Titan's Plague: The Trial by Tom Briggs (story reading .txt) 📕

* * *

Pati walked into her apartment and crashed on the couch. She had little to do after the ship inspection, and had stopped by the clinic for a gravity treatment. It was a little soon since her last visit, and she had to pay for it herself; however, she expected to return to Earth, and every bit helped.

The trolley ride back to her apartment was uneventful, and she had time to reflect on her situation. As long as Nancy kept going, Pati thought she’d be okay. She needed to ensure there would be no problems in her legal representation, and other than the issue with her husband, Nancy would be fine for now.

Nancy’s legal firm had another attorney working on the settlement with the McLears. Maybe that was someone Pati should visit, just to network a bit. She didn’t need to tell Nancy about it and wouldn’t have to apologize if she found out. All it would take was a message to that attorney to arrange a meeting. Of course, Pati would have to find out his or her name first.

“Recent messages,” Pati announced to the room. The screen to her front engaged with a listing of recent messages received. Only a single message had arrived since the morning.

“Play message,” she said.

The screen activated and displayed a small crowd of people. Her heart dropped when she saw the people, and a sign saying, “Pati, we miss you.” It brought an immediate tear to her eye.

“Hey Pati, we all wanted to say hello,” her mother said, from the left side of the crowd. She saw most of her family there and her dad on the other side of her mother. In between, she saw her two older brothers with their wives. There was her older sister with her husband. And, in the lower row, her seven nieces and nephews that weren’t being held by their moms. Behind them was the house she grew up in, and the grass looked as green as ever. And somehow it was a sunny day, too.

“We got the message you were done working on Titan, but ran into some difficulties,” her mom continued. “We wanted to send you this to cheer you up. Everyone’s doing well. Your Dad’s going to retire from fishing next year, although I think he’s already retired from working around the house.” She saw her Dad grimace as if struck by a blow, and then smile as if he’d caught a canary. “Tom’s got a new job in information systems, and Kevin bought a pub down by the water, so we’ve a good place to take you when you get home. Sarah finished medical school and is working in Killarney for now.”

Other than her Dad retiring, she already knew most of what her brothers and sister were doing with their lives. Most of that information was from mail messages, though, and it took on a stronger meaning hearing it from her mom.

“And since you’ve been gone, we’ve a few additions to the family.” Her mom walked over to the tallest child. He was a boy about twelve, which Pati knew for certain because that was definitely Tom’s son, Michael. Next to him was Kevin’s girl, Maureen, about eleven. Then there were Tom’s twins, Cathy and Christine, both five years old, and almost as cute as when they were two. The hardest part about leaving Earth was Christine wouldn't let her go when everyone saw her off at the Shannon spaceport. Did Christine even remember her?

“And this is Kevin’s oldest son, Kevin. You remember he was an infant when you left. And this is Sarah’s boy, Rhett, the one born when you were on your way to Saturn. And this is Kevin’s daughter, Shelly, she was born, if you remember, right after you got married.” Her mom stopped for a second, looked down and wiped her eyes. She looked back at the camera. “I’m still sorry everyone couldn’t be there for the wedding. I know the McLears were willing to pay for the trip, but not all of us could afford to leave Ireland for a whole year. I know you thought you were doing the right thing when you left, and, well, at the time we agreed with you. Anyway… here’s some new additions back here. Josie, come here.” Tom’s wife walked up with Jeffery, his not quite one-year-old son. Pati’s mom took him, and then reached over to Laura, Kevin’s wife, and took the three-month-old Rachael in her other arm.

“Here’s Jeffery and Rachael; we’re hoping they won’t be too much older when you get back to see them. They’re both big eaters, and will be much bigger, except I think they’ll be just as cute as they are now.”

Her mom gave the children back to their mothers. Her brothers were laughing and shaking their heads. Then everyone looked to their right, “Pati, I thought I’d include someone you used to know. Don’t get mad at him, it was my idea.” She waved to the person on her right to walk into the camera angle.

Even after three years, Pati had no problem recognizing Jerry. Tall for an Earthling, maybe two-meters full, he also had that thick head of black hair and blue eyes. Unlike some guys his age, he hadn’t put on weight, and those trousers fit him perfectly, as usual.

And three years ago, she would have shut off the message. Her life since then had been like rolling in a tumbling drier, and any hate she felt toward him had dried out like the water.

“Hi Pati,” he said. “It’s been a while. Just thought I’d tell you that if everything’s good, maybe we could meet up when you get back, talk about old times and stuff. Anyway, hope you have a good trip, here’s your mom again.” He stepped out of the camera angle, and her mom stepped forward.

“Well, I don’t want to hit you with a fire hose of emotions, Pati. I wanted everyone to let you know how much we miss you and we’re excited you’re coming back soon. If you need any help, don’t think it’s a bother. Love ya, goodbye.” The image faded.

Pati laid down on the couch, putting her arm over her eyes. She missed them, too, and the video was what she needed. Her eyes watered while she also smiled. They were the people in her life who would do anything they could for her, just because she was family. Why’d she ever leave?

She would immediately respond to her family. She would not, however, send a video. There was no way she could make it all the way through a video message without breaking down and sobbing.