Foxtrot Seven - Part Two

Posted on Mon Feb 24th, 2020 @ 3:06am by Division Admiral Thomas Lasky & Commander Tressa Brislan-Antilles & Lieutenant JG Rachael "Ripcord" Yamaguchi-Cullen
Edited on on Mon Feb 24th, 2020 @ 3:07am

Mission: Mission 11: Red VS Blue
Location: Various Locations - Starbase 400
Timeline: 0930Hrs - February 6th, 2390

Fives raised an eyebrow. "Let me teach you the basic stances of my order." he commented with a smile. "I don't plan on beating you....." he then smiled. "First, go ahead and do a little warm up."

"I'll go for a jog then, be right back," the doctor said.

"Nu'zen fel'ani in-a lis'e medran. " he commented as he regarded her.

"What was that?" she said, turning back.

"Oh its... just a greeting."

"Ah, okay," she said with a grin. A moment later she was gone.

Fives watched her go as he stood in silence, waiting for her.

Tressa was back in fifteen minutes; a thin sheen of sweat was on her arms and face. She cocked her head as she looked up at Tom.

"What... exactly did you say to me earlier?" she asked softly.

Fives simply smiled. "Well.." he looked down at her as she was a few inches shorter then he was. "It means in the native tongue the natives of the Kun'Lai Province that... you are the most beautiful woman I've ever met."

Her eyes went wide and her jaw dropped slightly.

"Oh, I.... really?" she said. "I... thank you..."

Fives regarded her. "Its true." he responded with a smile. "So... What am I interrupting?" he inquired.

"The kids wanted to spend some time in the pool," she said, her breathing slightly heavy.

"What about you?" he inquired. "Because I know I'm interrupting your time with them..." he paused. "wait... are they being minded?"

"Oh, I left them with a hungry-looking Gorn," she said, playfully tossing her towel at him. "They're with Racheal and trust me, they are perfectly happy with her. Kaylee would wear her if she could, she's like their big sister." The doctor laughed a little at his protective question; it was endearing and sweet.

Fives sidestepped the oncoming towel as he caught it with one hand, he didn't think about it as he handed back her towel. "Well at least the kids have someone who they like being around.... I don't know Rachael though." he paused. "If she's anything like her mother... then anyone messing with Kaylee and Xavier are in for a world of pain.."

"I'm sure they're fine, they love the pool," she said. "And they know where I am if they need me."

Fives raised an eyebrow. "I'm still interrupting your time with your kids." he commented. "Fortunately. you are in luck, I did plan on going for a swim myself.." he paused. "after I teach you the basics.."

"The basics? That doesn't sound too scary," Tressa said.

Lasky regarded her as he produced his bo in one smooth motion. "What's the first rule of combat?" he inquired as he stood before her before he gently touched the side of her head. "Your mindset determines your reality, when in battle, you must not hesitate, show no mercy or weakness.... there are those who will seek your destruction." he explained. "If you haven't, I recommend you read the Art of War by Sun Tzu." he the smiled. "you can have my copy.."

"It was required reading at the Academy, but that was years ago."

Fives went over to his duffel as he produced a decent sized book, bound by dark brown leather, it looked old and worn but extremely well cared for. "I hope you enjoy it." he gently pressed it into her hands. "I don't loan books."

"Thank you, Tom," she said, carefully taking the book.

Lasky smiled warmly at her. "Take good care of it.... that book has served me well over the years.." he commented as he watched her place the book in her bag. "Read it and then get back to me.... take what it says... to heart.."

"I will."

Fives raised an eyebrow. "Enjoy the book Tressa..." he then smiled. "Now... its time to go join the kids in a swimming pool.." Fives commented. "Otherwise they will be upset with me for stealing their mother away."

Tressa laughed again, "I think Xav will love having a male around for a change," she said.

"Well we shall see.." Fives commented evenly. "I did bring swim clothing." he added. "shall we then?" he smiled down at her since she was shorter then he was.

They walked towards the pool, the children's laughter growing louder as they moved.

Fives went into the Male changing rooms, he smiled as he went to a locker which he had selected for his use, then he changed into a pair of shorts, then he quickly showered, then he went into the pool area, it was easy to see where Rachael, Kaylee and Xavier were as they were three of a dozen or so people in at this time of the day.

The three were at the shallow end as Rachael was busy explaining something about gravity to her enthralled companions, she had lifted a chunk of water and was in the process of crushing it down into a different kind of material.

Fives smiled as he watched, he felt rather then heard Tressa stop next to him. "Thats one way to educate others.." he commented.