Galactic Alliance 3: Honor Thy Enemy by Doug Farren Page A

wanting to please her. The breakfast also acted as an additional distraction.
    Ken started to tell Elizabeth about Tashara the councilor. Without his even realizing it, the counseling session had begun. Using her considerable skill and years of experience, Elizabeth manipulated the conversation allowing her to permanently disable the mental and emotional barriers that Ken had put in place during Tashara's illness.
    Several hours later, Ken returned to his own stateroom, took a long shower, and then went to sleep. He slept without nightmares and without waking for almost 10 hours.
    * * * * *
    Doug had almost finished his omelet and was tipping his head back to polish off his coffee when Ken sat himself down in front of him. Doug, as well as a good portion of the crew, had known of Ken's visit to Elizabeth's stateroom but the councilor had said nothing. When asked, she had simply replied, “Yes, Captain Stricklen did visit me but I am honor bound as the ship's councilor not to reveal anything concerning the nature of his visit.”
    Not quite knowing what to expect, Doug set the mug down and waited.
    “I’ve been a real ass haven’t I?” Ken began.
    Doug took a moment to examine his old friend. Something had definitely changed. The gloom and doom which once surrounded Ken was gone. The man across from him was alert and focused.
    Doug was still debating how to respond when Ken continued, “Can you forgive an old friend for being such an ass?”
    Doug grasped the extended hand and shook it firmly. “Friends don’t need to ask each other for forgiveness. Apology accepted.”
    Ken took a bite of his scrambled eggs and said, “Forgive me for not knowing, but how long before we arrive at the staging area?”
    Doug glanced at his chronometer, did the mental math, and replied, “If we are still on schedule we should be there in about thirty-six hours.”
    “And how long after that before the Kyrra drop the barrier?”
    “If they stick to the plan, the barrier should come down within 48 hours of our arrival. The longer the better for us as it gives us more time to bring in additional ships.”
    Ken was about to reply when he noticed someone near the door. Standing up he motioned and a moment later Captain Sheppard joined them. She shot Doug a questioning look as she took her seat.
    “I would like to apologize for being so inconsiderate to you and your crew,” Ken said. “I haven’t quite been myself lately.”
    “I understand,” the Captain hesitantly replied. “Would it be too intrusive if I ask what has caused you to realize this?”
    Stricklen stuffed another forkful of eggs into his mouth, chewed and swallowed it before replying. “It’s amazing what a lack of sleep and insomnia can do.” His smile surprised Doug as he continued. “Let’s just say that the ship’s councilor had a very unexpected appointment at around three o’clock yesterday morning. She’s quite good at what she does.”
    Scarboro and Sheppard glanced at each other. Seeing the look on their faces Ken defended himself and the councilor’s honor. “Hey! It’s not what you think. I was wandering the passageways in a daze and found myself in front of Tasha’s, now Elizabeth’s, stateroom. I… kind of lost it when she opened the door.”
    Doug tried to imagine the scene that had taken place and actually came quite close to reality. He knew enough about psychology to know that the healing process had only just begun and it would be some time before Ken was fully recovered. But the good news was that Ken was now on the path to recovery. Doug’s only concern now was whether or not there would be any lasting damage. Holding in one’s emotions for so long can scar the personality of even the most hardened individual.
    “I’m glad you cleared that up,” Sheppard said. “I was beginning to wonder if I should congratulate her or reprimand her.”
    All three broke into laughter and at that point Doug knew that his friend would be