Captains Mask

Posted on Mon Mar 15th, 2021 @ 4:17am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Chief Petty Officer Remal Kajun

Mission: The Jungle
Location: Captains Quarters
Timeline: Morning After the Game

She relaxed at his touch, allowing her mind to redirect from the troubled thoughts and back to present. Her skin tingled at the contact even after their years of marriage he still knew exactly where she liked to be kissed.

When he pulled back he gently rubbed her thigh, "Tell me what you need and I'll help you get ready for your shift. Need breakfast? Sky's the limit." He stood and took her empty cup from her hands. "Fresh cuppa?"

“ A refill and something yummy, I’ll leave the details up to you, better yet, I’ll give you a hand “ She smiled as she ducked off to dress and emerged a few minutes later in a fresh uniform, hair still a mess but that could wait.

In the time it took her to dress and return he had filled her coffee cup with another round and had almost finished sizzling their breakfast on the griddle. “Ah, just in time to try something new. I think I have the recipe pretty close to what I remember tasting.” He slid a flattened piece of batter off the griddle and onto a plate for her to try. The batter was cooked with little bits of blueberries mixed in. “Oberon Panakas, blueberry flavored. Eat up.”

“ Prophets are you quick or what? I swear I was only gone 5 minutes” She looked in astonishment as breakfast was proudly displayed before her. It smelt a thousand times better than she could have dreamed it would “Smells devine, you really are too good to me” She pecked him on the cheek as she reached for the coffee.

“You haven’t eaten well in days and I’m sure you have a big day ahead of you. These Panakas are full of proteins, so, good for you.” He added as he poured out another bit of batter into the skillet for himself.

"Was it only days? It felt like months" she admitted, taking a mouthful of the delicious concoction and nodding in appreciation.

“I counted six days, but you’re right. It did feel like more.” He half folded one of the Panakas feeling the crispy yet flaky texture in his hand briefly before shoving it into his mouth. “Hmm, ‘his is ‘ood.” he mumbled.

"Only good? It's the best damn thing I've eaten in forever" Rhenora snorted between a mouthful of coffee and a mouthful of food. "What are your plans for today?"

He smiled even as he swallowed his large bite. “Other than a chat with Aurora like we talked, my only plans are to see you for as long as I possibly can. Like every day.” He gave her a cheesy, doughy eyed look that said he was enamored but serious as a stack of Panakas.

" She may need your assistance with the Manchester crew we are recovering, there's some serious trauma they've been through" Rhenora said sagely as she chewed on another morsel. She knew Remal was not only a gifted listener but a trained counsellor. The coffee mug was nearing empty and she knew she would need to head to the bridge. Somehow she wanted to drag this little moment of domestic normality out as long as she could.

“That’s the idea. I know she will be overwhelmed and it never hurts to have a spare hand when dealing with trauma. Perhaps we’ll find some unique situation has occurred from them spending so much time mixing with an alien culture.” He read the empty pot as a good ending to a good conversation. A pot shared was a good pot indeed. “You go, I’ll clean up.” He knew if she needed him, she would call.

"Is it wrong to say I don't want to go? I feel we should value these moments of normality after everything we've been through." She raised a curious eyebrow towards him even as she rose from the table. She helped clear the table and headed off to the bathroom, running a brush through her hair and coaxing it into something resembling professional. She looked briefly for her combadge before remembering they would all have to replicate new ones. At least she still had her pips.

A few moments later she emerged, ever the consummate Captain. There was a haunted look in her eye that would remain for some time. Her crew needed her, the Manchester crew needed her.

During the time she was gone he had cleaned up the rest of the food and tidied up his cookware and kitchenette. He had also thought about what she said about valuing these moments. She was struggling to come back from the Game similar to the time they were incarcerated against their will on the Sunfire. The only difference was the Game was for the sick entertainment of others and controlled by a former friend.

He watched her emerge from the bedroom looking exceptionally beautiful and strong. He gave a hearty smile to reassure her that all would be well. He understood that they would have plenty of time together to cherish ahead but now it was a matter of reassurance. He walked up to her and embraced her lovingly. "You know I love you. Would you like me to walk you out?"

“ I would like nothing more than to spend as much time with you as I possibly could.” She whispered, stepping into his arms and resting her chin on his chest. She drew so much strength from his presence, particularly when she was feeling vulnerable.

He just held her, for no words could match the feeling of his touch. Sure he could have quipped or offered some more words of encouragement, but he knew when to shut up and listen. He understood that sometimes you just have to hold on tight and let love do the speaking. He held her for as long as she wanted to be held before finally they broke apart. He wiped her eyes, she smiled a knowing smile before putting on her Captain’s face and walking out of their quarters to begin her day.