Fallout

Posted on Tue Mar 21st, 2023 @ 3:20am by Commander Samantha Howard

Mission: Living History
Location: CMOs quarters

It seemed as though time were fighting itself, Maddison and his cohorts had failed in whatever upheaval they had been planning and the simple fact that the Washington still existed bore fruit to the idea that their primary mission goal had been accomplished. Dr Samantha Howard blew out a long breath as she finally stepped into her quarters after what seemed like an age.

"Computer, lights to 25%, begin music playback, selection Howard lambda three" it was her default setting for the end of a rough mission when she needed to wind down and let her emotions play out however they needed to. The grey sofa chair was in its customary position, and the decanter of whisky with a glass sat next to it. Heading to the replicator she ordered a small container of food grade ice and added a portion to the glass, followed by a healthy few fingers of the amber liquid.

Silence was punctuated only by the soft dirge of didgeridoo, some in its timber and rhythm. A soft clink as the ice was disturbed on its ascent to her lips followed by the inhale and pause as the whisky was consumed.

Fear, guilt, accomplishment, relief. All the emotions she'd shoved to the side over the last few days took their time working their way through her body and mind. It wasn't healthy to bottle things up, even she knew that, however she felt she couldn't discuss her feelings with anyone at the moment. She felt alone as tears made their way unbidden down her pale face, landing soundlessly on her uniform where they were absorbed almost instantly. It wouldn't do to fall apart in public, but here in the sanctuary of her quarters, there was no one to see, and no-one to judge. Tomorrow she would check in with the Captain, who would no doubt have his own demons to slay.

There was a mountain of data on Maddison to sift through, days worth of work would be required to understood what they could about him and his unnatural ability to be able to use telepathy whilst deep in stasis. But they was tomorrow. For now, there were the stars, whisky and tears.