Lt Alex Storm - My Face Comes with Subtitles

[Karen Morris]

((Elysium - Main level, Deck 6, USS Artemis))

Betazoids either make the best or worst poker players.  Either they win because they cheat like a Ferengi or they lose because their thoughts are easily projected through their faces.  Sometimes Alex’s face should have come with the warning, “I may not say anything, but my face comes with subtitles.” 

Cole: You ok? You looked a bit sad, or maybe distracted a moment ago. It’s ok if you don’t want to share.

 

Storm: I’m okay.

 

Cole:  …Uh-huh. And I’m a Tellarite ballerina. Want to try that again?

 

This time Alex chuckled.

 

Storm:  Really … It’s just ...  It’s strange.  Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying yourself or for letting your guard down?

Alex noted a shift in Nat’s eyes.

 

Cole: No ::looking back to Alex:: I’ve chosen to be unapologetically myself, and admittedly my guard is always up.

 

Storm:  Sometimes I fixate on something so much that I have to remind myself that it’s okay to enjoy what I do, or to enjoy laughing with a colleague.

 

Cole: If you don’t take the time to enjoy things, you run the risk of losing yourself. ::making a face, that conveyed a familiarity with that topic:: And I’ve seen what that does to officers.

 

Storm: There’s … just too much else I’m focusing on.

 

Cole: So what’s dominating your focus? Do you need me to put on my friend hat, or Security hat?

Alex lifted the heels of her hands and pressed them into her eyes before lowering them a few moments later.  

 

Storm: Neither?  Both?  ::Deep sigh:: I don’t know anymore.  

Alex turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. After a deep breath, she turned to face Nat again.

Storm:  I’m looking for my daughter.  Two years ago, my husband took off with her, and I haven’t seen either since.  So when you ask about where I’ve put my attention … it’s all been on finding her.  

Alex steepled her hands, folding them together and leaning her head against them.

 

Cole: ::exhaling slowly through her nose:: That is a lot to deal with. As your friendly colleague, I am very sorry that you’ve had to carry this. No one should ever have their child taken from them.

 

Dropping her hands to the table, Alex looked at Nat.

Storm: You’re right, they shouldn’t.

 

Cole: Now with that being said, ::in air quotes:: Hypothetically if you need a hand to … any emergency extractions. ::end air quotes:: I want to help.

 

Storm: If and when the time comes, I’ll let you know.  But … what about you.  Yeah, I’m betazoid, but I don’t need to be one to catch your guard slip a few moments ago.

Cole: Response

Storm:  Hey, I’ve bared my soul …::Tipping her head to the side and grinning::  or at least my misfortune to you.  I can likely handle whatever it is you’ve got going on.

Cole:  Response

Storm:  Family can be our biggest support or our worst enemy.  Unfortunately, the same can be said of ourselves too, sometimes.

Cole: Response

~*~

Tags / TBC!

~*~

Lt Alex Storm

Tactical Officer

USS Artemis

O240103SK2