A Quiet Moment at Last

Posted on 2025, Fri Oct 31st, @ 12:11am by Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr & Captain Kate Reacher & Cadet Junior Grade Tess Reacher & Civilian James Reacher & Civilian Katie Reacher
Edited on on 2025, Fri Oct 31st, @ 12:12am

1,033 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 2: Pillars of the Theater - USS Vigilance, Star Base 113
Location: Star Base 113 - Flag Officer Family Quarters / Promenade Café
Timeline: Day 10

The week had been relentless. Starfleet duties, Academy schedules, ship inspections, and the ever-growing to-do lists of the Reacher household had left everyone exhausted. But today, for once, there was no urgent report, no meeting with a Vice Admiral, and no shuttle to catch. Today, they simply had time for each other.

Jack entered the Promenade Café, still in his dress uniform, the brass buttons catching the light from the ceiling panels. Even in uniform, he looked less like a commanding officer and more like a dad trying to wrangle a morning of chaos. The café was quiet, unusually so for a Starbase common area. It had become their little retreat for the day.

Tess and Katie were already seated at the small table by the window, a holopuzzle flickering in soft blue light between them. Tess’s brows were furrowed in concentration as she manipulated a set of 3D blocks, her Vulcan heritage giving her a methodical edge. Katie, ever the worrier, kept glancing at the pieces, her tongue peeking out of the corner of her mouth in concentration, whispering calculations under her breath.

Between them, in a custom grav-bassinet, lay James. The baby had been napping peacefully, swaddled in a blanket patterned with little stars and moons, a gift Kate had insisted on bringing from Earth. His small hands twitched in his sleep, and every so often he let out a soft murmur that made Jack unconsciously lean closer.

Kate appeared next, carrying a tray with two cups of tea, a small plate of pastries, and a little bottle for James. Her hair was pulled back into a practical braid, but there was warmth in her smile that Jack hadn’t seen all week. She set the tray down, arranging everything neatly while Tess and Katie continued their holo-puzzle challenge.

Jack pulled out a chair and settled in, adjusting his uniform jacket. “So,” he said, his voice low but carrying the authoritative calm that often came naturally to him, “how’s everyone’s day going? And don’t leave out James — he’s not much of a talker yet, but I’m sure he has opinions.”

Tess finally looked up, pushing a lock of her dark hair behind her ear. “Puzzle is… stubborn,” she admitted, using her hands to rotate the blocks in the holo-display. “Katie and I have tried a dozen different strategies, but it’s still tricky.” She glanced at Jack and added, “But I think we’re getting closer.”

Katie nodded vigorously. “I just follow Tess’s lead. She’s… precise. I keep messing up the rotation sometimes, but we’re learning together.” Her eyes flicked to the bassinet. “James is awake now. He’s… smiling, I think.”

Jack leaned over the bassinet and let his hand hover just above James’s tiny fists. The baby’s eyes blinked open, wide and curious, scanning the room like a tiny officer inspecting his crew. Jack’s face softened, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Hey there, little commander,” he whispered. “Did you miss your dad?”

James let out a small, cooing squeak and stretched his arms, arching his back slightly. Tess and Katie leaned closer, their faces lit with awe. “He’s looking at you like you’re some kind of hero,” Katie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kate reached over, cradling James in her arms, adjusting his blanket, and smiling at Jack. “He’s already picking up on the family energy,” she said softly. “Look at him — completely captivated.”

Jack shook his head, laughing quietly. “I think he’s learned from the best,” he said, glancing at Tess and Katie. “You two are going to teach him everything, aren’t you?”

Tess smiled faintly, a mix of Vulcan composure and Romulan pride. “I will do my best,” she said, tone serious but her eyes betraying warmth. Katie, meanwhile, nudged a holo-piece toward James’s side of the table, teasing, “Maybe he’ll solve the puzzle faster than us.”

Jack chuckled. “I wouldn’t put it past him. The Reachers are good at following a path once we see it clearly.” He shifted slightly in his chair, watching Kate gently bounce James, who had started making tiny cooing noises and kicking his legs with delight.

After a few moments of quiet, Jack reached over and grabbed a small soft toy from Kate’s tray, dangling it just above James’s head. The baby’s eyes followed it instantly, and his little hands shot out to grab it, missing wildly the first time and then curling around the plush on the second try. Tess and Katie clapped quietly, while Kate laughed. “He’s getting stronger every day,” she said.

Jack leaned back in his chair, taking a deep breath. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” he said, eyes sweeping over his family. “No reports, no orders, no crises. Just… us. For once.”

Tess tilted her head, her expression contemplative. “It is… logical to spend time together. Bonds are strengthened. Preparation for challenges is… improved.”

Katie giggled. “You just said it like a Vulcan! But she’s right. We needed this.”

Jack exchanged a glance with Kate, and in that moment, both of them felt the weight of the galaxy lift, replaced by something simpler, more precious. The week had been long, stressful, and full of duty, but this — these small, perfect moments — reminded them why they did it all.

James began to fuss softly, and Jack leaned over, letting his forehead brush the top of the baby’s head. “We’re here, little man. We’ve got you.” Tess and Katie reached over, gently patting him, while Kate cradled him securely in her arms.

The afternoon stretched lazily around them. Holopuzzles continued, soft chatter filled the café corner, and the gentle hum of the station provided a calm backdrop. For the Reachers, there was only laughter, love, and the quiet joy of being a family together.

Jack reached across the table, taking Kate’s hand in his. “We should make this a tradition,” he said quietly. “Every few weeks, no distractions, just… us.”

Kate nodded. “Agreed. The galaxy can wait.”

And for once, it did.

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