Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Promises and Connections

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Promises and Connections

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Promises and Connections
Posted by… suppressed (57) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Aasrel chuckled. Someday, when you are better at telepathy, that will be a fun game. He said. He nodded. Yes, that’s a good idea. I’m sure he has things to tell us and tests to run.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed and flushed. Aasrel! You’re recovering from major surgery. You shouldn’t be thinking like that, she teased. She got up, reluctantly, and went to ask the nurse to call Dr. Martin, then she came back.

I can think it all I want, Aasrel said, a playful amusement with his words. I just can’t do anything about it right now.

You wicked man! Bethany leaned over and kissed him.

Aasrel kissed her back, chuckling aloud.

The music that came with his laughter sent pleasurable warmth across her. She kissed him again and then sat as the door opened.

Martin walked in just moments after. “Lt. Izei. How do you feel?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I’m feeling okay, all things considered,” Aasrel said. “So how am I really?” He said, giving the doctor his best give me the truth look.

~ Izei, CMO

Martin nodded, “Your blood pressure is still low, but after all your surgeries, it’s not surprising. The connection to the prosthetics is syncing up well. The nerves are accepting and sending signals to the prosthetics. No infection, good blood flow, and oxygen percentage, the tissue and skin and bone healed well on closing. Your head is healing very well. You slept a long time, but I expected that. Your body has gone through trauma. But you show no signs of shock.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. All things considered that was excellent to hear. “I can already move the arm some, but it’s stiff, inaccurate, jolty.” Aasrel shrugged. “It’s frustrating, but for how new it is I know that’s a good starting point.”

~ Izei, CMO

Martin nodded, “Now that you are awake, I will get the PT in here. OT will start in a couple of days. Sooner depending on how you do. You’ve helped others through this, so remember it’s a process and even small improvement is good. Are you hungry, nauseous, in pain, dizzy?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“In a little pain that comes and goes. Ghost pains, I think. It’ll go away over time. I’m not really hungry, but I don’t really feel nauseous either? I think it’s going to take another little bit for my appetite to turn back on.” He shrugged. “It’s always harder when it’s yourself.”

~ Izei, CMO

“I remember,” Martin said quietly. “I’ll have the nurse bring water and juice. Try to at least drink. If the pain gets to a 4 tell me. Even if you think it’s ghost pains. I’ll have the PT come in soon. Is there anything else I can do?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel felt his emotions, partly brought up with the memories. “I will.” He shook his head. “No, thank you. I think I’m fine.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Alright, I’ll be back later.” Martin left and the nurse arrived with water and juice. She helped him sit up, fluffed his pillows, fussed over him. She was pretty and kind. Sweet and attentive. Observant too, and the prosthetics and surgeries didn’t phase her. Her feminine curiosity over Aasrel hadn’t abated a bit.

Aasrel was polite as always to her. She was alluring and he knew she wasn’t going for anything, just having natural feelings. She wasn’t thinking about the prosthetics at all, except where his comfort was concerned.

The PT arrived half an hour later along with another man. “Lt. Izei I am Kevin, and this is Chief Tyrsk. He fitted your prosthetics.” Yrysk smiled, “I’m here incase we need to make any adjustments.”

They started simply. Push, pull, resist, lift, lower, turn and bend.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It was surprisingly difficult for how simple it was. They did his arm and his leg. Both needed some adjustment, which wasn’t surprising, they often did. When he was finished he was tired.

~ Izei, CMO

Kevin nodded, “I know it isn’t as much as you hoped for, but we were able to adjust quite a bit and the signals are relaying more smoothly. Try to move and stretch over the day. I’ll be back in a few hours to do some more. Tyrsk will come too.” They left.

Bethany was thankful they were gone. All the talking was driving her crazy with the music and she was grateful for the silence. You feel tired. What can I do?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Help me stretch later. Aasrel said. I’m still recovering from the surgeries and I’m not used to these limbs. Just that little bit was so tiring.

~ Izei, CMO

Even with our advanced technology, surgery still wears on the body. She picked up the cup of juice and held it for him. Try to drink some. Then you can sleep if you want. No need to stretch yet. She sat down on his right and ran her hand over the arm and then his shoulder and his hip where the muscles would be tired and sore from working in ways they weren’t used to. She rubbed them gently helping them to relax.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel drank some of the juice. I don’t really want to sleep. I feel like I’ve been sleeping for a week. He said. Her gentle touch was nice against his arm. Nothing obstructed her ability to let her hand move all the way from the shoulder to the hand. As the prosthetic better synced itself to his body’s signature, the sensation was smoother, and that made it better. Then she began to rub the sore muscles in his shoulder and hip, sore and tender from surgery and tired and sore from therapy. He let out a long, slow breath as the muscles started to relax. A few moments later and his breaths evened out, his eyes closed, as he drifted off to sleep.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany clamped down on her amusement. He had been sleeping, but he needed it. The next few days were going to be hard and exhausting as he learned to use the prosthetics. She pulled the blanket over him and turned down the lights. She curled up in her chair, with her own blanket. Her head hurt and the noise was awful. Sleep was a welcome reprieve.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel had a nightmare that night, after sleeping for several hours. Bethany could sense it in his thoughts, in his emotions. His body twitched lightly as he slept.

~ Izei, CMO

It woke her from her own disturbing dreams. She had a headache, but that seemed to be normal now. Headaches had been cured long ago, but this type of thing was ‘expected’. It was draining.

Bethany sat down on the edge of his bed and took his hand. Aasrel. It’s okay. It’s a nightmare. It’s not real anymore. I’m here. You aren’t alone.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It took him a moment to wake and when he did it was with a start. He squeezed her hand and shot up, hugging her and trembling. “I’m okay. I’m okay…” He knew why it was, that they’d probably go back to how they’d been before. That didn’t help in the moment though, as he trembled against her in fear.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany hugged him tightly. “You’re in sickbay on Starbase. I’m right here, you’re okay. I promise. No one and nothing will take you.” Not with her, T’Jal, Jake, and Martin here. She smoothed his hair back and held him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel pressed close against her, his left arm around her, his right cradled somewhat awkwardly in his lap between them. Slowly he started to calm as he took deep breaths and rested against her. “Just stay here with me, please.” He said softly.

~ Izei, CMO

“I’m not going anywhere.” She kissed his cheek and rubbed his back. Share it with me. Let it out. Don’t let it eat you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel huddled against her. It was about the attack. When… When they boarded the ship, I set up a medical quarantine, locking down Sickbay and all entrances close. I was trying to protect my staff, the patients, and we’re medical, we don’t exactly carry around phasers. So the few we had we positioned around the door. Well, they broke through the quarantine door and… He shuddered against her and she could feel the remembered fear, terror. I tried to fight. I was one of the first from Sickbay for them to…

~ Izei, CMO

She hugged him and listened. The Borg are relentless. They feel no pain, they have no free will. They are unaware of the crimes they are committing. The drones only understand that they must complete the directive they have been given. They keep coming no matter what. She rocked him slightly. You did everything you could do. I wish I had been there with you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I know, I know what it’s like for them. Bethany… I remember. He stiffened slightly in her arms. I don’t. You’d be dead or assimilated and I can’t imagine that idea.

~ Izei, CMO

I know you do. I wish I could take the memory away for you. I can’t imagine having gone through that. She laid her head against him. I wouldn’t have let them take you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel shuddered and huddled into her as much as he could. I wish you could have stopped it. But you couldn’t have. I hope I never see one of those ships so long as I live.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany tried to project calm, to make him feel her confidence and peace. Which was hard because she had her own demons. I hope you never do, but I will be with you no matter what.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It helped, some. She felt him relax as her emotions washed over him and drowned out some of his fear. Aasrel lay into her and closed his eyes. I know. I’m so glad you are… I don’t know what I’d do without you.

~ Izei, CMO

Grow old alone because no one else is me? Her laugher danced about the room as she turned his words back on him. You can’t give up either. We promised. Do you want me to put on a movie or play a game? Or do you want to talk through it a little more?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel grinned and shook his head. I know, I know. We promised. He rested against her. Let’s play a game. I don’t need to work myself up so much right now.

~ Izei, CMO

Card game or telepathy game? She grinned. A telepathy game would be good for her, but a card game might be good for him with his hand, but she didn’t want to push him too much physically. The PT was going to be back later to do more work.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel grinned. Both. Ever play poker with a Betazoid? Then that would be good for both of them and entertaining. Get us some cards.

~ Izei, CMO

Nope. Never played much poker. Never wanted to play at gambling. Her duty did that enough. Be right back. Bethany left and requested a deck of cards from a replicator. She came back and slid the tray over. She opened the box and started shuffling.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Not even in Academy? That’s where I learned it. Aasrel said. There was amusement. We won’t really gamble anything… Or at least, not money. But I know you were thinking it would be good to play cards… Well this will be good for your telepathy too.

~ Izei, CMO

I did a few times at the Academy, but it was never something I was in to. I like playing cards, but never found gambling enjoyable. People were too intense over it. Bethany dealt the cards. She would help him if he asked, but didn’t assume.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. They can be. At least I’m not like that. He picked up his cards with his left hand and used the right to awkwardly and stiffly help fan out the cards. It felt weird, like his muscles weren’t responding correctly. He knew that wasn’t it, and it was because he wasn’t used to it but it made him not want to use it.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany gave him a very flirtatious look, I bet with the right prize in the table you could be. She wanted to suggest that maybe he should hold the cards in his right, but he was the doctor and would know what he needed to do. Okay, so how do Betazoids play poker?
Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Listening to her thoughts, he flipped his grip, cards pinned in the right, using the left to maneuver them. He grinned at her, Well you come up with a good enough pot and I’ll play to win. Aasrel looked at her, In human poker, it’s all in facial expressions and voice tones and things. Those tells I know you can read - which, by the way, you can’t cheat. In Betazoid poker, we can literally just sense your emotions. So how do you hide how good your hand is?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed, That I can do. I just never have with you. The Admiral drilled it into us. So how am I supposed to not cheat? I can’t see my cards with my eyes closed.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I don’t know. I would say don’t look at me but I can’t have you not doing that. He said and smiled. Let’s start playing.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned, “Well at least I find you particularly distracting. What are we going to bet with? Or just trade cards and lay them down?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Let’s just trade cards to start with… The fun comes later. Aasrel smiled at her and the emotions with his words gave her a hint at what he was thinking.

~ Izei, CMO

It was a testament to how much she liked him, that he could make her blush at the drop of a hat. Never mind his physical tells or what else he might be thinking. His mind was filled with the other. AASREL! You are recovering from surgery! Stop that. Bethany traded a couple of cards out, but her face was very pink.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel’s amusement was aparent. I can’t help where my mind goes. Especially when I’m recovering from surgery. He traded his own couple cards out and then smiled at her.

~ Izei, CMO

Uh huh… You should be too tired to think of anything. She eyed him suspiciously but was thinking Bout what he was thinking. Lay your cards down, or how do we do this? Keep a tally?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I can’t imagine trying to do anything, but if I’m going to be sitting around found nothing but thinking and sleeping, I might as well think about something to look forward to. He looked at the cards. Lay them down.

~ Izei, CMO

Hmmmm.... Bethany just gave him a warm once over and then laid the cards down. She had nothing.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel tried to lay his out, but the movement was jolty and the cards landed all over the table. He rearranged them with his left hand. Two pair, twos and fives. He grinned at her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany sighed dramatically, So what do you win? She piled the cards and shuffled and dealt again.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Well, we didn’t decide on anything, did we? Aasrel said. He picked up his hand. This time, maybe we should.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked at her hand, but Aasrel wasn’t getting anything from her except children’s nursery rhymes. Well what should we bet. I have to sneak you in food the doc doesn’t approve if you win? What do I get? She looked up at him and grinned.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Oooh I like that. Aasrel smiled. You get.... Hmm. Well, what do you want from me? He passed her two cards. The rest of the cards slipped from his prosthetic hand and he had to pick them up again.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked at him as she contemplated. Then she grinned, For every hand I win, I want a really old movie from Betazed, like from the beginning of the cinema age. I want to see how it stands up to classic Earth cinema.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Well, I was hoping for something more fun than that, but okay, I’ll do it. Aasrel looked at her. Ready to lay them out?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed, Oh I have something MUCH more fun in mind. But I can’t have you losing on purpose just for the more fun thing, now can I? Bethany set down her cards: A full house, 3s and 7s.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Oh come on, let me know what it is, Aasrel pleaded. He set his down, a straight starting with a 4 of clubs.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned, So one contraband meal for you and one classic movie for me. Bethany’s gaze turned inviting. Why don’t you try and figure it out.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Okay, I will. Aasrel said, listening closely to her thoughts, careful not to be too intrusive, but looking for the fun thing. Deal the cards, he said, grinning.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany shuffled, aware he was listening. It was there, what he wanted to know, under waves of computer code, song lyrics, dance steps, and other frivolous stuff. There was a quick flicker of it as she looked at him while she dealt the cards.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel heard it. There was a quick flicker. Enough. He grinned. I don’t know… That request will have to wait a while. TWO showers per day? He picked up his cards. I can’t even wash myself yet. Then he gave her one of his looks, Then again, maybe that’s why you want more showers with me.

~ Izei, CMO

A shy woman would have glanced away. Bethany flushed, but met his look with one of her own. I knew you were perceptive and smart. Of course that’s why. She glanced at her cards and then back at him. Your move.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Hmmm… I think I like that idea much better. Aasrel smiled. She knew he’d rather her than some nurse anyway. Even the nurse that liked him. Even with the implants gone, some of that self consciousness hadn’t gone away yet. He looked at his cards, held back a grimace, and traded out all but one.

~ Izei, CMO

She handed him his cards. I am more than happy to do that. That nurse can keep her hands to herself. The last was thought with a bit of bite and aggression. Apparently Bethany was aware of the nurses admiration and didn’t like it. She took three cards for herself.l and then laid them down. Just a pair of 6s.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. I’m all yours, Bethany. I think I’m gonna need help walking there, too. He laid his down. A hand of junk. He grinned and shrugged.

~ Izei, CMO