Parting is such sweet sorrow

Posted on Mon Feb 8th, 2021 @ 9:56pm by Captain Dirk Taggart & Admiral Cordelia Rochelli & Captain Abigail Laurens

Mission: Transitions
Location: Tabula Rasa

Dirk looked out of the window in Abby’s Quarters, the tropical planet Tabula Rasa hung in space below the ship. The land mass stretched out into the blue water lazily. Above the planet the smaller ship, a Nebula class named Pennsylvania hung in orbit, as if suspended by an invisible strong. The short time he'd been with Abby had been some of the best he'd ever experienced. Dirk was hoping they'd continue to see where things went, he was afraid to admit to himself that he'd fallen in love and was dreading saying goodbye. Turning to face the woman who'd received nearly all of his attention the last few weeks he spoke gently, "Abby, I'm going to miss you."

Abigail smiled, closing the distance between them, one arm moving behind his back as she rested her head against his shoulder, sharing the view. "And I you," she finally replied softly. "We're departing in the morning. Command asked that we stay long enough to make sure everything is smooth with your arrival on the Pennsylvania, then we'll be on our way to Dalacar." She sighed softly. "Maybe we can manage some shore leave together at some point soon?" she asked hopefully. "And until then, we always have subspace."

Dirk breathed heavily taking in the scent of Abby’s hair, "I'm gonna miss you," he said aloud finally admitting it. " I've had a great time and I hate to see it end. I promise I will keep in contact, and we will definitely have to score some shore leave. I heard a rumor Tabula may become the HQ for Delta, if so it wouldn't be difficult to synchronize our schedules once in a while."

She drew in a deep breath before she nodded slightly. It was a line she'd heard plenty of times before. "Okay," she finally said softly. "How long until you transport out?"

"I have to meet the Admiral in the morning, for the change of command procedures. Then I have 48 hours to prepare for departure. It's going to be busy, if my crew is half as efficient as yours has been I will be fine. I really need to thank you for the ride out here, it has been quite an experience."

"A good one I hope?" she asked hopefully. She pulled away a little, moving to stand between him and the view port, looking up at him. "I know I shouldn't be, but I can't help but feel cross that you have to go so soon," she said softly. "I know it's not your fault, and I knew it was always the intention..." her voice trailed off and she sighed softly. "I don't want you to go so soon. I'm selfish."

Dirk smiled tenderly, "This is why it was supposed to be just one night, but it has evolved quickly. This will be good for us in a way Abby. We both have developed strong feelings and this will give us an opportunity to develop our communication. We will learn more about ourselves and each other; if we meet again in six months it will be so much sweeter because there will be more than the physical attraction. Which if I'm being honest, I can't control my self when I'm near you," he said before wrapping her up in his arms and kissing her tenderly.

She leaned into the kiss, though her mind was distracted by that singular word. "If." Trying to push the thought out of her mind, she pulled away and smiled up at him. "Well then I guess we should make the most of the little time we have left?"

"Sounds delicious," he said as he pulled the blanket over both of them. Several hours later Dirk woke up still in the Captain's Quarters, he stared at the lines appearing at the corner of her eyes, and the contour of her lips. He painstakingly did his best to memorize every little detail, deep down he knew he'd miss her more than he would show.

Shifting slightly in his arms, Abigail smiled sleepily as she slowly opened her eyes to look up into his face. "I think we fell asleep," she murmured, trying to focus and rub the sleep from her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Dirk smiled sadly, "Its ok Abby, I'm gonna miss you too. I will cherish our time together and count down until we meet again." He kissed her tenderly before sliding out of bed, "I don't want to go but I have to pack, I'm supposed to meet Admiral Rochelli this morning aboard the Pennsylvania."

Watching in silence as he moved, Abigail drew in a breath and nodded slightly. "Of course," she said quietly, sitting up in the bed and pulling the covers up over her. "I guess this is it then...." The sadness was evident in her voice as she spoke.

The sadness in her voice almost made him stay, but he knew what his duty was. He kissed her forehead tenderly, "See ya soon Abby the Fearless," he said with a smile hiding the ache he felt.

"Good luck," she offered with a sad smile. "And be safe."

"You to Abby," he said as he went to gather his belongings.