From: Minouu <minouu@aol.com>
Date: 12 Nov 1998 03:18:58 GMT
Subject: Corrected post:  "Whitecaps" (1/1) by Danielle

Title:  "Whitecaps"
Author:  Danielle (Minouu@aol.com)
Rating:  PG
Category: V
Spoilers:  Beyond the Sea, Fifth Season
Disclaimer:  Not mine, his.
Archive:  Anywhere, just ask me first.
Acknowledgements:  Thanks to Shari and Gwen, my betas, for their 
eyes and encouragement!
Feedback:  Always appreciated.
Note:  Thank you, Veterans, for your service and honor to our country.  
You gave what most of us could not.

~~~~~

I reached the end of the pier and stood, facing the water.  The wind was up, 
and the waves had whitecaps that reminded me of candies my grandmother 
used to keep in a dish on her coffee table.

I let go of the breath that I didn't realize I was holding.  So many
memories...

"Hello, Ahab."

I suppose if I was superstitious, I would attribute the sudden increase of 
wind as a response, but I don't.  I know my father is in Heaven looking 
down on me, and not floating about as a gust of sea spray.

How do I know? 

Because he was my father.

I started coming to this pier every Veteran's Day after Ahab died.  
The first year, I was bitter and angry at Mom for denying him a spot at
Arlington.
The second -- or was it the third? -- year, I realized that I was just annoyed 
because November can be so damn cold.  The fourth year I cried, but the 
tears were almost ones of anticipation.  I thought I would see my father soon.
Now, as I stand on this proxy graveyard, I know that our reunion has been
postponed for the time-being.  But a renewed dedication to my work -- a 
choice that Ahab abhorred -- has, ironically, brought me closer to him.  I now
know with a new clarity what drove him back to his precious ocean, tethered
him to his ships.  

"I understand, Ahab.  I know why you always had to leave us.  It was your 
duty.  You felt the calling from within the marrow of your bones.  You knew 
that it was your path.  You left us to save us."

And I left what you gave me to save others.  But in the end, it may be 
myself I rescue.

I turn around.  

"I wish I had known him."

My lips curl into an almost non-existent, rueful smile as I give the sea one 
last appraisal.  "Don't worry, Mulder, he knows all about you.  Let's go."

He must have heard the approval in my voice, for he took my hand and 
said, "I'm glad, Scully." 

I could feel his warmth all the way to my toes.  I gave his fingers a little 
squeeze and motioned with my eyes.  He didn't let go as we walked back 
to the car, and I knew that Ahab would approve.

Why?

Because he was my father.

END

Happy Veteran's Day...