Bad News

Posted on Mon Nov 2nd, 2020 @ 7:40am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Cadet Junior Grade Triston Montgomery [Lalor] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH

Mission: Season 4: Episode 2: Rest And Relaxation
Location: Pacifica
Timeline: Current
1893 words - 3.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Bad news comes in threes they say on Earth. And by the triad she had, had her share of bad news this year. Oh, for sure it also had some high points. The twins would be a great end of year bonus for her, who to be honest had never even considered children before, even after meeting Liam and Liselle on that horrible planet. But there had been a lot of horrible moments and the departure of Liselle Qwyyn and Ken Waters had been felt by Miran and Phoenix alike.

But now, Phoenix sat in almost stunned silence in her bungalow’s bedroom, dressed in her dark blue two-piece swim suit, listening to a recorded message repeatedly.

[[Captain Lalor, we are sorry to inform you that Senior Master Chief Waters has been listed as Missing in action as of yesterday afternoon here on SB 637. There was an explosion, and the Master Chief was working in that area rescuing survivors when his shuttle was damaged by falling debris. We have been unable to locate him among the remains of his shuttle. The search continues… we fear that the master chief may be deceased.]]

First it had been that sudden transfer, then the lack of communication and not to mention the fact that when she had finally got through to his voicemail and left a message about the pregnancy, though at the time she had not known there were two, suspected but not known. The next thing she had known was, well pain and Terran officers offering to ‘show her a bad time’ She had not in the weeks since their return been able to get into contact with Ken and now… now it was too late. And this was adding to the other news she had been given days earlier, about her family. One death was hard enough, and it had been hard to not tell Miran until she had independent confirmation – Which was still pending... now two… what next? She wanted to scream to the heavens, but she held it in.

And now… she had to deal with this. Deal with being pregnant, the prospect of being a single mother. She slowly pushed herself to her feet and hit the stop button on the repeating message. -Breathe Phoenix, she told herself. Breathe and put one foot in front of the other. You can do this- Slowly she removed the silver betrothal bracelet he had given her and placed in her jewellery box beside the earrings he had made. End chapter. Close the door. Put it behind you Phoenix. Straightening her shoulders, she looked in the mirror, studied her face. Set it so it looked less stressed and chose to move for the door.

She grabbed her towel and headed out of the bedroom and down the flight of stairs to the lower floor. She could hear Miran’s laughter from the pool that was outside their bungalow. A male laugh echoed as well, which made Phoenix smile despite of the situation. Triston. Well at least her sister’s best friend was still around.

As she stepped out she spotted the pair in the deep end of the pool, both floating on pool noodles and laughing together. Phoenix forced a smile to her lips as she stepped onto the cool tiles beside the pool.

“Pene!” Miran called out waving.

Phoenix smiled back and waved. “Having fun!?” She asked with forced brightness as she stepped into the water and let it lap at her ankles.

Miran nodded. “Yes”

Triston studied the captain. He had avoided most of the Mirror verse thanks to officers who had kept him and others in safety. But he knew that there had been major suffering.

He nodded as she moved into the water. He knew better than to offer to leave, Phoenix had been very clear in her opinion about his presence. He was always welcome.

But he also could see the strain of things were weighing on the Captain. He exchanged glances with Miran and both chose to leave Phoenix alone.

Phoenix sat down on a step in the pool, submerging her form to the shoulders. She leaned back against the cool pool tile and tried hard to relax.

She must have drifted off a bit because Miran shook her shoulder a while later waking her. “oh sorry.” Phoenix realised she had placed her head on the tiles by the side of the pool and fallen asleep.

“Its ok. Triston went back to his parents villa. Whats wrong Pene?”

Phoenix sighed. “Miran… I…” she broke off as the front door chimed.

Miran climbed out of the pool. “I’ll get it.”

Phoenix nodded but followed her sister from the water.

Miran went to the front door, wrapping a towel around her waist and opened it. A man in Starfleet uniform stood there. “Princess Miran Lalor?” he asked briskly.

“Yes…” Miran said cautiously.

“Is your sister, Captain Lalor here?”

“Yes I am.” Phoenix stepped out as she pulled a wrap over her swim suit.

The officer nodded and then stepped aside.

Behind him, stood a man in Erisian Military uniform. Phoenix felt her stomach drop. Her gaze was fixed on the two small boxes he held. The man stared at the two female Erisians, somewhat shocked at their state of undress, women on Erisia did not wear such grab and never swum in public.

Miran stared at the boxes as well. “Pene..” she said softly.

Phoenix cursed under her breath and drew her sister back and looked at the man. “Tadal”

The man drew himself up. “I am Tadal T’Ith.” He announced. He all but thrust the two small boxes forward.

Miran caught them quickly.

“It is my duty to inform you both of the passing of High Lady Kiana Lalor.” He said it without compassion. “And of the passing of his Royal Highness Prince Kyian.”

Keeping her composure, Phoenix asked “How did they die?”

“They were executed for Treason.” The reply came.

Kyian who was only 25, and her mother… Treason? She stared at the man. “Treason?”

“Yes. His Majesty King Pallas brought evidence of their treason to the High Lord 2 months ago.” He didn’t salute, he merely inclined his head. “May the Six keep their souls.” And with that he walked off.

The Starfleet officer paused staring at the two shocked females. “captain?”

“Make sure the man gets back to his ship and leaves” Phoenix ordered even as she pulled Miran towards a couch. The door slid shut on the man’s departure.

Miran sat on the couch holding the two boxes. She looked at her sister. “D-did you know?”

“I knew that Kyan and Mother had vanished from sight… but I didn’t know about the treason or… this.” Phoenix said. “I had contacts working on it.” She sat beside Miran. “Miri…”

“I know.. Pallas.” Miran all but spat the word. “He is cleaning house.” It was very much like what had happened when their father had taken the High Lord throne. Several of their father's cousins had vanished.

Gently Phoenix took the two boxes and placed them on the low coffee table. She picked up a tricorder and scanned them both. No devices within it. A good sign. They both knew what was in the boxes. Deceased Erisian's were not buried whole. Their internal organs are removed, cremated and created into glass orbs or hearts which are given to family members for remembrance.

These were the glass orbs of their mother and brothers remains… “It would have been public.” Miran stated her tone cold. “He would have made sure, father would have. For Kyian at least.”

“I.. will find out.” Phoenix took a breath “Our gods, we call to thee. Orisp, God of darkness, death, and ice. King of the Gods, we call to thee, to thy brethren, Your Guidance is sought for our departed. Guide them to the Kingdom of Dreams. Balrogith, god of war, fire, and courage, we commit our mother and brother to you, who led, who fought for honor, may they find comfort in your arms. Moraith, god of truth, justice and secrets, when you weigh their actions in the halls of the Crystal Citadel, we know you will find that their deeds out weigh their sins. Pevdros, god of vengeance, blacksmiths and shadows, protect them from those who would tear them down for they are of the royal house and has earned their place. Silpith, goddess of beauty, water and illusion. Wife and consort of Orisp. Take our Mother and Brother to your heart, bless them in the afterlife. May they live with you in the kingdom of dreams. Kirath, goddess of healing, air, warmth, and life, bring us understanding and healing in this time. Bless our beloved on their final journey."

Miran nodded in silence as her sister spoke the words. Then She and Phoenix exhcnaged looks. “I will have them beamed up to the Elysium….” Phoenix got out.

“What is it?” Miran asked softly.

“More bad news but … I was going to wait…” She broke off. “In my bedroom. Play the recording queued on the com in there.”

Miran nodded and vanished up the stairs.

Phoenix sat back on the couch in her pale green silk robe and stared at the two boxes. She didn’t want to think. She wanted to curl into a ball and hide from the universe.

Miran clattered down the stairs and stared at her sister. “Pene” She said “You… could have told me”

“You were having fun with Triston. Who by the way seems to be enjoying having time with you, more so when he sees you dressed in that swim suit.”

“You don’t sound upset about Ken.” Miran diverted back to the main conversation.

“I think time is making it harder to feel anything.” Phoenix replied softly. “He has not contacted me in months since they left, and he ignored my voicemails.” She shrugged. “And he didn’t even know about…”

“Yeah.” Miran nodded “Twins, not that much of a shock really. I met them”

Phoenix laughed at that. “Yeah well. Lets pray they do not get that upbringing.”

"No dating toilet seat worshiping girls" Miran sat down beside Phoenix and leaned against her. “So… do you think they are really dead?” she said nodding to the boxes.

“I do not know. I will call Kiro.”

“Kiro?” Miran asked curiously.

“Kiro Humath. He is the head of the underworld.” Phoenix said softly. “He might know.”

Miran frowned. “You know them?”

“Yes” came the calm reply. “I will ask around and find out.”

“How long?”

“I do not know” Phoenix replied softly. “A few days.” She paused “And if they are alive what do we do?”

Miran shrugged, “Help them”

Phoenix gave a short laugh. “Help them? Help them!? Are you serious Miran!?!? Kyian wants nothing more than my head on a pike and Mother? She stood by and let it happen.”

Miran raised an eyebrow.

“ok.. so that was unfair.” Phoenix sighed. "She was not able to assist.." She looked at her hands. "I will consider assisting them if they are truly alive. But no promises."

Miran nodded. "I miss her" she admitted.

Phoenix nodded "Yeah, me too." she slid an arm around her sister and they sat there contemplating their family and the two boxes before them.