Discovery and Columbia faced each other inside the latter's hanger. Both shuttles had their hackles raised and Discovery was trying very hard not to growl in frustration. Their years apart had eased Discovery's memory on how stubborn her sister could be! And right now Columbia's stubbornness, while valid in its own right, was going against everything Discovery had seen from Atlantis so far. "I cannot, will not! Risk whatever progress you've made by gracing our sister with my presence. She's unstable enough because of me!" Columbia hissed. "While I acknowledge your concerns as valid, I stand by my position." Discovery said. "What do you have to go on that this won't end in disaster?" Columbia asked. "All I can say is that I saw something in Atlantis' eyes that told me you both would benefit from each other's presence." Discovery said. "It's a gut feeling, Columbia. I can't offer more than that!" "And you're willing to risk Atlantis' health on this feeling?" Columbia asked incredulously. Time had also made her forget how accurate Discovery's gut feelings could be. "Well, goddammit yes!" Discovery snarled, amber eyes blazing fire. Columbia took half a step back in shock. She had never heard Discovery speak like that before. A part of her wanted to punish Discovery for her impudence. She was the dominant shuttle. She shouldn't stand for such insubordination. But Columbia calmed her instincts.
That afternoon, Discovery was mated to her stack and rolled from the VAB in preparation for launch. Endeavour, who had the morning shift in watching Atlantis, exited the hanger. "She's in a mood today." Columbia frowned. "How bad?" She asked. "She's sullen, withdrawn. Doesn't respond to anything. I'd say she's regressing but I think it might just be the change in routine. This mission was supposed to be hers you know." Endeavour said. STS-163, a satellite deployment as well as an ISS docking, followed by a routine repair mission. It was a lot to handle in one go but with a 13 day schedule, Columbia was confident Discovery could handle it. But that wasn't Endeavour's concern. "I can understand that. No one likes to be scrubbed off a mission." Columbia said. "Go on in. She's expecting you, I told her you were coming." Endeavour said, giving her a shove towards the door. Columbia shot her a glare which Endeavour ignored. Grumbling, the eldest shuttle gathered her nerves and went inside.
Entering the bedroom, she found Atlantis in her usual place. Facing the window, sitting on the floor. She at least kept up her appearance, her white coat pristine and spotless like it should be. Only her eyes told the dirty tale. Darkened and hollowed with agony, they appeared almost soulless. The life which had once shown so bright in Atlantis had been reduced to a mere flicker. Columbia could both hear and feel her heart break at the sight. Quietly, she slunk up next to her. Sitting down with their hulls close but not quite touching.
They watched Discovery's roll out in silence for several hours before Columbia finally spoke. "You are welcome to hate me." She said. "I wouldn't blame you a bit if you do. I hate me." She had held this in for years, felt it grow like a poison within for months since her return and now that she was talking, the release was bliss and she couldn't stop. And all the while Atlantis was listening. She said nothing out loud, but her own voice raged strong within her mind. "Discovery, bless her soul, she gives me forgiveness I do not deserve. I accept it only because it pleases her. But I wish she would just stop with the kind gestures and yell at me instead." "Why would you think that?" "At least I wouldn't have to feel like I'm being cheated." "What do you mean?" "I've earned nothing but disdain, and scorn and instead I'm showered with kindness. Why? It's not fair! Look at what I've done to you!" Columbia cried. "You've done nothing to me that I haven't already done to myself, Columbia." "I hid away, for years! I lied to you, my sister. I let you believe I was dead!" "I missed you. I've missed you so much!" "I should've let you continue to believe that. I never should've come back." "Don't say that. Don't you ever say that!" "At least then you could've went on with your lives. You were plenty happy without my interference." "Appearances can be deceptive. We needed you. We will always need you, Columbia!" "I don't know why I came back." Columbia sighed. "Because you needed us. Because you needed the love we still had for you. That we will always have for you, my sister." Atlantis whined and Columbia stopped her rant, turning to her sister and pressing her muzzle to the top of her head. "I love you Atlantis." She whispered. "I love you Columbia." Atlantis shivered against Columbia's side causing the older shuttle to pause. "I'll get you a blanket." She stood up and made for the door. For Atlantis, it was now or it was never.
"I don't hate you, Columbia." Her voice was hoarse from lack of use but her words were unmistakable. Columbia paused and whirled around to face her. Atlantis had her gaze locked on hers. Her eyes were still dark, but they were a bit brighter than before. "Thank you, Atlantis." Columbia sighed. "I'll make us some dinner, that okay?" Atlantis nodded and Columbia beelined it for the kitchen.