=/\= Starbase Unity =/\=
“Like that’s ever stopped you.” He said, eyeing her carefully. “You have a clothes addiction that cannot be controlled.”
Sarah grinned. “I’m like that too. I love to try on new clothes and stuff.”
"My problem is I make him buy them after I try them on." She said with a soft smile. The conversation with Sarah seemed to be going alright so far, making her more comfortable with Richard's daughter. When the lift finally did stop, she gave Richard a warm smile, then the same for Sarah before Richard and Chloe led her to their quarters.
Sarah followed them down the corridor. “So you’ve softened my dad up, have you?” She asked. “What about his annoying habit of going into combat when he shouldn’t? You stopped him doing that yet?”
"No, I haven't." She said, giving Richard a sharp look. It was something that still annoyed her. It was one of the things that still really bothered her. Of all the bothersome habits he had to have, that was the only one that really struck a nerve on her. That was obvious in her tone and expression.
“Uncle Patrick has been trying to keep Dad out of combat since he made Colonel, but he always finds ways of being involed.” Sarah said.
Richard meanwhile, was wearing an expression of pent up anger. A vein was pulsing on the side of his head, and he was deliberately walking faster than the women. He’d let go of Chloe’s hand and was a good distance away from them.
When Richard let go of her hand to walk ahead she knew that he was upset. She gave a soft sigh, she shouldn't of let him know how it still bothered her. It hadn't been the time or place. Chloe's hands went behind her back, softly clasping together. Giving a nod to Sarah's words, she started to realize that Richard's almost always companion Patrick seemed to have a long history with them.
"It won't happen." Chloe said softly after Richard had gained some distance away from them.
“It should.” Sarah said to Chloe. “He’s not as young as he thinks he is, and he’s going to get himself hurt or killed. On the last mission he did on
"I am well aware of that, Sarah. We both met on the
Chloe was thankful that they had caught up to Richard who was waiting for them at the door to their quarters. Sarah had only voiced something she knew well enough, but the fact that she had voiced it only made Chloe loose some of her cool. Sarah surely was well aware that he wouldn't stop going on missions unless he physically couldn't. And Chloe wasn't going to stop him either, she knew it was apart of him, even if she wasn't so fond of that part of him.
Chloe's cool was temporarily lost, and she wouldn't look at either Richard or Sarah when they arrived in front of her's and Richard's quarters.
The door opened and they entered the shared quarters. Richard walked on purposefully, and showed Sarah the spare room. He then disappeared off into his private study, closing the door behind him.
Chloe watched Richard's movements very carefully, but decided to let him cool off for some time before she went to talk to him. "How long do you plan on staying with us?" Chloe asked as she leaned on the doorway of the guestroom.
“A few days.” She said, as she tossed her bag on the bed. “I’ll stay for the wedding, and then head off after. Dad won’t want me around after the wedding.”
"Why do you say that, hon?" Chloe asked curious. She didn't want his daughter to feel like she was unwanted, even after the very awkward situation moments ago.
“That situation we just had, isn’t new.” She said. “He’s gone in his study, hasn’t he?”
Chloe didn't answer, she already knew. After some silence, she finally spoke. "Yes, he did."
“He’s going to be in there, brooding.” Sarah said, opening her duffle up and starting to take out clothes. “Uncle Pat and I have been fighting him for five years to act his rank. Unfortunately for uncle Pat, he’s still Dad’s subordinate, so if Dad says drop it, he has to. I however, was not bound by his rank, and I went to his last CO.”
"You shouldn't of done that, Sarah." Chloe knew very well that being active was apart of him. She would tell him that she didn't like it, but she wouldn't stop him. "It's part of him and you can't take it away."
“His own subordinates disapprove. Why do you think they send him staff who can do his job for him. They’ve given up trying to reign him in, but I wanted to try. I’d only just got my Dad back, and I went to Admiral Sha`mer, and Dad found out. He was furious. Sent me back to my grandparents.” Sarah said, sulking a bit.
"Your not an officer, Sarah. You don't have that strong *need* to be active." She told her, trying to help her understand. If Richard told her to stop being active, she would be upset just as he was now.
“But he’s my dad!” Sarah said, in a tone that sounded exactly like her father. “They made him a General so that they could keep him in an office! Its not his job anymore!”
=/\= To be continued… =/\=
MGen. Richard Sharpe
MEF CO
2Lt Chloe Merau
Pilot
