Stout Hearts - Part Two

Posted on Sat Mar 7th, 2020 @ 2:17am by Lieutenant JG Rachael "Ripcord" Yamaguchi-Cullen & Commodore Korelii MacRae & Fleet Captain Torilla Yamaguchi & Saki Yamaguchi-Cullen

Mission: Mission 72: T'Would Ring the Bells of Heaven
Location: Various Locations - USS Courageous
Timeline: 1350Hrs - March 22nd, 2392

The Nine year old yawned softly as she spoke "Hey guys could you....Oh. I'm sorry I didn't know you had guests.." Saki spoke, suddenly turning a shade of beed red.

"No its okay Saki.. You feeling better?" Rachael Yamaguchi inquired of her, a gentle smile on her face.

Saki nodded before she did a curtsey while she faced Korelii McKnight. "Greetings Mi'lady. I am Saki Yamaguchi." she introduced herself.

Korelii regarded Saki with a measured look. "Hello... Saki I assume?" the tall female blinked, she had not expected this and neither had anyone else as she simply bowed back to the child, clearly unsure of what to do.

"Yes mom. I'm feeling better." Saki addressed Rachael who moved over. "Well come on over and join us..."

Saki did as she was asked when a massive German Shepherd came out of the bedroom after Saki, the dog was easily twice the childs height and several times the child mass but as far as Torilla knew. Grey Wind was roughly equal to Saki in weight. "This is Grey Wind. He's one of my two dogs, the other is presently asleep in the bedroom. Torilla explained the presence of the massive dog.

Grey Wind regarded the new person before him, as he approached her, he peered up at her with his golden eyes but he didn't bark, growl or otherwise bare his teath. Korelii regarded him warily as she regarded him.

Saki noticed. "Grey Wind. come here boy." she said simply, the effect was instant, the dog turned and came over to stand before Saki. "Good boy.. sit down."

The dog did so as he turned to face Korelii before doing so. Saki gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Its okay big guy. I'm sure she's a friend." as the dog looked at her, a questioning look in his eye.

Torilla blinked, while she had some idea that Saki was capable with animals, she had no idea that her granddaughter had this level of skill or talent. "That usually takes me several tries to get him to do what I tell him."

Saki smiled. "He likes me. what can I say?"

Rachael simply smiled. "We can get you a dog of your own.. If you want me..."

Saki regarded her mother. "I don't know Mom."

Korelii regarded the child with an look of amusement but then she realized the child was being very serious, that was when the amusement faded. "How old are you girl?"

"I am nine years old in a week's time." Saki answered. "Why... Is something wrong?"

"Wrong?" Korelii responded, trying to contain her surprise. "Most children who are your age don't think like you do... Most would be overjoyed with getting a dog and then there are the tales I have heard of you."

"Tales of me?" Saki inquired. "Lies.. all lies."

"I'm seeing that." Korelii responded. "I think the rumor mill needs to be cleaned out a little... They say you are a troublemaker and worse."

"Yes." Saki answered simply. "Talk is cheap." the child added as the dog let out a long winded and rather loud whine, suddenly there was a loud scraping sound as something in the bedroom wanted out.

Saki hopped off the chair. "I'll go get her." and with that she let Nymeria out of the bedroom. The dog came into the living space, before she growled loudly at all concerned, before she looked at the newcomer, still sitting in the chair she had purloined earlier.

Saki gently touched the dog on the top of her head. "Nymeria. No!" she said clearly. "She's a friend..."

Grey Wind however did not move as Saki gently admonished Nymeria. "Easy girl... She is a friend." Saki explained patiently. "Go on, go see Grandma Torilla.."

The dog turned and moved off towards her mistress.

Rachael regarded her daughter with a look of surprise. "I had no idea you were good with animals."

"You recall Halftalon who we donated to that pasture on Niven. I miss him..." the small child responded as she went over and sat down next to her mother.

"Right.. Elizabeth gave those chimps she had to the sanctuary at the same time too." Torilla commented. "Your work?"

"Yes Grandma Torilla. I asked Elizabeth if she was able to look after the monkeys she had.. She said she had issues... I simply reminded her that there was a world where they could live happy... So she gave them up." Saki explained.

Rachael nodded. "She mentioend that detail."

Korelii rose to her feet. "Well. I have taken up enough f your time Torilla... I hope we can get to know each other further... and.. I hope we can be friends..?"

Torilla rose to her feet before she went over to the other woman. "Of course.. It'll take me a little time to process what you've told me.. "Torilla explained with a soft sigh. "But then... why would you lie to me?"

"I have no reason to... But you'll want to double check I assume?" Korelii responded lightly.

"I would yes.." Yamaguchi responded. "Its not that I don't believe you.. Its just I need proof of your claim... Is all." Yamaguchi sighed softy.

"Of course. I would be insulted if you did not check." and with that Korelii gently hugged Torilla. "It'll be okay sister."

"Yeah..." Torilla gently hugged the other woman back before Korelii took her leave. Grey Wind was on his feet as he watched the two women interact. Nymeria was on her feet as well,, both of them watched quietly as Saki stood in front of them, the small child looked comically small before both massive dogs. "Easy guys." she commented softly. "Its okay."

Grey Wind peered at Saki as they watched the strange woman depart in silence. Torilla came back in. "Hush guys. Its okay.."

Rachael regarded her mom. "We still on for the beach gathering later?"

"We are yes.. Go get your stuff. Saki you two... I need to go change myself.." Torilla then moved into her bedroom, the two large dogs following her as Saki went into the guest room, now nicknamed Saki's bedroom. Rachael went into the second guest bedroom as she reminded herself of what she would need to pack before she closed, then locked the door behind her before she began to change.

Rachael stripped off her clothing before she pulled on a bathing suit, she then pulled her clothing back on, she then tossed two large towels and some sunscreen into a bag which she slipped onto her shoulder before she went back out into the main area, she then went to check on Saki.

A short time later, the three of them were prepared before they all walked out of Torilla's quarters, heading for their destination, the large dogs between them.