Family Time
Congratulations
Captain Holly Short simply couldn't make her brain focus on what Commander Trouble Kelp was explaining. She wasn't even sure what the topic of this meeting was. And that was cause to worry when discussing the first female officer in the LEP recon unit. She always made sure she understood her instructions, even if she only followed them 20% of the time.
The problem was that she hadn't slept the previous night. She had received a call from Caballine roughly 24 hours ago, while sitting in a chair only feet from her current position. Of course, she hadn't been able to take it seeing as she was in the middle an important meeting on new safety protocols for Foaly's latest Neutrino model. (Come to think of it, that might be what this was about too…) That didn't however mean that she hadn't received Caballine's frenzied message.
23.5 hours ago
"All right troops, that's all for today. Don't forget that we continue tomorrow. Same time, same place." Trouble was barely finished his farewells when the occupants of the room disappeared out the door and down the hallway. Holly, however, was slower. She already had her communicator out and was listening to the barely disguised hysteria that was Caballine's message.
"Holly! Holly, please pick up! I need to talk to you. You must still be at work, so meet me at your house. Soon."
Fear made Holly spin. "Commander, requesting permission to go home now." Her voice was clipped and harsh, but Trouble knew Holly. He recognized her need and new that this was only a formality. She was going whether he agreed or not.
"Permission granted." No need for her job to be in jeopardy. Recon needed her, whether the politicians liked it or not.
"Thank you" Her tone was sincere, but the worry had not disappeared.
Racing out the door Holly passed the locker room, not bothering to grab her civilian clothes.
It took a mere 5 minutes to reach home, but she still managed to formulate a million horrible situations. Caballine and Foaly were fighting. Caballine had lost her job. Caballine's ailing mother's situation had worsened. The list went on. Then she was in the door and hugging Caballine while she cried (which was a bit difficult considering the size difference.)
After some minutes Holly pulled back slightly, without ceasing her comforting rubbing of Caballine's shoulder and asked, tentatively "Caballine, what's happened?"
When several seconds passed without an answer Holly gave her a prompt "is it Foaly? Oh, god, is he cheating? I will kick his ass for you! I can't believe him! I thought he was above that."
Sniffling slightly, Caballine finally spoke "It is Foaly… sort of, but he didn't cheat. He's a good man. I love him."
"Ummm… then what has he done?"
Apparently even situations worthy of hysterics couldn't dampen Caballine's sense of hummer, because she responded "Me."
After a moment of sputtering Holly managed to form words "You're upset because your husband seduced you?"
"No, I'm upset because my genius husband is too embarrassed to invent foolproof contraception."
After a moments confusion the meaning of this statement sank in and brought with it realization. "Oh." Then, feeling that she aught to add something she offered an awkward "Congratulations."
A/N: I have yet to decide whether his fic will be Holly or Caballine centered. Might break it into two, and have a story for each. Any sugjestions are welcome.