U.S.S. Pathfinder — NCC-1774

SD 22651007

MD 2.0505
Captains quarters

“Captain, this is not your fault. It is your victory. You recovered the Albion. You freed her crew. You save the Pathfinder. Casualties can not be avoided. Considering what was on stake, our losses are surprisingly low.”

Cyn sounded almost Vulcan saying this in a calm emotionless voice. She was responding to the Captains emotional reaction of the cruel murder of the Albion’s CO.

“We all know the risks we take traveling out here. The longer we are part of this the better we do. From the reports I received Captain Garcia acted as was expected from her. Taking responsibility for her death and feeling guilty dishonors her sacrifice.”

“Damn it, don’t sound like a bloody Vulcan! You don’t have an idea what this feels like.”

Cyn just looked at the Captain replying in silent. She very well understood what the Captain felt like. She had lost friends and loved ones since her early childhood. It hurted each time like the first time. She never got used to it. And she was grateful for it.

“Sorry.”

“Jonathan, I do know what it feels like.”

It was the first time that she called him by his first name. She left the protocol, but she felt it was right.

“On Xylax medical support was lousy and law enforcement not always up to par with the criminal activities. I lost my first friend at the age of 4 for a lot of reasons, but never justified ones. There were years when my fingers were not enough to count  each lost friends. Not even to remember each one.

“It never got easier. I never got used to it. And I am grateful for it.

“But I learned to cope with it. To stand back and act when necessary. We have time to mourn later. Now we have to save two ships and their crews.”

It was the first time Thalia Cyn opened herself to the Captain since she was transferred to the Pathfinder. She had maintained an aura of distance. Now Captain Hunter began to understand why. He raised his head and looked at her.

“Your motivation to join Starfleet…”

“… is not subject of this discussion.” She sharply finished the sentence.

Cyn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After she released the air slowly she had regained her self control.

“We have a job to do, sir. Let’s get to it.”

Respectfully submitted
Kevin Richter

Playing

Commander Thalia Cyn
XO, USS Pathfinder