chat with Richard

Posted on Sat Oct 22nd, 2022 @ 7:28am by Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: The Lost Brother
Location: Counsellor’s Office
Timeline: After Sky’s 24 hrs in the brig

Richard cleared his throat as he stood in the open door to Sky's office. He had no idea if she had time to talk to him at the moment. But he had some moments of free time and he was a man who did not do well with doing nothing.

“Sir?” Sky smiled as she turned to look at Richard. “Please come on in.”

"Thank you, ma'am. And off duty it is just Richard." He smiled at her and sat down. "How are you doing?"

Sky offered a warmer smile as she walked over to one of the chairs, motioning Richard to sit as well. “I’m fine, thank you Richard. Can I get you anything?”

"Some strong coffee would be nice." He said as he sat down. "I really want to thank you for doing all you can for my son. Please know that you have my full backing if it becomes needed."

Sky nodded as she headed over to the replicator. “Thank you, that means a lot. I just want to do what I can for Nick, to see him happy and on the road to recovery.” She walked back with a steaming cup of strong coffee placing it down on the coffee table before taking her seat.

"It will take time." Richard said. "The boy is not cut out to be a marine, but he does not want to give up. I certainly never pushed him on this path."

“He feels it’s his place, one way or another it’s Nick’s decision no matter how much any of us try and convince him otherwise.” Sky made herself more comfortable in her seat, then rested back. “I know none of this easy for any of the family, Tony is not just my senior officer she’s also a friend.”

"I am very glad to hear that. She has too few of those, my girl." Richard smiled. "And I know that about Nick. He has inherited all the wrong things from the Sorrel side of the family. Stubbornness being a large part of it. It is painful though to see him try so hard at something he doesn't want."

“I wish I could go into more detail with you, but as you know patient confidentiality has to come first.” Sky offered an apologetic smile. “As for Tony. She’s my best friend, though I don’t think I’ve actually told her that!”

He nodded. "I have seen a therapist myself." He admitted. "I know how it works and I am glad. If there is anything I can do to help you have to let me know. And I am glad for both Tony and you. I liked that she stood up for you."

“To be honest I wish Tony wouldn’t stick up for me” Sky smiled a wry smile. “It’s just putting her reputation on the line alongside mine.”

"Stop trying to persuade her. It won't help. He sighed. I have avoided talking to my wife because I still don't know what I will do. I covered for her but she went against my direct order to come here. Those women..." He shook his head.

Sky couldn’t help but grin. “As strong willed as each other, like mother like daughter as the saying goes.”

"Yes. So counsellor what would you do in my situation? Save my marriage or stick to the rules when it comes to my wife?" He said with a slight smile.

Sky paused. “To be honest I’ve always been one to follow rules, until now.” She smiled. “Your marriage is important, rules can be... flexible every now and then.”

He smiled. "I am usually already pretty flexible with rules. But you are right, I don't have it in me to come down too hard on her. And since I covered for her already... we will have a stern conversation though."

Sky nodded. “Of course, I’ll make sure that Nick is assigned the help he needs. I won’t let him leave here until I’m sure he’s going somewhere he’ll be safe.”

"Thank you. That means a lot. And that is not his grandfather at the moment. Mox loves the boy and would never intentionally harm him. But he has different goals for Nick. In the end it would not be good for him. Although I do not mind them having contact right now. If Nick wants to talk to him I am all for it." There was some hurt in his eyes that his son did not want to talk to him.

Sky could see and feel that it hurt. “I agree, I know Moxley means well but I don’t agree with Nick staying in the military. Don’t worry he’ll come round eventually, he knows deep down that you all love him.”

"I know." Richard said softly. "I know he needs to do what is best for him right now. And for some reason he still thinks it will hurt me if he doesn't stay a marine. Hell for my part he becomes a prima ballerina and I would still be proud of him."

“Have you told Nick that?” Sky looked at Richard curiously. “It’s something he needs to hear.”

"I have told him in the past. And he doesn't want to see me now, and I am respecting his wishes however hard that is for me."

Sky nodded. “Leave it with me, I’ll talk to Nick. Maybe he’ll listen.”

"Thank you, I appreciate it. If you ever need a favor you can always contact me."

“Thank you Richard, I appreciate that” Sky smiled warmly. “I’ll remember that if it’s needed.”

"Right." He took a deep breath. "I think it is time I talked with my chief of staff finally."

Sky nodded. “Well it’s been nice talking with you Sir... Richard” She grinned.

"Likewise." Richard smiled and then let himself out.

{OFF}