Deroh Okins turned the corner to return to Rebecca's room when he was met in the corridor by Aria Brisard. She immediately stopped him in his tracks.
"Satisfied?"
Okins shrugged. "I did what had to be done."
"Playing judge, jury and executioner? I think you did it a bit too well. We could hear your victim's howling all the way down here."
Okins gave a dark smirk. "That means I did it right."
Aria shuddered. "You're lucky Becky didn't hear it. I think she's been through enough for one night."
"Kriffing..." he sighed. "Is she awake?"
Aria nodded. "Just a few moments ago. Luckily for you, she was spared the trauma. The medical officer is with her now."
"Good." He tried to push his way past her but she held her own. "Brisard..."
"You can't go in there dressed like that! Are you crazy?" she said. "Look at yourself!"
Okins glanced down at his bloodied uniform and sighed. He unfastened his uniform tunic and tossed it aside revealing his black undershirt. "Better?"
"I guess so." She examined him. "There's still some splotches on your pants."
"Kark it. If she asks, it's a drink." He pushed Aria aside and opened the door. Rebecca was sitting up with her back to the door. The medical officer was completing his examination so she didn't hear Aria and her father enter the room. Okins and Brisard stood off to the side and waited for the officer to complete his check up. The man soon finished and saluted to them on his way out.
Okins watched Rebecca for a few moments. Even though her back was to him, he could still tell she was distraught. A few sniffles were audible and she kept rubbing her eyes. He stepped forward to the bed and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Becky..."
She whirled around to see her father standing beside her. "Daddy...?"
Okins nodded and opened his arms to her. She then quickly jumped off the bed and hugged him tightly, burying her face into his chest and crying.
"Shh..." he said, consoling her. "It's alright, I'm here. You're safe now, and I promise now that I'm here no one will harm you again."
