Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Chekov/Sulu - It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life

It should not be this way. Pavel has done everything perfectly. He has not made a mistake. He is sure of it. Yet he must have because it has not been successful. There is only space where a person should have been, and he can still hear the rapid thump-thump of his heartbeat roaring in his ears as he stares at the emptiness.

“You are needed elsewhere, Ensign Chekov.”

He blinks but does not look away from the spot where the woman should have been. “It is better if I stay here,” he says firmly.

“Kirk and Spock are rescuing Captain Pike. You are needed on the bridge.”

Pavel frowns and glances to his side. “I have made a mistake, Lieutenant Sulu. I should stay.”

“You didn’t make a mistake,” Sulu tells him. “It’s possible to do everything right and still lose.”

“She is not here. That is my fault,” Pavel reminds him. “I could not save her. I am weak and do not belong on the bridge.”

Sulu studies him intently before he shakes his head. “That isn’t weakness, Chekov. It’s life. Besides, you saved me and Kirk earlier, as well as the others who did make it here. Now go to the bridge and get to work.”

Pavel wants to argue but can hear the firm determination in Sulu’s voice. “You are impossible,” he says with a frown as he stands up. He takes another look at the empty spot before he follows Sulu to the bridge.