A Moment Between Breaths
Posted on Mon Oct 6th, 2025 @ 4:33pm by Captain Taliserra Tigran & Lieutenant Aelira Valan’thir
1,166 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
A marathon not a sprint
Location: Captain’s Ready Room, USS Wolff
Timeline: MD08 – Shortly after the senior staff debrief
The last of the chairs shifted, boots tapping against the deck as officers filtered out of the observation lounge. The quiet that followed carried the tension of recent revelations, trailing behind those who left like the ghost of too many battles too close together.
Aelira remained seated for a moment longer, letting the silence stretch like silk across the room. When she finally stood, it was without urgency — her movements deliberate, grounded in that same stillness she carried in Sickbay. She offered a faint nod to those still present before turning and making her way toward the ready room with calm purpose.
She paused just outside, hands folded loosely in front of her as she waited for the Captain’s acknowledgment — not out of formality, but as a gesture of respect. This was not a matter of command protocol. It was something quieter.
Something personal.
Having left the observation lounge Taliserra had headed straight for her ready room, she had some thinking to do but first there was a new Lieutenant to meet. "Yes Lieutenant come in." her voice came from the other side of the door shortly after the chime sounded.
The door slid open with a quiet hiss, and Aelira stepped into the ready room.
She paused just inside, posture straight but unforced, hands loosely at her sides. Her eyes met Taliserra’s with calm clarity as she offered a respectful incline of her head — not a stiff salute, but a gesture rooted in both Starfleet protocol and something older, something more ritualistic.
“Lieutenant Aelira Valan’thir, reporting in, Captain,” she said, her voice soft but assured. “Officially this time.”
She stepped forward a pace, enough to stand in easy conversation range but not presume too much.
“I thought it wise to introduce myself properly, now that the crisis has passed — or at least caught its breath.”
"I was not expecting your arrival until we reached Dakala, wasn't aware you were travelling there aboard the London." Taliserra remarked looking up at the almost golden skinned woman. "But I'm certainly glad the London and Tigris were nearby. Welcome onboard Lieutenant."
Aelira’s smile held as she stepped further into the room, her voice calm and measured. “I’d heard the London was diverting this way and asked to be brought ahead. I thought an earlier transfer might be smoother — easier than catching up at Dakala.” She gave a slight tilt of her head, acknowledging the timing. “But I didn’t mean to sidestep the chain of communication. If my arrival caught you off guard, I apologise.”
Her tone shifted just a touch — not prying, just perceptive, shaped by the weight of what she’d seen in the debrief.
“I know I arrived right into the middle of a mass casualty situation, so we haven’t had time for formalities. But if I may, Captain — how are you holding up?”
A pause, not heavy, just sincere. “You’ve been carrying a lot.”
The words were offered without agenda. Just quiet awareness.
"The life of a Captain is not an easy one." Taliserra remarked. "More of my crew have died, my ship almost destroyed.. again. And now I find out a man I trusted enough to be second in command of my ship was actually a Romulan spy."
Aelira held her gaze, quiet but steady, letting the weight of the words settle without trying to rush past them.
“That’s a lot to carry,” she said, her voice low. “No one trains for betrayal. Or for losing people you were meant to protect.”
She didn’t try to soften the truth — but there was no judgment in her tone, only recognition.
“You kept this crew alive through chaos. You held the line when it mattered.” A small pause. “That doesn’t erase the rest, but… it says something. About who they follow.”
She offered the faintest smile — not wide, but real.
“And I meant it earlier. If you ever need something — professionally or otherwise — I’m here.”
"Right now all I need is something to eat and to rest a little." Taliserra replied and tried not to yawn. "But I will take care of that later. What brings an El-Aurian into Starfleet?"
Aelira’s mouth quirked, just a touch. “The short answer? Usefulness.” She set her hands lightly at her sides. “I spent a very long time working as a healer along the quiet edges — trade routes, refugee worlds, places that fall between maps. The Toan’ta way is to listen first and help where you’re needed… but I kept running into the same truth: one pair of hands only reaches so far. Starfleet let me keep who I am and scale it — ships full of lives to look after, resources to actually change outcomes, and the chance to learn as much as I mend.”
Her gaze held steady, open. “So that’s why I’m here: to be useful where it counts. Right now, that’s the Wolff. If there’s anything you want from Medical in the next day — priorities, people, or presence — tell me and I’ll see to it.”
Taliserra smiled slightly, even though they were known as a race of listeners El-Aurian's still had a way with words. "Just keep an eye on everyone as best you can, today has been a long hard day for all involved."
Aelira nodded, a small, easy smile. “Absolutely, Captain. I’ll keep an eye on the crew.”
She paused, tone warm but light. “And I’ll look out for you as well. Comes with the territory.”
"Just don't look too deep," Taliserra found herself saying. "you may not like what you find."
Aelira let out a small, easy laugh. “I don’t go poking around for the sake of it, Captain. I listen when people want to be heard — and I stop when they don’t. If there’s depth to find, I’ll meet it where it is, not drag it into the light.”
She stepped a fraction closer, tone practical now. “I’ll keep Sickbay open and watchful — routine checks, quiet rounds, whatever the crew needs. I know it’s not the hour for sleep, so if you want a hot meal, a quiet corridor to think in, or someone to run a quick medical sweep of the teams, tell me. Otherwise I’ll leave you to it — and I’ll keep the door closed when you need it.”
Taliserra's stomach rumbled slightly at Aelira's mention of a hot meal, it was definitely going to be her next stop. "Thank you Lieutenant."
Aelira smiled, catching the faint sound and the Captain’s tone. “Of course, Captain,” she said lightly. “Go eat before I have to make it a medical order.”
She gave a small nod of respect before turning for the door. “I’ll check in once Sickbay’s settled. Enjoy what peace the next hour gives you.”
Lieutenant Aelira Valan'thir
Chief Medical Officer
Captain Taliserra Tigran
Commanding Officer
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