Breathe In/Out One, Two, and Three
Posted on Sun Sep 27th, 2026 @ 6:53am by Commander Aleshanee & Technical Sergeant Decker
468 words; about a 2 minute read
Mission:
Home Waters
Location: Bridge
The captain sat in her chair. Listening to the words that were being broadcast across the Alpha and Beta quadrants. A new birth, a new beginning- something for her and everyone who was born and raised, or just showed up because they had nowhere else to go, but the haven of the demilitarized zone gave them that place.
As she listened to the simple sentiment in each statement, she couldn't help but let tears run freely. She truly didn't know what to feel, or how; well, that wasn't entirely true. She was happy, exhilarated, and extremely proud. But a deep sadness that her parents weren't able to see this day.
"You did it; hell, they did it." A voice that had never been this quiet said. For Decker, this was a proud moment, as he did help, but no matter how he was accepted, this was never his home or his people. Now he would die for these people; he'd kill- well, continue to kill for these people.
Aleshanee didn't correct him; she didn't understand why he felt the way he felt, but she understood why he did. Chuckling, she still looked at the viewscreen. "fuck yes, we did." She said again, very quietly, sensing Decker as he walked in front of her.
Without saying anything more, he reached forward and wiped away the tears. "Hey, look at me. Deep breaths. Breathe with me, in for 1, 2, and 3, then out for 1, 2, and 3." Decker said, having had enough practice with this from dealing with wounded soldiers. "Accept this. Enjoy this. That is all you need to do. Breathe in for 1, 2, and 3. Out for 1, 2, and 3." He repeated.
Aleshanee did as Decker said. Trusting it all, knowing he'd had to do this too many times. And all of those times, most of those people didn't survive. "Thank you, my love," Aleshanee said, taking his hand and squeezing it. And, just like that, Aleshanee was back.
And another miracle: a separate message came through.
RESTRICTED. NOT FOR CIRCULATION OUTSIDE ADDRESSEES.
To: Minister's Office; Vedek Assembly, Office of Oversight
Re: Excavation Permit PL-7, Prophet's Landing
Effective immediately, the excavation at the Prophet's Landing site is withdrawn.
No public statement will be issued. Funding, logistics, and site access will continue through the end of the current cycle so that nothing appears to have changed. Field personnel are not to be informed. Outside parties are not to be informed.
Any inquiries are to be answered with: "The work continues."
By order of the Minister. May the Prophets guide us.
It was an awkward message. But a message that said the job was done before it even began.
"We are going home." Aleshanee said simply with a smile on her face.
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