Work Text:
One Shot
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“Hey, girl. How was your visit with Bortus and Klyden?”
Kelly takes the glass of champagne Claire hands her after sinking onto the sofa of her friend’s sitting room. Heaving a sigh, she takes a healthy sip before answering.
“Klyden invited me to join them for dinner. So I did.”
“And?” Claire presses.
“And it was nice. Klyden was pleasant, and I could see how happy it made Topa — and Bortus. I’m really happy for them.”
Claire watches as Kelly drains her glass, and the off-duty CMO places her own drink aside.
“Kelly, I know you, and I can tell when something’s on your mind.”
Claire’s brows arch as Kelly folds immediately.
“Something happened but didn’t happen, and I need you to tell me if it’s the reason why I think — no, no. I should tell you what happened but didn’t. Maybe it didn’t happen, and it’s all in my head-”
“Okay, Kelly, breathe,” Claire says, placing a calming hand briefly on Kelly’s, “now… tell me what happened but didn’t.”
Kelly closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
“When Bortus and I went to rescue Topa from her kidnappers, I fell into a crevasse and hurt my arm.”
“Yeah, you told me. I did a deeper medical scan when you all came back.”
Kelly nods, staring into her empty glass.
“What I didn’t tell you was that… there was a moment.”
“A moment?”
“I — I don’t know, I could have been imagining it, the look in his eyes, but… my feelings, my reaction at the time, I...”
“What are you saying?” Claire asks slowly, though her gut says she might have an idea.
“I almost kissed Bortus.”
Claire silently refills her friend’s glass.
“While sitting in their quarters, at their table, eating that soup, seeing how happy they all were… I expected to feel guilt for what I almost did, but all I felt was embarrassed and — and… Look, I know how much Topa loves her father; you’d have to be blind to miss it, and I hope for her sake that I’m wrong, but-”
With a shake of her head, Kelly gets to her feet and begins to pace.
“Kelly, whatever it is, you can tell me. You know your secrets are always safe with me. This is clearly eating away at you.”
“It’s just that… it feels like I’m acting like a jealous hussy even thinking it. Which is why I told you about the ‘moment’, because Claire, I need you to tell me if I am just jealous or if there’s a cause for my concern.”
“Okay.”
“Okay... Why does Bortus trust Klyden? Why should any of us trust him after everything he’s done? Topa came to me crying after Klyden told her he wished she was never born.”
“My god!” Claire exclaims, “why didn’t she tell me during our sessions?”
“I don’t know, but that bastard basically wished her life away not even a month ago. Suddenly he’s returned all concerned after she was kidnapped by Moclans who think like him.”
“He’s still her father.”
“Yes, I know that, but Claire, think of how he’s treated the women on this ship, ignoring them, condescending, scorning… he tried to raise Topa that way. Do you really think he’s accepted his daughter after so many years being… Klyden?”
“Kelly-”
“I hate him… okay… I admit it. I hate Klyden with every fibre of my being. But, putting that all aside, Claire, my gut is telling me that his miraculous, moral turn-around is suspicious, especially after Moclus' expulsion from the Union. I really think we should be keeping a closer watch on him-”
“Okay,” Claire says gently.
Kelly’s pacing abruptly ends as she turns to the other woman.
“What?”
Claire smiles and gestures for her friend to sit.
“Remember earlier, when I said that I know you?”
Kelly nods as she returns to the sofa, looking frustrated but hopeful.
“Then believe me when I say that despite your clear affection for Topa… and Bortus, you would never let personal feelings override your instincts or training. So if you think we need to keep an eye on Klyden, that’s what we’ll do.”
“Unofficially,” Kelly says warily, “at least until we’re sure.”
“Last I checked, I’m off-duty,” Claire replies, smiling, “and, you’re right, it’s better to get proof before we go making accusations.”
Kelly sighs, nodding gratefully.
“I’ll probably let Talla in on the plan too, then when we get the proof, we’ll take it to Ed… Thank you for listening, Claire. You’re an amazing doctor and an even better friend.”
The ladies clink their glasses.
“Now, let's talk about something fun... what's going on with you and Isaac.”
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The End