A Good Lighter - Part One

Posted on Fri Mar 31st, 2023 @ 10:35am by Grand General Paul "Caveman" Antilles

Mission: Mission 120: All Along the Watchtowers - Part Two
Location: Various Locations - Antilles family home - Earth, SOL
Timeline: 0600Hrs - January 4th, 2394

Grand General Paul Antilles regarded his four remaining children as the five of them were sitting around the breakfast table. Today, Paul had the morning off, simply because he was now a single parent, raising several children alone. The five of them rose early, it was so Paul could ensure that they were all fed, watered and then off to school. All before he was to report in for duty. This was why he lived several hours outside of San Fransisco. It turned out that he was neighbours with Grand Admiral April Yamaguchi as she lived in the same city as him. They both lived in Canmore, Western Canada. This was a place that suited Paul just fine. He could simply change clothes, don hiking clothing and head out into the wilds. Places where he could feel more at home, rather than in the hustle and bustle of a city.

It was well known with Paul Antilles that he trained for at least an hour a day in the ways of the martial arts. It was something that he had done ever since he had been taken in by members of a Klingon house. It was something he had passed on to his small army of children. Some of whom had children of their own. He knew that sooner or later, someone would provide him with great-grandchildren. It was now only a question of whom and when.

Paul knew that his children could come to him for their various concerns. Be they large, or small. He always made time for his family. House Antilles was a vast one with many members. At times, it was a running joke as to who was related to who. Paul, himself, would often find this joke amusing at times. But at others, it would be exhausting. Today, he wanted to enjoy breakfast with his children before the insanity of the daily grind would take effect.

Paul looked around at the four children assembled. Each two of the four looked alike. Two had darker skin tones and the other two had lighter skin tones. Thanks to coming from two very different women. Michael and Patricia had often wondered about who their mother was. Paul had shared with them who Rorik Falcon was. He had believed that both of them had deserved to know the woman that their mother was. But he said that the two had simply parted ways over an issue that had gotten out of hand. Paul had decided to spare them the details that their mother had not wanted anything to do with them. But he had told them that she had wanted nothing to do with him.

Michael and Patricia had both had issues with this notion. Paul had tried to explain as best as he could to his children that even though their biological mother wasn't present. She still loved them, even though she had made it clear that she hated their father. In reality, however. Rorik had wanted nothing to do with either Paul or their children. But Paul would never dare share this news with either Michael or Patricia. It was a little white lie that Paul had spent years hoping would bring his children some peace.

The younger two had darker skin tones, mostly because their mother likewise, had a darker skin tone. Paul knew that all four of them had come to call Kerrie Antilles their mother. Paul would not begrudge these children this, nor would he question Kerries right to have his children call her their mother, even though she shared DNA with the two youngest.

Patricia looked more like her mother than she did her father. Any time Paul looked at her, he would see Rorik looking back at him. Michael had more in common with him, except he had medium brown hair rather than Paul's trademark black hair. The five of them were eating a pizza that had been replicated by Paul. He insisted that they eat meals together, as a family. It was something that all of his children agreed to, partly to process the departure of Kerrie. Paul was now alone, as both of his spouses had departed for their own reasons.

M'aotoke as she wanted children of her own. Paul did not begrudge her for wanting to leave. He had kissed her goodbye and then explained that she was welcome to return to him, at any time she desired.

Paul finished the slice of pizza in his hand, while he shifted his attention to William and Katrina. Both shared many of the looks of their mother. William was a dark-skinned version of his father, except with his mother's eyes. Katrina looked like Kerrie, except in child form. Paul missed Kerrie but he wished her well. He also said that she was welcome to return to him and their children. When her mission was complete.

Antilles hoped one day she would return. But he also would understand if she chose not to. Either way, he would wish her well.