's what I want more than anything else, even more than a boyhood dream of commanding a Starship. If I accepted that Captain's position it would mean at least several more years of traveling the stars." He shakes his head slightly and continues, "I've lived my dream in Starfleet and I am grateful for it and to it..especially since it led me to you. However, it's time to move on to something else, it's time I simply be your husband and nothing else."

 

He frowns slightly "Besides not two days ago you were telling me that you were done with Starfleet, that you had seen too much death and destruction to continue it. Even if I wanted to remain in Starfleet how could I force you to stay when your heart is no longer in it? That would be a bit cruel of me don't you think? You have to be getting tired of worrying about whether or not I'd return every time I step foot off the Starship for a mission and to be honest I am getting tired of making you worried just as I'm tired of worrying about your safety every time. And under no circumstances would I ever agree to be separated from you with you living in that house alone and me on the Essex alone. I have no inclination to want to relearn how to live alone without you....even on a short term temporary basis."

 

He leans over and kisses her gently "The most important thing to me is keeping you safe and making you happy and there is absolutely nothing I wouldn't sacrifice to see to that and sacrifice it gladly and willingly." He shakes his head and asks "Tell me, if the situation was reversed..would you choose any different? Would you choose to remain over going home with me?"

 

Deb never looked away from his face as Aidan explained himself. She felt very much as she had when, at the tender age of nine, her grandparents told her the awful truth about Santa Claus. Deep down, she knew what they said was true. But she wasn't one hundred percent convinced.

 

" I remember what I said a couple of days ago. But you must know," she began softly. "Certainly you must know I wouldn't go anywhere without you. It would be completely selfish of me to deprive you of your life long dream now that it's finally at hand. If you want the Essex, I'll go with you. It wouldn't be the first time I underwent an attitude adjustment." She paused, her eyes wet and her throat burning. Clasping his hand in a death grip, she continued. "All I ask is that you be absolutely certain you're willing to walk away from this.....absolutely certain. Because it would kill me if we retired and a year or so later, you regretted that decision."

 

He kisses her away her tears and smiles, "Deb, you are my lifelong dream now..you have been for years." He glances out at the stars for a few seconds before returning his attention to her. "I can't say I won't have some small regret..a "the path not traveled" type thing...but I am absolutely sure that this is what I want. I want to go home, Deb, and I want to stop being a Starfleet officer and be only your husband. Six years of this vagabond life together is long enough, it's time we settle down somewhere and put down roots. Can you say this wouldn't be your choice if the situation was reversed? Which would you choose?"

 

He tucks his head against her neck and murmurs "All I want is to go home and live a good long life with you....to grow old in your arms in that house. So please..."

 

All she could manage were a couple of quick nods. They sat quietly for a few minutes before Deb snuffled a bit and cleared her voice. "So I guess this is it. I never thought it would end this way. But I suppose it was destined for us to leave with our ship." A small smile curled her lips. "I suppose it's the best way possible. We all retire together....you, me.....and Reaent."

 

 

He nods and smiles faintly before kissing her gently. He murmurs "The other..thing I mentioned..that I leave up to your decision." He smiles, "I am looking forward to being able to be home every night with you. No situations, no stubborn aliens, no alarms, just a quiet night with you every night. Yes, I am very much looking forward to that. As for the days..I'll try to stay out of your hair as much as possible. I presume you're going to continue doctoring at least part time?"

 

Deb shrugged and cuddled a bit closer to him. "I suppose the doctoring depends on that other thing you were talking about." She smiled at the thought and continued. "But I don't think I'd mind if you were around during the daytime....maybe just for awhile....until we figure out all of the details."

 

He chuckles softly "Well, you might get bored if you didn't do some doctoring but I think you can count on me insisting on being around during the daytime..some of the time. Though why would you doing any doctoring depend on the other thing I mentioned? That other thing, however, I leave up to you on if and when..I do have the easy end of that after all." He rests his head against her shoulder and purrs contentedly. After a minute he says "But since you mentioned figuring out all the details..I do have an idea about that I'd like to run past you and see if you approve."

 

"What idea," she asked quickly, pulling away and sitting up straight. "Please tell me....and I hope it's a good one. There's been two many lousy ideas floating around here lately."

 

"I think for the first two or three months after we retire we should simply take the time to ourselves, to settle in to the house and be together in that place while we..figure out the details. And not worry about work or finding new jobs as well as being able to decompress and relax from the time we've spent traveling the stars" He murmurs "I think I would like you all to myself for a two or three month vacation to simply be..together."

 

Deb relaxed against him, dropping her head on his shoulder. "That sounds wonderful," she murmured contentedly. She looked up at him with a smile. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me," she continued softly. "We'll get through these next few weeks and then our lives will be our own. I still feel badly about Reaent but I can't wait for our future to begin."

 

 

He slips his arms around her and holds her tightly as he presses a kiss to her forehead. Softly he murmurs "And you, darling, are the best thing that ever happened to me as well. And I am looking forward to this future of ours as well." He smiles at a thought then adds "Once things have settled down here a bit I suppose we should notify our families. I mean, Ciara will have to get her little self out of her house by the time we get back to earth. Though..hopefully..my mother and your grandmother won't be too much a hassle about grandchildren. I suspect they are going to insist on reminding us of their wish in that department."

 

She stifled a giggle and allowed the thought of children to wash over her. It felt warm and inviting. "I don't know about your folks, but my grandparents are already.....older, shall we say. I'm not expecting them to hassle us about kids. But my grandma can be very persuasive yet quite subtle. So get ready." Deb smiled brightly but, of course, with her head buried against Aidan's shoulder, he couldn't see it. "Why don't let that be one of the details we figure out once we go home."

 

He chuckles softly and murmurs "Oh yes, I imagine she can be subtle. But she was about as subtle as a dump truck that time she was trying to get you to..pursue me. Though it was funny considering we had already beat her on that particular score. I'm afraid my mother, however, will just be the proverbial dump truck on this one."

 

He moves so he can look her in the eyes. He smiles "And I'm fine with figuring out the details on this one when we get home. We'll have all the time in the world so on the subject of children I'm fine with..letting nature take its course." He kisses her gently as he says that.

 

Deb closed her eyes and smiled. "Oh yes," she whispered. "Let nature take its course. That's one detail I'll be happy to work on."

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