Letters Home

[Tyra Crawford]

== For Miller ==

[Aeryn Miller]

== Chief Science Officer's Quarters - Deck 03 ==

In the midst of organising the BBQ, her regular duties and life in general, Aeryn always made time to send letters home, not only to her parents who still lived at the research station she grew up on, but also to other relatives and friends. If anything, the redhead cherished the opportunity to keep those connections alive, particularly with the life she now led on Artemis, knowing that there might come a day when she wouldn't be able to send them. As morbid as that seemed, it was also part of her reality; life came and went, and in her line of work, it wasn't always guaranteed you would make it home.

Sometimes Aeryn liked to get her thoughts down on old-fashioned paper, depending on her mood. Other times, and mostly, she would dictate what she wanted to say onto her trusty PADD, double-checking what was said until she was satisfied it was good to be submitted and sent. Sure, she would love to say everything in person, but this was the next best thing, and hopefully next leave she could make the trip home or be fortunate enough for her parents to visit her.

That thought alone brought a smile to Aeryn's face as she grabbed a drink, then settled onto the sofa to begin what had become an equally important part of her schedule.

" Begin recording".


" Hey Mum and Dad,

I wanted to send this now before things got a little crazy, what with leave coming up, although you'll hear from me again while I'm in the Lake District. I have to admit I'm looking forward to seeing Gray and Mitchell again, as it's been far too long, and to be Aeryn without the uniform for a little while. Thank you for sending them the recipe for proper Scottish tattie bread. They told me that they've been practising ready for my arrival, and I can't wait to have a proper home-cooked Scottish breakfast.

Aside from getting ready for what should be a good time for everyone, I know it'll be good for me regardless, as I'll be honest, I'm still struggling following the break-up with Beka. I know, I know, last time I said that I was okay, because I didn't want you to worry about me, but I realise that I can't keep it all bottled up, and I should have known better, especially after how I was when Merle died. But I have to be a grown-up about it all, and as much as I wanted it to work, it wasn't, and hopefully we can get to a place where we can be friends.

It'll be less awkward that way and better for everyone, considering I still have to work with her, and despite what happened, I still care about her and trust her to look after me should I need her medical skills. Okay, I'll stop because this is supposed to be a happy letter, but then you've both taught me well, not to be afraid to open up, and it's something I need to keep reminding myself about".

Aeryn paused for a moment, deciding to change the direction of the letter.

" How are things with your latest project?, I've got a couple of personal experiments going well in the lab. I'll attach the latest data with this letter, as I'm hopeful that my variant strawberries will flourish better than last time.

I think that's everything, and I'll write again soon.

Love you both

Aeryn".

[Aeryn Miller]

The Old Cauldron - Grasmere

Day before the BBQ

Her stay at Gray and Mitchell’s had been pleasant so far, then again Aeryn didn't expect anything less when it came to the couple's hospitality. Spoiled was one way to describe it, and the redhead had enjoyed every second of it. Now that everything was in place and the setup almost complete for the BBQ tomorrow, Aeryn had retreated to her room to shower and change before dinner and maybe a couple of hard earned drinks.

However there was one thing she wanted to do, something she hadn't done for some time and it was long overdue. Writing to Merle’s parents had become a regular thing from the moment her and the Bajoran engineer’s relationship had gotten serious and even after his untimely and unfortunate passing, Aeryn had kept up with that tradition, especially since they still  considered her as family. Knowing they cared meant a lot to the scientist who had accidentally become lax in her correspondence with them, and now she had the perfect opportunity to make that right.

Halfway through getting ready and with time on her side, Aeryn grabbed her PADD from the bedside table, found a comfortable spot near the window and started her letter.

“Hi Jayla and Maxen,

First off I'd like to apologise for how long it's been since I last contacted you both, and how I promise to be better at it. I hope that you're both well and that the family are too. I also hope that the season has been kind to you, and I'll never forget the time Merle brought me to help with the harvest, and the kindness you showed me.

I'll always remember those times fondly and the times since because I do intend to come visit as soon as I'm able.

Since I last wrote to you, I've been promoted to Lieutenant Commander and made the switch from Security to Science. I'm sure you won't be too surprised to hear this but in my heart I know I've made the right decision for me and I love being back in a lab properly rather than it just being a hobby.

That's to say it hasn't come without its challenges, but you know me I face them head-on and don't suffer fools gladly. Wherever Merle is I know he's always watching and how proud he'd be of me. I still have a huge respect for his culture and beliefs and I don't think they'll ever leave me.

May the prophets continue to watch over you all.

Warmest love

Aeryn”.

Satisfied with how it turned out, Aeryn sent it and put the PADD back where she had gotten it, before she finished getting ready, and then headed out to meet her friends for dinner.

Firs

[Aeryn Miller]

Dinner had been a lot of fun, then again, Aeryn didn't expect anything less when it came to the Old Cauldron or her friend's knack for hospitality. For as long as the redhead could remember, she had never had a bad meal at the pub, even before she became close friends with Gray and Mitchell. What she did know, however, was that she couldn't eat another thing before they inevitably moved to the bar for a couple more drinks, sharing stories, laughing and joking as if Aeryn hadn't been away from them. This is what she liked, to be reminded of the good times, to take some time out from her busy life, and her friends had made sure it had happened.

By the time the scientist returned to her room, albeit a little tipsy, Whiskers had made himself comfortable at the top of the bed, looking up at his owner, who promptly petted him before she undressed and put on her pyjamas. Sliding under the bed covers, Aeryn got herself comfortable, intending to read until she noticed that she had a message. Picking up her PADD, Aeryn accessed her messages, her eyes becoming brighter when she realised who it was from.

[Hey Aeryn,
I hear from a good source that you're back in Grasmere, which is perfect timing, as we're planning on playing at the Cauldron at the end of the week. No doubt we've got lots to catch up on, and I'm sure we can also persuade you to join in on a song or two.
See you in a few days
Rayna]

Rayna Miren was another old friend, and by extension, so was the rest of RavenWolf, the band Rayna had started as a hobby and who had persuaded Aeryn to help out one summer during her second year at the Academy. Aeryn also didn't have to guess too much as to who the good source was, and if this meant that she got to see them during her stay, then she was all for it. With that in mind, Aeryn quickly wrote back before she settled down to read.