The doors swished open, and Jase entered his cabin; as the doors closed tight behind him, his posture slouched much more.
"Computer: lock cabin." Jase's voice was quieter, the pain creeping into his inflection. The computer chirped it's acknowledgement and the sounds of servos in the walls whirred into action, sealing the door into a closed position.
His head drooped noticeably as he shuffled to the nearest chair; his shoulders already beginning to shudder with silent sobs. He had been successful in rescuing the Deferi prisoners; declared a hero. But now, in the quiet of his private quarters, he finally let out the sobs of pain and fear that had assaulted him and threatened to incapacitate him on the Breen mining station.
The door chimed. The doors internal communicator activated. "Captain? Captain, are you alright? It's me… Please, Jase, let me in…" T'Pahl's voice was unmistakable. Despite her strict Vulcan training and reserve, he could hear the concern in her voice.
Jase dried his eyes on his sleeve. "One moment…" he called, heading towards his lavatory. Once in the bedroom, he spoke orders to the soulless machine that protected him in his sanctuary. "Computer, allow entrance to Commander T'Pahl and seal my cabin once she has entered." Again, it chirped it's acknowledgement as he entered the lavatory and washed his face, pulling off his uniform jacket entirely. Face rinsed and wearing just a comfortable t-shirt and loose vest, he felt a bit better and made his way to the living area, where T'Pahl was sitting patiently in a chair, leaning forward on her knees, her hands clasped together thoughtfully.
"That was harder for you than you can admit, wasn't it?" She said as he sat across from her.
He shifted uncomfortably. He hated sharing his feelings; even to T'Pahl, after all they'd been through together. Yes… it was very hard. For a moment, it was as if I was back at the colony again, with my family… I don't think I'll ever be able to see forced slavery and not feel that all over again…" he covered his face in his hands, trying to hide his tears. He knew there was no point, though; she could see better than anyone the pain he was feeling.
She moved beside him and wrapped her arms around him, gently stroking his hair the way his mother used to when he was a child… He sobbed again, and this time broke down and let it all out. She sat there with him, comforting him, telling him it was all right. For that short time, he wasn't Vice Admiral Jase of the starship Sword of Truth; he was just Jase….
They sat there a long time; he lost track of how long, falling asleep resting in her arms. He awoke on his couch, his uniform jacket over him like a blanket and the computer chiming that it was time for his duty shift on the bridge.
For a newly commissioned ship, the Valor's Call has been performing incredibly well. Only a few minor issues in the weapon systems; the secondary forward phaser bank isn't linking to the primary forward banks. My chief of security has recommended removing them entirely and replacing them with pulse phaser cannons, and I'm inclined to agree. I'm scheduling the ship for a structural re-fit to have the primary hull re-designed to more functional standards; currently we have no cargo bays, and frankly I think a starship without cargo bays is only half-useful. Until the Sol Station is able to accommodate our upgrades, we're continuing our patrol and exploration missions.
Chief Engineer Daisy has requested permission to do some tribble breeding in her quarters. Frankly, as cute as the buggers are, they are equally irritating when their breeding gets out of control. She's assured me she'll be careful and dispose of any that get out of hand; I've granted her permission on the condition that she co-ordinate with the CMO, Arlahna.