Bad News (with no_dryer_box)

[cadet_amara]

Getting called to Admiral Pike's office reminded Amara of getting called to the principal's office in high school. She seemed to think it meant she did something wrong, but for the life of her she couldn't figure out what that was. Maybe she somehow forgot to turn in an assignment? She ran through the list in her mind, no... everything was turned in as far as she knew. Maybe he found out about the power surge she caused? But that was ages ago, and she'd figured out what she did wrong already. No, as far as she knew she was on top of everything, which made her even more anxious. She hated feeling like she was in trouble when she didn't know what she did wrong.

By the time she arrived she had played through every possible reprimand she could possibly be in for in her mind, but none of them really seemed to make sense. She was actually doing pretty well for once, and managing to stay out of trouble. Well, she thought, guess I'll just be surprised.

She cleared her throat a little, "Good afternoon, sir." She greeted, resisting the urge to ask what she did. She'd find out soon enough. 

Comments

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

She stayed quiet for a minute, she was determined not to say anything else until she stopped crying. She then wiped her tears and raised her chin, determined to regain her composure. "It's not really a surprise... I warned him..." She sighed a little. "Add it to my list of failures." She realized that sounded bitter and hoped he chalked it up to grief or something and disregarded it. "Is that all sir?"

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

Pike is puzzled yet again, "How is it your fault? You were here."

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

"I tried to help him, and I failed. So he died, alone back on Earth, because I wasn't there." She wiped her eyes a little and took a tissue, very glad he had them next to the couch. He obviously anticipated this. It annoyed her a little that he knew she would turn into a sobbing mess, but still, at least he was prepared.

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

"People can't be helped unless they want to be." He tried his best to console her, because this really wasn't her fault. "You have to know that."

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

She smiled a little, despite it all. "That's sort of what I told him. I told him he was going to end up dead or something. It would have been nice to have some family left."

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

"Then it isn't your fault. Do not blame yourself for it."

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

She nodded, pulling herself together to play the part of the good little cadet. "Thank you sir." Amara still felt like her stomach was in knots, and she was doing her best not to continue crying. Tears were embarrassing. "I'm... probably already late for my training shift."

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

"You have the next few days off. Take the time"

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

"Just today is fine. I don't want to fall behind."

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

*he tried to be comforting again* I am truly sorry...I'm sure he was proud of you.

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

*small smile and uh oh... more tears* *wipes her eyes again* He took care of me before he ran off. Our mother certainly wasn't going to. I owed him a lot. I got in contact with him when I started at the Academy. He... kept getting into trouble. I almost got expelled twice trying to help him. The last time I saw him I told him I couldn't keep doing that. I can't help but feel responsible for what happened, as ridiculous as that is.

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

You're not...not at all. *he put his hand on her shoulder, mostly so she'd know she wasn't alone and because she looked like she needed a hug*

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

*that does make her feel a little better* Thank you. I suppose he didn't have a funeral or anything... I think I'll try to come up with something I can do. You know, closure or... whatever.

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

*nods* If you need anything...

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

I'll let you know if I do... thank you sir. *takes a deep breath to compose herself before she has to walk back to her quarters* Is that all?

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

*kinda quiet* That's all.

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

Thank you for... *pauses to figure out what to say* breaking it to me so kindly, sir.

[no-dryer-box.livejournal.com]

*nods* That offer stands...

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

*smiles and gives him a small "thank you" hug* Thank you sir. I do appreciate it.