30x300 by –yannik–
DAY TWENTY NINE
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"Day twenty nine, Pierce."
"So?"
"Tomorrow we change the post. I just can't wait."
"Don't get so excited Chom. Tomorrow is the thirtieth day. Full thirty days will pass the day after."
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Tom overheard the conversation and feeling of joy immediatelly knocked down by that of dread made him nauseous. He'd lost track of time, and that was good. Even the Captain didn't mention the passing days, only that it was not long. But now, knowing it would be two more days…He promised himself he'd be strong, but he couldn't bear.
He didn't even look up, when the Captain came.
"Tom?"
He didn't answer. He wanted to, he even inhaled, but his throat was too tight, he wouldn't force words out.
"You're strong, remember that. There isn't much left…"
"How much?" he found the strength, but the words came out squeaking. Like just another plea.
She hesitated, looking at him intently.
"It's been twenty nine days." And then her smile widened in this very Kathryn Janeway way. "Just one more day. Tomorrow you're getting out."
Tom looked at her, and tried not to let her know he recognized a lie.
She was going to release him a day earlier.
Of course nobody would notice, it was confusing, wasn't it? Even guards were perplexed. But the Captain knew exactly how many days were left, and she caught it short, without losing her face. Her honor was spared. And so was his in the eyes of most of the crew. But not in the Captain's and in his own.
He wished he was strong enough to ask her to leave him in for this one more day. He should have. But he wasn't strong enough.
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t.b.c.