So I got an idea for a story that if I posted it on AO3 right now they’d come after me with pitchforks because I’m not updating the stories there right now. So I decided to post it here on the blog for several weeks (minus February 14th which will be as previously reference related to last week’s flash).

So it’s a continuing story with a somewhat more mature cast (as the actors themselves are really) so I hope you will bear with me while I post it here. Thank you.

Photo by Guillaume Meurice on Pexels.com

“Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Jim opened one eye to peer wearily at the cheerful visage of his mother.

“What’s up?”

“You are hopefully. Come on, up and at ‘em. We have things to do.”

Jim blinked. “We do?”

“Yes.” She pulled off his covers. “Up you go. And while you’re at it, shower. You’re starting to stink.”

He frowned and sat up, glancing toward the window of his childhood room. At least it wasn’t snowing.

“What time is it?”

“Just past seven. But we have a long trip ahead of us. And shave while you’re at it. You’re looking scruffy.”

Before he could question his mother further, or argue if he wanted to, she was out of the room and heading back downstairs.

With a sigh, Jim scrubbed his face and got out of bed. He headed for the bathroom and turned the shower on.

When he came down thirty minutes later, showered, shaved and dressed in jeans and a t-shirt she had coffee ready for him, which he gratefully accepted.

“Where are we going exactly?” He took a large swallow of his coffee.

“To pick up Melanie’s kids.”

“Who is Melanie?”

She gave him a look that oozed disapproval. “Your cousin. My brother’s daughter.”

He wracked his brain trying to remember her but couldn’t. He wouldn’t have seen in her in decades so he cut himself some slack.

“So, uh, why exactly?”

“They need someone to take care of them and I guess that’s going to be me. So I have to go. And I can’t leave you here by yourself so you’re going with me.”

He drank more coffee. “You could, you know.”

“Not in the state you’re in. And anyway it would do you good to get out and about. You’ve been here two weeks and haven’t left the house.”

“I’ve been outside and to the barn more than once,” Jim protested.

“You know what I mean.”

He grimaced. “I’m supposed to be on vacation. You know. You’re not supposed to have to do anything.”

“Vacation my ass. And anyway ever since they took your ship, you’ve been like this.”

“Have not. Up until my vacation I went to work every day teaching cadets how to be swell in Starfleet.”

“Swell.” She rolled her eyes. “You know you didn’t want to leave space.”

Jim nodded. “I didn’t. But that last psych eval convinced them I should take early retirement, so I did. And they made me an admiral, so how can I complain?”

She put her hand on his arm. “We all know what you and your crew went through on that last mission, Jim. No one blames any of you if it became difficult to continue.”

“Yeah, okay, whatever. So where is Melanie that we have to get her kids?”

“Jail. Eventually prison when she gets convicted.”

“Convicted for what?”

“Murdering her husband. Stabbed him fifty times.”

Jim stared at his mother. “What the hell?”

She nodded. “Yeah. Out of her mind on drugs or something. That’s for her lawyer and the courts to decide. But unless we want those kids to go into foster care, we have to get him.”

He followed her to the coatrack where there coats were and grabbed his to put on.

“Wait, what about your brother?”

His mother gave him yet another look. “You could maybe pay attention when I tell you things. He’s in a facility now for memory care. After his wife passed, your Aunt Caroline, he started forgetting a lot. Turns out he has dementia. Melanie’s the only kid they ever had. Her husband’s folks passed years ago. So, we’re it. Or I am, anyway.”

“Sorry,” Jim said, sincerely. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

She hugged him. “It’s okay, Jimmy. I know how it’s been for you. I’ve packed a bag for you.”

“Where are we going anyway?”

“Orion.”

“Orion?” Jim was flabbergasted.

“I did say it was a long trip. Melanie was married to an Orion. Buckle up, honey. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”