DMHFV38

=Chapter 38=
==Dead Man's Hand: Family Values==
Lazy S Ranch
Ia Drang, Kowloon
Bucklands Province
Lyran Alliance
5th October, 3058
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"This isn't the life I would have wanted for you." Joker stood, looking down at the crib where her daughter lay sleeping, "You should have known your father. He was a good man, far better than I deserved, and you would have meant the world to him."
"One thing I'm sure you'll pick up on pretty quickly is I'm not exactly in touch with my emotions, beyond lust and anger. I mean, I've b know to exhibit all seven of the deadly sins, but those two are probably my favorites. As such, it is my sincerest hope that you take after your father's side of the family. I never really met my mother... but that's a story for when you're older when we're both a few drinks in, but she was a complicated woman to say the least. The less said about my own father, the better. I know even less about him, and that's still too much."
"Your father, Alex... he was kind, brave, good natured, smart, funny, and all the things you could hope for in a partner. He even found a way to bring out the best in me, and that's not something many can claim. But, I think you will. I'm not going to be around as much as you may want. I'm only good at two things; while I could make a living at the other, I would be setting a bad example. Not that I want you to follow me into the life of a MechWarrior, unless it's what you really, really want. Certainly don't let anyone ever tell you that it's your destiny. Not a big fan of the concept of destiny. Even if I do seem to be dancing to its tune. No, you forge your own course through life, and don't let anyone, certainly not me, tell you what you should or shouldn't be."
"I've left some letters, a few recordings, and that will hopefully explain things when you're old enough to understand. Should I... not make it back. Trinh and Liz will look out for you, keep you safe. I've made a few enemies, and there are those who would want to ,well, take advantage of you. Simply because of who I am, and who that makes you. I hope that... well, I hope that the price I've paid will keep you safe at least for a while."
"Look, kiddo, I'm far from being a good person, not by a long-shot: I may like to kind myself that I'm somehow better than most of the other mercenaries out there, but, truth be told, I've killed people because someone else paid me to do it. Like I said, it's one of only two things I'm good at, and it's a sad truth that there is a need for people like me in this universe. So, best I can do is try again make my peace with what I do, and make sure I keep to my moral code best I can." 
"Got something here I think you should have." Joker reached up and removed and simple gold chain from around her neck: from it hung a small cross, and a heart shaped locket, both also in gold, "Sister Lucy, the woman I named you for, gave me this after my First Holy Communion. She said that, even at the worst of times, we all need a reminder that God loves us. The locket, that your father gave me for our anniversary, not long before... before he passed on. I've put the best picture I have of him in it, and one of me that at least doesn't look like a police mugshot. Figure, at least this way, you'll know more about where you came from than I ever did."
She hung the chain from the mobile attached to the end of the crib.
"This ain't a fair galaxy, kid. Somedays, it feels like the whole human race is going to hell in a hand-basket. Important thing is we need things strive to lift ourselves, and those around us, up. That's why I asked Liz to be your godmother, to help watch over you when I can't. She's a good person, certainly a better one than I'll ever be. She genuinely wants to help rag the entire human race up by the scruff of our collective necks if needs be. Listen to her, and never be afraid to go to her for advice. Just...don't listen to that crazy boyfriend of hers, okay? The Clans are the last thing you want to get involved with."
"I'm still not convinced that having me in your life is gonna do anything but screw you up. Lord knows, I'm not exactly a good influence on anyone, but...for the longest time, I thought family was a four-letter word. Then I had you and... life has a way of catching you unaware. I can't take you with me. My life is too dangerous for that, but I can at least try and make sure that you're taken care of. Hence your trust fund. The work I do may not pay as much as some other things I could do, but it's legally and morally clean, and I have enough saved away to give you a leg up in life. I'll be adding more to it as and when I can. I know it's no substitute for a real family, but you play the hand your dealt in this life."
Joker stood, reaching down to brush a hand against the side of her daughters face.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go attend a party to celebrate your godmother getting the all-clear from the mad scientists who saved her life."
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Ngo Family Estate
Hue, Kowloon
Bucklands Province
Lyran Alliance
6th October, 3058
Liz had come to the conclusion that hangovers were not a price worth paying for the mildly euphoric sensation that being drunk gave her. She wasn't sure if it was due to her past narcotics addiction, or the thankfully much reduced medication they had her on, but she seemed physically incapable of obtaining the 'buzz' people often spoke of.
The buzzing of the communications system didn't help.
Only a handful of people had access to the direct line, none of them people she could easily or safely ignore, and if they were calling her directly... Well, they'd just have to put up with seeing her bleary eyed, and dressed in an old robe and fluffy slippers.
She activated the small coms unit built into the wall just outside her bedroom, and the image that appeared on the screen had the effect of several cups of strong black coffee and an entire bottle of aspirin.
"Precentor Martial Focht." she found herself bowing slightly, "Please, for give me for..."
"It is I who should ask you to forgive me." Anastasius Focht, victor of Tukayyid and hero to, well, every freedom loving person in the Inner Sphere, smiled, "I am the one calling you, unannounced, and at what am told is outside of, well, normal office hours."
''
"One thing I learned very quickly after assuming my station is that, when you're a Duchess, there is no such thing as 'outside of office hours'." Liz assured him, "To what do I owe this unexpected honor?"
It took all her considerable self control not to grimace when she saw Nathan Roshak walk out of the bedroom door behind her, dressed only in his underwear, stretching his arms above his head as he yawned.
"I confess that you are not actually the person I am trying to contact." Focht admitted, "However, nobody seemed to be able to locate a mercenary who goes by the name of Joker, who I have been told is currently visiting your world."
"Her unit has been undergoing rest and refit on Kowloon, while also helping to train our planetary militia, yes." Liz nodded, unsure just how much the infamously duplicitous ComStar knew, and how much they would be willing to admit to knowing.
"It is my understanding that their contract with you is coming to an end, and they have been recommended to me for, well, part of an upcoming operation." the head of the ComsGuards continued, "Unfortunately, as I said, nobody seems to know where exactly she is. I was hoping that you might be able to shed some light on the issue."
"I'm afraid that I am her employer, not her keeper. She attended a social event I hosted last night, but besides that..."
Despite herself, Liz froze when she saw the reflection of Joker, dressed only in one of Nathan Roshaks shirts, which only just covered the parts of her that needed covering, strode confidently out of the bedroom, across the hall and into the bathroom.
"Such is often the case when dealing with mercenaries." there was an unmistakable twinkle in Fochts remaining eye, and the corner of his mouth twitched ever so faintly, "I apologize for interrupting your day."
"Not at all, Precentor Martial." Liz responded with a fixed smile, "Happy to be of service."
Fochts cut the link, the screen going dead, and Liz wanted nothing more than for the ground beneath her would open up and swallow her whole.
"Well, as enjoyable as last night was, I think it confirms your heterosexuality." Joker reappeared and kissed the Duchess on the cheek, "Forgive me if I don't stay for breakfast, but I really think I should go check my messages."
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--The End--
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Category:Dead Man's Hand: Family Values
Category:Works by JA Baker