The Wild Orchid

Chapter 22

                     The next day Phalen had woken up at 5am. After getting up she met up with Phoenix in the kitchen. Once in the kitchen she grabbed a cup of coffee and joined Phoenix at the table. After a moment of silence Phalen spoke. When she spoke she stated while wincing, "Good morning Phoenix. I have an idea I'd like to run by you. That is, if you have a moment." Phoenix looked up from his paper with a smile. Then he said, "What's your idea my darling daughter?" Phalen groaned then she replied, "It's to damn early to be that fucking chipper Dad. Anyway, what if we did training a little bit differently today?"

                    That caught Phoenix's attention immediately. He looked at her curiously with raised eyebrows while he set his paper down. That's when he responded, "Continue I'm listening. You also have my undivided attention." Phalen smiled deviously while wincing again, then replied, "Why don't we play some paintball. We can treat it like maneuvers. What do you think dad?" Phoenix then thought about it.

                    Once he pulled himself from his own thoughts he stated, "Actually, I really, really love the idea my brilliant daughter. Now you are thinking like a true Captain. Let's do it. Of course not until after everyone is up and has had breakfast." Phoenix paused briefly then continued, "Of course, if I know you and your brilliant mind you aren't telling me everything." Phalen just started to laugh with pain shooting through her jaw. Then through the laughter and the pain she states, "You do know me. You will find out when everyone else does."

                  The next ones to enter the kitchen were Sassy and Gabby. When they came in they saw Phoenix and Phalen enjoying coffee together. They then went up to their mates, kissed them, grabbed coffee, and then joined them at the table. Once they were seated Gabby asks, "So what were you and Dad discussing?" Phalen looked at Gabby smiling but shocked then replies, "Since when are you calling Phoenix Dad as well?" Gabby just smiled. After a few minutes she states, "Phalen I call Sassy Mom. Phoenix is her mate. It'd only be proper to call Phoenix Dad. He did become your father. If I say so myself he's a damn good father." Phalen shook her head smiling. Phalen then replies, "Ok you proved your point. You're right he is a damn good father."

                   After a few minutes of laughter Phoenix states, "We were discussing training today and about changing it up. My darling Captain of a daughter thought of a damn good idea for training today. Gabby, you look like you want to ask something." Gabby sat silently for a bit. Just as she was about to speak the rest of the crew entered the kitchen. That's when she got up to top her coffee off. Phoenix seeing this took the opportunity to speak with Gabby alone.

                   When he approached her he leaned against the counter then said, "Gabby what's on your mind? Talk to me. I'm here for you like I am for Phalen. You're with Phalen so I consider you my daughter in-law just like Sassy does." Gabby looked at Phoenix and smiled. After another few minutes passed Gabby replied, "May I come by your room later to talk?" Phoenix smiled, hugged her, then said, "Absolutely you can. You are family." When the hug was finished they rejoined everyone. As soon as everybody was present Phalen began, "Today's training is going to be completely different from our usual training." Phalen paused then took another sip of her coffee. During the pause they all looked at Phalen curiously. Phoenix then chimed in, "We'll be playing paintball. It'll be getting used for maneuvers." That's when Phoenix paused.

                 Before either of them continued Phalen went and refilled her coffee. Once she returned she continued, "It'll be my squad against Phoenix's squad. Both squads are very equally matched. Two different colored paintballs will be used. What's everyone's thoughts?" The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everybody just sat looking at one another. Eventually Orion broke the silence. What he said was, "Who's idea was this actually?" Phoenix and Phalen looked at each other and chuckled. Phoenix then stated, "It was actually your sister's idea. I felt it was fucking brilliant."