Unity

Chapter 40

We spent the first part of the meal in silence. I missed the openness we had once shared, so I finally broke the silence by asking, "Shahae, why were you given this assignment? I can't imagine how hard it was to face me, let alone being confined to this ship away from your people."

She took a few deep breaths before answering. "What I went through...I have had difficulty reconciling with the events that took place." I could feel my heart pounding as she spoke. "In my view, I was captured and threatened with torture by somebody I viewed as a friend, an individual I trusted with my life. On top of these events, I discover a plot that would forever change my people. The magnitude of Zalix's betrayal alone is enough to cause nightmares. Things like this just don't happen to our people. There have been many changes since you arrived, and not all of them are easy to reconcile." She paused and took several deep breaths. I watched as a single tear rolled down her cheek, leaving a glistening trail behind. I felt a strong urge to walk over and comfort her, but I knew this was something she needed to get through.

She took a moment to compose herself before continuing, "I don't blame you for what happened, Zack. If I hadn't been in that room when you arrived, things would have turned out very differently. I admire your resolve in doing what you believe was best, but to answer your question, I was given this assignment as an attempt to help me overcome the trauma of these events. As hard as it was to come here, I know it was a wise decision." She looked down at her plate and blinked several times, trying to stop the flood of tears threatening to spill over. "I need to go," she said as she stood up. I quickly jumped up and cut her off before she reached the door.

I grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to look at me. "Running is not going to help," I said a little more sternly than I intended. I relaxed my grip and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for everything I put you through. I always believed you were innocent, but honestly, I was scared. I'm further from home than I had ever thought possible, fighting for my life at every turn, and the only thing I know without a doubt I can trust is this ship and my crew. My crew is all I have right now. They are my family. I almost lost everything at Zalix's hands. I know you would never harm any member of my crew, but when I saw you there with Zalix, I let my fear cloud my judgment. I am sorry." I pulled her close as she wrapped her arms around me. It was the first real hug I'd had since before Jen died.

We stood there and took comfort in each other's embrace. I wasn't sure how much time had passed when Shahae slowly pulled away. I let my arms drop to my sides as she stepped away. She walked towards the door again.

As she reached it, she turned, and I saw a small smile threatening to make itself known. I couldn't help but smile encouragingly. "Thanks Zack," she said as she turned and left the room.

I started clearing dishes of uneaten food, feeling better than I had in a long time. As much as I hated cliches, it really did feel as if an unseen weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I put the dishes and leftover food in Admiral Jones' old office and made a mental note not to have someone take care of them later. For now, exhaustion was starting to set in and I wanted to sleep. I awoke a few hours later when I heard a soft knock on my door. I looked at the time, trying to clear away the fog of sleep. I still had an hour before I planned to be back on the bridge for day two of our trip home. Thinking it was Shahae, I walked up to the door and opened it, and instead of Shahae's pure white hair, I was staring at a full head of red hair. "Are you going to invite me in?" Lisa asked.

"Sorry," I said as I moved away from the door, running my hands through my hair.

She watched me as she entered. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine." I answered. "I just got out of bed. I guess I'm still trying to wake up."

Realization dawned on her. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I didn't realize you were asleep. I'm such an idiot." She started to leave. What was it with women always trying to run out my door? I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her.