Lt Alex Storm - When Breathing Hurts

[Karen Morris]

((Sacred Marketplace, Ferenginar))

Fingers ran through the soft Koala fir while her mouth refused to move.  Her eyes looked left, then right, and even over her shoulder once before she took the bear from under her arm and set it in her lap, fingers tightening gingerly around the creature’s midsection.

Storm:  This Koala is for my daughter.  My husband took off with her two years ago, and they’ve been spotted nearby.   I’m waiting for a transport to take me to her, but I’m not sure I can make it before they are scheduled to leave.

Jaran:  That's.. a lot. Wow. I'm not even sure where to start with that. Thank you for telling me.

They paused and processed what Alex had said, covering the thought with a sip of their kava juice. What circumstances even lead up to being in this place? But that doesn't matter. 

Jaran: I hesitate to ask, but what sort of reaction are you expecting?

Storm: There's a difference between what I expect and what I would prefer.  I have no expectations.  It's not something I share often - unless cornered.  

Alex narrowed her eyes and raised her eyebrows at Jira.

Storm:  On my last ship, the news spread fast.  But most people don't know how to react to a revelation like that.  They try to make me feel better, so they offer hollow platitudes - 'I'm sure you'll find her.'  'It won't be long now.' Et cetera Others offer apologies, but very few handle it well.

The rigid seat made pressed against her, forcing Alex to reposition herself.  

Jaran: I'm going to level with you. Family drama is really far out of my realm of expertise. My instinct is to give useless advice, but that's really unfair to my new friend. So I'll just ask this. What's your plan? And how are you feeling?

Storm: First off.  Thank you for refraining from the useless advice.  As to my plan?  I’m going to get on a transport …  ::Glancing at her chronometer.:: … in an hour and a half, and try to make it to Kelara Station before they leave.

Jaran: Response

Storm:  I’ll try to talk some sense into Kona ::Her jaw tightened:: … my husband.  And if I need to, I’ll see if I can find a security officer to hold him until I can get a judge to rule on Cassie’s custody.

Jaran: Response

Storm:  I’m past questioning, feeling hurt, or angry. 

Alex’s eyes met Jira’s.  Her shoulders stayed level—no tremor, no hesitation—only a practiced stillness.  

Storm:  Most of the time … 

An invisible hand wrapped around her windpipe.  Her mouth opened again, but she couldn’t draw breath.  Instead she picked up her drink and took a long pull.  This loosened the hold the hand had on her.  Finally, she was able to say.

Storm:  I’m numb.  ::Her her entire face drew in on itself.::  It’s hard to keep feeling when feelings hurt so deeply.  

She eyes closed and drew in a deep breath.  Opening her eyes again, she tipped her forehead slightly down and lowered her shoulders as she exhaled.

Storm:  But I haven’t lost my determination.

Jaran:  Response

~*~

Tags / TBC!

~*~

Lt Alex Storm

Tactical Officer

USS Artemis

O240103SK2