Chapter 4

Later that evening, right before dinner, Deanna and Will came home together. Lily was sitting on the couch nearby reading a book while Emmy and Cadean were playing a card came. Will and Deanna both looked beat it had been a very long day.

"Hi honey, how are the kids? They didn't give you any problems did they?"

"No dad they were fine. I had to tell them a story before they did their homework but it worked. Emmy is starting multiplication and Cadean is learning how to read words. How was work?"

"It was a very exhausting day the crew are becoming homesick. I can't tell you how many people showed up at my office today missing home."

"Well we have been out here for nearly eight years; maybe it's time to have some shore leave. Perhaps after this mission Starfleet will allow the crew to relax for a few weeks. The Titan will be getting the new armor shielding soon if its okayed by Starfleet we can take shore leave then."

"Shore leave daddy!"

Cadean comes running out of his room tossing the cards all around the floor. Emmy soon runs after him.

"Cadean you didn't finish the game and I was winning."

"Are we really going to go on, a real vacation, this year and not have a holodeck vacation?"

"If Starfleet agrees we could go while they're updating the shields."

"Oh mommy I want to go to the beach any beach to see dolphins and whales can we daddy please, please, please."

Cadean begs bringing a smile to his sisters as well as his parents faces.

Lily closes her book and smiles. It would be nice to go on a real vacation she's almost forgotten what it felt like.

"Cadean, don't beg mom and dad they have to make sure we can go first."

"She's right Cadean, your father and I have to get the okay from Starfleet. Why don't you go and help your sister clean up the cards in your room and by the time you are done dinner will be ready."

The children go and put their things away as Deanna and Will both share a yawn. It had been a very long day indeed.

TBC…Chapter 5