PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 15: Problems

Carina held her closer, murmuring soothing words into her ear. The worry in her eyes mirrored the worry of the rest of the crew, who watched their Captain with concerned expressions.
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Dean, looking at Maya with uncharacteristic seriousness, spoke quietly. "Man, she really looks rough. We've never seen her this bad before."

Travis nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "This is the most vulnerable I've ever seen her. And she's usually so tough, so determined..."

Vic added, her voice softened. "Yeah, I can't remember the last time she didn't put up a fight. Even when she's hurt, she always tries to pretend she's fine."

Jack nodded, his expression grim. "She's always been like that. She never wants to show weakness, not even to us."

Ben spoke up, his voice reflecting both concern and understanding. "But this time, it's different. This time, she's really not faking it. You can tell she's really hurting, really tired."

Carina, still holding Maya in her arms, noticed her slight movement.

"Bambina, are you okay?" she asked, concern lacing her voice as she brushed a strand of hair from Maya's face.

Maya opened her eyes, meeting Carina's gaze. Her voice was weary, her eyes bloodshot.

"Just tired." she croaked, "So tired. I just want to rest."

Carina's heart ached at the sound of Maya's voice. She could feel how drained and exhausted she was, her body trembling slightly in her arms.

Carina pressed her lips gently to Maya's forehead. "I know, Bambina. Just try to sleep, alright? You need to rest."

Maya closed her eyes again, burrowing deeper against Carina's chest.

"Don't leave me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Carina's hold on her tightened a fraction. "I won't, I promise. I'll be right here, whenever you need me."

The crew watched the scene intently, each one seeing the fragility and vulnerability in their Captain. They had never seen her like this, so broken and vulnerable.

The sight of her clinging to Carina, refusing to let go, spoke volumes about her mental and physical exhaustion.

Ben, looking at Maya with a mixture of worry and tenderness, spoke quietly. "She's really vulnerable right now. This is a side of her I've never seen before."

Travis nodded, his expression solemn. "She's always been so tough, so guarded. But now... now she's just broken."

Andy approached, her eyes on Maya and Carina. "I've known her for years. And I've never seen her so weak, so... fragile."

Andy knelt down next to Carina and Maya, reaching out to place a hand on Maya's trembling shoulder.

Her voice soft, she spoke gently, "Hey, Maya? It's me, Andy. Can you hear me, Cap?"

Maya opened her eyes slowly, the exhaustion making the simplest movement a struggle.

She tried to focus on Andy, her gaze tired. "Hey, Andy..." she managed, her voice rough and hoarse.

Andy's expression softened even more. She had never seen her best friend so worn down, so broken. It scared her to see Maya this weak.

She placed her hand on Maya's cheek, her palm cool against the feverish skin. "How are you feeling, Cap? And don't lie to me. I know you well enough to know when you're bullshitting."