“One man’s joy, another’s sorrow, another’s horror

[FstLtMcLean 0]

“One man’s joy, another’s sorrow, another’s horror”

McLean’s Logs

Chief Engineer

USS Reaent | NCC-3345

0505.16

 

Was it luck? Had he just been lucky in escaping the misfortunes happening to the rest of the crew the last couple years? George sat on the bed in his quarters contemplating these realities. After a career of misconduct coupled with misfortunes, George felt that things were finally going his way. Yet, despite his unearthed peace and joy, he saw so many others hurting, vexed by circumstances he couldn’t understand.

 

First there was Commander Ridire and Dr. Matthews. Commander Ridire had suffered so terribly since the incident on the USS Cairo, and as much as he suppressed his feelings, his expressions were still roughly painted on and the mask was crumbling. His bitterness seemed to squeeze out of every poor on his face. George felt sorry for the man. Life has a way of knocking most great men to their knees, and destroying a proud man if he resists succumbing to his fate.

 

George could tell that Dr. Matthews tried all she could to help the broken man. He always admired the care in her eyes and the conviction that she performed her duties. After all he went through with her, he looked up to her. She was a woman with purpose and direction…something he still wanted to learn more of. Yet, George could sense that she too was carrying many burdens. Maybe it was the weight of the Commander’s struggle, maybe it was the rigor of everyday life aboard the Reaent. He couldn’t tell, but he felt for her.

 

Then there was Captain Michaels. George often wondered if there was anything going on with his beloved Commanding Officer. The often serious countenance appeared to have soured in recent weeks. Was it personal…or was it professional? In any event, life did not seem to be treating Captain Michaels with the same amount of respect that he demanded out of his crew.

 

Again, George wondered why he had been spared. Perhaps maybe his life was just as rough and he didn’t notice? Perhaps he had learned how to persevere. Connolly had taught him so much and he continued to grow in what he had told him and shown him. Hope had become more than a dream, it had become a lifestyle. Perhaps it was time to bring that message to others. But how do you bring hope to one who has none?