Rolling Thunder - Part Two

Posted on Sun Feb 23rd, 2020 @ 9:35pm by Division Admiral Talon Yeager & Lieutenant JG Rachael "Ripcord" Yamaguchi-Cullen & Fleet Captain Torilla Yamaguchi & Ensign Paul Harrison

Mission: Mission 5: Skyfall
Location: Various Locations - Starbase 400
Timeline: 1400Hrs - January 3rd, 2389

Talon smiled warmly at the other woman. "Ahh... makes sense..."

Rachael smiled as she shared a look with her mother, the two women turned and went into the ring as Talon turned to watch. "So... Paul, you ever thought of taking up martial arts?" she inquired. "I have the feeling you would make an exceptional student."

"Rachael and I talked about it. I just don't know if that is for me."

"Well if what I hear is even half true, you have already mastered self-control."
the older woman explained as she regarded Alex. "I hear congratulations are for you, my dear." she grinned zestfully as she looked at Alex.

"Oh yes, the upcoming wedding. Thank you very much."

Talon smiled. "Fair enough, I'm just saying... its an option to help you in life is all." she regarded him. "the hardest part is the control... you already have that." she paused. "I harped on about it long enough... shall we watch mother and daughter settle their disputes in violence?" from her wide grin, it was clear she was joking.

Torilla and Rachael squared off. "Come, Mom, I can feel your rage..."

Torilla growled as she moved across the ring as the gym filled with the sounds of growling and bo staffs cracking against each other.

Talon smiled. "Rachael carries a singular talent for this but her self control is ironically the weakest part of it, don't misunderstand me, Torilla has trained her daughter very well..."

"I know as much."

"Her form, however, is excellent... she has improved since coming here," Talon added quietly as she turned to Paul. "I assume that this is your doing?" she looked at Paul and then over to Alex.

Paul shrugged, "I would hope so." Alex smiled at her son, "It's amazing what love can do." Alex joked.

Talon raised an eyebrow as a smile spread across her lips as she regarded Alex. "It was like that with me and my husband..." clearly she wasn't joking.
"I used to be so hot-blooded."

Alex wasn't sure how to respond, "Same here."

Talon smiled warmly at the other woman. "I can tell you are not one to be trifled with," she commented as she turned to face Torilla and her daughter to were at present engaged in combat. "Rachael might be twelve years old but she has great potential," she commented as she crossed her arms, she then looked down as she ran her thumb over her nine black bands that adorned the arms of her martial arts gi. "She has the potential to become the 15th Dan... Grandmaster."

Alex raised an eyebrow, "Really. She sounds like she's got quite a future."

Talon nodded. "She does.." she commented softly. "I have never seen anyone with her talent or potential." she turned back to watch mother and daughter duel it out on the mat.

Talon smiled at the younger man as she realized he was a man, at least in her eyes. "So.. you wish to head to the academy.." she commented. "What about Rachael?" she inquired. "Don't answer that now... It would be best if the two of you were left to resolve that alone.."

Paul looked at Talon, not quite knowing what he wanted. "We haven't talked about it."

She smiled. "Take some time to think about it," she commented. "Don't approach Rachael with it for a while... let her sort things out in her head... she's still in her time of Blooming," she explained.

"I understand. There will be a right time to talk about it. Besides, I'm in no hurry Afterall, I'm not 16 yet. I have plenty of time."

"For now my friend," she responded. "For now..." she turned back to the matt where Torilla and Rachael were presently duking it out with a series of flourishes, sweeps, and strikes. "Rachael has improved considerably," she commented.

Alex turned as well, watching the sparring.

The next thing anyone knew, Torilla was lying on her back as Rachael stood over her, Talon was speechless. "What the hell?"

"You okay Mom?" as she reached down and tugged her mother back to her feet. "Rachael. You have improved." and with that, the two bowed to each other. "If nothing else... you will advance in the competition."

Paul walked over to Rachael, "Good move. It's not every day you get to beat up your mom and not get in trouble for it." Paul chuckled but Alex wasn't as amused, "Don't you get any ideas, young man."

Paul rolled his eyes, "Yes ma'am." Alex shook her head. "You are really good. Nice technique."

Rachael smiled. "Guys... would you mind excusing Paul and myself?" she inquired.

Talon chuckled softly. "Sure.."

Torilla and Alex shared a look. "Rachael.. we need to talk later.."

Paul took Rachael's hand, "I'm sure that we both won't belong." He wondered what she wanted.

Talon paused. "So... Torilla... are you ready for your first command?"

"Its... not what I had envisioned for my first assignment as master of the Venator but... the Admiral thinks me worthy so... I will serve wherever." she turned to Alex. "Two Captain's on my senior staff though.. One has to wonder.."

"Only the best. Although Pike and I are Captains, you are the Commanding Officer on this mission. We are there to support you."

Talon added. "You'll be fine Torilla, you have good people, helping you."

Torilla smiled. "It'll be interesting..." she commented. "That for sure."

"Yes, it will. I am looking forward to serving with you on this mission."

"I'm looking forward to having you and Lee at my side on this assignment. "
she smiled. "should you and Lee ever decide on a simple wedding, now that I am commanding my ship, I can officiate... not that that will ever happen mind you but... its the thought that counts."

Talon laughed. "Torilla. You are indeed something else." she paused. "Unfortunately, I doubt you'll be back in time for the competition."

Torilla nodded. "I'll survive... at least Rachael will get to participate." she paused. "In any regards ladies, we must be off. got paperwork to do and miles to travel before we sleep." she commented. "Such is life."

Talon looked at her larger sibling who looked nothing like her. "No. that's the reality of command."

Alex smile, "I guess I should get going as well. I have a few things to do before we leave for this mission."

Talon nodded. "Well... the Fe'garren will need her skipper for this... So. we'd best be going." and with that, the three women departed, the gym returning to silence.