Disclaimer: I don't own or make any money off of these characters. They belong solely to others whom I worship and loathe.

Warnings: None.

Notes: They got the family vibe going, admit it. Allen's just the poor, brow-beaten father who occasionally snaps back. Much to the astonishment of everyone else.

Father Knows
by Fairady

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The door was in sight. Just a few more feet and Allen would be free. He carefully moved towards it, mind racing as he started to think about the evasive steps he'd need to take after he made it out there. He raised one hand to the touch pad and tensed. Ready to bolt.

"Allen!"

Damn, he'd been so close! Allen turned back to the two women with a poorly hidden wince, "Yes Chief?"

Shion pushed her glasses more securely up her nose and said, "KOS-MOS is being stubborn, you tell her that!"

"Um," Allen eyed the door, it was only a few more inches. He could make it. Maybe.

"Shion," KOS-MOS turned her head to keep both humans in sight, "you are being illogical. I cannot comprehend such human follies."

"'Cannot comprehend!'" Shion snapped back, "More like 'will not comprehend', who do you think I am? I made you, so I know exactly what you're capable of," she turned suddenly and Allen gave up all hope of escape. "Allen! The girl is being too stubborn to deal with. You talk some sense into her."

Right, like that was going to do any good. "Can't we ju-"

KOS-MOS cut in over what Allen was saying, "My orders do not include engineer Allen Ridgely as part of my chain of command."

"-huh?" Allen's jaw dropped. Not in her chain of command? When had that happened? "Now wait a minute..."

"You see!" Shion exclaimed. "She's being deliberatly obtuse."

"I am merely stating-"

"What is it that you-"

"-a fact. You are-"

"-think you're doing!"

"-getting overworked-"

"You can't just go-"

"Now wait a minute!" Two pairs of eyes looked in Allen's direction. Crossing his arms he sternly said, "You're both being illogical and stubborn. Chief, KOS-MOS is only following her orders, there is no need for you to constantly harp on her about that. You know she can't change that so leave her alone. KOS-MOS, the Chief is just worried about you because she doesn't want to see you hurt. Yes, it's illogical, but that's what humans are. If you'd be a bit more forthcoming and less stubborn things would go smoother. Now can you both stop arguing?"

Both women silently stared at each other before reluctantly turning to Allen.

KOS-MOS broke the silence first, "Your comments are noted and are being taken into consideration."

"Oh, I'm sure-" Shion started.

"Chief!" Allen said sharply.

Shion sighed and nodded her head, "Fine."

Allen watched them both leave the room and slumped a little. Never in his life had he felt so much empathy for his father.

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