One Last Breath

Posted on 21 Nov 2023 @ 5:29pm by Commander Luke Wyatt & Commander Marisa Wyatt
Edited on on 21 Nov 2023 @ 6:10pm

1,027 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 19 - Tomorrow's Galileo
Location: USS Galileo-B - Observation Lounge
Timeline: 2414

[ON]

In the bustling ambiance of the ship's lounge, Luke sat in a quiet corner, savoring the warmth of his steaming coffee cup between his hands. The aroma of freshly brewed beans enveloped him, a comforting reminder of his mornings spent with his family. His piercing blue eyes gazed out the viewport, watching the stars streak by, each one a distant reminder of the life he had left behind for this secret mission. Despite the urgency of the task at hand, Luke found himself longing for his wife, Marisa, a brilliant scientist whose passion for astrophysics matched his own. He tapped his fingers gently on the mug, a subtle display of his restlessness, as he waited patiently for her arrival. Her presence always brought a sense of calm and reassurance, a respite from the demanding responsibilities that came with being a Starfleet officer. The anticipation of their reunion danced in his heart, intertwining with a hint of melancholy for the moments he had left behind with their children.

Marisa walked into the lounge and looked around for Luke. He'd been her rock for 25 years and she needed him now more than ever. Leaving the kids behind was hard. Knowing she might never see them again almost broke her. But she knew how important this mission was and that gave her courage. But even more than that, knowing she would still be by Luke's side gave her a burning hope that maybe, just maybe, they could make a difference.

Instinctively she turned toward the viewport, and smiled. There he was. Just seeing him again, even if it hadn't been that long, made her feel better. She walked quietly up and wrapped her arms around him, careful not to spill his coffee. "Hi," she whispered softly. "I was looking for the most handsome man in the room and I found him."

Chuckling under his breath, "Is that so?" He placed the coffee mug don't he table and looked around, "Where is he then?" Luke teased turning to face her. It still amazed him how Marisa continued to look like the day they met and he continued to age. "How did the call with the children go, sorry I couldn't make it but by the time the briefing finished it was better to just meet here."

"It went well. They understand, and they know you love them." She hugged him, needing his strength. "It's still hard, though." But having Luke here with her made it easier. After all these years, she couldn't imagine life without him. She stepped back and smiled. "You, my love, are the best-looking man in the room--if not the entire ship."

"I think old age is getting to your sound judgment, would you like a drink?" He asked looking at his empty cup of coffee, "Maybe we can talk about what's being asked of us?" The tension in the air was evident but desperate times called for desperate measures, for his children's sake he hoped what they were doing was right.

"Yes, but I'll have tea." She could read the worry in his face. "There's a good chance we'll be successful." Good was relative for a number of things. She wasn't sure if good would be enough, but there was hope that if everything lined up enough, this could work.

Luke stood up from his seat, "I know - but are we not just going against everything we stand for? I feel as if were going to have a hard time convincing our younger selves that it's the right decision, Starfleet was different then." Having walked over to the replicator whilst he spoke he ordered his wife tea and brought it back over to the table.

"We were different, yes, but we have historical data and physical evidence, plus precedent from other captains and other starships to support our claim. I think it will be enough. The question is whether we can reach the right time and place." There were so many variables that had to be met that Marisa had spent a number of sleepless nights going over everything she could find. "They made a choice, and it was the wrong one. All we have to do is show them the results of that choice." She put a hand on his arm. "You and I haven't changed that much. We will listen. I'm not so sure about the others, though." Their former selves had not been part of the decision that led to the war, which could complicate things. But neither was Lirha. Hopefully, she could be the one to swing things in their favor.

He nodded slowly frowning, "I suppose you're right but we have to be careful how we present our case and who we get to do it. While we may accept the change to the timeline others who believe are more enlightened may have a hard time. Though, after all this misery that has been caused I'd like to think even the most righteous person could be swayed." Luke sighed, "I love you Marisa, you know that right?" Often Luke said those three words often in the form of a question.

"Yes, I know. But I never grow tired of hearing you say it." She smiled softly and put her hand over his. "My life is richer because you are part of it. I love you, too, Luke, and I will always stand by your side." There was always a chance of failure, no matter how strong she felt their argument was, but she wouldn't be anywhere but here, with her husband.

Luke didn't reply, he smiled and simply inhaled before exhaling feeling the tension of the upcoming mission leaving his body. He knew that every path they chose as individuals, partners and as a crew following Lirha across the stars came down to one last mission. As was life with one last breath this would be the end in some way because once they looked back in time there was no returning to what once was.

[OFF]

--

Commander Luke Waytt
Chief Security Officer
USS Galileo-B

Commander Marisa Wyatt
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo-B

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