Second Chance

Posted on Fri 13th Jul, 2012 @ 9:11pm by Colonel Horatio Drake & Commander Brian Windsong

1,470 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: http://sb109.sim-station.net/index.php/sim/missions/id/2
Location: Harvey's Pub
Timeline: After Briefing

ON:

Brian, much to the chargin of Wicker was finding his way around the Starbase on his own. He had been known to fall a time or two, but he had certain routes memorized and the route between his cabin and Harvey's was one of them.

Since he was off duty, was dressed in black jeans and a charcoal grey tee shirt that fit him rather snugly.

Harveys specialzed in cheap food and cold beer of numerous varieties. Brian wasn't especially hungry but he really wanted a nice lager, which happened to be one of the best beers Harveys had to offer.

He hadn't decided whether or not he was going to get drunk, nor was he feeling particularly maudolin but this was the anniversary of Morgan's death and his being blinded. Celebration was not what he intended, more of an acknowledgment, but he hoped he would have no duties the next day he was planning to sleep in if he could.

===

Finding Harvey's had been a distinct pleasure. He was on his way from being in Ops all day, to his quarters, via the main Promenade... the station having a number of them. A poorly lit, thin corridor had got the better of his curiosity and he had ventured down it, only to find the back entrance to this incredibly pub. Upon entering the atmosphere struck him like a wave of ice cold air... it appeared that the back entrance was almost reserved for those drinking alone... a dark, dingy type affair with tables set up in such a way that no one would interfere with anyone else. The rest of the pub was light and airy and was accessible by a much larger, front entrance. The back entrance had suited him.

What he liked most about it was the animosity that could afford itself to him whilst he was there. Not only would no one speak to him... but rank held no place here... a passing Marine Lieutenant Colonel, didn't necessarily have to be the CO of the base.

He was in a booth, on his fifth scotch of the evening and only just starting to feel relaxed.

Brian was drinking daquaris. They weren't his favorite, but they had been Morgan's. He was on his fourth and just begining to feel a buzz, when he felt something else. A presence, Ashton's presenc and he was close by. He realized his shield was starting to slip, which could prove to be dangerous he really didn't want to be broadcasting his emotions to anyone, least of all Ashton at this point, but he would take that chance. His discussion with Paul had gone well, but he wanted to talk with someone who had actually been through the same thing he had.

It took a few minutes of conentration to figure out where the man was and then he headed towards the back. Though he could not tell that this new area was darker, he could feel a change in the atmosphere.

"Ashton?" he said, as he approached the table. "Do you mind if I sit?"

Ashton wanted nothing more than to be by himself at that moment in time... he had spent most of the last year by himself and it hadn't even seemed like a day. If he spent the rest of his life by himself, it wouldn't be long enough.

"I suppose so, Commander" He nodded to the padded seat opposite, before realising that it couldn't be seen.

Brian reached out with his hand and found the table. Using it as a guide he found the seat opposited Ashton and sat down. He could feel Ashton's reluctance, his almost pushing him away mentally, but he chose to ignore it.

"Thanks, I just didn't want to be alone right now. It is... well it's not a good day for me."

The Diplomatic Officer's blindness almost annoyed Ashton. His stumbling about, trying to find the table seemed to him like weakness. How had he been allowed to remain in Starfleet? What would happen if he needed to defend himself? Why had he not had the vision corrected? He took in a deep breath... usually he was able to quell his anger and keep it under control... but those restraints were severely weakened with alcohol... to the point where they would disappear, one day.

He forced himself to be as pleasant as he could be, downing the remnants of his tumbler. "And why is that?"... 'walked in to too many walls, perhaps?', he wanted to add.

Brian's own anger flared as Ashton's thoughts and breath aslaulted his senses like a runaway Klingon freighter. "Because this is the anniversary of my lover, my best firend's death he said in a flat tone doing his best to keep his emotions in check.

Then something snapped inside him. he didn't ask to speak freely, he didn't think to ask, he just started talking. "By the way you really better be careful what you think around a telepath. I am quite capable of taking care of myself, probably a damn sight better than you.

You know the difference between the two of us Ashton, I've lost my eyes, you've lost your soul. I know what you're going through I've been there. Your problem is that people want to walk on eggshells around you and dance around the truth.

The truth is it hurts I know that, but you need to quit being a bitchy little girl. Get off your ass and quit freaking feeling sorry for youself. He's not coming back. You need to face it.

Getting drunk or high isn't going to change anything, the sooner you face up to the facts the sooner you can move on."

"How dare you, Commander?" Ashton had been about to call for another scotch, now he felt like squeezing the glass tumbler in his hand until it shattered.

"I am sympathetic towards the significance of what today's date holds for you, but don't compare the two of us. The death of Patrick was regrettable and unfortunate but I have done my grieving. I am first and foremost a Starfleet Marine and that is where my primary duty remains. Wasting time on the dead is something that we are trained not to do".

Brian leaned forward in his chair showing he wasn't in the least intimidated."With all due respect sir, that is bullshit and you and I both know it. You may be a Marine, but you're also a man. A man that lost someone very close to him. You may be able fool your Marine buddies, but you're not fooling me.

Or excuse me, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you just go around getting drunk for no damn reason at all. Is that it Colonel? The only one you're fooling is yourself."

"Exactly what qualifies you to make judgements about me? How the Hell do you know what I'm feeling? Because, I can tell you Commander... you're wrong... I don't feel anything" He almost yelled at the Diplomatic Officer across the table.

"Before you talk about judging Colonel I suggest you look in the mirror first. You question my judgement, my competence, and the reason I chose to keep my blindess. You just don't have the balls to do it to my face.

You want to know what qualifies me? I've been there, Hell I am there. Patrick was your best friend, he was your lover, your husband, the man you cared more about than anyone else. You can't just pretend that didn't happen, you can't pretend that his life was meaninless, that your lives together were meaningless.

If you don't feel something then there really is something wrong with you."

"Commander you are dangerously close to insubordination... I advise you leave me alone immediately". He signalled to a barman for another large scotch... he wondered if he hit this officer whether security would arrest him or let it go as he was the CO. Should he even be thinking such thoughts? He quickly dismissed such notions hoping his would-be victim hadn't caught them.

Brian just glared at him through his unseeing glass eyes. He wanted to say more, he was about to say more, but he was afraid if he did he would wind up in a fight with his CO or he'd wind up in the brig.

"I think that is something we can agree on. Leaving you alone is probably best for both of us. I'll leave you to your best friend, the bottle." He got up a bit awkardly and made his way out the door. He had to stop abruptly to keep from running into someone entering the bar and then he was out into the hallway.

OFF:

Lt. Commander Brian Windsong
Chief Diplomatic Officer

Lt. Colonel Ashton Drake
Commanding Officer

 

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