Lt. Cmd. Silveira: In fear, my courage. In weakness, my strength.

[btv....@sapo.pt]

((Jefferies tube, deck 4, USS Karnack))

They opened another node to retrieve the other extinguisher.

A sharp headache made him wince and shut down his eyes.

Visions of different parts of the ship flashed quickly in his mind as he shook his head. 

When Vitor opened them he wrinkled his forehead and raised his hand.

Silveira: I’m OK… Just a flashback or something… That transporter might have done a number on me, but we have things to do. Let’s move we got to plank these holes and kick some Things up if they bother us again.

He noticed their reactions to his words. 

But he was being honest, after all how could he deceive them? 

Nan was knowing him better and deeper each day.  Their relationship was flourishing and he was certain he wouldn't be able to hide anything from her.

Alex was a close friend, even if they had been apart for some time. She knew him well.

And Doc Roy, even if they hadn't actually met more socially Vitor knew he was a good Doctor. And you can't really deceive one of those.

He offered them a smile and a nod, and gestured forward. All of them returned back to the hatch Doc Roy had sealed, and he readyed himself to open it.

Bancroft: Ready? Steady?

Storm: I don’t sense them nearby. We should be clear.

Jovenan: Good, but if you see something moving besides us, don’t hesitate to use the extinguisher and retreat. They’re fast. We can analyse the situation from here afterwards.

Vitor nodded, raising his extinguisher.

He took a deep breath before speaking. 

Silveira: Let’s go

Roy opened it and slowly they returned to the corridor. The daylight was gone and Vitor felt better than before. 

Darkness wasn't as disturbing and he stayed attentive and focused.

Bancroft: ::whispering:: I suggest we work in pairs – one repairing, the other watching the other’s back with an extinguisher ready.

Nan nodded and Alex had come closer to Roy.

Storm: Why don’t we work on this hole?

Nan turned to him. 

Jovenan: That’ll leave us, Commander. ::to others:: Let’s work fast and meet in the middle.

Vitor smiled and nodded.

Silveira: Let’s do it. 

(OOC taking out Alex and Roy chat since Sil doesn't want to eavesdrop)

Nan beat him to the repair kit and he arched an eyebrow. He wouldn't mind doing the welding work, but apparently Nan thought he would be better keeping watch. 

Nan picked up a few sheets and started working. At the distance Roy and Alex were speaking but he couldn't hear them. 

He stood at watch. Quiet. Alert. Somehow he felt he wasn't the only one.

Vitor was forcing his mind to keep busy, to keep sharp, but flooded with random information. 

He had run over all the crew of the tactical department of the Artemis. 

Anything to make him ignore the occasional sights and feelings. 

Nan’s words returned his attention to reality.

Jovenan: Vitor… How do you feel? I’m sorry about the transporter. I shouldn’t have used it on you, but… I don’t think I could have chosen the other option either. Whichever I chose was the bad option.

Vitor shook his head. He almost reached out to Nan. He wanted to. But they both had a job to do. He spoke softly.

Silveira: No my love. It was the right choice. We didn't had any other means of getting together. And I will be alright. I'm holding on.

Nan kept working and Vitor kept a watchful eye.  He breathed slowly, holding tightly the extinguisher, his improvised weapon. 

Nan kept talking between her work. 

Jovenan: I, um, I wanted you to know I bought you a Christmas present. From Ferenginar. I went there with Commander Munro. Uh, not just for you, but you were the reason I even thought of that. It’s a bit late now.

That gave him another focal point. He smiled thinking only Nan was able to make him feel better in the proverbial and literal darkness.

His mind raced to the wrapped snow globe, resting peacefully in his quarters in the Artemis. 

Silveira: It's never late. And I also have a Christmas gift for you. It will be the first thing I do once we get home. After a shower.

He almost added “and a shave”. Vitor wondered if Nan would like him to keep his beard.

If she doesn't he would gladly shave it. She never saw him with it. When they met he had already cut it.

Jovenan: Vitor… are you terrified?

He flinched and almost dropped the extinguisher. If Nan wasn't welding he would have hugged her.

Taking another second to compose himself Vitor took a deep breath before replying. 

Softly and slowly. 

Silveira: Yes, but having you near gives me courage.

He paused and was about to add when Alex called on them. 

Storm: How’s it going down there?

Nan replied, pausing her work.

Jovenan: Half way done with the first hole! Watch out, the heat might attract them here!

Vitor straightened himself before replying. 

Silveira: Don't worry… There's none around here.

The certainty in his voice surprised him.

He shook his head trying to clear his mind. 

Bancroft/Storm: Response

Nan carried on diligently her welding job, Vitor felt proud of her. She always found ways to surpass herself. 

Jovenan: I’m terrified. Mostly for you. For what changes are happening. If we get out. But, um, I’ve also been terrified this whole time, before we even encountered the Dark Things. I’ve been imagining things, seeing movement at the corner of my eye or hearing people whispering. It didn’t start here either, but on the Frontier Day. This happens every time when I’m somewhere dark and restrictive. I haven’t been able to trust what I see or hear. I… I just wanted you to know. In case I start shouting but there’s nothing there.

His jaw dropped. Nan had carried that burden since Frontier Day? 

How come he didn't notice? 

Didn't know? 

He felt a wave of despair inside him. He had failed to protect her. To keep her safe.

To help her with her fears. 

Vitor took a step closer raising his hand, almost touching her.

Silveira: Nan…

Roy and Alex voices stopped him midway.

Bancroft/Storm: Response

Nan stood and added.

Jovenan: Okay, I’m done here. Let’s move to the next hole in the middle.

Vitor nodded and kept close to Nan. 

Bancroft/Storm: Response

Although they now didn't have the same privacy as before, with Roy and Alex closer to them, Vitor stepped closer. 

He leaned to Nan and whispered in her ear. 

Silveira: I love you.

He could say more. But the smallest phrases could carry so much meaning.

Jovenan: Response 

He smiled. Through the struggle in his mind Vitor kept hoping. Like a warhorse he throttled forward. He would keep doing that to the very end. 

Silveira: Good work. I think we can break that time Alex. 

Bancroft/Storm: Response

They moved to finish the work on the other holes. He didn't resist this time and reached out to Nan's arm, giving her a soft squeeze. 

Silveira: We can do this. 

Jovenan/Bancroft/Storm: Response

Vitor turned and watched the opposite side of the corridor. He raised his extinguisher slowly. 

It wasn't just them he tried to reassure. 

It was also himself. 

Silveira: We will do this.

Jovenan/Bancroft/Storm: Response

TAGs/TBC

Lt. Cmd. Vitor S. Silveira

Chief Tactical Officer

USS Artemis-A, NCC-81287

O238907VS0