h.ow }{ about another R O U N D

[miles]

Miles could register the shock in Sky's stance even if she tried to hide it from him. Her brother knew how the demon-child reacted, and he could tell that his attempt at coming to her rescue was a huge surprise. He couldn't tell if it was welcomed or not, and quite frankly he didn't care. He would help her now to save his soul, and then back the hell off. He was already wondering where Captain Kirk's quarters were, because he had one very important appointment to make.

Spock's sentences to him, however, initiated exactly the type of response that Miles didn't want to have - and yet he had anyway. Rather than getting mad or agitated at Spock's snobbery (albeit correct logic), and rather than shrinking from the Vulcan's commanding presence and threats, Miles shifted his weight and adapted a cocky smile that would likely make his sister groan as she realized what he was about to do.

"Well, Commander," he said, "absolutely no one gave us permission to spar at home either. Sometimes, children have a hard time growing up and forgetting old habits, no matter how troublesome or annoying they are. The fact remains that both of us messed up, we won't do something so emotional and illogical again..." (he really was sincere with that bit, he didn't look forward to pulling his phaser in the halls of the Enterprise), "and I'm sure we could both do with a little bit of a time-out. Would you agree, dear sister of mine?" His voice dripped with patronizing scorn, a very insubordinate attitude, but the simple fact was that even if Spock threatened him he wouldn't have to take it. They wouldn't kick him out of Starfleet for mouthing off to a Vulcan. A commanding officer, perhaps, but the first offense? Oh, surely not.

He caught the doppelganger eying him, which made little flutters of nervousness perk up in his stomach. He really wanted to get out of this situation. Fast.

[skytracker]

Sky stood there. She was almost at attention as Spock shredded her with the comparison. A cadet!? her mind screamed in indignation, but she took it. She had never before had a commanding officer speak to her in such a way, and she was deffinitely not used to it. Oh, she'd had the pat on the wrist...etc. But not a comparison to someone as low as a cadet. Yes, this was affecting the lieutenant greatly. Not knowing what to do, she stared straight ahead, refusing to flinch as Spock's words cut her to the bone...

She took a deep breath to answer his question when a movement from her brother caught her attention. She turned and looked at him just as he shifted his weight and changed his facial expression. She groaned. He had done this with their father as well... Honestly, Sky wanted to smack her forhead. You idiotic fucktard! she wanted to scream at him. Instead though, she stood still and quiet, waiting for him to finish. Then he said it: "I'm sure we could both do with a little bit of time-out. Would you agree, dear sister of mine?" Sky wanted to turn and pull her phaser on him again.

What? Why would you? What did you? Why would you do that? Why? Why would you do that? Is there something wrong with you upstairs? What the hell? Of course there's something wrong with your head. But why? Why would you get your ass in trouble again? Why? Ugh. Nevermind. Sky turned back to Spock with a mix of irritation and disbelief. Yes, Miles had actually done it. And, yes, Sky wanted to kill him for it. She mouthed at her brother "Shut the fuck up!" Not a sound emitted from her until she turned back to the first officer.

"No one gave permission, Sir. I took it upon myself to fire. Miles isn't at fault. I didn't think he'd actually shoot until I did...so I shot. I was the initiator." Since she was little, she'd been against handing the blame off. It was a blow to her pride for someone to go down for something she had done, and all of her siblings knew it. Sky's head was held high as she waited for the blow that would come next. She wasn't trying to stand up for Miles, or be the hero, it would just eat at her for eternity if someone else took the blame for something she was responsible. In her mind, Miles shouldn't've drawn his weapon, but it was low and dishonorable to take the first shot. Sky was more ashamed than she was anything else. The lieutenant wanted to shrink and crawl away into a dark hole, never to be heard from again.