Archive of Our Own ^beta

Aboard the Prodigy, the crew was attempting to train. “Captain” Gwyn was doing a great job leading the crew, even if it hurt him a little bit. Dal still feels like he’s useless to the crew. He watched as Gwyn confidently gave orders, the crew responding to her with a level of trust and admiration that made his heart ache with pride and envy.

Secretly, he wanted to be the captain they needed, but sometimes he felt like he was just in the way. In no way shape or form did he blame Gwyn for any of that. In his opinion, Gwyn did a significantly better job as a captain than he ever did. He was so proud of her, for whatever that was worth to her. The downside of that was feeling useless, and replaceable. It made him feel like more of a loser than he already was.

Unfortunately, today was never a good day for him. Today was Dal’s birthday.

Birthdays had never been a cause for celebration in his life. Most of the time, he was doing hard labor for his birthday. Last year, his birthday was during the whole ‘Gwyn nearly gets phased out of existence’ debacle. The year before that was when he found out he was an augment. In short, his birthdays normally brought something bad. His normal birthday cake he had normally was the Nutri-goo, back on Tars Lamora. Growing up in the detention center on Tars Lamora, they had been just another reminder of his captivity. He’d rather this day just.. pass. It was nearing the end of the day for them and him. anyway.

But, now, aboard the Protostar. He had hoped, for once, that things in his life might be starting to look up. He had a newfound group of friends, people who he considered family. He also had... whatever he and Gwyn were. He didn’t want to.. push his luck. He got so lucky with his friends, accepting who he is. He didn’t want to mess that up.

His foot tapped uncomfortably on the floor, as he manned his station.

“Dal. You okay?” Gwyn asked, worriedly.

Dal sighed. “Yeah, I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. Just thinking about... stuff.”

Gwyn looked to Jankom, who just shrugged.

“If it is alright with you guys, I think I am gonna head to bed.”

“Of course, we will keep things running up here,” Rok said, cheerfully.

Dal walked out of the bridge, to his bunk. He opened the door to find his room messy and disorganized, with clothes strewn over the place. He ignored it as he made his way to his bed, telling himself ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ the same way he had for the past 3 months. He collapsed into bed, attempting to get a wink of sleep

On the bridge, Gwyn was concerned about Dal. It wasn’t like him to go slinking off like that.

“Hey, does anyone know what was wrong with Dal?” she asks.

“Indeed. Something seems to bother him,” Maj’el states, her brow furrowed just slightly.

Zero rocks on their feet. A little hesitantly, they reply, “Ah. Well. It is his birthday today.”

“It’s his birthday, and we forgot it?? Wait. How do you know it’s his birthday?” Gwyn exclaims.

“Well. He didn’t exactly want us to know. It is a.. sore spot, for him, and to answer your second question…” Zero pauses and continues a little guiltily, “I may have read his mind.”

“Well... What should we do?” Rok asks.

“Let’s give him a birthday party!” Gwyn declares. 

“That is logical,” Maj’el stated.

“Alright. Jankom, Rok, and Murf you set up the mess hall for celebrations. Zero, Maj’el, I want you two to set up table games.”

“What will you do Gwyn?” Rok asks. 

“I’m gonna bake him a cake.” 

They all reported to their respective posts. Rok and Jankom made their way to the mess hall and began to replicate the things they needed. The mess hall quickly transformed into a festive space. Rok-Tahk and Jankom Pog replicated streamers and decorations that filled the room with a cheerful atmosphere, while Murf stretched himself, hanging the decorations.

--line break--

Gwyn went down to the galley. What cake would Dal like? She looked through his records. 

“Nothing Dal? You don’t like anything?” Gwyn muttered.

She tried remembering if he liked anything. She knew he had a favorite.

Her mind drifted back to Tars Lamora.

“Share some of those honey lychees and I’ll tell you stories that’ll make you feel like you’re living amongst the stars.”

Gwyn smiled at that memory. It was amusing to see Dal eat out of a bowl without any of his hands.

Wait. Honey Lychees. That’s it!

She began to replicate Honey Lychees, to make what she hoped to be a good cake.

In another part of the ship, Zero and Maj’el set up a few table games, creating a mini arcade of sorts. They arranged holographic games and classic board games, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. Even 3D Chess was able to be played. 

"I think you’ve outdone yourself with these holograms," Zero said, a hint of admiration in their voice. "The graphics are incredibly lifelike."

Maj’el raised an eyebrow, her expression calm and composed. "It is only logical to ensure that the simulations provide a realistic experience. Efficiency and attention to detail are crucial.”

Zero paused, their usually calculated movements growing momentarily uncertain. "I appreciate your dedication, Maj’el. It’s truly wonderful to spend time with you outside of our usual duties.”

Maj’el looked up from her work, her gaze analytical, but with a softness reserved only for Zero. "Indeed, Zero. Engaging in recreational activities can enhance crew morale and promote cohesion."

Zero floated closer, gently taking Maj’el’s hand in theirs. "I also enjoy these moments because it means spending time with you," they said softly.

Maj’el’s usually composed demeanor softened further as she looked into Zero’s optics.

"I, too, find our time together to be... gratifying. It is a source of emotional satisfaction."

Gwyn came through the door with a red-looking cake, with fruit on top of it.

“I got it!” Gwyn yelled.

Rok looked confused. “What’s that?”

“It’s a honey lychee cake! I think. Anyway, I also got ice cream, and whipped cream.”

“Jankom Pog agrees with more snacks,” Jankom said, as he rubbed his hands.

The group chuckled at his antics.

Gwyn then raised her voice, “Alright, listen up. I am gonna get Dal, the rest of you get set up for the party.”

The group nods and goes back to socializing and setting up.

Gwyn walked up to his quarters. She knocked on his door.

“Dal? You awake?”

She heard a muffled, “Yeah.”

She smiled. “Can I come in?”

She heard another yell, “Yeah.”

Gwyn entered, finding Dal lying on his bed, looking groggy. "What's up?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

"There's something I need to show you in the mess hall," she said, trying to keep her excitement in check.

Dal frowned, puzzled. "Is everything okay?"

"Just trust me," Gwyn replied, offering her hand to help him up. "Come on."

Dal took her hand, letting her pull him to his feet. As they walked down the corridor, Gwyn slipped her hand into his and held it. “So. What’s in the mess hall?”

Gwyn smiled, knowingly. “What? The mighty Dal R’El isn’t up for an adventure?”

He defended himself. “What! No! All I’m saying is I don’t know how much of an adventure us going to the mess hall would be..”

Gwyn smiled. “Well, are you ready?”

Dal nodded. “I mean. I guess.”

The lights were off as the two walked in.

Then the lights flew on.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAL” The group yelled.

Dal’s eyes widened. “What’s all this?”

Gwyn smiled, squeezing his hand. “It’s your birthday Dal. We wanted you to have a special day.”

Dal looked at his friends, his heart about to explode. “Thank you guys. I…”. He paused. “Words cannot describe how much this means to me.”

Murf wrapped around him and Iohugged him tightly. When Murf let go, he trilled at Dal, smiling.

Gwyn smiled. “Of course. Now come on. I gotta go beat you at 3D Chess.”

Dal smiled and was pulled away with Gwyn.

Suddenly, Holo-Janeway appeared, joining the fun. "I hope I'm not too late for the celebration!" she said with a warm smile.

Dal laughed. "You came right in time.”

Holo-Janeway approached Dal with a thoughtful look. "Dal, I've seen many cadets in my time, but none quite like you. Your bravery and leadership inspire everyone around you. Today, we celebrate not just your birthday, but the amazing person you are."

Dal smiled. "Thanks, Janeway. That means a lot."

"Now," Holo-Janeway continued with a playful grin, "I believe there's a 3D Chess game waiting. Care for a match, or should I let Gwyn have the first shot?"

Gwyn smirked. "I think I'll take the first shot, Janeway."

Holo-Janeway nodded. "Very well. But I expect a challenge from you later, Dal."

Holo-Janeway watched with a contented smile, proud of the crew she had come to see as family. They’ve done so well in the limited amount of time they had. She was so proud of them.

After getting beat by Gwyn, Dal noticed a beautifully decorated honey lychee cake on the table. "Is that...?"

"Your favorite," Gwyn confirmed, smiling.

Dal took a slice, savoring the taste. "This is amazing," he said with a mouthful of cake. "You guys went all out."

Gwyn laughed. "Only the best for you, Dal.”

After the party died down, the majority of the crew left the mess hall. The two who remained were Dal and Gwyn. The two were holding each other close.

Dal looked at her. “Gwyn?”

Gwyn smiled at him. “Yeah?”

Dal started, “Thank you. For all of this. I.. I truly appreciate it.”

Gwyn smiled. “Of course. You are important to all of us. Especially me.”

Dal blushed.

“Speaking of,” Gwyn continued. “I have a gift for you.”

She pulled out a small box with wrapping paper and a bow on it.

“What is it?” Dal asked.

“Well, you are supposed to open it to find out.” Gwyn teased.

Dal opened the gift. Inside was a model of the Protostar.

“That isn’t just any Protostar model. This is the same one that was aboard the Protostar itself.” Gwyn smiled.

“What? How! It got blown up.” Dal said, confused.

“Well, remember that whole time loop with the Protostar? I may.. have taken it off Captain Chakotay’s desk.”

Dal laughed hard. “You stole the model Gwyn? I may have been a bad influence on you.”

Gwyn laughed with him. “A terrible influence. Besides. You are one of the most important people in my life, and I wanted you to know that.”

Dal blushed furiously. “I.. don’t know what to say.”

Gwyn smiled. “How about.. ‘Thank you, Gwyn, you are amazing’”.

“You ARE amazing. Thank you, Gwyn. This means.. so much to me.”

They leaned in, sharing a gentle kiss.

Yeah. This was the best birthday ever.