You can't run and you can't hide

Posted on Sun Mar 6th, 2016 @ 5:11pm by Sergeant Amarylis Beckinsale & Jethro Vance

909 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Point of View
Location: Guest Quarters

Jethro Vance returned to his guest quarters after an exhausting day in intelligence. Once again he found himself chasing the ghost that had long haunted him as both himself and Commander Tate worked fervently to determine the cause of the latest incursion. While the sudden loss of power was disturbing it did not carry the signature of Morat. She was swift and purposeful in her attacks, this was too drawn out for even her, a mark she had never lost since childhood.

He walked over to a container placed on the far side of his room removing a bottle from it. The contents were of an old vintage scotch whiskey from earth, rare in itself but long cherished by the seasoned intelligence officer. In a life filled with constant change, this was the only constant he had.

"She's going to find out." Came a familiar voice seated on the lounge chair in his living area. "If Commodore York is one thing she is persistent, and Jennifer is no slouch herself."

"No Amarylis, she isn't going to find out because no one is going to tell her." Jethro replied pouring himself a drink. He took the glass to his lips allowing a small portion to slide between them. The velvety smooth liquid made it's way down his throat providing an instantly calming effect.

"Morat is already telling them dad. They just haven't put the pieces together it's only a matter of time." Amarylis warned him.

"Right now they believe Morat is after them because of Alexandra. That is how it's going to remain Sergeant." Jethro stated firmly taking another sip from his drink.

"She will not rest until they know Jethro, you can't continue to keep this a secret! Damn it dad you made a mistake. Lives are being destroyed, your own daughter died for what? Your lies?" Amarylis exclaimed becoming increasingly upset.

"Alexandra died because she was a fool! On her own selfish crusade trying to be the hero. She of all should have known Morat cannot be killed by one person. History has proven that." Jethro said raising his voice as he downed his scotch and poured a second drink.

"History has also proven that the truth will find it's way to the light." Amarylis retorted. She hated when Jethro drank and that added to her mounting frustrations.

Jethro chuckled walking over to his daughter. "Stop being so idealistic Amarylis, it doesn't suit you and you know better. It's why you took out those mercenaries."

"I took out those mercs because they were a threat to the away team." Amarylis replied.

"And the relations with the Penarians and Octarians had no bearing?" Jethro shot back taking a seat from across her.

"The war was a lie, like I said the truth would eventually find it's way. Just like my sudden coke addiction. A real nice touch don't you think?" Amarylis stated flatly crossing her legs leaning back into the seat.

"How dare you. You think I wanted that to happen?" Jethro stated in a low baritone voice as he nearly lurched forward and struck her. However that was a line he would not cross.

"It doesn't matter what you want dad, she has no lines. She'll do whatever it takes until she gets what she wants. Just tell them and this will all be over." Amarylis pleaded leaning forward to Jethro.

"It's not that easy sweetheart. That will only be the beginning." Jethro sighed. He hated the words just as much as Amarylis did but too much was at stake. Jethro knelt down in front of her and reached out grabbing Amarylis' hand gently. "I want this over as much as you do, but telling them is not the way to end this. That is how Morat wins, we can never let that happen."

A tear fell down Amarylis' cheek. She never thought when she joined the corps her life would become this contorted. Jethro had promised her peace, but instead her life had just took on a new twist. There were days she longed for the drugs and dumpsters again. "It's just not fair." she said as she as she leaned into him. "She didn't deserve to die." Amarylis replied looking into her father's eyes.

Jethro could tell she was blaming him. How could she not? "There isn't a day that goes by where I don't wish that it was me instead of her. I love you both very much, but I have a duty..."

"A duty? To what? The bureaucrats? To people you don't even know? How about us, your own daughters? You wouldn't even protect your own flesh and blood, what about me? Will I just become a footnote in your life now that Alex is dead?" Amarylis replied filled with emotion as her eyes became reddened from tears.

"No Amarylis. You will not become a footnote because I will never leave your side. As long as Morat lives then I live here, with you. If Alexandra's death has taught me anything it's that I cannot protect you unless I am near you. I won't make that error again." Jethro responded.

Amarylis rose from her seat looking down upon her father. "The only mistake you ever made was keeping your secret and Alexandra died for it. That one's on you." With that she marched out of the room leaving Jethro alone with his bottle of scotch. It was a scene all to familiar to him.

 

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