Posted by Lieutenant Siegfried Abel (Chief Medical Officer) in CMO’s Quarters - A Much Unwanted Conversation (Tag CO)

Posted by Lieutenant Siegfried Abel (Chief Medical Officer) in CMO’s Quarters - A Much Unwanted Conversation
Abel had just laid down to sleep when the communicator on his bedside table chirped. =/\= Bridge to Lieutenant Abel. Incoming communication from Star Base One. Request to speak to the Chief Medical Officer. =/\= Siegfried yawned and sat up. “Suppose sleep will have to wait, then.” he mumbled as he picked up the device. =/\= Send it to the terminal in my quarters, please. =/\= he said in response and then threw on a shirt and took a seat in front of the screen.

A few moments later, the screen came to life and showed his mother and father. Swearing loudly, Siegfried reached to shut off the terminal when his father spoke. “Wait, my son. Please. I only ask that you wait for a few moments and let us speak.” Siegfried’s hand paused a scant fraction of an inch from the disconnect, and he glared daggers at the screen. “What do you want?” was all he said. “A few minutes of your time, and then nothing more if you so desire. It has been years, Siegfried. And there are some things you need to know.”

Abel dropped his hands in his lap and leaned back. His expression not changing, he said simply “Speak your peace, Father.” to which his father nodded a silent thanks. Taking a moment to compose himself, Seigfried’s mother said “You look well, dear. I see your chosen path has treated you well so far.” Abel’s eyes darted in her direction, and the look he gave her silenced any further comment. His father then spoke.

“My son, we know that we hid things from you. Things we had done both as a family and as individuals. But know that everything we did, we did in order to better protect our family.” Siegfried laughed. “You mean your money and your place in society. Don’t sugar coat it, Father. And don’t try to couch your actions in noble dress. It is unbecoming.” he said with an edge to his voice his parent’s had never heard before. His father took a breath, and then continued. “Yes… as you say. Siegfried… we, your mother and I, never wanted to hurt you. That is the truth. We did what we did because that… well… that is what we were taught is love. Your mother and myself… we lacked your insightfulness. Your dignity. Your… sense of right and wrong. But these past few years… you being gone… no contact… it has taught us something. And while we know that we cannot change the past, we can change the future. Your grandparents and we spoke before they… Oh. I doubt you have heard. Your grandparents on your mother’s side passed away two years ago.” Siegfried took an involuntary breath. “N-no… I hadn’t heard.” and he was flooded by memories of his grandmother and grandfather chasing a small Siegfried through their house in a game of tag… stories read by the gigantic fireplace in the manor on the winter estate… his grandfather teaching him how to catch trout in the brook. Steeling himself, he said “I am sorry for your loss, Mother.” he said flatly, but there was a small hitch in his voice that showed that there was indeed some emotion underneath. To her credit, she smiled and said “Thank you. For all of their… well… faults, they did adore you. Even after… ” and her voice trailed off and she took a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.

His father placed a hand on hers, something Siegfried noted immediately as displays of affection between the two were simply too rare for him not to notice. The elder Abel than said “As I said, we spoke to them before they passed, and my parents as well. Lydia’s parents were much more… open… to our plan than your paternal grandparents, I’m sorry to say. So we, your mother and I, have removed them from the family trust and allowed them to live out their years in the Spring house.” he said matter of fact-ly. Abel’s face couldn’t conceal his shock. His father’s parents loathed that house. To the point his grandfather had tried to burn it down… more than once. For his father to so cavalierly say they had been removed form their wealth and ‘allowed’ the use of that house was akin to saying that they had completely dishonored the entire Klingon High Council but ‘allowed’ them to live on Vulcan. Shaking his head, he realized that his father had been speaking but he hadn’t heard what he was saying.

”… and then your grandfather told us that we had no right. But of course the Articles of Incorporation were drawn up by your mother’s family attorneys, so there was no recourse for them. They take their allotted monthly stipend and refuse to speak to us.” and wry smile crossed his face briefly. “But now we know where your… tenacity… comes from then, don’t we my dear?” and Lydia chuckled slightly. “I suppose, Hans. I suppose…” she said with a smile to him, her hand still in his. Hans cast a loving glance at Lydia, then looked back at the screen. “So now, all of the Abel and Stovaan fortunes are sitting in a foundation, the purpose of which is to left up to you. And so you know this is not some scheme to get you back into the familial fold… well… I suppose it is but we are striving to do so on your terms, my son; all of that foundation has been placed solely in your name. You are the Director and Executor. And before you get completely taken aback, know that we have already set ourselves a retirement fund and have no legal rights whatsoever to the Foundation nor a say in it’s activities. We have withdrawn from our political activities as well.” and he sighed. “Siegfried… we miss you, Son. More than what we had been taught was important, we have come to realize that you and us… our real family… is what makes us happy. But your mother and i know that this is sudden, and you are… well… you. So take your time. Think about it. We are transmitting all the legal particulars of the Foundation to you for your review. Feel free to discuss it with whomever you wish. I would also have an attorney review the documents, one of your choosing of course. To make sure that you understand what all is involved.” and he paused and looked at Abel with a slightly melancholy smile on his lips.

Abel sat in silence for several minutes, taking in all that had been disclosed to him. Finally, he cleared his throat and said “I will review the files and have a Star Fleet Legal representative review them as well. If everything seems above board, and I do mean every last detail, then I will contact you to discuss our next steps. Is that acceptable?” he asked flatly. “It is indeed. Please take care of yourself, Siegfried. We will be waiting for your call. We love you.” Abel merely nodded in silent acknowledgement of the sentiment and then ended the call. Immediately there was the beep of a received transmission, and looking Abel could see the large legal document and accounting ledgers that accompanied it.

Leaning back in his chair, he stared out at the tracers of the stars as they silently swept past the Odin. Sleep would not be a companion this evening.

Abel, CMO

Not able to sleep, Siegfried finally gave up trying and began to look at the files his parent’s had sent. He wasn’t stupid, and growing up as he had he knew a fair bit about legal contracts and financial matters… but this? This was of a scope and magnitude that he simply couldn’t get it all into perspective. But what he could see is that he needed some advice. But who to ask? Abel pondered the thought for some time, until he finally said “Start at the top, work your way down.” and then took a breath. =/\= Chief Medical Officer to Commodore Calin. Sir, I need a to speak with you on a personal matter. Please let me know when you have some time. Thank you. =/\= and he moved to the refresher to get ready for the day, as the night had passed unnoticed.

Abel, CMO

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