Summer has Ended - Part Four

Posted on Sun Oct 23rd, 2022 @ 4:31am by Admiral Jake Yamaguchi & Commander Nalla Furban

Mission: Mission 116: All Along the Watchtowers - Part One
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 0915Hrs, December 5th, 2393

Yamaguchi paused as he sat back in his chair while he regarded the small-framed woman before him. "Alright, Nalla. Let me give you an update on what's been happening with Bethany." he paused a moment.

Furban regarded him in silence. She knew that her issues truly precluded her from raising children of her own but she was not opposed to the concept or the idea. But she would hear Jake out first.

"Bethany is settling in well in my household. She is a year old so she has Diamond and the twins to keep her company." Yamaguchi commented. "There are also four Caitian kits live with us that Torilla and I are presently fostering. We're hoping that their parents or families will eventually be located but..." Yamaguchi paused a moment as he regarded the small-framed female before him. "We are prepared for the alternative."

Furban held her silence, she was not good with children and not only did she know it but everyone else did too. "I understand," she answered. "How is Bethany doing?" she inquired in a gentle tone of voice.

"She's doing very well," Yamaguchi answered, after taking a moment to consider exactly what it was he wished to say. "You are her biological mother and I understand that you have rather specific obligations to yourself, herself and to your house."

"I do." Furban agreed. "But I know that my obligations are not compatible with your concerns to her," she added.

"Yes. This too. It's unfortunate for us both," Yamaguchi saw no reason why he should screw with the Deltan before him. "My only concern is with raising our daughter. That's with or without you. I am prepared for either eventuality,"

Furban regarded him, she had expected the direct approach to the matter at hand and thus, she would respect it, even if she did not like it. "You never expected to see me... Ever again. Didn't you?" she inquired.

"No Nalla," Yamaguchi answered. "Your presence in my office. Right at this moment in time. It was completely unexpected... When you requested an appointment to see me. I had not expected you to show up and this meeting to go in the direction that it had done so."

"What do you wish of me then.?" Furban asked. "Bethany is my child too," she added.

"I am not disputing that... What I am concerned about, however, are your intentions towards our child." Yamaguchi answered. Thus, there it was at last. "Will we be able to get along for the child's best interest...? Or will we have to fight for it?" Yamaguchi asked. He raised a finger to hold her attention for a moment. "Before you answer... Know that if this does go to JAG. I will win... Hands down... I am an established parent with several other children present. I have raised three to adulthood already... I have taken in three more but I didn't raise them..." he paused to allow that detail to be processed. "I have four more Caitian kits who I am fostering... I have the twins and Diamond. I handle all of them as best as I can and while it's a lot to do. I also have a lot of help who do help me daily." Yamaguchi paused to allow Furban a moment to process the details before he pressed ahead with the other side. "You, on the other hand, have none of those facts in your favour," Yamaguchi explained. "You have raised no children and you have been slighted not once but twice as being incapable of raising said children, due to your various medical concerns. I am sorry Nalla... If you went to JAG. They wouldn't look at your case..."

Furban paused as she sat back in her chair. "I understand," she answered. While she processed what Jake was saying to her. "I have no intention of causing you further issues. I have done too much harm to you already..." she responded. "But I... I would like to know my child... To spend time with her and at least show her that while she might be raised in your house. That I am part of her too."

"I'm perfectly fine with that," Yamaguchi answered quietly. "I go off watch at fourteen hundred. Come back then and I will take you to see her. You can meet my other children at the same time."

"I understand," Furban answered. "Thank you, Admiral. I had not expected you to hear my case."

Yamaguchi regarded her. He rose to his feet and before she could move. He came around the desk before he sat down next to her. "Because you feared my response." He nodded. "I can understand why," he commented. "Considering what's happened between us..." Yamaguchi then shrugged as he considered her. "But Nalla. Much has changed and she may not remember you. So we shall take it easy and slowly... You may yet be able to raise her in your own time and place."

"Thank you, Jake," Furban answered softly. "Very well. I will return at fourteen hundred hours." with that, she rose to her feet and departed in silence. Yamaguchi watched her leave. He knew that tonight would be interesting if nothing else.