Run Ins

Posted on Sun Feb 12, 2017 @ 5:01pm by Spencer Aravan & Lieutenant Martha Cusack

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Location: The Black Hole
Timeline: MD 4 || 1100 Hours

Martha had opted for a healthier lunch that day and she went with a jacket potato with pasta and a pasta sauce. Elsie had ensured her mother's order was not only a decent helping but also she had asked the chef to add a bit more on - knowing Martha would probably want a slightly larger lunch judging by how tired she looked.

Just as Martha started to eat she sensed someone approach the table and she paused to see if whoever it was would announce themselves.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you... Martha, wasn't it?" Spencer asked holding the hand of her daughter while balancing her son on her hip. She looked to be right in her element with her children, though. "Elsie... the young lady working for my sister... she's your daughter, yes?"

Hearing a female voice speaking it put the Tactical Chief slightly more at ease although she was far from fond of being approached by surprise - but Martha decided to put that aside and respond.

Martha nodded. "It's quite alright. Elsie is my daughter yes - is there anything the matter with her?"

Spencer shook her head. "No, not at all. In fact, I wanted to tell you she's a total sweetheart. You're raising a very wonderful young woman."

Martha gave a rare smile to the other woman. She was very proud of Elsie and loved her very much. Before speaking again Martha gestured for Spencer to sit down opposite her.

"Thank you - that means a lot. Elsie means a lot to me and I'm so proud of her - she's been through a lot and she's come out so strongly from it all. Please join me if you would" Martha replied.

Spencer shifted her son around a bit before she settled down, then got her little girl situated on her lap. "Thank you. I've got a few minutes before I meet up with my sister. We're going to take the kids to the park for a picnic," she said with a smile. "Have you been able to explore the ship much?"

Martha had a couple of mouthfuls of her lunch before replying. Social situations were still not really her thing but she made an effort to avoid looking antisocial.

"That sounds like fun. I've had a walk around yeah - I've still not visited some of the shops on board but I guess it's always good to leave a few things for a later date. My wife was supposed to be joining me but she's not feeling well today - I'll go back to our quarters and check on her once I've eaten this" Martha replied.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe you should suggest she take a trip to see Doctor Caticasse. He's pretty amazing, and very good at what he does," the blonde suggested.

Martha nodded. "Thank you Spencer. I'll ask if he can do a home visit later. She was asleep when I tried to get in contact earlier on - hopefully she's had a little bit of rest now and she might be awake. I don't think it's too serious but I don't think she'll be on duty for the next two or three days"

"Thankfully, with twenty-fourth century medicine, she can be back on her feet in no time," Spencer said with a smile.

"I'm hoping that is the case. I've survived a lot worse than she has so I think she'll be alright. She's a tough cookie if I say so myself" Martha replied.

Spencer offered Martha a smile. "I'm sure she'll be just fine after Doctor Caticasse takes a look at her. She'll be up and at it in no time."

"I'll ask the doctor to drop by and do a home visit later. I'd like to say I'd be able to have a go but my medical knowledge doesn't go further than basic first aid. Where exactly is the park that you are going to for a picnic with your sister?" Martha asked.

"In the Arboretum. We try to go four or five times a week. My nephew is still too young to play on anything, but we enjoy watching Ava and Little Mikey play," she answered.

Martha let a small smile cross her face. It was in an arboretum that she first confessed her love to her wife Lucia - it almost felt like the arboretum on both of the ships she served on since that day felt just as special.

"I first told my wife I loved her in an arboretum. They just feel like a really special place to me" Martha replied.

Spencer smiled. "They're the most special place on a starship. They give a sense of peace... of normalcy. For me... it's like being home even though I'm not."

Martha nodded. "They are. I hope one day wherever Lucia and I end up retiring that we can have a garden as beautiful as the arboretum on the last starship we were on. I haven't seen the one here yet so I can't really compare this one to the last one"

"Oh, then you're in for a big surprise. Ours is enormous, and it's absolutely gorgeous," she said. "When your wife is feeling better, and you've both got some downtime, you should try to get there. It covers three deck."

Martha ate for a few moments before replying.

"Three decks? That's a deck bigger than the last ship I was on...I miss that one because it really came along after the first couple of months. I hope it gets looked after in my absence" Martha said.

"I have no doubt that it will," Spencer said with a smile.

Piper approached the two women cradling her son in one arm, and holding a picnic basket in the opposite hand. "Hi, Lieutenant Cusack. I hope everything is to your liking today?"

Although she didn't smile when Piper arrived she tried her best to look positive and that she was happy to see her. After all - Piper had given Elsie a job and it had been the making of Martha's daughter.

"It's outstanding as ever Piper - but please - call me Martha. I don't do ranks when I'm on breaks or off duty" Martha replied.

Piper offered Martha a smile. "I'll remember that, and I'm glad you're enjoying it. If you need anything, just let Elsie know. I'm taking off for a little while, otherwise, I'd see to you personally."

Spencer smiled again. She was impressed with the little empire her baby sister had built for herself and her family. Business was definitely thriving, and Piper was the one behind it all with the help of her very devoted Marine husband, of course. She looked to Martha and smiled, shifting her children as she rose to her feet. "It's been nice seeing you again. I'm sure we'll cross paths again in the future."

"Enjoy your afternoon ladies. I'll see you soon" Martha replied.

After watching the two women leave Martha resumed her food and hoped she'd still have time left over to check in on her wife. Martha never stopped worrying about her wife - especially more when she wasn't well.