Settling in uncomfortably

Posted on Mon Oct 29th, 2018 @ 10:32am by Lieutenant Eira Cortez

Mission: Season 2: Mission 2.A: R&R
Location: DS9
Timeline: Various
888 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Nine months ago

Roman squeezed the trigger, and the bullet tore through Aidan’s chest. Eira screamed in distress at the sight. She saw him spinning away from Roman, blood gushing from his wound. Roman aimed the gun and fired once more, the second bullet burying itself in his skull and ending the other man’s life.

Eira could do nothing more than stare horrified at what had just happened and felt her heart break: she had fought so hard to find them, and now one of her brothers had disappeared out of her life forever. She started to sob uncontrollably.

Two months ago

Eira was sitting in the window bay of the rehab facility she had been ordered to attend six months prior, and just stared out the window. Her CO had sent her to counselling for the PTSD caused by the death of her brother and readjust to being a normal human being again without the pressures of the job. As much as she resisted going and leaving Deeli and Rafe behind, she was thankful and relieved. The only barrier to get through now was to start over again.

“Eira?” Nate Cross asked softly not wanting to startle her too much from her thoughts. He was the counsellor she was assigned and was mid-30s, tall with a well kept beard that defined him, and an all knowing and comforting smile. It took a few months, but eventually Eira felt comfortable enough to let down her guard around him and let him in to her world. “Hey, I’ve got some news for you.” He let her turn around to face him with a smile across her face before he continued.

“Since you come here all that time ago, I’ve been keeping notes of how you’ve been going.” He sat on the edge of her bed which was right next to the window and continued with a smile, “You’ve made a massive improvement in various areas: you’ve become more mental and emotionally stable, physically you’ve kept up your strength, and you’ve managed to get the PTSD under control. Now, I understand that you’re still having some nightmares, but I’ve heard they are becoming less and less frequent because of the medication you’re on. I’ll have to double check, but I think you’re ready to come off them.” He watched her and clicked the pen in his hand out of habit.

She looked at him and thought a few moments before she spoke, “That’s excellent news to hear. I’ve only been wanting to get off them for a month or so now..” Eira laughed a bit and uncrossed one of her legs from beneath her as she sat upright a bit more. “I’m kidding, by the way. Any other news to tell me? Have you heard anything from Ollie?” Her voice had an anxious tone to it because she hadn’t seen him since before she checked into the facility.

Nate shifted uncomfortably as he knew that Oliver hadn’t gotten in contact with her because he didn’t want to see her because it would bring Aidan back and be too painful for him. He’d rather have lost his sister as well than be reminded of his twin every time he looked at her. “Um, no I haven’t, but I do bring other news. There’s a listing for an Encryption Specialist on the USS Elysium. Now before you say anything, I’ve spoken to her Captain, and have been assured that if you were to take up the position, this would be your fresh start you’ve been after for a while.” His tone was hopeful that she would consider it. “I can bring you back all the details if you would like.” Nate slipped off the edge of the bed and stood upright. “I think you’re ready for this, Eira, I really do. I have to go, but I’ll come back later with the information for you to look at.” With that departing remark, Nate gave her a nod and a smile and disappeared out the door.

Present day

Eira Cortez had just checked in with the station quartermaster and set about finding her quarters. The station was so massive that after fifteen minutes of walking with her bag on her shoulder that she gave up and made her way to the nearest cafe.

Sitting in one of the seats, Eira ordered her green tea and a pastry and watched as people, human and the like, walked past. The Elysium should be arriving in the next couple of days, and for Eira, it would signal the beginning of her fresh start. One other thing she had been told she needed to work on was human interaction: let people in, even if it is just one person at a time. But until the ship came in, she had to find stuff to do to keep herself occupied.

A few minutes later the waitress returned with her drink and pastry and Eira was more than content to just sit there and eat and drink for the time being.

OFF

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Lieutenant Eira Cortez
Encryption Specialist
USS Elysium