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Reyna began to nod. "That's how it feels for me, too."

"Really?"

"I don't look for it all the time, especially if we're really busy or handling lots of tasks across the ship. Most of those nights I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow." Reyna smiled softly. "But I go searching for somewhere quiet when it feels... necessary. I look for that same feeling, knowing I'll feel lighter once I spend some time in a quiet space."

Charlie nodded, letting that settle between them.

"If I'm ever in a quiet space and you happen to come by, don't feel the need to run away," Reyna began, causing Charlie to lookback at her. "I don't mind the company," Reyna met her gaze. "Especially when it'sfuncompany."

Charlie smirked. "I won't, I'll step right in, slip on a banana peel or something, and get you to laugh. Promise."

Reyna chuckled softly. "I look forward to it, Charlie."

Reyna saying her name sounded different this time. Or maybe Charlie was hearing it differently. It felt warm, gentle, almost soft in a way that felt like comfort and care.

"As do I, Captain."

Reyna looked pointedly at Charlie. "Reyna."

Charlie's gaze got stuck on Reyna's, suddenly stoic and determined. There was no arguing with an expression like that.

"Reyna."

SIXTEEN

ELEVEN PERCENT

Kess foundReyna the following morning, while she was in the corridor outside the bridge, reviewing a maintenance report on her datapad that she'd already reviewed twice.

"Captain."

"Chief."

"I think you should come to the Med Bay with me." Reyna looked up from the maintenance report, concern on her face.

"Is someone hurt?"

"No," Kess responded simply, but Reyna could see the twitch of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"What is it, then?" Reyna asked, exasperated.

"I would prefer if you come to the Med Bay to see the data for yourself."

Reyna raised an eyebrow.

"Please?" Kess remarked, sticking her lower lip out in a pout that she only reserved for when she wanted things to go her way. Reyna rolled her eyes.

"Fine, but if my reports are late, you're helping me once again ensure they get done, no matter how many pages we have to complete together. Understood?"

"Worth it," Kess remarked. "Let's go." And with that, Kess turned on her heel and started walking back down the corridor towards the Med Bay, Reyna rushing to fall into step beside Kess.

When they reached the Med Bay, Kess led them to the diagnostic console, and tapped a few keys to bring up some images and charts.

"I wanted to show you these reports," Kess said. "Yourreports."

Kess turned to look over at Reyna. Reyna's eyes widened.

"What...?" Reyna suddenly felt her pulse in her throat. "Why? Am I sick? Oh god, what's wrong with me?" Reyna asked sharply, the octave of her voice rising with each question.