Confessions and Lamentations - Part Five

Posted on Thu Jun 30th, 2022 @ 4:39am by Lieutenant JG Suvak Duval & Lieutenant JG Tienn Halaar & Company Sergeant Major Jeffery "The Mountain" Duval

Mission: Mission 116: All Along the Watchtowers - Part One
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1250Hrs, November 9th, 2393

Company Sergeant Major Jeffery "The Mountain" Duval sighed softly. Today he was dealing with the bane of his existence. Paperwork. It was something he truly hated.

The com system beeped at him. "Com centre to Sergeant Major Duval?" came a female voice that Duval had gotten to know rather well. "I'm here LeeAnn. What's up?"

"Afternoon Sergent Major. I have a call for you from the USS Heart of the Tiger. On secure channel two. Her Chief Engineer would like a few words with you." she commented.

"Okay." Duval knew several things were happening all at once. His son wanted a word. He wanted it now which meant either something good was happening, or something really bad was happening. "Go ahead and put him through to me," Duval answered. "I wonder what Anthony wants with me," Duval commented in a much softer tone.

"I have no idea, Sergeant Major." came the unexpected comment as Duval had forgotten that the channel was still open. He sighed. "Thanks, LeeAnn. Duval out." Duval sighed, as he tapped his combadge once. This had the effect of closing the channel.

Duval tapped his display once. The visage of his son. Anthony appeared on the screen with a rather wide grin on his face. Sitting on his lap was his mate. Hsirr and she too, looked rather happy.

"Hey, guys. What's up?" Duval inquired.

"We got through to Suvak and he might call you shortly. We wanted to give you the heads up. I think he's calling mom first."

"What happened to bring about this change of fortunes?." Duval sounded like he almost didn't believe his son. "A star going Nova?. The destruction of the Dominion... Or did someone drop Suvak on his head?" Duval asked, a rather wide smile on his face. Maybe today they could put this old issue to bed. Once and for all.

"Actually. It was none of the above. It was a girl who got involved. She apparently made Suvak see reason on the matter." Hsirr commented. "You know one of her relatives... Ten... Teyan or... something or other. In any case, she's Bajoran." The Caitian then shrugged.

"Tienn Halaar was her name. Dad." Anthony explained. "She decided to assist with the matter at hand," he commented. "I suspect that Suvak might take her to bed." as he suddenly grinned. "She was a looker too..."

"Heh. If she ends up together with Suvak. Also if can help us resolve this issue. Then she can consider herself as family." Jeff answered. "Suvak is without question, the most stubborn person I've ever known... Worse than your biological mother and far worse than T'Nae." Jeff added. "Which is... really depressing, actually."

"I dunno Dad... I've seen mom get really stubborn at times," Anthony answered. "Anyway. I wanted to give you a quick heads up about Suvak. He might be calling you shortly. If he does. Let me know how it goes, will ya?"

"Yeah. Consider it arranged Anthony. Duval out." and with that. Jeff hung up on his son before he got up from behind his desk. He then made his way over to the large windows on the other side of his office. Duval sighed softly while he admired the large rain squall line that had been slowly advancing across the plains towards the base. "Suvak. What are you up to?" Duval asked himself aloud while he more or less settled into remaining by the window.

The beep of the com system snapped Duval out of his reverie. He tapped his combadge that was affixed to his chest. "Duval here. Go?" he asked.

"Sergeant Major. I have another call for you. It's from the orbiting Starbase this time." came the voice of LeeAnn. "It's on secure channel eleven."

"Put it through to me. I'll take it in here." Duval answered as he went over to the wall monitor. He tapped it once. "Thanks, LeeAnn," he added after a moment. They made the usual exchanges and then parted company as Duval watched the screen activate. He half expected to see Suvak's face and he was not disappointed when Suvak appeared, with his new friend beside him. "Suvak. What can I do for you son?" he asked, he knew that this could be official but it might not be.

"I wanted a moment of your time. Dad, to apologize to you." Suvak started. "I should have taken a moment but I heard raised voices and-" was as far as he got before he ran out of words and steam to power those words.

"I know. Anthony and I had this chat as did your mother and I," Duval answered. "I accept your apology son." Duval knew that imparting forgiveness was a blessing. "But why did you wait so long?"

"I didn't think you'd give me the time," Suvak answered with a sigh.

"I understand." Duval didn't shoot down his son's explanation. As foolish as he might have considered it. "But you are my son. I would have made the time for you. The consequences to me, be dammned." Duval regarded the two people before him. "But Suvak. All that said. I owe you an apology as well. I should have been more considerate and I should have been more thoughtful about what happened. I didn't know you were asleep at the time. But that does not excuse my actions or my words... I'm sorry Suvak."

"Thanks, Dad," Suvak answered. "I accept your apology," he added.

"Will you be at the family Christmas get-together this year? It's here on Utgarde Four." Duval asked his son.

Suvak slowly smiled. "Send me the details dad. We'll be there," he answered, a gentle smile on his face.

"Good. I know your mother and siblings have missed you. It'll be good to see you." Duval smiled. "Ms Tienn. I have heard so much about you." Duval then shifted his attention to Tienn Halaar.

"Lies. I tell you. Don't believe a word of it." Tienn answered, a smile on her face.

"Then I look forward to getting to know you for myself then," Duval answered, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "As it happens. I have a meeting with your aunt in about thirty minutes. Do you have anything you'd like me to pass along?" he asked of her.

Tienn suddenly grinned. "Tell Aunt Nerra that Halaar says Hi. She will understand what you mean by that."

"Consider it done. Expect her response later tonight." Duval answered with a nod of his head. "All that said. I do hate to cut this short guys."

"It's fine Dad. Thanks for your time and be safe okay?" Suvak answered. A smile on his lips. "Take it easy. Dad. Till next time."

"Likewise. Duval out." and with that. He tapped the display once. A gentle smile on his lips as he sighed happily. Now that issue was finaly resolved once and for all.