You, Me and Mr. Dupree - Part 2

Posted on Fri Jun 12th, 2015 @ 8:25pm by Lieutenant Commander Robin Swift M.D., PhD & Petty Officer 1st Class Drusilla Dupree & Lieutenant Commander Nicolao

Mission: Further Challenges
Location: Archadia

The sun was setting now, hanging low out over the ocean. Relaxing music played and over by the impromptu bar, Nico and his brother stood talking. He had not let go of Dru all evening and even now, held her hand in his. Dae sat down by Robin and passed him a fresh glass that held a brightly colored drink. He watched the little group for a few minutes before he spoke.

“So, Counselor, I have to ask. Did you expect this would ever happen?”

Robin sipped the drink first. It was very fizzy and made his nose tickle. “Well, maybe eventually, but I didn’t expect it this quickly. I’m genuinely happy for them, but I hope they didn’t jump too quickly. I’m sure it’ll work out, though.”

Dae nodded in agreement. “My sentiments exactly. He’s been through a rough time and then all this with Azoulay...but I get it. Those in our line of work, and him especially, know how short life can be. Waiting for the right time means that time may never come. How’s they doing, really?”

“As far as I can tell she’s moved on past her abduction,” Robin replied, stirring the drink a bit, then taking another sip. “I honestly believe that this relationship with Nico, being so strong mentally together, has helped the both of them recover more than most people would ever dream of. Being able to get into each other’s mind like they do means you have to be one-hundred percent honest and that, somehow, is making them able to talk about things more and cope with whatever is hurting them. So, maybe this was just the natural course for them to take.”

Dae regarded Robin a moment, then reached for his own drink. “You and I need to get together soon. We’re coming up on time for my evaluation and that includes your report too.”

“Oh, the power I suddenly wield,” Robin said with a smirk before diving back into the drink. “This is really good, by the way. I may need another one soon.”

Dae laughed but then his expression sobered. “You have a point, Robin. I don’t necessarily like the feeling that I hold his life in my hands. In the field is one thing but this is very different and I don’t want to screw it up.”

Robin took a moment to look over at Nico and Drusilla. They were in the moment and they were so happy that it almost radiated out into the room for everyone to see. “Dae, I know that he’s been through some very tough times, but he’s made superb progress. And unless something changes drastically for the worse, I won’t need to keep seeing him much longer. I think the reason he was sent here was related to this Azoulay mess, just to see what he knew, or to keep anyone else from knowing it. And now that it’s all out in the open--well, to those in the know--I’m only going to be counseling him for the most recent events and to ensure that he and Dru are okay with this big change in their lives.” He turned back to Dae. “In the end, however, I think his return to service will be his call. He may be tired of it, he may embrace it. Who knows? But if he does get back to it, I think he’ll be fine.”

“He was one of the best I’ve ever seen,” Dae commented, then he smiled. “We’ll see I suppose. But shop talk aside, how are things for you? Now that all that mess is over, I feel like I’m coming up for air finally. And I’m not intruding but you seem happier than I’ve seen you in the past. Sorry, you’re surrounded by telepaths.”

Robin crossed his fingers and hissed. “Back! Back, vile beast!” Maybe it was the drink getting to him, but he thought his actions incredibly funny. “Really, though, I don’t know what’s going on. I think I’m just happy that this is all over. Nothing has changed in my life.”

Dae laughed at his antics,then shook his head. “Something has. Want some more of the joy juice?”

“Oh, yes, please!” Robin said smiling like a loon then announced loudly, “I have no clue what I’m drinking, but it’s amazing!”

“I’ll be right back then.”

Dae stood, took the glasses and moved over to the bar. There he ordered the drinks, then once more congratulated Nico and Dru as he waited for the drinks. A new song began to play, a mellow tropical tune and Niro offered Dru his hand.

“May I have a dance with the new bride?” he asked.

With a quick glance to Nico, she turned back and smiled. “Why not? I think I owe you at least that much after earlier.”

Niro led her out to the grassy area by the bar and took her in his arms. As they began to move to the music, he smiled. You have no need to apologize. I know it was a surprise, especially since there is virtually no difference in my appearance and Nico’s.

He told me you two were twins, but it’s more like you’re carbon copies of each other. She took a moment to study his face and realized that it was exactly like Nico’s. If it weren’t for the ring boosting her connection with them, she wouldn’t be able to tell them apart visually. “Thank you again,” she said aloud, “for coming to the wedding. I’ve not known him long enough to get to know any of his family members.”

Her comment caused Niro to laugh. “You’re looking at his family, Dru. He and I are what’s left. The family was split during an uprising on Enara Prime and he and our father were left there, while I and our mother were forced to leave. Both parents are gone now so...yeah. That’s the short version. Now you see why I risked so much to rescue him.”

“That’s--” she stopped, suddenly feeling so sad for them both. “Well, you did a good thing rescuing him. And now you have a sister,” she said, trying to bring a small bit of joy to him. “I hope I’ll meet your standards, but I think we’ll all get along well together. So, are you going to stick around for a bit? I could show you around the station if you want.”

“I could be convinced.” He smiled down at her. “I need to lay in some provisions on my ship and 900 is a good place for a bit of a layover to relax and enjoy myself, or so I keep hearing. I have a few friends there that I intend to catch up with as well. So, I suppose that is a yes and thank you. I look forward to seeing the station with you.”

“I think you’ll enjoy it,” she said as the music ended and another song started. “I’ll only show you the exciting places, though.” Letting go of his hands she smiled. “Thanks for the dance, but I feel like having a drink.”

“By all means.” Niro led her back to where Dae and Nico were talking. “You are a lucky man, my brother.”

Nico smiled and gave Niro a nod. “Speaking of which….” He motioned Robin over. “I’m glad you all were here today to be a part of this. However, it is our wedding night so, we are going to leave you all to it. Enjoy yourselves but do not disturb.” He laughed as he pulled Dru into his side.

“So noted,” Dae replied. “I need to get back to the station. Robin, shall I sling you over my shoulder and take you home?”

“A ride!” Robin shouted. “Bring it on, hoss-cat!” he said, slinging the last bit of his drink around. “Whoo! Wait--what are we doing again?”

“Time to hit the road, Counselor,” Nico answered. “You two have fun and I’ll see you when I am back on the station in two days Robin.”

As Dae held Robin up, the counselor turned and pointed to Nico and Dru, singing.

“Two tickets to paradise! Pack your bags we’ll leave tonight! Oof!” he said as Dae pulled him along. As they continued, the rest of the group could hear him singing loudly, and surprisingly well.

Niro smiled to Nico and Dru. “I’ll see you two when you get back to the station. Till then, enjoy the rest of your honeymoon.” He rested a hand on Dru’s shoulder but didn’t touch Nico. Then without another word, he turned and departed, walking in the direction of the village.

Suddenly the realization that they were alone was all too obvious, and just like that, they were man and wife. “So, Nico, it seems that we suddenly have some time on our hands. I wonder what we should do? It just seems a shame that I stand here all newly married and it hasn’t even been consummated yet.” She ran her hand down the side of his face, then to his chest.

He grinned at her. “I adore them all but I’m glad they’re gone. Now it’s just us.” He reached down, pulling up the thin lace dress. “I think we’ll start right here.”

“I think we will, Mr. Dupree,” she said with a laugh.


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Nicolao
Gleeful Groom

PO2 Drusilla Dupree
Happily Wedded Wife

Niro
Unexpected Brother

Lt. Commander Dae Nalas
Best Man

Lt. Cmdr. Robin Swift
“Father” of the Bride