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Posted on Thu Mar 2nd, 2023 @ 5:29am by Lieutenant Sapphire Morgan [Lalor] & Lieutenant Scott Gregory [Taylor]

Mission: Season 6 : Episode 1: Circinus
Location: P-Class world
Timeline: MD11 - mid day
1514 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

Sapphire was assigned to the common area, the Commodore had insisted on being set up. It was a massive tent, for the younger members of the crew to congregate while their parents or caregivers were on duty.

Part of Sapphire's job was to make sure they had food, and stayed warm inside the tent. As she handed out snacks, she noted those whose parents had passed, and made sure they had food and blankets.

Scott had finished his shift in routing supplies be it food, building supplies, clothes blankets and making sure it got to the right people. He came into the massive tent and saw Sapphire passing out snacks and checking on the children's well-being. He came up alongside her, "How's it going sweetie?" He asked as he bent down and tucked a blanket in around a sleeping child.

"Going ok. I have the younger kids having their nap time, and the older ones are working on school work." Sapphire replied as she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "How was your work distributing things?"

Scott returned Sapphire's kiss. "Okay, still working out all the kinks but it is getting better and smoother every time we do it." He looked out over the children. "How many of them lost their parents or don't you know yet?"

"We know" Sapphire replied softly. "40 families, lost a parent, and 15 Children have lost both parents. We have three newborns, all born in the chaos, one without both parents but a civilian has taken custody of that child, the other two have their parents. The trauma these children are going through... its the same as everyone else i know but.."

Scott shook his head, "That's rough. A child needs their parents, their guidance, love and even discipline. To set guidelines and install values." He looked over the children, "I wish there was something more that could be done for them. "These kids need stability."

"I think the doctors are looking into seeing if people will take them in. I know Harper O'Leary, has taken the newborn and is sharing a tent with two of them orphans." she pointed them out "The boy and girl over there. But that's just a start." Sapphire looked at him "We could offer to do the same"

Scott met Sapphire's look and then looked back at the children. "I'm willing to help if you are sure, it's what you want to do. You have any idea which of the kids you'd like us to help?"

"Scott, this is not an easy decision. And it will be a lifelong choice. And if we ever get home, we may loose them to their families." Sapphire said softly

"I know it isn't Sapphire and all you say is true. I don't want us to rush into it but the sooner these kids especially the younger ones get some stability back in their lives the better they will be. Heck, they may even resent us, but it will change soon enough."

She nodded "okay i will talk to the medical team, but" she pointed with her chin to two dark haired little boys around the age of 7. "Those two boys."

Scott followed Sapphire's chin point. to the two boys. " I see them. Twins?" He asked. "Who are they Sapphire?"

"Darian and Daniel Henderson" She said softly. "Parents were in science. Mother died in the chaos, and the father only a couple of days later in medical."

"Geez." Scott answered softly. "That is terrible. Both parents in the space of a few days." He turned back to Sapphire, "Okay if they are who you want us to help, I'm with you. Let's do it."

"Why don't you go help them with their homework first, see if you really agree." Sapphire said softly. "Scott you need to make sure you agree with taking them. And do not let them know."

He nodded, " Sapphire, I said I agree but that is a good idea. You are so smart. Be right back." With that he meandered down to the boys. "Hi guys! You look stumped. Homework giving you a hard time?" He asked he knelt next to them. "What are you working on?"

Sapphire watched them for a moment as both boys looked at Scott and then back at their homework. Then she went to get some food for another group of children.

The boys looked at him, then each other and finally back at their homework. "Oh, you know I didn't introduce myself, "I'm Scott and who might you two be?" He gently prodded.

The boys again didn't answer just looked down at their homework. Scott looked up and Sapphire was gone. *Darn! I really am on my own. Well. I can do this.* he thought silently and tried again. " Do you guys like sports?" He asked.

"I do." One said and pointed at the other, "He doesn't. He just wants to read."

"Well, reading is good, it is how we learn." Scott answered diplomatically. "What sports do you like?"

"I like tennis, football and swimming." Came the reply.

From a distance, Sapphire watched them and smiled. Darian was the more outgoing. And she knew which one was talking, as she had been the one to input their names into the system.

"Those are good sports to like." Scott agreed before looking at the other boy. "What books have read?" Silence then an answer came. "I like adventure stories, like Treasure Island or Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea." Scott nodded, "Those are good stories, exciting stories. You have good taste. Now, I told you my name what's are yours?" The more talkative answered first. "I'm Darian." The quieter one spoke next, "I'm Daniel." Scott smiled, "Glad to know both of you." He pointed at Sapphire, "She treats you right?"

Now the boys both nodded in unison. "Miss Sapphire, brings us snacks and something to drink. Sometimes she plays games with us. She's nice." They both said.

"Good and I agree, she is nice." Scott answered with a smile.

Sapphire noticed them looking in her direction. And she flashed them a smile and short wave before bending down to help one of the other children with something.

Scott waved back at her and so did the boys. "You like Miss Sapphire? " Darian asked. "I love Miss Sapphire." Scott corrected gently. "Okay." Came the simple reply.

A while later Sapphire made her way around the room to their table. She placed snacks down on the table with a smile.

"Well Miss Sapphire what snacks did you bring for these hungry boys?" Scott asked and motioned for her to sit down at least for a few minutes.

"Just some fruit and crackers, with juice boxes" She said with a small nod. "Eat up guys, Then you can go play" not that there was much to play with, just a few replicated toys and books.

"You heard the lady guys, eat up and then you can play." Scott repeated what Sapphire had said, then turned his head so only she could see and gave her a wink.

Sapphire nodded back. She headed off to the next group. She would work her shift and then talk to the medical staff and counseling about taking care of the twins.

Scott watched as Sapphire got up and left the boys and himself. He was glad she had asked him about adopting/looking after the boys. He hoped the boys would be receptive to the idea. For now all he and Sapphire could do was wait.

Hours later, the younger kids were watching a holo movie, with the older kids and more adults had come to join them.

Sapphire stood at the back watching in silence.

Scott moved to her and stood beside her his arm going around her waist. "A penny for your thoughts Sapphire." He said softly as he watched Darian and Daniel watch a holo movie.

"We do this properly, talk to the Counselors, the Doctors, and then see where things go." She said softly.

He gave a subtle nod. "Agreed. No rushing in, no getting our hopes or the boys hope up until we know more."

Sapphire nodded and leaned against him. "They will be in the tents with the other orphans so they will be safe there."

Scott's hand came up and lightly rubbed Sapphire's back. He wanted to take the boys home if a tent could be called home with him and Sapphire and he knew she felt the same way but for now they did everything the correct way, so they waited. "Of course, they will Sapphire." He said agreeing with her.

Sapphire took a breath. "I think we start with Doctor Sthilg."

"Sapphire my love, as the old saying goes, there is no time like the present. let's go and find the doctor." Scott answered giving another look at the boys.

Sapphire nodded and linked her arm through his and they headed out of the communal tent.

Walking arm and arm, the pair left the tent setting their sights on finding the CMO and maybe a counselor as well.