A call from the past

Posted on Thursday 10 December 2020 @ 22:02 by Captain Hans Andersson & Commander Caroline Miller

Mission: Homeward
Location: Caroline's quarters
Timeline: MD1 1700
893 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

With the Merlin docked, Captain Andersson had taken the first opportunity he had to beam aboard. He was planning to go see Captain Jones and have a drink with her and discuss the upcoming meeting at Headquarters tomorrow but, first he thought he better see his great grand daughter first.

He found Caroline's quarters and pressed the chime.

"Hi," the blond answered. "Come in."

Andersson entered. "Hello there. I thought I better come and see you, instead of just turning up on Earth and scaring someone half to death. Have you had a chance to talk with your great grandmother yet?" He asked, trying to be tactful.

"We are going to do it now," she told him. "I left her a message requesting a subspace call this evening. I didn't go into detail about what it was about though."

"I think I'll stand just out of shot and let you break the news to her gradually. seeing me straight away may cause her some... shock. To say the least." He added, before standing just beside the communications display so he could not be seen.

Caroline nodded. "Computer open subspace channel to Elsa Johansson, my great grandmother." The computer had all the information it needed, Caroline having spoken with several of her family via subspace before.

It took a moment or so but an older woman appeared. Despite the grey hair, there was a family resemblance. Caroline assumed one day she would look similar as old. At least her family seemed to have good genes and few wrinkles.

"Gran Mormor," she smiled at her.

"My darling girl. I am so glad to see you. And your mother says you are to visit," she said happily. "I intend to make you the Toscakaka (Almond caramel cake) you love and fill the house with little princess cakes (Marzipan, cake and cream)."

"That sounds wonderful Mormor," she replied.

"So tell me child. What of your adventures out there in space," the elder woman asked. "Do things still go well with your doctor?"

"Erm not ....." Caroline flushed awkwardly. "That didn't work out. But an adventure we had. Mormor we came across a lost vessel. You might know it. The Darwin."

There was a loud inhale from the other woman. Caroline was getting the feeling from the sad face that followed that there probably was some truth in what Hans was claiming.

"What was its fate?" her grandmother asked.

"It was pulled down on a planet and the crew... The crew survived,"

She gasped again.

"They were connected into some pods sustaining their bodies and their minds in a reality. It was called the Etheria. Mormor, I met a man he claims ....."

"Your great grandfather," she said her old eyes looking like they were mentally reminiscing.

"Hans?" Caroline asked needing confirmation.

"We believed him MIA. Dead. And I was single and pregnant. Widowed before even wed," the old woman said tears rolling down her cheeks. "I remarried. It was pushed. Quick but he was a good man. The one who became your great grandfather. We had a good life but I always wondered. I mourned him in secret for years. Oh what will he think of me. I am ancient."

"He wishes to see you. And meet his descendants," Caroline said softly. She indicated he come show himself.

Andersson stepped into view. He looked at his beloved with warmth and loving, his eyes started to tear up and he had to struggle to stop his voice from cracking. "Hello there Min Fru, as beautiful as the day I last saw you. I promised I'd find my way back to you. You have no idea how much I've missed you but the thought of seeing you again has kept me going."

The older lady raised her hand to her mouth and struggled to say anything. Tears started to roll down her eyes. "Hans ....." she said finally. A name she had not managed to bring herself to say for decades. "They said you were presumed dead. I ... our child. I couldn't leave her .... no father ... I was alone ..... "

"Mormor it okay," Caroline said wishing she could step through the screen and comfort her.

"Is it really you?"

Andersson nodded. "Yes, it's me. I've waited so long to see you again. You would not believe where I've been. I know it must have been difficult for you and I accept that you remarried to the luckiest guy in the world, to get such a beautiful and loving wife."

Caroline swallowed. Her great grandfather had passed.

"He was a good husband," Elsa agreed, "But I never stopped wondering what happened to you. I would like to know. Will you visit with Caroline?"


”Of course I will. I’m looking forward to seeing you and hearing all the wonderful stories of your life and your children.” Hans replied, smiling.

"Oh my children, they don't know. But I'm looking forward to introducing you to all of them. I will get them all together for a family engagement. Caroline dear, when do you expect to be here?"

"three days Mormor," she smiled. "I will stay a couple of nights. I wish to hit the hiking trails. I have missed the Swedish countryside and air and food."

Her great grandmother nodded in understanding. "Then I shall prepare rooms for you both to stay with me."

OFF: