JPL(Backlog)|Cpt. Dhej & Cmdr. Rinehart|"Breathe"

Posted on 241506.14 @ 12:38am by Commander Tierney Rinehart

=/\=Cold Station Theta Promonade=/\=

Karim sighed as he stared out the viewport at the blankness of space before him. He'd been trying to relax since going off duty, but was having a hard time relaxing. He thought that maybe a walk around the station would clear his head, but it didn't seem to be working. Shaking his head in frustration, he leaned his head against the viewport and closed his eyes.

"You look like you could use a drink." Tierney's voice broke through the babbling brook of sounds that came waltzing hand in hand with a bustling spaceport. "Sadly, I can't partake, I can watch and I can chat." She smiled, running her hand over her friend's shoulder as she came to rest beside him.

Looking up, he said "Hi Tierney, I didn't expect to see you here. I'll pass on the drink, but will take the chat." Gesturing to the nearby table, he moved to grab one of the chairs. Sitting, he sighed "I need to talk, off the record, about something that's bothering me. I hope you don't mind."

"That's one of the things I do best." The Starling chuckled, moving to take the seat across from the Trill. "Fire away, Captain, I'm all ears."

Sighing, he said "Please, for this chat I'm Karim, not captain or anything else." Pausing, he shuddered and added "I feel ... hollow. After completing the zhian'tara ritual, I'm left with a lot of questions instead of answers. I almost feel like the most personal parts of me have been exposed in front of a crowd."

"I can appreciate the feeling." Tierney offered a small smile, "For the longest time I did what I could to keep my secrets to myself, felt like they needed to be buried. Now that they're out... The fear's gone, but I also feel like whatever was special about me is also gone. Took me a bit to realize that it's not and that the best is yet to come and people now understand me just a little bit better." She slid her hand over to pat the back of one of his, "Besides... The people you chose to do this with you are people you can trust."

Nodding, he said "I know that, and I know I should be happy I've achieved some closure. I feel though that I have so much of their memories I want to explore, and so many of their dreams I feel I'll never achieve. Completing the ritual makes me feel like I'll never be worthy of being the host of such a full set of memories."

The Starling shook her head, "You shouldn't feel that way, Karim. They lived their lives and now it's time for you to live yours and allow the symbiont to know a whole new adventure."

Smiling, he said "You're good at this pep talk thing Tierney. I think I may give you a new job on top of your other duties. Official Commanding Officer Cheering Up Officer."

"I think it's a talent best reserved for those I trust and love." She laughed in response, "It may get messy and awkward otherwise!"

Giggling, Karim replied "Thanks for the chat Tierney, do you want to take a walk before heading back to the ship? It may help me breathe and relax before I need to get back to work."

She nodded emphatically, "I'd seriously enjoy that." The young woman looped her arm through the Trill's as she spoke, "I hope you know that you never have to thank me for talking, Karim. I'm always here for you."

Smiling, he said "I know that Tierney, and I appreciate it. Why don't we check out that clothing store by airlock 3? I think I saw an outfit I'd love to try on."

"Done!" The spirited lavender maned woman nodded and squeezed her friends arm in gentle reassurance. "Please tell me there's blue in the fabric... Blue always brings out your eyes." She chortled as they set off in unison, heading for the clothier's shop.

=/\=End Log=/\=

Captain Karim Dhej
Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise NCC 1701-F

&

Commander Tierney Rinehart
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS ENTERPRISE, NCC 1701-F