Of Trauma and Transitions

Posted on Thu Mar 23rd, 2023 @ 2:10pm by Major Cornelius Tremble & Lieutenant JG Mira Jayna
Edited on on Tue Mar 28th, 2023 @ 9:40am

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: Episode 13 - Crooked River
Location: Quarters of Mira Jayna - Deck 3 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD007 1800 hrs

There were a lot of things Jayna needed to do once she was back on the Pioneer. She had reports to file and data to transfer for both Intel and The Cure. But the very first thing she needed to do was get clean. Really clean.

She walked into her quarters and slipped her PADD into her computer to transfer everything to her personal files, then she stripped off her clothes, dumped them in the replicator to recycle, and went into the bathroom to take a long, hot shower. She lost count of the number of times she scrubbed herself before she felt clean. At least she didn't have to worry about the ship running out of water.

Catching a glimpse of herself drying off in the steam-covered mirror caused her mind to flash back to Kavicus and the tentacles she and Schultz had seen in the mirror on the underwater facility. She was halfway to the door to the corridor before she regained control of herself. "You are on the Pioneer. Kavicus is not here," she said aloud. She knew he wasn't here, hadn't returned with them. She knew better. Still, her reaction had surprised her. "Computer, turn on all lights and play Mira meditation 2."

As the music started, she checked the computer to be sure the data had transferred properly, then went into her bedroom to dress. She wondered what Neil was doing. Probably dealing with his returning Marines. Maybe she could give him her report in person. Maybe he'd be free for dinner or a run later? "Computer, where is Major Tremble?"

"~Major Tremble is in his office~," The computer reported immediately. "~Would you like to schedule an appointment?`',.

"Not unless he's busy." She preferred not to leave a message if she could just talk to him for a minute or two.

Neil stood before his wall screen, watching the feeds from multiple angles of Pioneer's recent mission. For one of the first times in his career he felt detached. He'd been away from most of the missions, trying to balance dealing with the Jutari and trusting the field grade officers, warrants and crew to handle things.

And they had.

He just wasn't used to not being the tip of the spear.

Neil shut down the feeds as his comm chimed and he smiled slightly at Jayna's voice.

"Tremble here," he said.

"Hi." At the sound of his voice, she smiled for the first time since coming back to the Pioneer. "Do you have any free time today?"

Neil considered that for a tic and then said, "No." A grin pulling at his face and amusement in the word. "But that's the life of the exec aboard the Pioneer. But I can always find time. What's up, Jayna?"

That was a loaded question. She was a little jumpy, but she knew that getting back into a semi-normal routine would help. She had files to give him, but she could just upload them. Same with her report. Bottom line was that she wanted to see him and she wasn't sure if that was a good reason to want to take him away from more important duties. Especially as there would be others who needed his time. Being with Neil centered her in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. In the end, she went for a simple, "I was wondering if you had time today to get together for a workout or dinner or something."

He'd read the overall mission briefs and had been reviewing the footage captured by the marines on mission. Neil could hear tension in her voice and he glanced at the inbox that scrolled on his screen. His data-troll constantly updated the list, using priorities he'd programmed in.

He wasn't as far behind as he let on. Neil had learned as an NCO to never let anyone think you were ever caught-up. Realizing his mind had wandered, Neil said, "I'm in need of a break and there's no reason I can't de-brief you in person." He grinned at the innuendo, hoping it would be enough to distract her out of the post-mission place she was at.

She chuckled at the innuendo and replied in kind. "I could use a good debriefing. Where do you want to meet? Your office?" Right now, she needed to get out of her head-and out of her quarters.

After a few tics, Neil said "Well. Why don't we start with a workout and then grab dinner. And see about the Or Something after." He touched a series of controls and found an opening on the holo-deck. "I haven't used my gym program in a few days, if that appeals."

She hadn't visited the gym program since she first came aboard. Even then, she only went twice. It seemed like a lifetime ago. "A good workout, a good meal, and maybe something sounds promising." It was the best way to reset after the recent mission. "When do you want to meet?" She mentally revied the data she'd collected and the report she would have to write and decided she could use the time to process the data first.

He began shutting down his workstation and waving away holo screens. "Now is as good a time as any," he said. "I'll change and meet you at Holo suite 3."

She nodded, then said, "See you there." When the connection closed, she sighed. A workout would help. Neil's company would help. And hopefully, she could put Kavicus and the memories he'd awakened back where they belonged.

Jayna sat, staring into space, then shook her head. She was Vulcan. She was Bajoran, and she would not let that creature continue to affect her. She dressed in a tank top and cycling shorts, then headed to holodeck 3.

A Joint Post By

Lieutenant Junior Grade Mira Jayna
Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer, USS Pioneer
Intelligence Liaison, The Cure

Major Cornelius Tremble
Executive Officer, USS Pioneer
Commanding Officer, The Cure

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