Sister Helena opened the door to her quarters. It was a spacious room, compared to the small cell she was used to living in in the monastery. Sister Helena had added some temporary things to remind her of the monastery. She had moved a small end table in the center of the room on which she hit placed some linens, a crucifix and a couple of candles. This was their prayer space. Sister Helena took off her jacket, revealing a black T-shirt underneath, and sat on her bed. Her calm facade melted away as tears began to well up as the evening’s events weighed upon her. She clasped her hands and after making the Sign of the Cross, she bowed her head and prayed.

  “Oh, Lord, I come before you, my heart burdened with pain. I'm sorry for the pain I've caused, especially upon Colonel Larkin, whom I've just met. Grant me the strength to atone for my sins, and to seek the forgiveness of those I have wronged. Lord, is Colonel Larkin remain related to the Major Larkin I killed when I was with the Rogue NID? Tell me Lord, that I might make amends.”

  Sister Helena choked back a sob, gripping her hands tightly. She wished she had the stone with her, but she had surrendered it to General Carter. “I know I can't erase my past, but I pray for the opportunity to make amends. Guide me on the right path and to be a beacon of Your love despite my shortcomings.”

  Tears fell down her face; her body shook with silent sobs. She buried her hands in her face trying to stifle her crying. “I beg of you, Lord, to heal the wounds I have inflicted. Give me wisdom to navigate this path and the courage to forgive those I have hurt. What have I done to deserve Colonel Larkin's anger and coldness?”

  She laid down on her bed in the fetal position, her body shook as she cried. “Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, Lord.” She repeated the words like a mantra. She tried to find solace in the lines of Chesterton's epic poem but all she found in her memory was:

  The men of the East may spell the stars,

  And times and triumphs mark,

  But the men signed of the cross of Christ

  Go gaily in the dark…

  I tell you naught for your comfort,

  Yea, naught for your desire,

  Save that the sky grows darker yet

  And the sea rises higher.

  Night shall be thrice night over you,

  And heaven an iron cope.

  Do you have joy without a cause,

  Yea, faith without a hope?

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Sister Helena wished that Sister Marie Evangeline could be with her here, but she knew she had a mission to undertake. And Sister Marie Evangeline reminded Sister Helena that they would always be together. She reminded her dear friend of the words of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity who had told her close friend Francoise de Sourden: to keep a spiritual rendezvous in their heart and they would be together in spirit. But it was not the same seeing without seeing Sister Marie Evangeline in person. She loved her like a mother.

  “Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, Lord,” Sr. Helena sobbed.

  Just then the knock was heard at Sister Helen's door.

  “Come in,” Sister Helena said. It was Squadron Leader Fairbairn. She peeped her head through the door.

  “Hey, Sister Helena. May I come in?” Sister Helena sat up on her bed. She tried to smile though it was hard for her to do.

  “Of course, Squadron Leader Fairbairn. Please come in.” Closing the door, Fairbairn sat on the edge of the bed. She noticed Sister Helena's tear-stained face.

  “I just wanted to check on you,” Fairbairn said sincerely. “Dinner was...a bit intense.

  Sister Helena signed. “Thank you. It was indeed. It was challenging but necessary, I suppose.”

  Fairbairn pulled out a chess set. “How about we play some chess? It always helps me relax.”

  “I'd like that,” Sister Helena said. Fairbairn, after taking off her jacket, set up the chess board on a table that was in the room. The two sat down and began to play. The room was quiet as Sister Helena and Fairbairn made their opening moves. Fairbairn was intrigued by Sister Helena's opening move.

  “The Latvian Gambit! I've read about it, but I've never seen it performed live!” exclaimed Fairbairn where did you learn about it?”

  “From my dad,” Sister Helena replied. “He played at a near professional level while in college. He was a sportswriter for The Houston Post and later The Houston Chronicle. He wrote a chess column for both papers and covered a lot of the Houston sports scene. Since I was his only child, he instilled in me a love of chess. Plus, it does also help me relax and think.”

  “Interesting,” said Fairbairn. They continued to play on. Each move eased Sister Helena's tension and worries.

  “From what I've heard Colonel Larkin is a tough officer, but he's fair. He just needs time,” Fairbairn said,

  “Really?” Sister Helena asked.

  “That's what a friend of mine who is part of SG-11 told me.”

  “I see.” Sister Helena said. She sighed. “I just hope he can find it in his heart to forgive me someday from whatever I've done to offend him.”

  Fairbairn reached across the table and gave Sister Helena’s hand a squeeze. “We all have our demons and our pasts, Sister, but we have the chance to overcome them. One day at a time, like you said at dinner.”

  “True,” Sister Helena said. The two women continued to play on making their moves in contemplation, occasional chatter, and even a few giggles. Sister Helena felt more relaxed.

  As the evening came to an end, Sister Helena said, “Thank you, Squadron Leader. I feel better now. And thank you for making me feel part of the group at dinner, too.”

  “My pleasure, Sister,” Fairbairn replied. “We’re a team now. We’ll get through this together. We all will. Now, get some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow.”