Lt Alex Storm - The One Person Who Mattered Most
Karen Morris
(( Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – First Promenade, Deck 225, Deep Space 224 ))
Regret is a bitter taste, left not in the mouth, but in the heart.
~*~
Meris’s question hung in the air….what would she have done differently? If she knew then, what she knew now, would Alex have done anything differently? She always believed she did what was right because she did what society, her parents, Kona’s parents, and Kona expected of her. She did her duty to institutions and to people, but she wasn’t loyal to the one person who mattered most - herself. Why it took her nine years and a somewhat awkward J’naii to reveal that fact to her, she couldn’t explain. The words tumbled from her mouth.
Storm: I wish I would have refused...
There was a pause filled with self-incrimination and maybe even some self-loathing. Now, it was as plain as the ridges on a Bajoran's nose. Even Kona had been better off now, if she had refused. And she knew why she hadn't done it. While saying, "No," would have been simple, it would not have been easy. Her mind wanted to follow the dark path on which it started, but a small move from Meris brought her attention to the here and now. The tactical officer forced a smile.
Storm: ...but that’s for another time. Both of us have to make the most of what we have now.
Meris: We do. ::nodding:: And I can tell you have a great deal of strength within you. You will weather this storm. And you will have your friends on the Artemis to stand beside you against the gale. ::nodding resolutely:: Sil... and I.
The words started out as a slight tickle in her mind. Meris had named themselves among her friends on the station. But that one small pebble dislodged several more, and by the law of multiplication, the force with which that avalanche hit her surprised the tactical officer. Alex turned to face the J’naii, locking eyes with them, her words falling out deliberately.
Storm: I admire your courage - the courage to step outside of what your culture and parents expected of you. Not everyone can do that or will do that. You’ve got an extraordinary spirit, Meris. Never let anyone tell you differently. Even Lieutenant Vailani.
Alex caught the look and felt the astonishment that the J’naii seemed to feel. They obviously didn’t see themselves in that way. But that one thing was perfectly clear to her. Meris had a strength to them that she had previously missed.
Meris: I-I thank you, Lieutenant. That is an... unexpected adjective to hear associated with me. I... thank you.
Alex could almost feel them testing out the new descriptor. That little sense of uncertain pride made her smile, but Meris was looking down at the floor for a moment. Storm waited until he looked her direction.
Meris: You are... most kind, Lieutenant. And if ever you require someone to remind you of your own strength, I will do so.
Storm: That is a kind offer, Meris, and while I hope I never need it, I will remember that if I ever do.
But then the stinker pulled a fast one on her.
Meris: ::with suppressed humor:: If necessary, I can even provide motivational cue cards as needed.
Storm: I’d save those for Lt. Vailani. While I’ve never met her, I hear she can be a little intimidating. Maybe she just needs some cues.
~*~
No Tags / End Scene for Storm
~*~
Lt Alex Storm
Tactical Officer
USS Artemis
O240103SK2