(Lana and Veselko, some time after Copero and before Nathema.)

Lana did everything in her power to keep from snapping the datapad in her hands in two.

Most of the trails had ended cold. The operation on Copero had only lead the Alliance so far, and Theron was proving himself capable for his masters – the Order of Zildrog. She had underestimated him.

But no longer.

Meditation and fury had helped her through sleepless days and nights. When she had told Veselko that no one would sleep until Theron was found, she of course meant herself – though the entire Alliance was following by example as best they could.

She would tear the galaxy apart to make the traitorous coward pay.

Walking with purpose towards Veselko’s quarters, she already had words prepared for him, who had slipped away to analyze some data. He had told her to come to him if she had any news – for good or ill.

“Commander,” she said, stepping through the open door. “It grieves me to report that–”

She glanced about the room, not seeing Veselko at all. Just when she was on the edge of panic, she saw a figure in a chair, slumped over the desk on the far side of the room.

“Veselko,” she said on an intake of breath as she strode towards him.

A gentle snore caught her attention, stopping her in her tracks just a couple of steps away.

Upon the desk was an open datapad, half-eaten rations, and an empty cup. Veselko was resting his head upon crossed arms, fast asleep.

Lana was at first surprised that her loud entrance did not stir the trained agent. But as she stepped closer, she studied the deepened color around his eyes, the darkening of his stubble that he usually kept clean. He had put on a brave face for everyone, but it was getting harder for him to pretend that he was all right.

Harder for him to pretend that his heart wasn’t broken.

You haven’t had a moment’s respite since I rescued you from the carbonite, she thought to herself as her fury turned cold.

Tucking the datapad away in her belt, she fetched the blanket from Veselko’s bed, and gently draped it over his back. He seemed to stir for a moment, eyes fluttering, but then quickly settled back into slumber.

Lana smoothed the blanket upon his shoulders, then held her hands there.

I suppose I haven’t been fair to you either, my friend. Lana’s thumbs brushed over the tightness in his shoulders, hoping above all else that Theron wounded himself as deeply.