Seeing and Believing Can Be ... Interesting.

Posted on Thu May 5th, 2022 @ 8:51pm by Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton & Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine

Mission: Free write
Location: Ship's Arboretum
Timeline: present

"Seeing and Believing Can Be... Interesting"

Lieutenant Rutherford Milton
Lt Commander Diane Doctrine
Her son Toby
& Pix

=Ship's Arboretum=

"You have trees on a starship mom?" Toby had run ahead of Diane in complete wonder of how so much vegetation could grow on a ship.

"More than just trees," Diane replied smiling widely, "We have flowers and even grow some fruits and vegetables we can eat too."

"Eww... vegetables?" Toby stuck his tongue out.

Diane laughed. "Yes kiddo, even vegetables."

A little glowing blur was coming from a direction of a tree heading straight at the two; sweeping into a wide orbital Pix encircled The lady from the other day, Diane was the name Her Rutherford had used while reviewing his records. A nice lady that Pix was happy to see. She made three orbits and came to hover near Doctrine. A wide smile and hands behind her back in a 'Am I not cute' sort of vibe. She waved a a couple of times then looked at the boy but made no move until Miss 'Diane' would do that 'introduction thing' that is so often done.

"Oh, hello there Pix," Diane smiled at the fairy. It looked as if Pix was wondering about Toby. "This is my son, Toby." She knelt down on one knee, "Toby, this is Pix. She... uh, hangs around with our chief medical officer, Doctor Milton. They're real good friends." Diane glanced at Pix with a look that said Did I get that about right? I sure hope so.

Pix shrugged her shoulders and nodded; in a 'close enough' type expression and vibe with a smile on her face as she descended to be within reach of Toby and offered a handshake; not a big one as Pix only stood 6 inches tall.

Toby shook the tiny hand carefully. "Mom, she's pretty," Toby gushed at the tiny female form. "She stays on the ship with all of you?"

Diane was smiling widely, "You could ask her yourself."

Toby turned to Pix, "You stay on the ship with all the big people?"

The laugh from Pix had the essence of bells softly ringing and she nodded and extending her right hand palm up to Toby and nodding as though she wanted him to copy.

Toby giggled and held his own palm up in his clumsy five-year-old way. "What's she gonna do mom?"

"Be patient," Diane advised her son.

Pix showed no hesitation to fly down and stand on his palm and flutter her wings for effect as she smiled up at Toby. Doing a small turn so he could see her dress and better see her wings before curtsey.

Toby giggled trying to hold his hand still. "Mom, she's pretty."

"Pix, your honey is going to get cooled..." Milton called as he was coming around the same tree from which Pix had approached from. "You wanted..." He noticed the Commander and her son. "the picnic." He smiled, "I see now why you took off."

He bowed slightly.

"Nice to see you out enjoying the amenities." He offered.

"How could we not? And how is RJ today?" Diane asked smiling at the doctor and trying out his off duty nickname.

"Any day out and about is a good day." He returned the smile. "Hello Lad, my name is RJ and I am a friend of Pix's." He introduced himself.

Pix waved at the Doctor and then pointed at her stomach and the two newcomers.

"You want me to ask?" Pix nodded. "Well, it seems that Pix would like to know if you could join us for some Lunch?" He chuckled. "It is times like this I realize why she has me make so much food, she likes the company of people we... meet?"

"Can we Mom?" Toby asked, "We can have a picnic?"

Diane knelt on one knee to be Toby's height, "Sure we can," then she looked at the doctor, "Thank you for the invite," and not forgetting Pix she looked at the fairy, "And thank you too."

Pix smiled and the took to flight slowly away from the group and towards the Doctor; buzzing around him and just past to show where they need to go before turning to urge the other to follow.

"Always a pleasure." Milton offered a hand to help Diane up as a gentleman should. "We have a blanket and spread just past the tree, shaded but still a nice little place to relax."

Diane accepted his hand with a thankful nod, "I really wasn't expecting to run into anyone. This is a pleasant surprise."

"I think it was Flew into someone..." He helped her to her feet gently and gesture in the direction of the direction of Pix. "and I am glad she took to you." He grinned. "Eating alone..." He nod towards Pix. "Or should I say good company and conversation is always a treat. It was nice of you to accept the invitation, Pix really does like children. How old is your son?"

"He's five and he'll be six in another month," Diane answered.

"Five and a half," Toby added.

"More like five and eleven twelvths there kiddo," Diane teased.

Toby harumphed. "I like five and a half better."

Diane laughed a little laugh, "You want to miss out on five months?"

Toby looked perplexed. Diane explained, "If you go back to five and half we'll have to postpone your birthday for five months. Are you sure you want to do that?"

Toby's eyes narrowed. "Are you tryin ta trick me gain?" He looked to Pix. "Is she tryin ta trick me?"

"She is stating the facts." Milton replied while keeping a straight face. "Fractions can be a bit confusing until you get the hang of them." He continued. "Time marches on for us all. It means you are five months closer to being six rather than five and a half."

Pix flew closer, hovering near Toby and nodding her agreement to Milton. Clapping before pointing to Toby and gesturing with her arms that he would be getting 'Bigger.'

Toby shook his head and blew a small raspberry. "Fine," he stated giving in to the adult logic.

"And that's why you're starting school," Diane spoke in her motherly tone, "So you'll learn fractions and how they work, and lots of other great things."

"Now there is a new adventure." They were nearing the Picnic blanket. "You know that no one has asked Pix to come as a 'Show and Tell." He mentioned. "You could be the smartest lad of the class that day. No one knows where she comes from or what kind of a being she really is?" Winking at Diane. "I wish I had someone like that when I was going to school... I might have attended more often."

Toby eyes looked suspiciously at the doctor, "Did you skip out a lot?"

"Maybe I should add voluntarily." He chuckled. "I came to know the attendance person as the 'Last one through the door' for fear of what My Mother would do if I skipped." He nodded. "But in my defense I came to like school enough to attend Medical school so I could be a Doctor. I came to enjoy school after I got used to going." He hoped he had backed himself out of the corner there?

Then Toby asked, "You really think she'd go?"

Diane winked back at Rutherford, then to Toby, "You won't know until you ask."

Toby looked around and found Pix hovering nearby, "Can I take you to show n tell when it's my turn at school?"

Pix got an excited smile on her face and nodded faster than normal.

"I think she likes the idea." Milton informed, then to Doctrine. "Like she would miss a chance to socialize." He knew that pix well. "She has a way of getting more energic when around people and they are happy, quite the opposite sometimes on those occasions she has been in a Triage situation." He quietly told her. "I think her going will be good for her, just tell the teacher to leave an air vent open if she gets overwhelmed she can make an exit."

Diane thought about what Rutherford said, "It sounds like she's quite empathic. How does she do around telepaths, I wonder? Does she communicate in that manner?"

Milton almost paused in his steps as he thought.

"She seems... bored by them, she has the most fun with children." He continued to lead Diane towards the picnic. "A team of Betazoids has had 'Sessions' with her when we first discovered her after she came out of hiding." He smiled. "They said she took in far more than they did; her 'Images' were vivid and quite over-whelming in a manner. It seems her people use a form of imagery to communicate."

Before she could reply he put up a hand to pause her politely.

"Picture association, if I ask what image came to your mind when I asked to associate a picture in your mind when I say... book."

"I would think of a paper book," Diane answered, "Perhaps with a hard cover, the way they printed them a long time ago. Interesting. So, perhaps her communication style is more... graphic than... say text or speech based... yet she understands what we say to her."

"She understands the 'intent' we give off." He nodded to her. "She hears normally and is also getting the 'Feelings' we give off as well. Like if I asked what you to think of your favorite book; the detail that comes to your description and the image in your mind is more akin to what Pix senses. The Betazoids noted the detail in each image Pix projected to them was so vivid as though they were experiencing everything from sight.

"So, it seems like she is empathic, sensing the emotions around her and can project her own feelings with vivid images." Diane marveled, "It's a fascinating way to communicate. Imagine if everyone could do that. There would be nearly no misunderstandings. I bet wherever she's from is a very peaceful world."

Pix landed at a very traditional checkered blanket lay in the shade of a tree with a real Picnic basket; open with chicken and potatoes with ears of corn all cooked to a delightful curb appeal. She was rummaging in the basket for more of the Plates to be used.

Toby watched Pix, "Need help?" he asked. He wondered if anything in the basket would be too big for the little fairy to handle.

Glancing over her shoulder at Toby she nodded. Then passed him the plates; though from his vantage she did not physically touch the plate but guide it with her hand to his. The same for two glasses before she pick up two sets of Silverware nearly her height and finally 'tossed' two cloth napkins to land perfectly on the plates.

Rising, she pointed to the place settings already out and the open space that would easily be comfortable to Toby and his mother before she started to fly in that direction.

"Wow, that was cool. Can I do that?" Toby asked excitedly.

Pix shook her head and pointed to herself and gave a wink as though to say 'Sorry, Pix trick only.'

"The planets in the survey route had no scanned or noted 'Sentient' lifeforms anything like Pix, just animal life." Milton explained while gently touching her shoulder to guide politely to the blanket. "And her 'projections' do take a bit of getting used to. He commented and offered a hand to help her seat herself on the blanket as Gentlemen do of proper breeding are taught.

"Thank you, kind sir," Diane was appreciative of the attention. Few men she'd known had been as considerate as Rutherford. She sat gracefully on the blanket. "This is quite a spread you have here. Everything looks tasty."

"I like to think I can make eatable creations." Milton took a seat. "Pix is a good little helper; she is stronger than she looks and helps getting spices and utensils." He gestured to the food. "Feel free to dig in, my portable refrigerator is not the best for left-overs."

As per usual, and like all parents, Diane took care of Toby first. "Whatcha lookin to eat there kiddo?"

"I can get it my self mom," Toby was already getting himself a piece of chicken.

Diane grinned, "Since you're being such a big boy, would you get me a piece too?"

"Sure ma, you want anything else too?" the youngster asked in practiced fashion.

"How about a little potatoes also," Diane was grateful he was being careful with the utensils.

He suddenly put his hands on his head, "OH NO. I forgot to ask you," he looked sadly at Pix and Rutherford.

"Very well mannered Mr. Toby." Milton gave the boy a assuring glance. "I did say feel free to dig in so no harm done and you are a fine Lad taking care of your Mother." Glancing at Doctrine the smile widened. "A lady should always be cared for first and foremost." Winking to her. "You are well on your way to a well mannered boy."

Pix clapped her little hands and smiled so much she brightened just a touch.

Toby, realizing he'd done nothing wrong after all, grinned as well and then dug into his meal.

Diane felt her cheeks blush a little at the doctor's words. She looked away a moment pretending to admire some nearby flowers but she couldn't help smiling. 'He's smooth.' she thought, 'but is he being nice or something else going on?' It seemed like it had been a long time since anyone paid any attention to her in a romantic sense. Also true was the fact she'd retreated from that arena since Rick's death. 'Stay cool,' she told herself. 'It could be nothing.'

Milton had a small plate that he was holding while Pix made her choices the lowered to the ground and sat with her legs curled under her before accepting the plate from the doctor.

"Guess it is finally my turn." Milton started with a drumstick and some of the potatoes. "More of a Traditional Picnic from where I come from." He remarked. "Believe in good food and company." He lifted the thermos. "A chilled tea blend, sweet with lemon?" He offered to pour for Doctrine. "Real tea bags used here."

Pix had her cup out for a 'drop' that filled her cup.

Diane accepted the tea with a 'thank you,' then asked curiously, "Where are you from?"

"This little blue planet in the Sol system." He began with his usual flair. "I was raised in a region called Kentucky, more of a Traditional upbringing, aside from a Grandmother who was a full Betazoid on the Mother's side." He added. "Raised on stories of gallantry and Lore, while the other boys wanted to be Space Heroes in fleet; I wanted to be a Wizard." He chuckled. "Guess I sort of went my own way back then. It was just an average childhood you might sway." He gestured to Pix. "Okay not everyone has a Pixie like person hanging around, but aside from that I am just... average."

Pix pulsed a little with the reference.

"But what about the Lady, what will she let be known?" He was making a sly grin. "Where did the Pretty lady hail from who has such a strapping lad with her?"

Diane couldn't help but smile back, "Well, I'm from the same blue planet you're from but just a bit further north, Toledo, Ohio. I had a typical upbringing... and at the risk of sounding... well, I had a higher IQ than anyone I went to school with... So, MIT after high school, and after that Starfleet Academy." She glanced over at Toby who was enthralled by Pix and the way she glowed. Diane spoke quieter now, "Toby's father, Rick, and I served together." Her voice cracked a little when she explained, "When he was one, his father was... killed in action. Rick's parents were, understandably upset. Since they were watching Toby at the time, they... kept him from me." Diane looked away, "They thought it was my fault Rick was killed. We were both in intelligence. The mission was classified... so I couldn't give any details to Rick's parents. They... didn't like that. I only recently got them to let Toby stay with me."

She cleared her throat and drank some iced tea. "That's my story so far."

"I think Pix is trying to get a new friend." He looked in her eyes. "You know there have been numerous studies showing how important a Mother is to her Son; and history has shown the strength of a strong mother in a boy's life." He smiled as he spoke. "Toby is lucky to have you and this time with you. Grandparents are good to have but I believe a Mother is a sacred duty and you do appear to be doing your best with him." He kind of playfully nudged her with his shoulder. "A boy that well mannered and happy is a testament to a loving mother you know?"

Diane looked back at him. Slowly a smile spread across her face and she blushed a little. "Thank you RJ," she spoke earnestly, "That means a lot... especially since he hasn't been with me all that much the last three years." She shrugged, "It makes sense... what you said... I haven't felt, I don't know if complete is the right word, but I've felt like something was missing... until I had full custody of Toby and he moved back in with me."

He put a hand on her arm as he spoke. "Just stating what I note, not having someone you love close does tend to leave a hole. If I did not have Pix with me I think I would understand." He removed the hand as is polite. "Just glad you are whole, that Mother's glow is quite fashionable on you."

Diane felt herself blush yet again. "Thank you again," she said shyly.

Pix had finished her food and was getting her little burst of energy she lifted to hover and circle around Toby wringing her hands and grinning with mischief planning. Nodding to the boy then moving to Milton and Doctrine she pointed out into the area just past Toby as if to ask permission to play?

"Hey ma, I think Pix wants to play," Toby asked.

Continuing to smile Diane replied, "Go ahead. Be mindful of the plants though."

"We will!" Toby said excitedly. He stood up, "C'mon Pix, let's go," and off he went to follow the fairy.

Pix darted off to see how fast Toby could move.

TBC