Re: Chris Pike & the not-quite-panic [open]
Chris rubs a hand over his face, eyes focused on not-Una as he's started calling her in his head. "She can't be here. She's not. It's... She would be the person I most want to see, but.." Chris pinches the bridge of his nose.
"This isn't the first time I've had illusions created from my thoughts. It never goes well."
Chris repeats each line after Paul, and it calms him, centers him. And oddly makes him think of the monks at Boreth. He finds himself reciting part of his Starfleet oath to himself as well.
"Thank you." There's a genuine smile as he squeezes Paul's shoulder in gratitude. "I don't think we should stay here too long."