Chapter 26.3
"Can you handle the rest?" He asked and the officer nodded. "Ok, then we'll take our leave."
The officer saluted while Junco followed Raphael and they both left the scene. Fifteen minutes later, Raphael and Junco returned to the AEM base where they were called over the PA by the Colonel.
Raphael knocked on the door to Watson's office despite the door being wide open. Watson, who was checking over a report, looked up and smiled at both him and Junco who was behind him.
"Raph, Junco. Come in," Watson said while gesturing at the chairs in front of her desk. "Please."
"You have a mission for us, Colonel?" Raphael asked as both he and Junco sat down in front of her.
"More like a favor," Watson answered. "Right now, Suni is combing over the surveillance footage of the area surrounding the pier and Dhole is checking with the underworld. Since there haven't been any major discoveries involving the incident, I'm hoping you can take some time to train Michelle in my absence."
"Training?" Junco asked.
"Yes. Michelle wanted to complete her AKEERA training," Watson answered. "I started training her this weekend but I can't help her for this entire week."
"Something came up?" Raphael asked.
"Yes, I need to deal with the ambassador of India," Watson said while massaging her eyebrows. She only had three hours worth of sleep this morning and only the half dozen mugs of coffee were able to elevate her headache. "Apparently, a delegation from India wants to come to Atlantis for a ... negotiation."
"Is there a specific reason why they're coming now?" Junco asked. The timing of this delegation was very coincidental.
"Seems like there was a leak," Watson replied with a frown. "Somehow, the ambassador discovered that Fenrir had gifted his poultice to the injured. Now, he's hoping to barter for a poultice."
Raphael grimaced but didn't interrupt Watson as she continued explaining.
"Right now, the Council requested AEM to intervene and negotiate with the ambassador who is representing the delegation."
"Representing the delegation? Not their country, India?" Junco furrowed her eyebrows when she heard Watson.
"Yes. The delegation is from the Singh family," Watson answered with an approving smile. She felt that Junco was perfect for Raphael but sighed internally when she remembered how it was against regulations for them to date; Raphael was Junco's direct superior, meaning they could not be together as long as they were in AEM. "As you know, the Singh family has control over a fifth of India's infrastructure and is a prominent family with hands in both politics and the military."
"They're also said to be directly descended from Gobind Singh," Junco added, peppering the conversation with additional information and Watson nodded.
"Ouch. Talk about a bunch of heavyweights," Raphael muttered. When he saw Watson turning to look at him, he cleared his throat. "Alright, Junco can help improve Michelle's shooting skills and I'll train her in handling AKEERAs."
"Thank you, Raph," Watson said and she returned to her reports. "Can you pick Michelle up today?"
"At school? Oui, ok," Raphael replied. A glint passed through his eyes as he recalled that Jason was teaching there, meaning this was the perfect moment to confront him.
***
Jason led Alice by the hand into Second Academy's school grounds. Lounging students that were on a break and teachers alike looked on in surprise when they noticed him holding a little girl's hand.
"Uh, was this a good idea?" Alice asked out loud.
"Don't worry. No one will have a problem with me bringing you here," Jason assured her.
"Oh, I know. I'm too cute to be kicked out," Alice replied seriously while blinking. "I'm just concerned that everyone will think you're a pedophile."
"..." Jason looked at Alice, speechless at her cheekiness, and realized that the thought hadn't crossed his mind until she mentioned it. He then stared at all the onlookers and realized that they were watching him strangely.
She's my daughter! Jason screamed internally but said nothing but grimace. What he didn't know was that everyone was just wondering about why Jason had brought a little girl with him, and not that he was a a possible criminal.
As he awkwardly walked onwards, an arm appeared on his other side and hooked into his free arm. The scent of sweet vanilla mixed with spicy cinnamon tickled his nose and he turned to look at Melanie who impishly grinned back. She was wearing a casual outfit: a white t-shirt with a navy blazer over it and semi-casual black pants. With her shy smile and wavy light brown hair that was doused with caramel highlights, she had a certain casual yet professional look going.
"Hey there, handsome," Melanie purred. She exchanged amorous gazes with Jason before looking down at Alice who was back with her innocent and guileless look. "Oh, if it isn't … what was your name again, dearie?"
"... Daddy, who is this old aunt?" Alice asked "innocently". Melanie's face changed as she realized Alice was referring to her.
The two had seen each other before when Melanie joined Jason and the others during their weekend shopping, but right now, Alice was pretending not to know her. It was obvious that Alice didn't want to get along with Melanie.
[1] ARP: Auxiliary Rocket Propellers