The World We Once Knew

Chapter Twelve

Akoni

By the time I wake up the next morning, Finn is gone. I don't bother going in today. Instead I get dressed and get a coffee, make a list of the things I need, then I go to the shopping district. I buy a kids traveling bunk bed and a portable play yard that has a changing station attached. I also buy pillows and blankets. Anything I can think of for these kids. I haven't seen them in years and the youngest I have yet to see. I get everything back and set up. The baby will sleep next to me along with a stockpile of diapers and wipes. I then put the kids travel bunk bed in-between Finn and I's closet as that's really the only space for them for now. I have to remember to put in for a family living quarters so we aren't so cramped in this tiny room. By three o'clock Finn walks through the door, he looks around and then heads to the bathroom. He comes out and sits down at his desk.

 "Are you going to talk to me?" I inquire. 

"Depends, are you going to yell at me over a simple question?" he retorts. 

"Look I didn't mean it like that. There was just a lot going on yesterday." I tell him. 

"Yeah clearly." He says, 

"So is this all for your siblings?" he asks motioning to all the stuff

"Yeah, I figure I'd get it done, you know?" I say. 

"Yeah, that's smart." He says and turns back to his desk. 

I go to the mess hall and pick up some food when I suddenly realize I need a nanny or daycare for the baby while the others are at school. Wow this is going to be harder than I thought.

 As I'm walking back to my quarters two soldiers approach me. "Colonel Kale?" the one on the left says questionably. 

"Yes. That's me." I respond. 

"Please come with us." says the one on the right.

I follow them to the Monitoring Room. It's lit up but no one is at their terminals. I follow the two soldiers up the stairs. They open the door to my office and gesture for me to enter. So I walk in and they shut the door behind me. Someone is in my chair behind my desk. The figure appears to be female. I walk over to my desk.

 "Hello? Can I help you?" I say. 

"You already are thank you." says the figure. 

Then the figure spins around and turns on the desk lamp. I get the shock of my life. 

Dr. Regan Shea O'Connell is sitting in front of me.