Keeping The Faith

Posted on Mon Jun 22nd, 2020 @ 11:52pm by Captain Nycolas Temple & Commander Owen Nash
Edited on on Fri Jul 10th, 2020 @ 5:15pm

Mission: Divided We Fall
Location: Captain's Ready Room

A Mission Post by Captain Nycolas Temple & Commander Owen Nash
Mission: Divided We Fall
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline:
Fri Oct 5th, 2018 @ 4:01am

ON

Every time that Nyx woke from his short sleeps he expected to be back in the Bubble. He dreamt of being back in that hell-hole, of the crew turning against him, of being killed. He didn't so much sleep as he had waking nightmares. It would take him time to lie in his bed for a while, looking around his room, hearing the voices of Emilie or Katrine nearby, until his heartbeat returned to a calm level. Sometimes he was so gripped by panic that he had to call out to Emilie to reassure him that everything was back to normal. At least, on the outside it appeared to be.

With the Pandora taking the long-route towards their next destination, the crew had some time to relax and process the experience they had just been through. Nyx hadn't spent much time in his Ready Room since being back, deliberately ignoring his duties in order to spend more time with his family, friends, and crew. However, after a particularly vivid nightmare, he needed to get his mind off these events for a while and so headed to his office to make a start on the mounds of computerised paperwork that likely awaited him.

Nyx was a little surprised however when he arrived at his Ready Room and found Commander Nash inside, sitting at his desk. "Oh, Owen. I didn't know you were here."

"Nyx? Where else would I be?" He asked lightly. With the Pandora making her way towards Paradise Station, Owen had taken the chance to finish up on his paperwork, but he was glad to see his friend and CO back again.

"There's no rush you know, I dont mind holding the fort for a while longer if you need more time to rest and get back to... Some normality?" He offered.

Nyx gave a short laugh, "I'm still not sure what that is exactly. Sometimes I feel like a ghost walking around my own ship." He sighed and sat down on the couch. "I can't begin to thank you for holding everything together here Owen, and for not giving up on finding us."

Owen got up from the desk, walked over to the replicator and ordered two drinks (whatever alcoholic spirit/whiskey etc hes happy to drink) and walked over to the couch. He handed Nyx a drink and sat down beside him.

"To family, now home where they should be," he toasted with him.

Nyx heartily raised his glass. “Finally.” He said.

Owen took a sip of his drink and turned to face Nyx. "My only goal was to get you all back home," he explained. "Despite the pressure from Starfleet Command... I wasn’t going anywhere until you and the others were home... And I'm bloody glad you’re back."

“Thank you for your patience.” Nyx nodded. “I have perused the information from Command. The Alrakis Pact have seemingly come out of nowhere, and while I’d hate to delay our return to the Carnwennan Corridor, we should investigate their movements if we can.”

"Great minds think alike," Owen agreed. "And we are well known for getting into scrapes that we often seem to get out of rather well...as far as Command is concerned anyway," he admitted. "I believe that should we come across any activity, it should be looked at...but we need to be mindful that the other Starfleet vessels are already leaving the area after the orders were given."

“We’ll be cutting it fine.” Nyx nodded. “But if it helps Starfleet deal with the Alrakis Pact, this mission will be worth it.” He smiled, though it was only really half of one. “When we get back to Carnwennan Station, I may take some shore leave. We may be cooling our heels anyway until Starfleet reassigns our mission, but I may take the wife and kids back to Earth.”

Owen raised an eyebrow in mock suggestion at Nyx's comment. "Earth? Are you sure? Won't that be a little... quiet for you?" he said before chuckling a little. "In all fairness, that's not a bad idea really. I have been meaning to get around to introduce Krys to Dad now that we have the family connection sorted out but I also understand if you want me to stay on board to keep things ticking over," he offered. Taking another sip, Owen smiled. "I could get used to this Captain thing...with a bit more practice..."

Nyx shrugged, "Starfleet will give us a clearer indication of what they'd like to do with the Pandora once we reach Carnwennan Station." He looked to his friend and XO then sighed. "Truth be told, Owen, there is a possibility that I won't return to the ship. All of this has taken such a toll on me, and my family. I thought this was what I wanted, what would be good for us, but now I'm not so sure. I've lost faith in myself and I'm going to use the shore leave to decide if I actually want to be Captain of the Pandora."

Owen turned to face his friend. "Please think about this carefully Nyx," he urged. "Life for Starfleet Officers and their families can often be difficult but also rewarding. I know that you, I and the crew have been through a lot in recent months but this is the dangerous part of being the front line of exploring a new part of space." Owen leaned forward. "Take the time you need whilst on shore leave with Emilie and Katrine, but also consider what you've achieved on board the Pandora as well... keep an open mind?" He asked. Owen could understand his friends concerns but he also wanted him to be open mind about his future.

"Thank you, my friend. I will." Nyx replied. He was touched by Owen's understanding and support, and it immediately made him regret putting him in this position. But he had made a promise to Emilie and Katrine to put them first. Whatever that might mean. "Let's have one more drink, hey? It might help me change my mind."

"I'll drink to that," Owen said as he poured another glass for each of them. "To family," he said, toasting Nyx's glasses before taking a drink.

OFF