#ltlaan

“ wait, no, wait, sorry! ” taking two quick steps forward, she stops la’an in her tracks, expression wavering between excitement, fear and just plain old confusion. “ you want me to join the away mission tomorrow? you? ”

The Enterprise is limping its way to the nearest starbase for repairs after our encounter with the Gorn.  Let it be noted that my crew, as always, performed above and beyond the call of duty.  They’ve put forth a tremendous effort to repair what they could and get us back in working order, but I know they - and I - still feel the heartache of the losses we suffered.  I can see it in their faces as I pass them in the corridors.  It hides just behind their eyes as they work so diligently.  Those seven people were colleagues and friends.  Our losses could’ve been far worse, but that is cold comfort, at best.

Captain Pike paused outside of Lieutenant La’an Noonien Singh’s door, taking a deep breath before ringing the chime.  In the brief time he’d known her, La’an demonstrated uncommonly resilient emotional fortitude, but the Enterprise’s battle with the Gorn was far more personal for her, as she’d endured a horrific experience with the mysterious hostile race many years ago.  This made him concerned for her well-being, hence his decision to visit.  He suspected she’d simply downplay or dismiss his concerns, and he wasn’t keen on pushing her, but as her captain and someone who cared about every single officer under his command, he felt compelled to check in on her.

Once he received permission to enter, he walked in and stood a few paces away from his security chief.

“Lieutenant, I hope I’m not bothering you.  After everything that happened, I wanted to stop by and check in to see how you’re doing.”

“ relax, take a load off, lieutenant, ” waving towards one of the chairs in front of him, christopher leaned back, taking a sip from his drink, trying to make it very clear that this was in no way official business; cause if he is going to break a dozen rules, he is not going to do it as the captain, but as a fellow officer, offering clarity. “ i just thought you might have questions about what you heard on the turbolift in kiley. ”

“ that’s why i have all the doors open, ” nose scrunches as she snickers at la’an’s disgruntled expression, “ no one ever said science smelled pretty. ”