Settling in

Posted on Sat Apr 3rd, 2021 @ 5:17pm by Lieutenant Allison Haldeman & Lieutenant Thomas Haldeman

Mission: *CD*
Location: Lounge

Allison stepped into the crew lounge, her first proper day working at Ops had proved somewhat gruelling with morning sickness. It was anything but first thing in the morning, she’d felt off for her entire shift so far. Taking an early lunch she got herself a ginger tea and a light lunch hoping it would settle her stomach.

Tom came in a few minutes later. He was settling in to Strat Ops but it was a long way from the center seat he once held. He could only hope his penance would prove to be enough to elevate him back to command again.

As he entered he saw Alli and made a beeline to her,. "I'd ask how you are feeling but you look green around the gills."

Allison nodded, “About right” she offered a smile before sipping her tea. “I haven’t had it easy with any of my pregnancies, rotten morning sickness seems to be a thing for me! Anyway, how’s your day going?”

Tom slid into the chair across from her and shrugged. "Okay. "He admitted. "It's just not the center seat Alli and I don't know if I'll ever get back to it."

Allison offered he husband an understanding smile. “Of course you will Tom, if you work hard and prove you want it bad enough you’ll get it eventually.” She sipped a little more of her tea.

He didn't say anything for several seconds then when he did there was an air of exasperation to his tone. "Why have I got to prove myself again? What did I do that was wrong? I kept my crew alive. Which is what a captain is suppose to do."

Allison gently placed her hand on her husband’s hand. “I know that now, after losing ...” she paused. “I was blinded by my grief and I didn’t understand, now I do. It’s just ... it is what it is Tom, we have to settle for what we have.”

"That doesn't make this right Alli and I've never been one to settle for anything." Tom replied. My judgment called into question, looked at, doubted." He stopped and his hand interlocked with hers. "You were suffering Alli. It's okay." He said softly.

“It wasn’t just me Tom” Allison squeezed her husband’s hand. “You lost your son too, you needed me and I ... pushed you away.” She sighed. “I promise I will never doubt you again.”

He had no words, He simply nodded. The loss of their son was a source of continual ache. He squeezed Alli's hand and nodded again.

“What matters is you saved all of us, and you helped save this crew too. Maybe Starfleet will come to realise what you truly did in time.” She gently stroked his cheek with her free hand.

He closed his eyes at her touch and gently kissed her hand. "Maybe All." he said as he opened his eyes and gave a soft bitter laugh. "I'm a pariah. Do you honestly think they will ever admit they made a mistake?"

Allison shook her head. “It just means that we have to work all the harder, and if that doesn’t work then we retire and get that family home we always talked about.”

Tom nodded, "We'll give this a go and see what happens as we
are not quitters and I definitely don't want to leave in disgrace."

“Then we do this” Allison paused to pick up her tea sand sip some more. “I have plenty of work waiting in Ops but with this morning sickness I’m struggling to make the pace I want to make.”

"Agreed. "Tom replied and then added, "Go to Sickbay and see if one of the doctors can give you something for your morning sickness so you can function and do your job."

“I’ll do that” She nodded and picked up some food taking small bites. “I need to have a check-up anyway, I haven’t had chance as yet.”

"You need to keep your health up. Don't want you and the baby being sick or you getting confined to bed." Tom pointed out.

“I know” Allison smiled. “Given how complicated my last pregnancy was I’m going to be cautious this time around. That’s a promise.”

" i know you will Alli. Just want you and the baby healthy. Everything else is gravy." Tom replied with a smile.

“You and gravy!” Allison grinned. “Do you think of anything other than food during lunchtime conversation?”

He shook his head, "nope. Is there anything else?" He teased. Alli could always get him to smile even when he didn't think he would ever do so again. It was one of the many reasons he loved her as much as he did.

“Ohh I’m sure I could give you other things to think about” Allison offered a smile before burying her head in her hands. “Ohhh I hate morning sickness!” She took a few deep breaths hoping not to have to go rushing off. “Right ... next call Sickbay!”

"I know you could Alli." Tom agreed with a big smile. "Now, get yourself to Sickbay." He urged.

“Yes Sir” Allison offered a smile as she kissed her husband on the cheek before pushing her chair out and standing ready to leave. “Care to walk me part way?”

"I'd love too. "Tom replied standing. "I know one thing thing this ship is a lot bigger than the Manchester. You need a road map to get around."

“That’s true” Allison nodded. “I’m getting used to it, I’m mapping it out in my head as I go along.”

"I don't know if I'll ever get use to it. I was use to the Manchester and it's little quirks. This is all new." Tom admitted.

“It’s different, but to be honest I like it” Allison smiled as she held onto her husband’s arm as they walked. “It’s a bigger ship, more suited for a family.”

"I suppose so Alli." Tom grudgingly agreed "And I know how you feel about family. Maybe it will grow on me."

Allison smiled. “If not then once this probation period is over maybe we can move elsewhere, somewhere you’ll feel more at home.”

Tom nodded, "We'll give this a chance Alli. I owe to Rhenora after all she defended me to the Admiralty."

“I know, I didn’t mean now. We have to make things right first.” She smiled. “No matter what I’ll be at your side, that I promise you.”

"You are right Alli and we will or I will make things right." Tom replied, "I'm not going to throw this chance away." He promised her.

“I know you won’t” Allison kissed her husband’s cheek. “I’ll head off now, I’ll see you tonight.”

Tom's hand came up to caress her cheek, "Get something to help you with your morning sickness and I'll see you tonight."

Allison nodded. “I will I promise” she looked around before giving him a passionate kiss. “Until tonight my love.”

"Until tonight my sweet." He returned.

{OFF}