Through the Looking Glass

You should have had Paris start up the revamped Fair Haven program. A little slap and tickle
with Michael and you'll be right as rain.
Unlikely. Though it might help her sleep for at least a night or two.
Janeway forced herself up and closed down her Ready Room. She greeted and bid goodbye the
new shift of Bridge staff.
The final task she'd completed was writing a letter to Mallory's parents. Its contents haunted her
as she rode the turbolift to Deck Three.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mallory,
It is with great regret that I inform you of the death of your son, David. He was killed by an
accidental shipboard explosion. Please know that he died instantly and did not suffer. David was
a fine man, and an outstanding member of Starfleet. I was honored to know him.
Captain Kathryn Janeway
There was no need to torment Mallory's family with the knowledge that he'd suffocated on his
own blood, a small mercy only falsehood could provide.
She could still see the poor man's ruined features, and Janeway knew that Mallory would soon be
one of the corpses haunting her dreams. The prospect made sleep even less enticing.
The lift doors opened. Illuminating the normally dim corridor was a rectangle of light. Janeway's
attention was then arrested by the half-forgotten aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the
rhythmic chords of alien music. It was a multilayered sound. Part of it was more of a subliminal
thrum; part of it sounded like silver bells reverberating over water. Janeway followed both music
and scent to the open hatch of the VIP quarters.
Tuvok and Merris were in the seating area. The normally obdurate security chief was swaying
slightly in time to the melody, eyes closed, fingers dancing over the strings of his lute. Merris
played a wind instrument, circle-shaped and metallic. How long she stood mutely, Janeway was
uncertain. Eventually the last notes faded and both crew members were looking at her.
"I didn't mean to interrupt." She was sorry they stopped. The music had been soothing. "The door
was open." Which was odd now that she thought about it. "I just followed my nose and ears."
"You are not interrupting, Captain," Merris rose in a single, fluid motion. "Please." She motioned
toward the sofa. "Sit. Would you like some coffee?"
When Tuvok repeated the woman's invitation, Janeway acquiesced. "For a little while. And yes
to the coffee," she added, taking a seat.