Together

Posted on Wed Mar 17th, 2021 @ 12:36pm by Lieutenant Thomas Haldeman & Lieutenant Allison Haldeman

Mission: The Jungle
Location: Haldeman quarters

{ON}

With the family settled into their quarters and getting used to being in space again, the first night together in a long time had been an emotional experience. Amanda was sleeping peacefully and Allison was enjoying being cuddled up in her husband’s arms in bed just like old times. “I went to see Captain Kaylen earlier, she tells me that they’ve offered you a chance to be part of the Liberty crew.”

Thomas nodded, "She did. Didn't say what department or what rank if any but yes, she made the offer to which I am grateful and I accepted." He answered but it was clear he wasn't sure if it was a good idea.

“She told me you’d be serving in Strategic Ops” Allison gently ran her fingers over her husband’s chest. “I’ll be working Ops up until my maternity leave.”

"That's great Alli. I'm happy for you." He said honestly. "Strategic Ops huh? That's where my career began. It will be like going home."

“That’s good then, it’ll give you a chance to start fresh. Give us both a chance to start again. No one will ever replace Alex but I hope this baby is a boy, although I won’t be disappointed if not. This is what we need right now, I know it’s going to be hard for you not being a Captain but your experience will make you invaluable.”

Tom shrugged, "I guess so Alli, just glad it isn't prison. I’m happy to be with you and Amanda." He said honestly. "As for the baby, a boy would be wonderful to be sure." He agreed and grew quiet as he thought of their dead son, dead because of him.

“I’m sorry” Allison lifted her head and looked into her husband’s eyes. “I shouldn’t have blamed you! You didn’t know they’d do that to Alex. They were to blame not you.”

Tom didn't answer, he just nodded. This was his personal hell. His son dead because of him. His wife estranged from him for ten years because of it. He couldn't go back and undo his decision only live with it and suffer every day because of it.

He gave Alli a nod. "I thought they would kill me not Alex." He said quietly "And get a new Game Master."

“What if they had?” Alli looked at her husband. “You would have let your children see you murdered?” She shook her head. “I know you had little choice, we were stuck between a rock and a hard place, but it doesn’t make what happened any easier. I just ... want to move on Tom.”

He kissed her forehead. "Better if it had been me than you or the kids Alli." He said softly before adding. "We will move on together as a family." he promised.

Alli nodded. “I’m grateful for the help Counsellor Vali gave us, give her a chance to help you. She told me the two of you talked but wouldn’t tell me what was said. I shouldn’t have asked anyway, Counsellors have patient confidentiality rules for a reason.”

"Yes." Tom agreed. "She was very helpful, caring and insightful. We had a good, long talk. We'll probably talk again in fact I know we will."

“That’s good” Allison smiled warmly. “I have no doubt she’ll do whatever she can to help you. I heard a rumour that she and the ship’s first officer are married.”

"I'm sure she will." Tom agreed. "What? She and the Vulcan are married. I never would have guessed." He admitted.

“Had you not noticed?” Alli grinned. “Your observation skills are normally second to none, she’s half Vulcan! That lovely hair of hers covers pointed ears.”

"Clearly I am out of practice. I noticed her approach tended to be very precise." He sighed, "I need to get back in the game. How did you come across this rumor?"

“Others from our crew that have met the Counsellor and I overheard a couple of the crew talking about relationships onboard ship.”

"I'm impressed." Tom said with admiration in his voice. "Only been aboard the Liberty a short time and your already got your ear out for any juicy tidbits."

“That’s me!” Alli grinned as she cuddled up with her head on her husband’s shoulder. “I like to keep up-to-date on events, saves embarrassing moments. Besides I always wondered what it must be like to be the partner of a Vulcan, not that I’d ever ask!”

"Come on Alli, I know your curious. Just ask that way you don't have to wonder. Obviously the Counselor finds him attractive and him her." Tom pointed out.

Alli grinned. “True love finds a way.”

"Yes, it does." Tom agreed, hugging Alli tightly to him.

“Promise me you’ll do this, no matter what. I know it’s going to be hard, and that you feel this is something to be ashamed of. We need you, I need you! I don’t want you ending up in prison.”

He listened in silence as Alli made her plea. When she had finished he answered her, "You are right Alli, it is hard and I do feel ashamed. I was a Captain now look at me. However all that is secondary to you and Amanda, you two are my life and I'll do whatever it takes to keep us together. I promise." He finished.

Allison nodded and smiled. “I can’t ask for more than that my love.”

Tom smiled at her, "I've waited ten years to hear you call me that again." He said his voice getting thick with emotion. "And it was worth the wait."

“I won’t ever doubt you again Tom, that I promise you.” Allison smiled as she lifted her head and gave her husband a loving kiss.

He returned her kiss with equal passion. "I'll never give you a reason to doubt me." He promised her.

“I know you won’t” Allison smiled.

Tom returned the smile and held her close, feeling Alli's soft skin against his own. This was a new beginning for all of them and he was going to make sure they made the most of it.