New Ghosts, Old Pain

Posted on Mon Jul 10th, 2023 @ 2:26am by Harper o’Leary & Commander Kyle Reece

Mission: Season 6: Episode 3: Far From Home
Location: USS Elysium, Observation Lounge, Civilian Section
Timeline: MD 1 / 2235 hours
1139 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Kyle was standing at one of the many observation viewports down in the Civilian Observation Lounge, as the Elysium slowly orbited the ice planet that had been their temporary home. He was quietly trying to figure out how to feel again.

The night prior, after the Commodore had given the green light to start moving everyone back up to the ship, Vanessa and Aiciana, went to see their family member, Arrianna. They had gone together to do what they could to help Arri in finding relief from her overpowering mental drama.

Unfortunately, the night had ended in catastrophe.

Arrianna, in her struggles, finally had a mental break with reality and killed her cousin and niece brutally. She then set fire to the tent the three of the were in and, with the aid of a accelerant, all three were consumed b the flames before the blaze could but out.

Though Kyle was no stranger to loosing a loved one, loosing two at the same time, was really taxing his will. The only things that were keeping him upright right now, were his children, Zhavna and her baby brother, Jassirc. They had already lost two parents in the crossing, now they lost a third. Kyle would be damned if he allowed them to loose him.

So, he did what he knew how to do best: compartmentalize his pain and shove it deep down, until he was able to find an appropriate target to unleash it upon.

Harper had been moving into a small cabin with Kendra and Edward and the baby, and after the children were asleep, she activated the holo nanny and headed out for a walk. She needed to take 10 to herself. She paused as she entered the Observation lounge and frowned at the site of a man she had met on the planet.

"Kyle?" she asked curiously as she stepped up to him. She had heard about his loss though.

At first Kyle didn't react. Then, he started slightly when he felt her step closer. "Oh! Harper...I um..sorry..I didn't hear you. Hi." He blushed slightly, though it was almost impossible to see through his beard, except that his neck got just a pink. "Did you need something?" He wiped a few tears from his eyes as he finished speaking.

"No, are you ok?" She asked gently. "I.. heard about your wife."

Sniffing back the rest of his tears, he took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly, shaking his head gently. "We weren't married yet. Though, I'd like to think we were getting close. Even before we adopted the kids. I was starting to think that she was someone I could grow old with." He sniffed again, his voice getting a little stern, though, not directed at Harper. "But that was clearly not meant to be."

Harper considered it. The children would be faced with yet another change. "Your emotions, you have a right to them." She said softly. "The whole situation stinks like the bogs of Ireland."

For a beat, there was no reaction. Then Kyle actually grinned slightly. "Heh, yeah. That about sums it up." He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in a large, cleansing breath, then released it slowly. Once done, he opened his eyes and gave Harper a soft grin. "Thank you. I know it wasn't much, but that helped, a lot."

"It has been a painful time for everyone Kyle, No one expects you to hold it all in. You have family yes? Two brothers I believe?"

His soft grin grew a bit wider at the mention of his brothers. "Yes, Nico and Liam. Plus, Nico is in a committed relationship with Cassia, and Li is married with an adopted daughter. So, plenty of family aboard this old girl." He reached out and gently touched the viewport. "Hell, Ely is like part of my family as well. I'm one of her plank owners."

"And now you are home again with her. You can heal here Kyle." Harper said softly. "Many people are in the same boat, and they will struggle as you will."

He closed his eyes and was quiet for a few beats. Then he opened his eyes and looked down into Harper's lovely face. "The biggest pain with this, three women, that I have loved and cared very deeply for, have now died on me. I'm starting to think that perhaps I'm a bad omen for women."

"What happened to Vanessa was not on you Kyle. That Arrianna should have been in medical and under watch."

He let loose a soft, yet dark, chuckle. "I didn't mean to say their deaths were my fault. Just that, the last three women I have loved, have all died. Makes my wonder just what the Fates are trying to tell me. Stay alone forever
..or the right one hasn't come by yet?" He shook his head and looked at her with tenderness in his eyes. "I know I have the history of being this big, tough warrior, who's gone toe-to-toe with the Tal Shiar, Borg, Klingons, and a wide selection of other alien warriors...but...I don't know if I can take another heartbreak like this."

He shook his head and turned away slightly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be burdening you with any of this. I should get back to work." He started to turn away further.

"You know Kyle, no one would think less of you, if you went to your quarters and just spent time with the children. It is late, and I figure you are off duty." Harper reminded him.

Turning back to look Harper in the eye, Kyle held her gaze for a few beats, then nodded. "You're right. Thank you, Harper." He turned partially away, then paused, clearly trying to make a decision about something.

Finally, he turned his head back to face her. "While not now, I was wondering if...in a few days to maybe a week from now, if you're not too busy...would you care to have some coffee with me? I find it...very comfortable...talking to you. I'd like to continue to do so. If you want, that is."

"Of course, you reach out when you are ready." Harper said. "I will be rebuilding my shop with the kids but I am always willing to chat."

Kyle nodded a silent thanks to Harper. "Then I'll say good night. I hope you and your new babies are able to settle in quickly." After stealing one more glance to the ice world they were leaving, the large man turned and strode away. It was clear by how he hung his shoulders, that he felt he carried the weight of the world on them.

Harper watched him leave then continued on her way to clear her own head.