Happy news and continued sorrows

Posted on Sun Jan 11th, 2026 @ 6:10am by Major Cameron Bourne & Lieutenant Bela Swain

1,601 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: Counselor's office

On:

Walking down to Bela’s office, Cam wanted to check in with her and give her an update on all that had happened between him and Kara. He had happier news than he’d expected and was practically beaming with excitement. Stopping outside her Officer door, Cam took a breath in to focus his thought before tapping the door chime.

Bela heard the chime and her cheery voice called out, "Come in!"

Bracing himself for what he knew was coming, Cam stepped in through the door, “hey Bela”

The moment that the marine stepped in, her smile got larger. "CAM!" she exclaimed before giving him a warm hug. "I'm so glad to see you again. How can I be of service to you today?"

Returning her hug, Cam smiled, “Well, I figured you’d want an update on my relationship saga and we might want to continue our talk digging through the old memory banks.”

"You are correct on both counts," Bela informed Cam as she escorted him into the room. "Is there anything that I could get for you?"

Cam shrugged, “Surprise me, I’m in a good mood,” he said, giving her a smile as he looked down at her, “Maybe something alcoholic?”

"Sorry, nothing alcoholic in here. Starfleet regulations. Now, if we get off the ship, perhaps I can assist there. I definitely could assist at home on Riza." She gave him a knowing wink.

She turned back to Cam as she got to the replicator and said, "A smile looks so much better on you." She then said, "Computer, please make two QuitoKeetos." Two blush pink drinks appeared. She took one in each hand and walked over to Cam and offered him one. "Try this and tell me what you think. It is essentially rose water with a rhubarb syrup. Very sweet, like me," she said giggling.

Taking the drink, Cam gave it a sip, “hmm, it’s definitely different.” He said, taking another, longer drink, “mmm, yeah you can taste the sweetness. Where’s it from?”

"I found the recipe in an obscure Terran cocktail book. I had to know a little of everything on Risa. This seemed to work for those who did not want to get drunk and relish their experiences in our lodge." Bela settled into a chair and sat cross-legged, waiting for Cam to get to his story, not caring how long it took.

Taking another sip, Cam sat down across from Bela and smiled. “Well, it’s very nice. Now, good news first. That relationship we discussed last time, it’s going a lot better than I anticipated,” he said, sitting back in his chair. “We’re starting slow, but I think we’re on the right track.”

"That's wonderful!" Bela enthused. "Still not willing to tell me who this lovely lady is? And is there anything that I can do to assist with it? Slow is wise, especially as you have to rebuild trust."

Cam paused for a moment, thinking over his options before replying, “Well, the lovely lady is my subordinate, 1st Lt Kara Melo.”

"I see," Bela replied thoughtfully. She doubted that Cam used any undo coercion but there was always a risk when dating someone of lower rank. "Have you guys decided to be public about your relationship yet, or are you keeping it quiet because you're going slowly?"

"We were public before I left. We were even married aboard this ship by the Captain." Cam explained, "but I think we're trying to keep things private for now until we're both certain about where we want things to go. We know we want to be together, but I'm letting Kara move the relationship forward at her own pace."

"That is a wise decision. She has to be the one to be able to open up again to you and trust that you can move forward as equals."

Cam nodded. "I know, and I'm more than willing to let her lead. I'm just happy to have her back in my life," he said, giving a content sigh. "So, that's the good news. Now, ready for some sadder news?"

"I'm very glad to hear of the good news, Cam, but I'm saddened to hear that you have some sad news. Please let me know what it is and how I can assist."

Taking in a breath, Cam slowly released it, trying to maintain his calm. “The sad news is that I found out the last member of my original squad from back in the day has passed away. There were 5 of us. And I’m the last one standing.”

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Cam." Bela reached out and placed her hand on Cam's comfortingly. "How old was this person and what happened that they passed away?"

“He was 43. He and I were the last two standing. The others have passed years ago.” Cam said, a somber expression crossing his face. “You think it’d get easier to deal with, but everyone is as bad as the last.”

Bela put her other hand on Cam's hand, as well. "43 is much too young, especially when humans live up to 200 nowadays." She shook her head sorrowfully. "Again, what happened, Cam? And loss is never easy. Each one is new and hurts differently."

"Radiation poisoning" Cam answered, before taking a deep breath in, "He was in the middle of a spacewalk when a solar flare from a star rolled in. He wasn't able to receive treatment before the radiation affected his DNA beyond repair."

Bela's mouth dropped and then closed. "How awful...." Her eyes downcast, almost wishing that she had not asked. "Nobody calculated the flare? Why in the universe was he out on a spacewalk?"

Cam shrugged, “I’m not sure. The details are still under investigation.”

The only thing that Bela could do was nod. After a few moments, she finally asked, "Did he have any family?"

“Yea, wife and kids. I gave them a call when I heard. She’s handling things better than I thought.” Cam answered with a small smile. “She’s a strong woman.”

"When you say better, what do you mean? Does she have a counselor?" Bela asked, with her eyes getting wide and glassy.

Cam shook his head, "I don't know. She just seemed to be holding things together without showing it. She does have family support I suppose."

"Sometimes people put on a good show, Cam." She pursed her lips together and then sucked them in before stating, "Cam, let her know that if she needs to talk to anyone, I'm more than happy to listen."

Cam gave her an awkward smile, “while I’m glad you’re willing to help, she’s not in Starfleet. I’m not sure you’d be allowed to take her on.”

"Why would I not be permitted? I can help anyone that I'd like."

“Really? Huh, I would’ve thought you would’ve had to only take on Starfleet clients once you joined.” Cam said, a look of mixed confusion and fascination crossing his face. “Um, I guess I could pass on your offer if you’d like. Though I’m not sure if she already has a person to talk with. Something I’m still working on myself.”

"Cam, sometimes knowing that someone is available is enough help. Then, when a person is at a point where they are not certain they can do it on their own anymore, they reach out." She firmed her grip on Cam's hands. "Counselors are here to help, not to force ourselves onto people. We can only lead the proverbial horses to water. We can't make people drink, but boy do we want them to drink!"

Cam smiled at her analogy, he could relate a little, having to get young recruits to come out of their shell was challenging. “Maybe you should reconsider that no alcohol policy. Might help people loosen up.”

Bela laughed heartily at Cam's suggestion. "Alcohol has many unique effects depending on the person and you know that Starfleet does not allow it on ships for people on duty, so I don't really think that's likely or helpful."

“Come on. What command don’t know won’t hurt them.”

"I'm not a nark. Besides, I'm fairly certain our Commodore really will not care. Call it a hunch."

Cam smiled, “well, I’m glad you’re not a marine. I swear every Enlisted marine has a bottle of something stashed somewhere.”

"Why would you care that I'm not a marine? Cam, I grew up in a resort. Drinking alcohol is as natural to me as a fish swimming in water. It is nothing new or scary. I do understand the rules for Starfleet, though."

Cam shook his head, “never mind. I think we’re talking past each other. Besides I think we’re getting off topic. Do you think it would hurt things if I offered his family my support? Or is it still too soon?”

"I don't think that it is ever too soon to offer support, Cam. All beings are here in this universe to help one another. At least, that's what I believe."

"I suppose even an offer of help would be a welcome gesture. Thank you," Cam replied before he stood up. "Well, thank you for your time and your patience. It's good to have someone I can talk to."

"I will always be here for you, Cam. All that is ours is yours," Bela replied sincerely.


Lieutenant Bela Swain
Chief Counselor
USS Calypso

Major Cameron Bourne
Marine CO
USS Calypso

 

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