Updated – November 9, 1998
NEW BEGINNINGS
Chapter 2 - Part G
Mutely walking together, Dunnedy and Lark hardly noticed the scenic Martian sky that could be seen through the long clear wall of the walkway, caught up in the storm of thoughts in their own heads.
Deciding this quiet stroll had to come to an end, Thomas Lark stopped and turned to face Dunnedy.
Examining her cautious poker face, he said, “Kara, let’s stop this.”
Crossing her arms, she replied, “Hey, you wanted to walk.”
Stepping close, he quietly said, “Yeah, but that was to get alone and talk.”
Looking around she shrugged saying, “Well, here we are. What?”
Peering at her, he asked, “Why are you so irritated? Especially with me?”
Letting her guard slip slightly, she looked away. “I don’t know, I guess it’s easier to deal with anger, then every other passing feeling.”
Walking over to the transparent wall, Lark casually replied, “So any conversation is going to end up being a painful one for me.”
Sighing, Dunnedy joined him saying, “Well I could try to stay civil for a bit. Now what’s on your mind.”
Looking out into the annex’s courtyard, he smiled, “It’s been nearly a year since I’ve talked to you, and that wasn’t a congenial time, and that’s what you say?”
Speaking quietly, but succinctly, she asked, “What are you looking for?”
Sighing, he said, “How do we end up here time and again?”
“Where?”
Looking at her, he lightly placed his hands on her shoulders.
Sincerely speaking, he said, “I start reminiscing and realize how much I do really miss you. Seeing this, I overcome my pride and find you. We talk and you make things very difficult, but acquiesce, a little. Things seem to go well and…” He paused, stepping away and leaning back against the wall. “And then something happens with you, I don’t know what, but you pull away and it’s gone. And then so am I.”
Looking coolly and analytically at him, she recrossed her arms. “It seems you see me as the main problem.”
Directly responding, he replied, “Hey, I’m willing and open. If you needed something, I’ve always been game, if it’s something else…I’m ready.”
“That again.”
“All I’m saying is I was ready, willing, and able, but something is a problem for you. I’ve been…afraid to ask, but…I have to know.”
Trying to smile, she leaned sideways on the wall as well, looking up into his face. “Always a marine, charging headlong in.”
“I’m hoping I succeed.”
Staring into his eyes, she let out a breath. “Okay, you’re right. The simple fact is ever since the Rubicon, I’ve known what you’re looking for and what course you want to set.”
Looking down regretfully, he said, “Oh, I see.”
“Tom, I’ve had to act as a mom to my own brothers and sisters, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing that side of life ever again.”
Nodding, he said, “Is that everything? All the reasons?”
Frowning at him Dunnedy confirmed, saying, “All that really matters, yes.”
Standing away from the wall, he dolefully said, “Thanks for being honest. I’m glad I know now.”
Quickly grabbing his arm, before he could leave, Dunnedy gave him a serious and determined look. “I’m not finished, Tom.”
Looking curious at her, he stayed.
“First, I don’t know where you get this time and again thing. I only remember doing this once before.”
Shrugging a little, Lark lightly said, “Okay, a little dramatic license.”
Starting to smile a little again, she continued, “Well getting passed that, unlike all those other times, you have an advantage this time.”
His hope starting to return, he leaned in. A little surprised he said, “What?”
Sighing, she reluctantly said, “To be honest, again, I’ve been looking a bit at my life, as well, along with all those thoughts and concerns that come with that.”
Somewhat uncomfortable, she walked up the way, trying to expend some of her excitement and nerves. Lark followed up quickly and walked close by her side.
“I’m forty, you know. My life is my friends, who come and go too often, and my ship. That’s not much, I haven’t even talked to my family since before I joined the Endeavor. I was somewhat content before, but it isn’t enough anymore. Anyway, you find yourself thinking about eighty and beyond then. Who’ll be there then? What will you be like? Right now, I see a grumpy dour admiral, who spends a lot of her time alone regretting her past.” Stopping, she looked firmly and soulfully into Lark’s brown eyes. “I don’t want to end up there, Tom.”
Trying to keep from stepping where he shouldn’t, he quietly asked, “So, how do I fit into this, Kara?”
“I’m not sure.” Some of her uneasiness returning, her clasped her hands behind her back. “But…if I were to consider walking down that old path of ours again, what would you say?”
Moving close, Lark began to place his hands on her arms and respond when she stopped him. “You have to understand this, no assurances, no promises, no guarantees, but some dialogue.”
An old smile returned to his face as he looked into her eyes and nodded. “Sounds like we’re opening truce talks rather then discussing more amenable things. But sure, I only want the opportunity and a chance to spend some time with you, Kara.”
Watching him, she said, “Don’t expect miracles, Tom.” Pausing, she smiled friendly as she said, “But I’ve already been moved off the Endeavor, into temporary quarters. You can come around tonight for some S’pos tea and we can talk about this some more, if you’re ready.
Leaning in close, he whimsically replied, “Like I’d refuse.”
Staring at each other for a second, the here and now flowed in.
Looking a little guilty, Dunnedy said, “I hate to admit this, but I almost forgot about why we’re here.”
Starting to turn towards the ward, he gravely nodded, saying, “Why don’t we go and check with Takamira and see if theirs good news yet.”
“Doctor Stewart looked rather confident, I’m sure they’ve got everything under control.”
Smiling slightly, Lark replied, “Leave it to Federation medicine to raise the dead.”
Giving his a rye look, Dunnedy quipped, “I suggest you keep that wit sheathed around Commander Samarra, Colonel.”
Lightly responding, in military fashion, Lark replied, “Of course, Captain.”
Continuing down the hallway, they found themselves back in the ward. Heading back towards the group still waiting, they saw that John Samarra had returned from meeting with the doctors.
Dunnedy surmised from his more relaxed appearance that things were doubtlessly better. It’d be a relief to have some good news and good fortune before everything goes to hell with this war.
She also guessed this by his demeanor with T’Stewart. He was talking the small child in his arm and moving around with him much like an orbital fighter. The maneuvers were definitely something T’rana would not choose to apply herself. Dunnedy doubted she’d allow anyone to do it, but it was a unique occasion.
Also, from the laughter coming from T’Stewart, he was enjoying the ride. She wondered how T’rana reacted to her son’s emotional outburst. Based on what she’d told her before, it must be difficult and enriching simultaneously. She wondered if she had determination to follow through and make changes of her own in her life, like T’rana, Takamira, and Moore were trying. But that could wait until after this.
Seeing them approach, Samarra returned T’Stewart. His mother quickly took him and examined him to see if he was any worse for wear. As Samarra approached the two officers, they noted he had a rather congenial look to him. As they finally reached each other a smile came over John Samarra’s face.
Nodding to them he quietly said, “Hello there. Thank you for coming Colonel.”
Shaking his head, Lark shook the Commander’s hand, replying, “I had to came as soon as I could. I always try to be there for my friends and Katherine’s one of my oldest friends.”
“I know, she always has good things to say about you.”
Mutually curious about Katherine Moore status, Dunnedy decided to ask the burning question. Tentatively speaking, she said, “Is anything changed?”
“Yes, Doc’s information has helped them to find a lead…I think.” His confidence faded slightly, showing some doubt.
Placing a supportive hand on his arm, Dunnedy asked, “Is their something else?”
Sighing, he looked at the two. “No, not really. It’s all kind of bizarre, surreal. I really can’t explain it.”
Lark decided to step in. “Well that describes all of our lives. The important thing is that she is going to be alright.”
Smiling again, Samarra agreed. “Correct.”
Turning, he asked, “Do you want to join us in the waiting?”
Following him, Dunnedy replied, “Of course, John. But you know you seemed to have your hand’s full there.”
“T’Stewart is an adorable child. Those two are lucky. I know it hasn’t been an easy path, but they’ve succeeded.” He paused, looking at the small group ahead. “That kind of luck is rare.”
Lark pointed out, “Now John, I know Katherine quite well, she’ll be fine. After this, you two will be moving past this for decades to come. Besides, you make your own luck, and magic.” Smirking slightly, he continued, “That’s the fun part of it all.”
Trying to enjoy Tom Lark’s point he said, “I’ll have to keep that in mind.” Looking at his two friends, he had a curious look on his face. “How about you two? Any luck for you?”
Looking quickly at each other, Dunnedy spoke first. “Well, I can’t speak for the good colonel here, but I have to say that I do think I’m starting off in an…interesting direction.” Dunnedy swept a gaze past Lark, catching his eyes. “It should be fun, but I hope it’ll offer something deeper.”
Continuing back towards Moore’s room, Samarra just nodded, not sure what she exactly meant.
Lark took the chance to speak. “I think I have to say I am in much the same place as the Captain. I had my doubts, but things do seem to be looking up.” Behind Samarra, the two smiled at each other briefly.
“Well if Katherine is okay, I’d have to say things are going quite well for this motley group, except for this damn war.” Observing, the friends waiting, Samarra continued, “It’s good to know that. We’ve gotten a bit distant recently. Now, this war will spread us out again. Who’ll even be returning? I hope we’ll have a chance to all get together before that and talk about old times and plans.”
Looking a little surprised, Samarra responded, “I had no idea.” Smiling, he continued, “I didn’t think she’d have time for that kind of planning with all the work she’s been dealing with. Katie is just full of surprises. I never know what she’s up to.”
Slapping a hand on Samarra’s back, Lark said, “Commander, you have no idea. None at all.”
*****
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