Attempting to Make Amends

Posted on Sat Jan 9th, 2021 @ 7:27am by Linza (Lin) Esni

Mission: Enforced Intermission
Location: Earth Surface - Bence Esni Home

It'd been a long time, years upon years, since Linza had seen any of her family. Before she even had left, they were not on good terms. She'd been the only one in Starfleet, however, no one in her family liked where her life was going. It wasn't that they disliked Starfleet, as they were proud of her when she joined.

No, it was everything they heard after. They had all but disowned her at this point. However, hearing what was happening and hearing that Linza was back, her older brother, Bence, had reached out. When Linza got the message, she wasn't expecting it to be a fun time. The last time they'd spoken, it had been an argument.

She had no idea what was even going on with any of her family, as she'd cut all ties she could when she left. How Bence had even heard she was back was beyond her. But, with Starfleet off her back, she could at least travel without looking over her shoulder. She knew her reputation, so if she did wander Starfleet grounds, she was likely to get some looks, even in uniform...with no pips.

That didn't bother her. She hadn't earned the right to have a rank again. She was thankful for the Captain for giving her a chance.

---

Finally spotting her brother's home ahead of her, Linza let out a soft sigh as she walked towards the house. She didn't get far as she saw her brother waiting there. She couldn't even tell by the look on his face what he was thinking. But, she'd decided to wear the uniform she was given, which likely confused him even more.

"Lin," Bance finally stated as she got close enough for her to hear.

"Hi, Bance. Long time."

"That it has been, sis. Rumors were floating around about so many different things. But you daring to show your face here again surprised me. Didn't think you'd dare to do that after the stunt you pulled at Starfleet." He looked her up and down, "And back in uniform? Stolen most likely to blend in."

Linza kept her cool, but knew this was what her family thought of her. "I don't know what rumors were spread while I was gone, Bance. I know I screwed up and the family doesn't trust me anymore. But this uniform? It is legit. I'm not on the run from Starfleet anymore." She pulled her hair away from her collar, showing no pips. "No rank, just civilian in the security department on the ship that rescued me from almost being killed."

Tiana appeared through Bance's door. The one person Lin was hoping to not face was her older sister. She hated being the baby in the family enough as it was, but now this?

"Linza in a uniform, now that is an unplanned sight. Been a long while since we heard or saw you. When Bance told me you were coming,"

Lin put up a hand. "I know, you had to see if it was true. Look, I know neither of you respect me anymore, and I get it. I deserve this treatment. I screwed things up, not only with the family, but a lot of my life. Took nearly being killed by someone I trusted and being rescued by Starfleet for me to realize what I'd done."

Tiana rolled her eyes. "Look, sis, of course we don't trust you. You took a lot from this family, both when you did that thing with Starfleet, your reputation, and what you actually took."

"What I took was lost in an explosion. I'd kept it all with me but then the ship was lost. I was planning to bring it all back. Nearly everyone on the ship lost all of their personal items. I'm sorry."

Scoffing, Bance stood against a post on his porch. Lin was still at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at both of them. He finally spoke again. "So I guess you're expecting us all to just make up and be a family again, is that it?"

Linza shook her head. "No, not at all. But I had hoped to at least talk before the ship headed out. We're going to the Delta Quadrant, and don't know when we'll be back."

Tiana glanced to Bance. "Delta Quadrant, really? Jeez, they are sending you out far. Sure it isn't a punishment ship where they send all the bad ones?"

"No, the captain gave me a choice. She could have handed me over to two different securities to face my punishments. Instead, she's taking a chance on me. I nearly lost my life and it makes you rethink things. I want to make something of the time I have left in my life."

"Linza, you lost all of our respect years ago, you know this. Even before you lost your commission. I didn't mind seeing you again, but there are some wounds you just can't fix."

Bance's words ran deep. "I'm not asking for an instant fix, Bance. I know I lost the family's respect. I'm not saying I'm going to be perfect either. But, I'm trying to change. I've changed a lot even since you last saw me. Since that ship picked me up. I'm just asking for the willingness to talk when we have the time. Or that you'd read what I write to you two if I am able.

I don't plan on you forgiving me right now. Honestly, I was surprised you even let me come talk."

Sighing, Bance rubbed his forehead and looked to Tiana. "She is our sister."

"I know, Bance, I know." Tiana looked to Linza again. "This could take years, Lin. Though, hearing you are alive and safe...I figured we'd hear you were dead somewhere after doing who knows what. Just...give us time."

Nodding, Lin knew that was what was coming. Though, she hadn't originally expected this long of a conversation. "I know. I don't mind time. I'll give you all the time you need."