Goodbye from a Reasonably Safe Distance

Posted on 04 Oct 2017 @ 9:09pm by Lieutenant JG Olivia Matthews

324 words; about a 2 minute read

ON:

Olivia sat at her computer console, contemplating what to write. The messages to her two best friends had been easy; she had completed those quickly. The one to her father was a different story. Her father was not an effusive or emotionally available man, something that she had learned from him from an early age. However, given that her mission to Ryn was probably the most dangerous of the missions she had been part of so far, she felt that it was necessary to at least leave something for him. She raised her fingers and rubbed her temples; this emotional labor was giving her a headache. Sighing, she leaned back in her chair. “Computer,” she commanded, “begin personal log.”

“Hi Dad,” Olivia began. “If you are getting this message, I think you’ll already know the reason behind it. But, just in case you missed any of the official notifications, it means my mission on the planet, Ryn, was my last. To tell the truth, even with how dangerous it was, I couldn’t pass it up. There was a chance to unearth something never before seen by any other races. How could I refuse? I don’t think either of us really thought my job would be a very dangerous one; I’m an anthropologist after all. I’m supposed to study cultures from a reasonably safe distance.” Olivia sighed. “I guess that’s a pretty good descriptor of our relationship. Reasonably safe distance.” She paused. “I learned it was because you took mom’s death so hard and I can’t honestly say that I don’t wish things could have been….different. I learned so many things from watching you, dad. Thank you for teaching me, even if you weren’t aware you were. I love you.” Olivia thought for a moment, then pressed her lips firmly together in determination. “Computer, end log.”

OFF

Lieutenant JG Olivia Matthews
Personal Log

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