Its Christmas on Vanguard - Part Three

Posted on Tue Dec 27th, 2022 @ 2:05pm by Commander Galiaan Fordring & Lieutenant Kadian Paris & Marcus Solusar

Mission: Mission 118: The Christmas from Hell
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1740Hrs - December 24th, 2393

Lieutenant Kadian Paris fled the old ghosts of her past as she entered the ladies bathroom. She knew she would need to touch up her makeup or wash it off of her face. Paris had gone into this party knowing without question what she wanted tonight but now she wasn't so sure anymore.

"Kadian. What's wrong?" Galiaan Fordring emerged from the bathroom stall as she was busy adjusting her dress uniform. "What happened, honey?" she asked. "Did Marcus-" was as far as Fordring got before Paris cut off the older and more massive woman before her.

"No. He and I got talking and I'll admit. He probably thinks I've disappeared on him to never return." Paris sighed. "I. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say around him. He's so much like Kameron that it hurts."

"Woah. Slow down, honey." Fordring gently slipped her arms around the other woman before she gave Paris a gentle hug,. "Breathe... It's okay." Fordring gently rubbed the younger woman's back, as if she were Fordring's child. "Now. What's wrong?"

"No, it's not. I've wanted Kameron so badly for the last year and a half that I could taste it. Now Kameron brings his own brother. Who is single, by the way, all the way out here from Earth because he felt I deserved a real Christmas gift. Kameron gave me what I wanted. More than anything else. He gave me the truly forbidden fruit." Paris explained.

"Now you're afraid to take a bite." Fordring smiled, she knew where this was going as she had been here with most of her children. All of whom had been uneasy about their relationships. Fordring herself had even been here before too. "You're comparing him to Kam and find this one lacking?"

"That's just it. He reminds me of Kam on almost every level." Paris answered. "I told him I was going to the bathroom, that's where you found me."

"What was it you two were discussing that caused you to retreat?" Fordring inquired.

"Sex." Paris sighed. "I don't know what to do with this gift that Kam got me," she admitted.

"Mind a little friendly advice?" Fordring asked gently as she gently took the younger woman's hands in her own. "Never pass up a good thing. Because if you do then the next girl won't." Fordring commented. "He could end up going back to Earth, thinking that this entire effort was a waste of time." she paused. "Or worse." she then let out a sigh. "Go on, accept your present and enjoy it. Kadian. I think you've earned this present."

"You knew about this. Didn't you?" Paris paused as she sighed.

"Oh yes. I thought it was really romantic. Kam went to all these efforts because he has a special place in his heart for you. He knew his brother was looking for that special someone and Kam thought about you." Fordring commented. "Kam thought you could give his brother what Elizabeth gives him." Fordring breathed out and then back in again. "He thought you likewise deserved that special someone and he thought of Marcus." Fordring then smiled. "Oh, I read his file, front to back and I approved this mad scheme because I was concerned about it. Marcus is really a nice guy Kadi. You could do far worse." Fordring paused. "Now go out there. Go find him and tell him you want his gift. Now. Before someone else takes it from him."

Paris slowly nodded her head. "Alright."

"Kadian." The tone in her voice hauled Paris in her tracks. "You're being unfair to yourself," Fordring commented. "Fuck. How I envy you, girl. I wish I could do this for Maya. My sister who's seen a right shit life being married... I wish I could make this sort of an arrangement for her like what's been done for you." she paused a moment. "Now go on. claim your gift and enjoy it." with that Fordring stepped past her as she went out the door. Paris turned and began cleaning the makeup off of her face. Then she followed Fordring out the door.

Paris made her way back to where Solusar was sitting. He was sitting upright in his chair and he looked asleep. It was then she realized that he was meditating. "Marcus?" she asked when she reached him.

Solusar opened his eyes. "Yes. Kadian. You came back." his smile widened and grew. "Was the makeup aggravating you?" he inquired. of her.

"Yes. I also had a chat with Galiaan Fordring about." she then huffed a sigh at him. "About my Christmas present." she paused. "I'm sorry for" was as far as she got before he stopped her.

"It's alright Kadian," Solusar answered. One could hear the resignation in his voice. Kadian knew that she had one last chance otherwise what Fordring had said would come to pass. "Marcus. Do you wanna get out of here?" Paris inquired of him. "Can.." she paused. "Could I get my present early?"

"Of course." with that, he rose to his feet. He gently took her arm within his and the two of them departed the party.