Brother to Brother

Posted on Thu Apr 20th, 2023 @ 7:48pm by Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: Survivor's camp, DipSec command tent
Timeline: MD 4 / 1015 hours
1409 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Mattias was sitting at the makeshift desk that he had set up in his small command tent. As there wasn't much danger to the handful of ambassadors assigned to the Elysium, he was going over training schedules for his people, when the tent flap was opened, then closed, and his brother-in-law stepped inside.

Looking a little confused, he said, "Mal? What are you doing here?"

Mal gave Matt a weak smile. "You don't know? You really don't know?" He questioned as he came to stand in front of Matt's desk. He sighed, "I'm being punished. I'm here for a week. Phee decided I needed it after hearing I didn't do more when another officer spouted off against Ensign Derani."

Mattias chuckled softly. "Mal, while Phee and I talk about just about everything, things have been a little crazy the last few days for her to discuss every decision she makes." He then sat back in his chair slightly as he considered the current situation that he was presented with.

"So...under my command for a whole week, huh?" A devilish smirk crossed his face.

Mal sighed, "Yes Matt, under your command for an entire week and wipe that damn smirk off your face."

"Now now," Mattias clicked his tongue admonishingly. "Is that any way to speak to your commanding officer?" He continued to smirk, clearly enjoying himself.

"Look. Don't start Matt. I chose to be here, I could have gone to medical or science. Just remember what goes around comes around."

Mattias chuckled and nodded. "Okay, okay. Point taken. He stood up and offered his right hand to his Brother-in-law. "You know I had to poke a little." He gave Malakai a friendly wink as he spoke.

Mal didn't hesitate. He gripped the offered hand in a firm grip. He nodded, "I know Matt. I would have done the same. If our roles had been reversed. Just feeling a bit guilty over this especially after hearing Derani was attacked and is now in medical."

The mention of Ensign Derani's condition caused the grin to fall from Mattias's face. In its place, an angry scowl took over. "Whomever did this better take the easy way out and kill themselves. If Phee gets her hands on them, they will see a side of her that few ever see."

Mal nodded in agreement. "Amen to that. I hope we can find them before she does. Might be easier for them if we do. At least quicker. You have to be scum to have done this. Pure scum and they deserve to be treated like scum."

Mattias nodded. While he had never met the young Ensign, Phoenix had talked about her enough that he almost felt like he did. Then, shaking his head in disgust, he turned away before turning back, "How the hell is this even possible?! We are Stardleet, for fucks sake!" He shook his head again. "I mean, I can't be one of the civies, as they wouldn't know who she is. So that means, it can only be a member of the crew!"

Mal was silent as Matt spoke and vented his anger. "It could be a civie Matt, if they were given a description of Derani. I mean she is hard to miss with the pink hair. Though, I believe it was a member of the crew, who knew her habits and was waiting for her when she went to the shuttle cave. Hopefully she can tell us more."

Mattias nodded, still fuming silently. After a few quiet beats between men, he finally let out a heavy breath. "We can keep spinning, thinking of who did it until our faces turn blue." He frowned slightly. "Until we know more info, all we can do is our jobs." He took in a deep breath, then exhaled it out of his nostrils quickly. "And for you, this week, that means Diplomatic Security."

Moving back to the desk, he rifled through a few PADDs, finding the one he was searching for. After quickly skimming the information, he nodded and handed it over to Malakai. "For this week, you have one order. The Sequus High Priestess is extremely....adverse...to listening to any of the agents that I put on her detail. She continues to act as if we should be bowing and groveling at her feet...hooves. Your mission, is to dissuade her of this notion. She must recognize that in a crisis, either myself, or any of my people has operation authority over her wellbeing." Mattias nodded once. "Convince her of this, and I'll put a good word in to Phee for you."

Malakai looked at the PADD and then to Matt. " Sequus. One of S'hib's people. You say adverse, will she at least listen to someone or does she block out everything being suggested to her? Have you asked S'hib for any advice in how to deal with, approach her?" He smiled when Matt said he'd put in a good word with Phee for him. "I can use a good word with her. Right now I'm in the doghouse with her."

"She will hear what is said, but," Mattias frowned slightly. "She is extremely stubborn. She has an air of superiority about her. So as far as listening? No, she doesn't listen." He sighed softly. "As for talking to S'hib? No, I haven't. He's been a bit busy with Security matters for the rest of the camp. So this falls to us."

He picked up another PADD and as he looked it over, he contonurd to speak. "I'd go deal with her myself, however, I'm heading up to the ship to oversee the repairs on the diplomat quarters. I have to ensure that they will be safe and secure when we go back up and get the hell out of here." He then looked Malakai in the eye and grinned softly. "Hey, it's what family does. We look out for each other."

Mal took in what Matt was saying about the Sequus diplomat. "Okay she hears but doesn't listen. Has an air of superiority about her." He nodded, "Okay, that is something to go on." He smiled as Matt said he was heading up to the Elysium to oversee repairs on the diplomatic quarters. "You know, you're right. We are a family and despite any past difficulties, we do look after each other and give hell to anyone who tries to hurt us."

"We certainly do, Mal." Martias gave him an honest look as he spoke. "I'll admit freely, I didn't like you initially. You had hurt my baby sister with your childish antics. However, over this past year, I've seen a complete transformation in you. I know now, without a second's hesitation, just what you would do to keep Kara and her children safe. I'm glad you're a part of our family, Mal, honestly."

Mal stood silently as Matt spoke. He didn't get defensive, didn't argue or make excuses. He took what Matt said, accepting his responsibilities and admitted his mistakes. "Thank you, Matt. I didn't like you either when we first met. I thought you were arrogant. However, I know how deeply you care for Kara and I see it when you speak of Phee and I know what you would do to protect them. I'm glad I'm part of this family has well."

Matt grinned softly and nodded. "And with that said, go ahead and head out on your mission. As much patience as you've had with me, you'll need even more with the ambassador." He reached up and placed his right hand on Malakai’s left shoulder, gripping it lightly. "I won't lie to you, Mal. This is going to be a tough job. The rest of my people are all busy taking care of their charges and helping with repairs up on the ship. I'll be available on comms only, if you need it."

Mal nodded, "I'll give it my best shot Matt, I promise you that. Failure is not an option. I'll keep you posted on my progress with the ambassador. Keep your fingers crossed."

Mattias grinned a lop-sided grin. "If you can stand me long enough to marry my sister, then I think you can deal with this issue as well."

Now it was Mal's turn to smile. "This should be a walk in the park then." He teased Matt back.

Mattias smiled, then sent Mal on his mission.

~OFF~