=/\= Starbase Unity =/\=
Richard entered the sitting room, tugging his jacket down, straightening his ribbons and looking at himself in the mirror, admiring the effect his uniform gave off. With two stars on both shoulders, he felt impressive. Turning to look at Chloe, he couldn’t help but be aroused at her wearing that snug fitting jump suit. “Ready?” He asked.
"As ready as I can be." She said looking up as she closed the old fashioned book setting it on the coffee table. She gave him a once over look as she stood up. Moving to him, she tweaked one of the ribbons on his chest that he hadn't noticed that was out of place. "Better."
Richard took Chloe’s hand, and together they walked out of their quarters and down the corridor. “I’m looking forward to this.” He said, grinning.
"When was the last time you saw her?" Chloe asked as they walked into a turbolift. She knew that Sarah had grown up with her grandparents mostly.
“Two years ago, on Trilista Colony.” He said. “She’s been living with her lover for the past year though.”
"I think you mentioned before that she's not straight. But she seems so young to be in a serious relationship." She mentioned as the lift started to move them down.
“Happens whenever, really.” He said, as they stood in the lift.
"Not that I was much older, only by a few years, when I met you." She said in agreement with him. The turbolift doors opened, keeping her hand in his as they walked down the corridor to the correct docking port. There was already a small crowd of people there, like Richard and Chloe, waiting for people they knew to disembark.
Sarah Sharpe made her way off the ship, carrying with her, her duffle bag as she walked down the airlock tunnel. She was looking forward to seeing her father again, after nearly 2 years of him being on active service. She was secretly thrilled that he’d found someone, but at the same time, very sad that he’d replaced mom with someone else.
As she made her way out, she spotted her father standing at the back, holding hands with… someone who didn’t look much older than herself! Was that Chloe?! “Daddy!” She exclaimed, running at him and hugging him tightly.
Richard hugged Sarah back, smiling; “oooh my little girl!” He said, holding her tight. After a moment, he released her and turned towards Chloe. “Sarah, this is my fiancée, Chloe Merau.”
When Sarah's arms went around her father, she dropped Richard's hand allowing him to properly hug his daughter. She kept a warm smile on her face. Indeed, Sarah didn't seem much younger than she was, but again it wasn't an issue between her and Richard. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sarah. I've heard so much about you." Chloe was a very friendly person, so it wasn't hard to meet Sarah, but the fact that there could be some strain, she was still very unsure again.
Sarah walked over to Chloe and put her arms around her. “Its nice to finally meet you too.” She said. “The woman who stole my father’s heart.”
Chloe wanted to tence at first when Sarah's arms went around her, but she quickly relaxed returning the heart. "It wasn't something easy to steal." She said after she moved from the hug.
“I’m sure.” Sarah said. “Dad’s been like a marble statue since mom died.” She said. “Or at least, that’s what I’ve been told.”
"He was very much like that when I met him." Chloe said, somewhat awkwardly. She didn't want to cross in to an uncomfortable topic. "How was your trip here?" She asked, trying to change the topic.
“Uneventful.” Sarah said, as the three of them moved away from the airlock. Richard was taking the sensible course of action where women were concerned, something he’d learned a long time ago, keep his mouth shut.
“The Westmoreland is a better ship to travel on than the last few I’ve been on.” Sarah continued. “I think they call it a Nebula class, this one retrofitted for transporting people in reasonable comfort. The crew call her the Westland Bus Service.”
"Yes, I've heard it called that." She said with a smile as she slid her hand back into Richards. "Would you like us to show you around the station, or would you rather head back up to our quarters? We have the spare room set up for you."
“I’ll trawl the shops later with Dad’s credit card.” Sarah chuckled, teasingly. Richard’s hand tensed in Chloe’s, wondering how his poor pay account could cope with two women.
Starting to lead the way back to her's and Richard's quarters, she gave a soft laugh. "I tend to do that too.... just I make him come with me." She said, too teasing Richard when she felt his hand tence around hers. She gave him a soft reassuring squeeze.
“Oh, you are mean. Daddy hates shopping.” Sarah smiled. “I remember him following me around on Trilista, and how much he hated it. He’d make Uncle Patrick take me, but that was foolish, as Uncle Patrick is such a softie.”
When they walked into the turbolift, she called for their deck before turning her attention to Sarah again. "It keeps me under some restrictions, then Im not tempted to buy as much." She said, looking to Richard because he had been silent for some time.
=/\= To be Continued… =/\=
MGen. Richard Sharpe
MEF CO
2Lt Chloe Merau
Pilot