Seeing Stars

No rescue will come if you don't get out. That's my motto. You've got to help yourself because you can't rely on anyone else. If you do, you're going to get hurt. Trust no one. Always prepare for the worst. Always assume your doubts are correct. And live life as if it's your last day- try not to die.

[calypso-alan-blog]

Oh, yes, because you know how much I love taking on ridiculously large responsibilities.

[He paused after reading the frustration and slight bewilderment on Piper’s face.] That was a joke, by the way. I’m not looking to take ownership of this ship—and certainly not all of Starfleet—any time soon.

And you should know I didn’t plan to stay here as long as I have. The whole “distress call” business has delayed my departure—I can’t exactly just hop off the ship, now, can I?

[calypso-piper]

[The urge to give Monday the middle finger is strong, and this time Piper doesn't fight it. He shows his disgust openly, not caring what the repercussions might be.]

You know, Admiral. You absolutely could. And not a single person on this ship would stop you.

[calypso-porter]

[There is a tinge of wariness in her eyes as she looks down at his hand. That’s unprofessional. That’s not what she does, she is not like this, she needs to be strong.

But screw what she usually does. She is so desperate and tired and she couldn’t give a fuck if the Admiral walked in and made the wrong assumptions. Carefully, she places her hand on his, and squeezes.]

You damn better, Mr. Piper. 

[calypso-piper]

[When she squeezes his hand, some sort of spell is broken and he moves again. For him, at least, he suddenly feel better, more relaxed if that were possible, but more determined.]

Until then. [He salutes, more professional, and smiled slightly, before turning and walking off.]

[calypso-alan-blog]

[Well, at least Piper wasn’t trying to pussyfoot around. Alan was more than happy to meet his gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips.]

On the contrary, Commander, I prefer not to spend my time jumping from ship to ship, trying to destroy everyone’s happiness. You are, once again, making a mountain out of a molehill.

[The word “bully,” as usual, disrupted Alan’s cool a bit. How dare Piper liken him to the bulky teenage boys who used to shove him into haybales with their pimply hands back in Iowa?] Oh, and one more thing: “bullies” resort to crude and physical violence to get their way. I, on the other hand, would never do something so…harmful.

[calypso-piper]

[Piper grimaced. He should've known Monday would deny everything, avoid taking ownership of his actions. It was always the same with him.] Then why are you still here? Wouldn't you rather be at your desk on Earth taking control of all of Starfleet? The Calypso is pretty small territory for you to dominate, Admiral.

[He was well aware of how far he was pushing it. Did he care? Not at all.]

[calypso-porter]

[Kicking his ass from the ship would be too merciful, but that was just her current mood. If anything, the Borg situation was slowly getting on her nerves, and that was more than enough to make her spill over the brim. Everything.]

Then we best hurry. 

Or I will kill someone. [Don wasn’t joking.]

[calypso-piper]

We'll pull through this, I promise. [And he had a sudden urge to hug her or something but that would be weird, so instead he offered his hand formally.] I've got your back, Captain. Until the end. That's why I'm here and I will see my duties through. [Because last time I failed.]

[calypso-alan-blog]

Well, I can see your biting “wit” hasn’t changed a bit since we last spoke.

Either way, ‘seems the rest of the crew shares your sentiments. You know, it’s a real shame that your apparent dislike of me has spread so quickly.

[calypso-piper]

[At this moment, Piper isn't certain how angry he is, only that he is very angry, and he isn't totally sure he could stop himself from attacking the man right then and there. However, he managed to keep calm long enough to take in a deep breath and look Monday in the eye.] I assure you that their hatred did not stem from me, but it sure as hell could've. Believe me- I have enough to cover the whole ship.

I want to know why you're here. Don't give me the "inspection" crap. I know there's another reason. I want to know who you're hurting by it. Because I will not stand here and let anyone else get hurt. [He's trembling now, and not entirely with rage. His voice almost breaks but he takes a deep breath and clenches his fists.] You're not going to bully anyone else like you did with me.

[calypso-porter]

[The Captain forces herself to breathe. Once. Twice. Her nostrils flare—it will be a good long time before she can trust herself with some sensitive talk. She can’t help it. God have mercy on everyone who crosses her path because chances are she’ll snap.

This doesn’t mean she can’t make an effort.] 

Just as I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, [she read his file, she read it and he must be in hell right now,] neither can you know just how desperate I am for all this to end.

Just help me out here, Piper.

So am I.

[calypso-piper]

Yeah. Yeah. [He could see that she was struggling to keep calm, just as he was, and hell, having the captain and first officer in this situation was horrible. But he'd be damned if he let his own feelings get in the way here. If it didn't kill him first.]

I know. [He lowered his voice and looked around, then locked eyes with the Captain.] He's going to pay. We're going to kick his ass off this ship and then he's going to pay.

[calypso-porter]

[Don narrows her eyes.]

Don’t patronize me. I don’t need that shit right now. I need your full cooperation with me, Piper, so we can get that doctor out of that ship and get the Admiral away from our asses.   

Think you can do that, Commander?

[calypso-piper]

[He winces, once and sighs, expression almost regretfull.] I'm sorry, Captain. I really am. I'm more stressed than I can handle right now.

And more scared than I want to admit.

[calypso-felix]

On another day, Commander, I would appreciate your humor. 

But I am referring to what I can already see. I am ill at ease without knowing whereabouts of Herr Monday, for reasons we are both aware of. 

I assume you have spoken to him in his tenure?

[calypso-piper]

I understand. [He expression darkens.] Unfortunately, I have had the 'pleasure' of speaking to him on a number of occasions. They never are pleasant as you can imagine.

[calypso-alan-blog]

Ah, Commander Piper.

Something bothering you?

[calypso-piper]

Oh, Admiral. I didn't see you there. Something bothering me, you ask? Why yes.

You.

[calypso-porter]

Language, Mr. Piper.

[But, ‘fuck’ indeed. It’s just the two of them. Like a goddamn limb is missing. Don hates the sensation entirely.]

Tell me what’s on your mind. 

[calypso-piper]

I think you know what's on my mind, Captain. I doubt there is need for the explanation.

But of course. Language. Your wish is my command.

[calypso-felix]

You may call it arbitrary, but I feel as if something terrible is happening aboard as we speak. 

[calypso-piper]

You may be right. That lingering suspicion. Counselor, I suggest you open you eyes and see the terrible happenings.

[calypso-hazel]

Watch it. 

If you don’t keep a cool head, neither will the whole damn ship. 

[calypso-piper]

Who says I'm not keeping a cool head? I'm just as calm as everyone else.

[calypso-piper]

....Fuck.

[calypso-jude]

[He’d just pretend he didn’t say that. Maybe it was true.] I’ll make it happen.

[And now they were getting cryptic—he hadn’t involved himself in whatever was going on with the Admiral, for essentially his own mental health. He edged a little closer to the Captain regardless. What he wouldn’t have done to hide behind her.] This part doesn’t concern me, I don’t think. 

[calypso-porter]

[Ah, yes. There’d been a reason she hadn’t told Jude. And now there they were. It made her feel bad— but, it only lasted a second, and then she straightened her back.] It’ll concern you soon enough. 

But, you’re right. Now is not the time. Mom and Dad can talk about this later.

Take the damn hypo, Mr. Piper. And then you can worry.

[calypso-piper]

[Piper glanced at Jude, who was still edging further behind the Captain. He raised an eyebrow pointedly and then sighed and rolled his eyes at Don.]

Who am I to argue?

[calypso-jude]

Oh. [It was his turn to cough now, into his sleeve out of discomfort.] Yeah, um. I’m fine too. 

[Sorta.] Come by later and pick up something. Just in case. We all need to be performing at our best, right? 

[calypso-porter]

[Don placed her hands on her hips, throwing both men a tiny smug grin.] Uh huh. You both should check yourselves anyway, hm? As you said, we gotta be in excellent shape.

As for you, Piper, you shouldn’t worry about the Admiral. You know things will get better. [Or so she hoped. They’d discussed what to do. They’d gone over it a hundred times. And Don still felt her stomach fluttering when she thought of it all.] 

[calypso-piper]

Right, right, I will. [He grumbled, shaking his head.] You two are like overprotective mothers. 

But you can't keep me from worrying. I do worry about him. How could I not? 

[calypso-jude]

[What he wouldn’t give to stick him back in sickbay for a few more days. Not for his company, but the fact he was still probably carrying whatever he had.] 

Everything’s fine in medbay, if that’s what you mean. [As he spoke, he found himself gravitating to stand closer to the Captain—not conspicuously, but enough to put himself at some ease.]

[calypso-porter]

No I most certainly did not mean the medbay, but thank you for the status report, [Don glanced at the doctor sideways, her eyebrow still high up. Other than that, she made no comment on the way he was suddenly getting closer. Kids.]

Don’t sass me, Mr. Piper.

You sure you feeling well? Last thing I want is for half the bridge to fall ill. [Although, it would be nice if he coughed on the Admiral’s face.] 

[calypso-piper]

[Piper rolled his eyes, but laughed slightly to himself.] My apologies, Captain. But I can assure both of you that I am fine. [He did have to stifle a sneeze, but he was fine, honestly...] 

Besides, I don't need to be stuck in medbay while Admiral Monday is running around the ship. 

[calypso-jude]

You still sound a little stuffed up, Commander. 

Want another cold hypo? 

[calypso-porter]

Ships ain’t just about the shits and giggles, Mr. Piper. 

[Then, to her CMO,] he’s fine. How have you been feeling, Doctor Isley?

[calypso-piper]

I am aware, Captain, thank you. 

And, no, Dr. Isley, I happen to be perfectly fine.