Nicole thought things were progressing nicely with respect to the Federation. At home, things could not be worse. Orchid was horribly jealous of Dr. Velta Varno, whom Nicole used to call "Velvet" and the time she was spending in the Federation Complex as a linguist and as a cartographer in her capacity with the Yang Liwei Research Facility. She did not take a moment to let Nicole know with ferver about her feelings.
Nicole tried to calm her but Orchid thought that Velta, without Wendy around is after Nicole. Nicole tried to change the subject.
"Did you get the mail, Flower?", Nicole tried to sound loving and sweet.
"No!", Orchid snapped.
Nicole tapped the computer screen. There was only one message:
I, Commander Bruce Montgomery II, the brother of, Brenna Montgomery, Age 9, request formal custody from the foster parent, Vice Admiral Nicole Branson.
I authorized Commander Ophelia Master, the Phoenix Federation Protocol Officer to take whatever measurements necessary to gain full custody of Brenna Montgomery under Federation Law and the applicable laws of the Phoenix Federation.
I, Cleveland Powers, am declaring my representation of Commander Bruce Montgomery under the Phoenix Federation adoption of Federation Protocols as declared by Commander Ophelia Masters, Phoenix Colony Protocol Officer.
Nicole clasped her mouth, "Oh my god."
Orchid walked over, "They can't take our Brenna. She is ours!!"
Nicole sat down, "What are we going to do?"
Orchid put her hands around Nicole's head and kissed her hair.
Posted by:
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Executive Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation