The Duval Christmas Party - Part Five

Posted on Tue Dec 27th, 2022 @ 2:03pm by Fleet Admiral Heather Duval & Captain Marcus Duval & Captain Duval Mia & Captain T'Nae "Wolfheart" Duval & Commander Ethan "Hardcase" Duval & Commander Arlene Duval-Connor & Lieutenant Commander Anthony Duval & Lieutenant T'Lee Duval & Lieutenant JG Suvak Duval & Ryuujin Duval & Enrique Duval & 1st Lieutenant T'Kera "Demolitions" Duval & Company Sergeant Major Jeffery "The Mountain" Duval & Commander Hsirr Duval

Mission: Mission 118: The Christmas from Hell
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1820Hrs - December 24th, 2393

"Here comes Heather," she added softly.

Jolani simply turned as she found herself coming face to face with Heather Duval, who had decided that she had done enough waiting. Now it was time to deal with the issue in the room before the issue got any more stupid.

Lawrence Duval regarded his mother in silence. "Hello, mother."

"Lawrence." Heather Duval responded. "Jolani." she addressed her new daughter-in-law.

Enrique knew he would need to watch this one carefully, he was waiting for things to get stupid, as he suspected that everyone else was too. "Heather?" he asked his spouse in a soft tone of voice. "This is a Christmas party. Let's keep it civil."

Heather Duval was not interested in a fight with her son over his choice of spouse. That battle was long over and she had lost. She was also trying to be a good loser. "I've not done anything," she said to her spouse.

"I'm just saying," Enrique commented in a gentle tone.

Jolani paused. "I could leave... If it would help."

"No," Heather commented. "It would resolve nothing and only make matters worse for me," she commented. "Besides. I'm not looking to make matters worse." she indicated to Lawrence. "I'm already in enough trouble with him." Duval indicated Lawrence who was watching his mother carefully, with something of a bemused look on his face.

"I don't understand. Why all the hostility then?" Lawrence inquired. His tone indicated he was more confused than annoyed.

Heather regarded Lawrence as she let out a soft sigh. "Because I read Jolani's file before I got to know her," she commented. "I made a conclusion based on incorrect information," she admitted. "I'm sorry."

Jolani had not been expecting the apology and the look on her face said as much. "It's okay," she said automatically. "I can understand why you'd come to the conclusion that you did."

Heather Duval regarded her daughter-in-law. "For what it's worth. I'm sorry for the issues I had caused you." she sighed softly. "My hypocrisy has no limits."

Jolani regarded the larger woman before her. "Is it because that imparting forgiveness is a blessing or in spite of it?" she asked her mother-in-law.

"I'd call that a distinction without a difference, honey," Heather commented. "I questioned Lawrence on his choice. He stuck me on notice that my douchebaggery will not be tolerated."

Jolani blinked. She was not expecting the woman before her to use such crass language. "Heather. What's done is done," she said softly. "Lawrence never told me that you and he spoke."

"I thought you knew," Lawrence commented. "I didn't exactly keep my voice down," he admitted with a soft groan. "I need a drink."

"I suspect many of us will need a drink when this mess is finaly sorted out," Nadine commented as she approached her brothers and mother. Her father regarded his audience. "Was there anything that needed to be resolved?"

Lawrence shook his head. "Not for my part. I said all I needed to say on the matter the day before Jolani and I got married," he commented. "I will admit I kept waiting for you to hang up on me."

"No. I had denied you both. I figured I owed you both to say your piece on the matter." Heather Duval commented. "I didn't need more issues... It's bad enough that I'm always telling people to keep an open mind, as well as saying that I do it... Then I didn't do it with you." as nodded to Jolani.

Jolani regarded Heather Duval. "You guys are the only family I have. I'm alone."

"No. You're not. You got all of us." Enrique answered. "You are one of us," he added. "Right?" he asked everyone present.

There was a chorus of nods. Jeff Duval growled. "Mmmm. So this is where everyone got off to," he commented. "Well, hello, who do we have here?" he asked Jolani.

"I'm Jolani Duval. Lawrence's wife." Jolani introduced herself to the Sergent Major who had shown up wearing all-black clothing.

"I heard about that drama." Jeff smiled. "It's good to meet you. I'm Jeff. Her brother." he indicated to Heather with his thumb. "I know something of Halanan exile. You will always have a space in this house for as long as you desire it," he explained. "I've served with Halanan's before."

"Oh. You served with Torilla..." Kolani answered softly. "My exile was lifted at the same time as everyone else. But, attitudes change slowly and my biological family won't change... Considering that they think I should have died with Fell. He was my first husband."

"I heard about that fuss on the Belfast," Jeff commented. "I'm sorry."

"So am I. My life's tests and trials led me to Lawrence." Jolani commented. "Maybe he and I will write some new tales together." she smiled. "But first... I think we all came here to eat this fine meal and enjoy each other's company... Right guys?" she asked softly.

The Duval's all traded looks before all of them began to show their approval. Heather Duval regarded Jolani. "Now that, sounds like a great idea Jolani." she paused. "I'm glad you decided to come today."

"I didn't think I'd be welcome," Jolani admitted.

"You were always welcome. You are part of this house and this family." Heather Duval commented. "Even if you and Lawrence end up separating for whatever reason. You'll still have a place here," she commented. "My boorish behaviour notwithstanding," she added.

Jolani smiled. She had not been expecting such generosity. "Thank you," she whispered.