Next of Kin

Posted on Wed Nov 30th, 2022 @ 11:51am by Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Traitor amongst us?
Location: guest quarters

Soran stood outside the guest quarters and hit the chime, this was the worst part of the job. It was hard enough when he wasn't familiar the family, but when it was his own kin…

Sky stood alongside Soran, in this close a proximity she could feel the emotions he was keeping under tight control. “You know the family better than I do, you talk and I’ll support.”

Aleck opened the door and smiled at the young man she regarded as one of the family. She had met the counsellor of course talking about Nick but did not know her well. "Ren come in. This is a surprise."

"Yes Aleck, I believe you've met Counselor Jansen Can we come in." Soran spoke in a formal tone.

"Of course." She said waving them in. "Can I get you both anything?"

Sky offered a warm smile as she entered. “Nothing for me, but thank you for asking.”

"You Ren?" Aleck kept pushing away the thought that a counsellor coming to her cabin could not be good news.

"Why are you here?"

Sky looked towards Soran, then back at Aleck. “We have some news for you.”

"If you are here, it can't be good news, counsellor."

“Let’s just say it’s... sensitive news” Sky offered a warm smile.

"Not good." Aleck muttered and looked at Ren for an explination.

"No, it isn't, Soran said. "Let's sit down... Sky please get us some tea from the replicator."

Soran stepped into the room and moved towards the seats in the living area.

Aleck took a seat. "Please don't drag it out any longer. If it is bad news I need to know."

Sky walked across to the replicator, checking for Aleck’s usual preference in the replicator database she replicated hers first before replicating Soran’s. She brought herself a ginger tea, good for settling her own stomach. She brought it all across on a tray, settling it on the coffee table she placed the mugs in-front of the right people before she took a seat herself.

"Your family on Earth was attacked your mother and one of your nieces are dead Your father your brother Peter and his husband are in critical condition." Soran said in even tone.

Aleck was glad she was sitting down. It took her almost a minute before she spoke. "Are you sure? All of them?"

Sky nodded. “I’m afraid so. I’m sorry.”

"Dear god..." Aleck rubbed her eyes. "Do they know who, how? Prognosis on those still alive?"

"I'll give you intel as I get it," Soran said in a professional manner.

"I should really go to earth and be there for them. And take care of Pete's other children."

"That will probably be the plan at the moment I'm waiting to hear from Admiral Bryce." Soran said. "We have to be smart and your safety is the top priority right now."

Sky nodded in agreement as she paused sipping her ginger tea. “Last thing we need is anyone else out in danger, right now you’re safer here aboard ship.”

"Lieutenant." Aleck said. "I am a combat marine, it's my job usually to protect others. That does not make me an innocent bystander. They may need someone back on earth who has knowledge of this feud and who knows my family well. I agree to keep Richard here safe, he is a general and can't be risked. I want to keep my kids safe. So the logical choice to put into danger is me. I did not join the marines to sit on my arse and be guarded when I can make a difference." She said in a calm manner.

"Nobody should go anywhere until we can determine safe travel, the captain and I are working on that now. Please don't do anything stupid Aleck!" Soran said in a slighty raised voice.

She raised an eyebrow. "When have you ever see me do something stupid, Ren?"

"Commandeering marine resources and personnel without superior's authorization to run off and look for your family members is generally considered unwise." He gave her a pointed look. "The resolution is about to begin an evacuation mission all of our shuttles are necessary equipment. If any of them were to be taken it would jeopardize hundreds of lives, the captain and I are doing everything in our power to get you back to Earth as soon as possible, Don't do anything stupid Aleck."

"Hm, you have a point there." She gave in to him. "I would not want to endanger the rescue of civilians. I will wait, but I need to be kept in the loop and be able to talk to my family as soon as they are able to."

Sky gave Soran a relieved smile and a nod, she’d know if Aleck was lying. “That’s a promise. Tony isn’t taking this very well at all, so right now we need to concentrate on looking out for her.”

"She is the shrink in the family but I have a sneaking feeling she is not looking after her own mental health as well as she has done for others." Aleck said. "Please take care of her, Sky. She needs her friends and family now more than ever."

Sky nodded. “I will as long as Tony lets me, She’s has quite a strong willed personality. Tony is my best friend so I’m not going to give up on her.”

"She has inherited the Sorrel temper and her father's dutch stubborness." Aleck snorted. "But when she starts shouting it is often hiding fear. Let her cool of and try again."

Sky nodded. “Thank you I will.” She didn’t mention that she’d already sedated Tony, she wanted it to be a private matter.

"Wait till she figures out cause a level two security lock on her quarters," Soran said. "She might be angry enough with me to forgive you, just to have an ally."

Sky offered a slight nod of her head, she was dreading Tony waking up and being angry with her.

"You know you are playing with fire, Ren." Aleck said shaking her head. "I remember her rages at you when you were both a lot younger."

"If she doesn't have the presence of mind to use her command override; she's a danger to herself and needs to stay in her quarters. If she uses her override I'll be notified that she's left her quarters." Soran explained. "I stand by my decision and I won't apologize. She can deal with it."

"Good luck." Aleck said. "I will keep my first aid kit ready in case you need it."

"I will leave you to your thoughts," Soran smiled. "I'll see to Tony, we'll settle our disputes our own."

Sky nodded politely as she stood to leave with Soran. She was glad Aleck had taken the news easier than Tony. Now it was just Tony to check in on later.

{OFF}