Darkest Minds

Posted on 08 May 2017 @ 7:11pm by Lieutenant JG Eelim Galan
Edited on on 13 May 2017 @ 6:13pm

1,736 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: USS Chaka - Storage Room
Timeline: MD -42, 2300hrs

[ON]

Abbey was in her hell again. This night she had decided to walk towards the black castle which seemed bigger and larger than the mountains behind her, its size cast a great shadow onto the dusty plain she was crossing. She hadn't come from this direction before, deciding to loop in from a different angle and hoped she wouldn't be spotted by the skeleton guard on its walls that loosed arrows, shot muskets or fired rifles at her as she approached. Every step seemed to be like going uphill despite Abbey knowing she was definitely going down. The ground wasn't as hot here and she found out that whatever she slept in was what she would wear in her dreamscape, so tonight she made sure to wear her best boots.

She was closer now than she had ever been, the guards always seemed to face towards the blood river as if expecting the dead to come pouring out t invade the keep. As she approached she could hear the rattling and groaning of bone on bone. She quickly ducked behind a boulder which burnt her bare skin as she pressed herself against it trying to make her as small as possible. The guard passed without giving any signs of spotting her. She stepped out as a large growling came from her right. She turned slowly as saw a Large three-headed dog. Dog, was a loose term each head had melting skin and bared dagger-like teeth which dripped with blood. Its main body was a canvas of thrown away furs each more disgusting than the last. She hadn't even heard it approach her and he, cerberus was just a hand stretch away from her.

A voice, sounding like Eelims came eradicated the silence and she could feel her physical self-wake, she knew what was about to happen before it did and as she stifled a scream the dog's massive jaws came down over her ending tonight's nightmare.

Shooting up int a sitting positon Abbey could feel the sweat clinging to her, luckily she had no scratches but the ones from the previous night still stained her skin and damn they were sore. Looking around she could see she had fallen asleep in one of the Chaka's Storage rooms away from anyone who could see her wake in such a dramatic way and would ask if she was ok. She could sense another presence and turned to see Eelim.

Eelim had offered his services to assist the Chaka crew in organizing the storage room for armoury parts. He'd entered just as Abbey had screamed herself awake. He approached slowly remembering the last time she'd leveled a phaser at him. "Are you alright?" he asked calmly.

Abbey brushed away the tear, stood up and forced a smile "I'm fine" She replied mechanically " I accidentally fell asleep, I guess I had a nightmare" She said 'Tell him, he can help you' Said her mind but she locked the voice behind the wall she had created.

Eelim reached out a hand and stopped her from leaving. He tilted her chin up. "Fine and tears don't mix. Nightmares I get. Had them a lot. Still do." He motioned for a little corner. "Tell me what was it about?"

For a moment Abbey fought the idea of saying anything and it seemed she was going to win but eventually logic one out and she opened up t him. "Its horrible Eelim" She started, "Have you ever heard of the Greek Pantheon? Zeus, Poseidon and Hades they're all ancient gods and some that are still prominent in the Mirror Universe especially the more warlike ones." She said half ashamed. "Every night I sleep I swear I literally descend into Hades... Hell"

Eelim was an avid reader. He'd also encountered a similar pantheon on Romulus. "Ah yes, with Cerberus the three headed guard. Down to the depts. of Tartarus the soul must fly in a vain attempt to give reparations for a life fading by...I believe that was Tillerman, the poet." He sat down. "Sit. Tell me."

Abbey shivered at the sound of the dog that had just killed her. She didn't protest she just simply sat down avoiding eye contact "Every night I arrive in this barren wasteland, it so hot and dry and there's death everywhere" She tried to stop the tears but she wasn't strong enough.

Eelim put his arm around her has he had done many a time with his sister. "What happens then?"

"I die" She said simply. "Well not straight away I usually see the faces of people I loved, hated and even killed. I think it's my own mind torturing me for all the things I've done and all the horrible crimes i committed in the name of the Empire." Abbey explained sobbing.

Eelim just held her, "We are all a servant to our past, in a way. The fact is that you are holding yourself accountable. Do you know what that tells me Miss Abbey?"

She looked up wondering what the next words were going to be out of his mouth. "No, I don't?" Abbey's eyes stung and her cheeks were red from the crying and from the nightmare. She couldn't remember the last time she had a full nights sleep, she was utterly exhausted.

"It tells me you have a good heart under there that you are hiding. It tells me that you are punishing yourself and it tells me that you need a good nights sleep." He smiled at her. So much like his sister. He'd missed having a little sister and from the first time he'd met Abbey he'd seen the similarity.

She shrugged "Well I dont know about most of that but I know I need a good nights sleep but im scared to close my eyes, I dont know how much more I can take off that place" Abbey admitted heaving a sigh "I just wish I could have a good dream for once"

He smiled. "Stay here." He headed over to the replicator ordered lavender tea and then returned to the storage room. He sat down and handed her a glass. "Lavender tea. It will help you sleep a dreamless sleep, has some Bajoran herbs, and I will stay with you. "

Abbey eyed the drink, it was rather clear the brew had lavender in it because the smell engulfed her but it was the other herbs which bothered her "You're not trying to poison me are you? the Cardassians in my universe are very deceitful very good at killing someone stealthily." She explained.

Eelim looked at her sadly. "Not all of us are like that Abbey."

feeling bad she took the brew and sipped, the warmth caressing her as it fell down the back of her throat and into her stomach. "It's tastes... different" She admitted before sipping more of it. She hadn't realised just how quickly she drank it until she finished the cup and was yawning "Woooow" She said mid yawn.

He smiled. "It will take a half hour for the full effect. Why don't you return to your quarters and rest little sister. I won't be far. If you have need of me then just call." He stood offering her his hand.

She nodded drowsily as the effects of the tea overwhelmed her, she wasn't even sure she'd make it to a bed. "Thankyou Big Brother" Abbey teased liking the idea, she never had a brother and even though he was almost old enough to be her father she didnt mind.

Eelim smiled. He sat by her and let her lean on his shoulder. Soon both were asleep out of sheer tiredness. Five hours passed before they woke.

Abbey roused after finally having a nightmare-free sleep. The first thing she was aware of was that she most certainly wasn't in her bed and secondly that Eelim was asleep next to her. She peeled herself away from him and hoped she didn't dribble, she felt fantastic and it was all thanks to him.

Stirred by her motion Eelim woke up slowly. He'd gotten a few arm cramps but he could tell by her face that she'd slept. "I take it the nightmares didn't come?"

She shook her head "No, thank you Eelim I really, really needed that sleep. I feel like a new girl" Abbey said but her eyes gave her away. Though she had a great sleep it wasn't a proper sleep with a bed. "I can't wait to sleep in a bed" She mused.

He grinned, "Understandable. Why don't you go rest a bit, stretch out. Try not to be too hard on yourself."

Abbey nodded, "I think that's a really good idea" She stood up and smiled at Eelim "Thanks again, You'll have to teach me the recipe or you'll have to make one every night" She teased.

He smiled back and stood up. "I'll give you the blend and you can replicate it whenever you like." He studied her for a moment. "Abbey, despite what you believe you are a good person. You have a gentle heart and you've had a hard life. Cut yourself some slack. Okay?"

She nodded half agreeing with his statement "I can't promise anything but I'll try, for you at least" Abbey being Abbey didn't wait around any longer, kissed Eelim on the cheek before turning to walk away. Slowing at the door as if to say something but shook her head and left the room smiling for the first time in weeks.

Eelim smiled, happy that he was able to help her. He knew how she must feel. This was all new for her. She came from a hostile place and he too, if he was honest with himself, came from a hostile place. When he'd left home it had been hard for him, he'd been traumatized and shocked afraid of those around him, afraid of himself. Abbey needed a friend and he would be that friend.

Smiling he headed out himself. He couldn't wait until they reached the star base. Not feeling tired he headed to the lounge to watch the stars streak by.

[OFF]

--

Ensign Abbey St James
Tactical/Security officer
Aboard USS Chaka
[PNPC Wyatt]

Lt. JG Eelim Galan
Tactical / Security Officer
Aboard USS Chaka
[PNPC Varro]

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