Post 190 - Another day in paradise

Posted on Tue Feb 4th, 2025 @ 3:26am by Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon & Lieutenant Paul Eschenauer

750 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Secrets

Mike McMahon sat at a table in the officer's lounge, his hands wrapped around a cup of black coffee that had long since gone cold. His mind wasn’t on the beverage—it was replaying the argument he had with Jordan over and over again.

Paul Eschanauer slid into the seat across from him, taking one look at his friend and shaking his head. "Alright, spill it. You look like you're ready to punch something."

Mike exhaled sharply and leaned back in his chair. "Jordan and I had it out in the holodeck. He questioned whether I was fit to be on the mission. Said he’d pull me if I didn’t get myself under control."

Paul’s eyebrows lifted slightly. "And? Were you out of control?"

Mike scoffed, rubbing his temples. "No, I was just working out, trying to clear my head. He walked in, saw me, and assumed I was letting my emotions get in the way. Then he started throwing rank at me, saying he’d talk to Charlotte and have me pulled if I let my feelings interfere. He acted like I didn't know what I was doing. Like I haven’t been through missions like this before."

Paul took a sip of his drink and considered his words carefully before speaking. "He wouldn’t say it if he didn’t think there was something to it, Mike. I know you. You take things personal when it comes to your family. You’re worried about your uncle. You’re scared you’ll lose him the same way you lost your parents."

Mike’s jaw tightened. "Of course I’m scared. I’d be a damn fool not to be. But that doesn’t mean I can’t handle the mission. I told Jordan I wouldn’t let it get in the way, and he still pushed."

Paul leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "Maybe it’s because he sees something you don’t. Maybe it’s because he gives a damn about you, and this mission is too important to let anything compromise it."

Mike sighed heavily. "I know that. But the way he went about it... he basically said he doesn’t trust me to do my job. That hurt. And then he said he’s telling Charlotte to throw me in the brig if I step out of line."

Paul let out a low whistle. "Damn. That’s serious. Look, you and Jordan go way back. You’ll work it out. But maybe take a step back and ask yourself—if the roles were reversed, would you be worried about him? Would you say something?"

Mike was silent for a long moment before nodding reluctantly. "Yeah, I probably would."

Paul grinned. "There’s your answer, then. He’s got your back, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Just... don’t let this fight cloud your judgment. Your uncle needs you."

Mike ran a hand through his hair and let out a slow breath. "Yeah... I know. I just want to bring him home."

Paul raised his glass. "Then let’s focus on that. The rest? You and Jordan can hash it out when this is over."

Mike nodded, finally taking a sip of his now-icy coffee. "Yeah. When this is over."

But even as he said it, he couldn’t shake the feeling that things between him and Jordan might never be the same.

The two sat in silence for a moment before Paul spoke again. "You know, if you need to talk to someone else, you could always go to the counselor. There is a new counselor on board now. She might get through that noise in your head."

Mike smirked slightly. "You think I need therapy now?"

Paul chuckled. "We all do, buddy. Especially with everything we deal with on a daily basis. Just saying, it might help."

Mike considered it for a moment but shook his head. "I’ll be fine. I just need to focus. This mission... it has to go right. I won’t let them take Uncle Chris."

Paul placed a reassuring hand on Mike’s shoulder. "And we won’t let you do it alone. You have a whole team backing you up. Don’t forget that."

Mike nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. "Thanks, Paul. I appreciate it."

Paul grinned. "Anytime. Now, finish that damn coffee before it turns into ice. We’ve got work to do."

 

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