After Dark

Posted on Tue Apr 4th, 2023 @ 3:16am by Commander Nathan Hawkins & Lieutenant Commander Cyrus Marner
Edited on on Mon May 22nd, 2023 @ 10:00pm

2,757 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Holodeck

Squeezing his eyes closed Nathan blew heavily, his heart hammering and brow slick with sweat as he stood bent over the basin gripping the edge tightly with whitening fingers. The nightmares had returned once again leaving him feeling shaken and exhausted. Ignorantly he believed those days or nights of terror revisiting the darkest episodes of his past had be quelled for he’d not experienced an incident for months. He’d found a coping mechanism following countless sessions with various Counsellors over the years and had become a far more adapt at dealing with stress as result. However, despite the teachings the unconscious mind couldn’t be tamed and would on occasion like this stray into the dark chapters he’d locked away.

“No,” he whispered softly and shook his head to clear away the ghostly faces of the deceased that lingered from his dream. “Stop,” he urged himself to push it all away before the emotional wave threatened to break like a tsunami on the shore.

Inhaling deeply Nathan opened his eyes and to be greeted by his own reflection in the washroom of his quarters. His appearance mirrored his mood – dishevelled with a touch of panic lingering in his grey eyes and weary, yet he knew sleep would elude him for the rest of the night.

Fumbling with the tap the Commander splashed cold water into his face and through his already damp hair before returning to his sleeping area and began to dress. He was slipping with surprisingly ease into an automatic mode he’d developed previously of expelling the unwelcomed thoughts and energy into exercise even at this late hour. Running had been his saving grace before somehow it helped to organize his brain in a way he’d been unable to explain when last quizzed by the Counsellor. It simply worked at he was banking on it to help again tonight.

Running through the corridors at night certainly had benefits – they were utterly deserted, however they lacked the stimuli Nathan needed. He instead paced through the station steadily preferring to take alternative to the turbo car in order to prolong his exercise (or as Counsellor Blair had once commented to punish himself further) until he came to his destination: the holodecks. Though the scenery much like the miles of corridors were technically created by the labour of hands instead of mother nature it wad a vast improvement and would satisfy. Selecting the desired program Nathan crossed over the threshold and into a new world.

Only it wasn’t new. It was one he knew very well: a forest complete with low hanging branches to dodge and fallen trees to vault over complete with slippery mud, steep inclines and very suitable for tonight’s emotional tenderness it was accompanied with a heavy drizzle.

Others would escape to stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sands to sooth away their destress, Nathan would physical purge himself until he could barely stand. He doubt Marner would approve but frankly he didn’t care.

---

It was one of those nights that Cyrus didn't speak of. A night that he couldn't sleep. The bottle of Southern Comfort, wasn't doing its job, already a third of the bottle was gone. He placed the cap back onto the bottle and put it away. The alcohol was already warming up his stomach, good thing he had a little bit to eat so it wasn't going to go to his head too soon. He was restless though and wanted to go fishing, and this time he won't be interrupted.

Heaving a huge sigh, Cyrus went to get his tackle box, as well as his fishing hat, and the new pole he'd acquired. He paused his eyes catching sight of the Southern Comfort, then decided to bring it along. Cyrus also called in for a personal day, with what his plans were he was going to need a day to recover from possibly getting drunk.

Then Cyrus headed out. The halls were quiet, hardly anyone about, a little bit later, he found his way to the holo suite. His mind on other things especially the reason why he couldn't sleep. He was remembering unpleasant things, the loss of an admiral, the end of an ancient civilization. Cyrus reached out to key in his code and stepped inside only to be greeted with pelting rain, and a dark forest. Odd, he didn't remember having this program but, it sure suited his mood. Cyrus stepped inside and let the door close behind him, the arch disappearing from view.

Gazing upwards, Cyrus figured there wasn't going to be any sort of way for him to be looking for some fishing area. However the rain wasn't going to stop unless he wanted it to but, Cyrus shook his head, he didn't want that. He went to find a place that was semi protected from the rain and eased himself down upon a fallen log beneath a branch which provided some shelter. Then he opened up his bottle to take a drink.

---

Oblivious that Doctor Marner had stumbled across his holo program and perched himself upon a log to enjoy the tranquillity of the forest under the rain soaked skies Commander Hawkins continued to run hard, pushing himself through the gloom of his memories. His body ached from the punishing pace he'd set, the pain was worth it however, as it offered a welcome relief to the soundtrack of loss and blood.

That was until something more physical offered a totally different type of distraction, one that Nathan nearly crashed into while vaulting over a wet log. The sight of Cyrus sitting half hidden by over hanging branches on the very log Nathan had cleared startled him. Miraculously the toes of his muddy boots whistled past the Doctor's hat with a whisker to spare before Hawkins landed heavily still surprised by the intrusion.

Cyrus heard the sound of something falling and swiftly stood up, only to duck down feeling a sharp pain from hitting his head lightly on the branch above. Ducking down he went to investigate, gingerly rubbing his head, his eyebrows disappeared into his hat when he noticed someone was there. He squinted his eyes, then asked, "Hawkins, is that you?"

"What the hell?!" The Commander replied hotly scrambling to his feet breathing hard. "I nearly took you out! What are you doing here Marner?"

"What am I doing here? I came to go do some fishing but-" Cyrus paused going back through his mind as to what led up to this, "Son of a- I am sorry, I intruded in your holo program, Hawkins." Cyrus slightly growled out. A bit peeved with himself. "As for you, what in the dark shades of hades are you running around in this scenario? You are running as if the hounds of hell were after you."

Leaning forward to catch his breath Nathan's anger had quickly subsided as the Doctor apologised for his error. He glanced toward him at the comment and begun to wonder why the physician was doing up this late too, stumbling into someone else's holo program. Then he spotted the gleam of the bottle clutched in Cyrus' grasp.

"Properly for the same reason as you," he nodded to the bottle. "Couldn't sleep. The running helps calm my mind and tires my body, normally works every time."

"Yup you won the chest of gold pressed latinum." Cyrus quipped, with a dead pan face. "I couldn't sleep, and hoped that this would work." Raising the bottle upwards, "but it wasn't even dulling my brain. Too much piling up in here." tapping his temple gently with the top of the bottle. "And I didn't want to go see the Counselor. Will that help get rid of the memories that like to pop up and haunt my dreams?" he looked about at the scenery, "Maybe I need to create a program like this, and try your method." he murmured softly. "as at times going fishing just doesn't work."

"I know how you feel," Nathan expelled a slight groan as he sat alongside the Doctor on the damp log and stretched out his bare legs. "That's why I run. Concentrating on my breathing gives me something more urgent to focus on, the pain in my legs and chest remind me despite the...awful times I'm still alive. Counsellor Blair encouraged me once to take little wins in knowing I can honour the fallen by continued to live for them."

"Those are wise words to live by. Taking the small wins. I do try to keep that in mind for myself, and do my best to do such, but then the other more deeply ingrained memories come up to slap a person in the face." Cyrus opened up the bottle of whiskey and placed it to his lips and took a sip of it. "Care for some?" wiping off the top and holding it out to Hawkins.

The Commander shrugged his shoulders: why not? He took a mouthful and hissed through his teeth and is slide down at strength. He was surprised about the bottle's authenticity and how remarkably level headed Marner was at present given by how much of the contents was already missing. Either the CMO hadn't long started or he could hold his liquor like a Klingon Hawkins mused as the Doctor spoke again.

"I remember a few days after I had been transferred to the ship, we went on Shoreleave on Ni'Var And things went south rather quickly. I wonder how Blake is doing and how Chire is doing? It seems so long ago since that... happened." his voice going rather quiet.

"That it does," Nathan agreed. "Blake has this annoying habit of bouncing back from upsets and disappointment very well. Almost like he has a switch, one moment caught up in whatever it is the next, poof! Like it never happened." He took another hit from the bottle before passing it back. "Maybe it's the joys of youth or his wiring," he shrugged. "The lad has the brains but lacks drive to apply himself. As for Chire I can't say, she was redeployed shortly after the incident with the wormholed distortion that nearly swallowed the ship."

"That event was certainly painful. Having to treat people with headaches, and other symptoms. I didn't get away scotfree either. Felt like I had gotten hit by the flu. All over achy sensation, made me grumpy as all hell. I barely kept my nice bedside manners." Marner remarked, before taking the bottle back and taking a swig, feeling the burn going down to his stomach. He passed the bottle back to Hawkins. He went to take off his hat, realizing that it was no longer there on his head. Cyrus hadn't realized it had been knocked off of his head. And now it was becoming a sodden mess, he just shook his head and left it lying there on the ground, for the moment.

"We survived it though," Nathan commented taking another sip. "Being on this ship is like having a target on your back," he grimaced as it went down. "I swear Targaryen actively looks for trouble and enjoys stirring the hornets nest. No wonder the likes of us two don't sleep well at night."

Cyrus gave a half smile, maybe more of a grimace. "I'm sure he's haunted by a few more things than we are. However it seems the Enterprise has a target on her back, with how long she's been around in different incarnations." he heaved a sigh. "Would be nice if we could get into more exploration like what had been done before."

Passing back the bottle Nathan adjusted his sitting position: "Sadly I think those days are gone for now." He replied with a similar sigh. "You don't tend to do much exploring when assigned to a Space Station - the excitement tends to come to you." He paused before continuing wondering if he was going to regret his next words: "You could always speak to Bishop if you want a transfer onto starship that docks in the future next time you get itchy feet."

Cyrus actually laughed. "Adventure seems to follow me where I go, or I just seem to wander into it, case in point." he gestured to the current scenario with the bottle before he took a healthy swig from it. "I go where I am needed, if I am called to head out on a ship I will go. If I am needed here then I am here. We do have a nice sized medical area, staffed with good people so if I am needed to go over see something then I can go without any qualms." he handed the bottle back over to Hawkins. "Sadly, there isn't a quick cure for the injuries to ones soul. Even to the mind. At times all you can do is find a way to cope with it. I know alcohol isn't the best way but sometimes it helps to shut the brain off. "

"Until the morning after comes with the repercussions," Nathan acknowledged with another sip. "It's worth it sometimes. Though, I have to ask," he twisted on the log to face Cyrus. "Where did you get this from? I'm torn between being disappointed at the potential contraband, yet impressed at the same time."

"Contraband you say? I'll have you know that, this can be classified as medicine." Cyrus flashing a smile. "Hot toddy made with this, helps with a common cold. Won't cure it but, still there are benefits with which to utilize this substance. Plus not everyone can handle Synthehol. I've run into those who can not stomach the fake alcohol. They actually have a bad reaction to it, just like someone who is allergic to artificial sweetners. And I had it brought legally. Its been declared and marked down upon the roster. Private stock that sort of thing."

The Commander smiled: "Don't worry I'm just pulling your leg, I just had you figure more of a brandy sort of guy."

Cyrus raised an eyebrow, "Ah I see, no wonder my leg is hurting." his face deadpan. "Oh I do like brandy as well." he remarked. "What's something you like to drink?"

"I'll bear that in mind in the future," Nathan handed back the bottle enjoying the soothing sensation the liquor had on his tired body. "I don't really have any preferences," he shrugged. "You should ask Zarland to surprise you one day, the bar keep has an odd knack of knowing what you desire without you really knowing." He paused thoughtfully: "I heard a rumour he was setting up a place on the station while the Enterprise is docked but don't quote me on that."

"Well then you and I need to pay a visit, or I can even go seek it out as well." Cyrus took another swing from the bottle then put the cap back on it. "I think I am where I can maybe get some sleep now. It was great to talk with you. And also, I've got a place for you to try out as well. Its called Doughboys, great place for pizza. Nathan Bishop and I went there." Cyrus having a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"I know of it," Nathan acknowledge with a nodded. "Thanks for the drink."

"Maybe the three of us can converse get to know each other better. What do you say?" Cyrus giving a bit of a smile. "Doctor's suggestion?" then chuckled warmly. Giving a sigh Cyrus with a groan unfolded himself and got to his feet. He somewhat unsteadily bent over to pick up his hat. "Yup time for me to get some shut eye."

With a mirroring groan Hawkins stood and immediately feeling the effects of his exertion along with Marner's liquor a sure sign he too would finally find some sleep. "I agree. Computer end program," the rain soaked forest vanished at the order and was replaced with the empty shell of the holo room and the slight hum of the ship beyond.

At the exit to the two men parted ways: "Good night Doctor," Hawkins said, then added. "Thank you for unexpected company, though next time we're share a drink in more comfortable setting."

Cyrus chuckled at the comment. "I highly agree. And it was great. I'll see you later Nathan." he adjusted his hat and adjusted his fishing tackle box. With a wave, Cyrus went on his way.

END

 

RSS Feed