Her father leaned back in his deep leather chair. He had been raised his entire life to make business deals. Getting what he wanted out of people who refuse to bend to his will. He sat the cigar down in the crystal ashtray and picked up his brandy. Savoring the flavor for a moment, he knew he had her where he wanted her. He was confidant that she would eventually thank him for this, when she came to her senses and forgot about this foolish infatuation. Setting his drink down he leaned forward with a predatory smile on his lips. He motioned for Mila to sit in one of the large chairs facing this desk, speaking only after she reluctantly sat down.
"I could help him you know, if I wanted to. I could fix it so his, how should I put it, youthful indiscretions were all forgiven. He would merely be demoted and transferred from Helena's ship to another Battlestar. That is what you want, isn't it?" He asked in a low, confidant tone.
For a moment Mila allowed herself to hope. Maybe her father would accept her engagement to Tra and help him. After all, her father had to know already that the fight was because a drunk had grabbed her and tried to pull her onto his lap. Lacing her fingers together she leaned forward, daring a hopeful smile.
"Yes, oh gods yes. I'll do anything. You wanted me to drop out of the academy, I'll do it. I'll go to whatever college you want me to and go into the family business. Just help him." She said.
John laughed softly. "My dear, that isn't what I want at all. My price for helping your young man, is for you to break off all contact with him. Your engagement to this, rouge is over as of now. In time you will see that this is for the best, for both of you. He can go on with his life of service, perhaps marrying a woman of his own social class. You however will be with a more suitable partner, that your mother and I can approve of. My terms are nonnegotiable, and you have until I finish my drink to make up your mind."
1430 hrs Raptor. 8247 en rout to Battlestar Avalon
"We'll be landing on the Avalon in twenty" The pilot said over the comm, ripping her out of the past.
She rubbed her eyes and looked out the window as she thought about Tra. She had taken her father's deal and saved his career, but the price had been greater than she had thought. Disappearing from his life, not returning his calls or letters was not the worst part. That came when she had to turn her back on him when he sought her out at last. A few months later she was in basic flight and then in the hospital. She reached into her pocket and took out a pain killer. Slipping it in her mouth she chewed it before swallowing so she could skip the time release and just get the rush. After a few moments she felt the rush come over her and the pain of the memories seemed a bit more removed.
Twenty minutes later the Raptor was on the flight deck.