Post 219: A Quiet Moment Amid the Chaos
Posted on Fri Feb 21st, 2025 @ 7:09pm by Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon & Lieutenant Paul Eschenauer
884 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission: Secrets
The lounge on Starbase Obsidian wasn’t empty, but it was quiet. Most people were still busy dealing with the fallout of the Synthulan attacks or too exhausted to do anything but sit in silence. The usual background chatter was replaced with hushed conversations and the occasional clink of glasses. Mike McMahon sat at a table near the large viewport, staring out at the endless expanse of space.
Paul Eschanauer slid into the seat across from him, setting his drink down. “Figured I’d find you here.”
Mike smirked slightly but didn’t look away from the stars. “Yeah? Where else would I be?”
Paul shrugged. “Knowing you? Either in the gym trying to punch your way through the stress or arguing with someone about security protocols.”
Mike let out a short chuckle. “Well, I figured I’d try something new—sitting still for a change.” He finally turned to face Paul. “Besides, I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
Paul took a sip of his drink. “So, how bad was it?”
Mike sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Bad.” He leaned back in his chair. “Charlotte led the mission. I just followed orders.”
Paul arched an eyebrow. “That’s a rare sight.”
Mike smirked but shook his head. “Yeah, yeah. I told Jordan there was nothing to worry about with me going, but he still acted like I was gonna get myself killed.”
Paul chuckled. “Can you blame him? You have a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Mike rolled his eyes. “I survived, didn’t I?” He took a long drink before exhaling. “Honestly, that was the least of our problems. While we were out there, the Synthulans hit more planets. Some places are just… gone.”
Paul’s expression darkened. “I know. I’ve been looking at the reports. It’s worse than anything we’ve ever faced. This isn’t just war, Mike. This is extermination.” He shook his head. “And Earth…”
Mike’s jaw tightened. “Took a beating.” He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “My brothers weren’t there, but they were in the fight. Robert’s squadron got chewed up, Joseph’s ship barely made it out of an engagement, and Peter…” He exhaled. “I haven’t been able to reach them.”
Paul frowned. “You’re saying comms are down?”
Mike nodded. “Subspace is still a mess. The Synthulans are disrupting everything. I know they’re alive—fleet reports confirm that—but beyond that, I’ve got nothing.” His fingers tapped restlessly against his glass. “I just want to hear their voices, make sure they’re actually okay.”
Paul studied him for a moment. “You will. They’ll get through to you as soon as they can.”
Mike nodded but didn’t seem entirely convinced. After a moment, he let out another sigh. “And then there’s my uncle.”
Paul’s expression softened. “How’s he holding up?”
Mike shook his head. “Physically, he’ll recover. But I don’t know how much he’s told anyone about what they did to him. I saw the state he was in when we got to him. The Synthulans didn’t just capture him—they broke him. And he’s not the type to admit it.”
Paul frowned. “He’s tough. Maybe too tough for his own good.”
“Yeah.” Mike swirled his drink absentmindedly. “I keep wondering how long it’ll take before he’s back to being himself. Or if he ever will be.”
Paul was quiet for a moment before nodding. “He’s got people who care about him. That helps.”
Mike exhaled. “Yeah. Speaking of family, Iris is here now.”
Paul nearly choked on his drink, coughing into his fist before glaring at Mike. “Could’ve warned me before you dropped that on me.”
Mike smirked. “Why? Something wrong?”
Paul shot him a look. “You know.”
Mike’s grin widened. “Oh, I know.” He leaned forward. “So, have you talked to her yet?”
Paul suddenly became very interested in his glass. “No.”
Mike raised an eyebrow. “No?”
Paul exhaled. “I’ve been… avoiding her.”
Mike blinked. “Wow. That’s mature.”
Paul shot him a glare. “Look, I like her, okay? Always have. And now she’s here, and it’s weird, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
Mike shook his head in amusement. “Paul, you’ve faced off against hostiles, flown through enemy fire, and dealt with me for years. But talking to Iris? That’s what’s got you rattled?”
Paul sighed. “It’s different.”
Mike smirked. “You know, if you keep avoiding her, she’s gonna notice.”
“I know,” Paul groaned, rubbing his forehead. “And that’s worse.”
Mike chuckled. “Well, if you want my advice—”
“I don’t.”
Mike ignored him. “—just talk to her. The worst she can do is say no.”
Paul muttered something under his breath and took another long sip of his drink.
Mike clinked his glass against Paul’s. “To family. And to you growing a spine.”
Paul rolled his eyes but raised his glass. “To not losing anyone else.”
They drank, the weight of the war still pressing down on them, but at least, for now, they didn’t have to carry it alone.
RSS Feed