What We Fight For (backpost)

Posted on Wed Sep 16th, 2026 @ 5:40pm by Lieutenant Commander Brennyn Scott M.D. & Lieutenant JG Jane Sinclair

989 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Breen
Location: Bree’s Office
Timeline: In transit

"Thanks for making the time to see me, Lieutenant," Bree opened, now seated across from Sinclair. She'd been doing her best to keep in touch with the crew individually, as keeping up with the rumor mill and trying to take the emotional pulse of the entire crew could only tell her so much, but with everything going on, it was a challenge.

“Thanks for making the time,” Jane said. She’d been hard at work at her console since they left Khourani, and was due for a break. A chat with the Counselor seemed like a very good way to spend it. “It’s been hectic out there. We’re coming out of that battle broken pretty badly.”

“Hectic seems like a mild way of putting it given all you and the rest of the bridge crew have been through,“ Bree replied sincerely. “I have been amazed at all the ways you and the rest of the team have kept us together. How are you holding up?“

“Trying,” Jane answered. “Mostly succeeding. I think. It helps that my fiancée is out there providing support. I worry, but she’s good at what she does.”

Bree smiled and her eyes lit up at the mention of a fiancé. “It seems like it’s been ages since I talked with anyone about something as happy as an engagement. I’m afraid I’m a bit out of the loop when it comes to anything morale related that isn’t directly connected to our mission. A very belated congratulations to you both. Finding meaningful connections is so important when it comes to resiliency.”

Jane grinned and leaned back. “It was just a few weeks ago. I can be romantic as hell when I want. I got down on one knee and everything. And here’s what Alisha gave me.” She stuck out her left hand, showing off the blue diamond set in the ring Alisha had given her. “I feel so much stronger knowing she’s there. And knowing there’s someone like her to come home to.”

Bree leaned in close to get a good look at the ring. “Your ring is beautiful. It sounds like you both pulled out all of the stops.” Then, reflecting on Jane’s words a bit more, the counselor offered, “You mentioned feeling stronger knowing she is there. I’m curious, what is it you weren’t feeling strong enough to do without her?”

Jane exhaled slowly as she thought about that question. “I’m not sure I’d say not strong enough before,” she explained. “Or maybe…maybe like I’m strong enough now to claw my way out of any problem. The ship burning around us as we fight Herald ships, but I know I’ll do what it takes to get us out and to safety because I need to get back to her. That sort of drive is like nothing else, Bree.”

Bree smiled wistfully. “Love is a powerful motivator, but then again, I suppose connection is an underlying force in any relationship, whether it’s a romantic relationship or even a friendship.“

“You’re right,” Jane said. “And we’ve all served together a while, haven’t we? Long enough that I think we’d all fight and die for each other without much hesitation. But some connections are more than that.” She smiled. “I heard in an old drama program. The protagonist tells an ancient being that he’s ready to die for a cause. The being replies ‘it’s easy to have something worth dying for. Do you have anything worth living for?’ And it causes the protagonist to claw his way out of death and back to those he loves. Does that make sense?”

Bree nodded, offering a small exhale. “It does. I think we all know what we’re fighting for and why it matters, I just hope when all is said and done, people can see a life beyond war.”

"We've done it before," Jane allowed. "I was in middle school when we fought the Dominion. What I remember most were the sad faces. We had a lot of ships come to Proxima for repair. If you were visiting the Yards, you definitely lost someone." She took a breath and forced a smile. "But we bounced back. We mourned, but by the time I enlisted we weren't so sad anymore."

"I believe we can heal from this and get to the other side of it. I wouldn't be much of a counselor if I didn't," Bree added with a smile. "My intention is to give people some room in the meantime to express what they're feeling even just a little so the burden is a bit less. I realize people are just trying to survive right now and there will be time for proper reflection and healing later, but that doesn't mean I can't keep offering. Even positive developments can come with their own stress."

“Like how the hell am I supposed to plan a wedding during a war,” Jane mused, half-jokingly. “I should probably get back to it, but thanks again for making the time for me, Bree. It means a lot.”

"Anytime," Scott replied sincerely. "My door is always open to you." It was a very quick chat and Bree would have liked to talk longer, but she knew just touching base with the crew in times like these was a gift. They hadn't found a way to end the fear and chaos at their doorstep, but at least Bree was able to add her voice to the others supporting Jane.

Maybe if Bree could do that for all of them in this time of uncertainty, it was enough.

Jane returned to the bridge, ready to face what was coming.

END

LTJG Jane Sinclair
Chief Flight Control Officer

Lt. Commander Brennyn Scott, M.D.
Chief Counselor

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