ooc: Sorry, this got away from me.

ic:
The shuttle ride to starbase 243 was uneventful, and painfully tense. For the duration of the trip, Jahok found himself imagining various attacks and emergencies and how he would respond to each. Battle strategies for shuttlecraft, unfortunately, were dreadfully limited and most of Jahok’s fantasies ended with the destruction of the craft. Imagined depressing outcomes were no relief for the unsettling silence between the crafts two occupants. It would take a very brave man to break the silence, and a wise man to say the right words. Jahok was neither, and his shame compelled him to image even more depressing battle scenarios.

When starbase 243 came into view on the shuttle screen, the tension shifted. Whether good or bad, Jahok couldn’t say, but his gut said that it was relief. Their long and uneventful journey had come to an end. Jahok turned to Savoh who clutched his single bag of luggage to his chest as though it were a life-line. Jahok had his mother’s belongings packed and placed with the rest of the luggage. Perhaps one day, when time has eased the pain of loss, those possessions will inspire happier memories.

Jahok hailed the station, “Shuttlecraft Explorer to Starbase 243, requesting permission to dock,” The words felt sticky and wrong in his mouth. He had not spoken since he requested permission to leave the Zanzibar dockingbay. A cheerful voice came over the intercom and directed them of their landing pad before wishing them a good day. The docking and check in procedures were a welcome distraction. Jahok moved on autopilot through all the required checks-ins and security points until they were free of the space dock and in the station proper.

“Would you prefer to settle into our temporary living arrangements aboard the starbase or-” Savoh cut him off with a curt nod of his head. Jahok nodded his head in return, even as unease settled into his gut. “This way, then.” Their temporary living arrangements were not far, and close to where the Leviathan was docked. Nothing they were not used to, only two rooms a bathroom and small communal gathering place. Once let inside, Savoh darted into the closest room and shut the door behind himself. Worry and concern warred against each other but Jahok had a duty to perform. It wouldn’t be wise to push Savoh. If they boy needed space then Jahok shall give it to him.

Still, Jahok spoke through the door before he left, “Savoh, I must go report to my commanding officer. Please do not hesitate to contact me, I shall not be gone for long.”

Jahok sent a quick message to XO Rhanzi about his arrival and made his request for a meeting. While waiting for a response Jahok attempted to find his composure at the bottom of a decorative koi pond. The colorful fish darting about in the shallow but serene waters eased some of nerves. Unfortunately it could not do much more.

Lt Jahok, CoS/RTF Commander