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 (19) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Aasrel sighed softly and contentedly as she massaged the muscles. As she worked her way along the arm the fingers twitched lightly. She could feel the muscles start relaxing, and then, wanting to be or not, he was asleep.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned. It was while he was sleeping that Bethany was informed that the ship was finally cleared and her name had been pulled for the short straw to take the first watch. Bethany took Aasrel’s PaDD and left him a note of where she’d gone and she also told the nurse who seemed all too happy to have the security chief out of the way. Bethany also let Dr Martin know where she would be and to call her if anything happened. She knew, at least, that he would.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel woke while she was gone. He looked for her, saw the note, and then reached out for her telepathically. Bethany? Watch duty?

~ Izei, CMO

At the time, Bethany was on the bridge, sitting in the center chair. It was all rather boring. They were simply sitting docked at the space station. Repair crews were continuing and all she had to do was wait. The COS’ mouth twitched almost in a smile. Yes, it’s boring, but someone has to do it. I didn’t want to leave, but orders are orders. How do you feel? She couldn’t quite reach as far as he could. Maybe with time, but she knew at least he was listening.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I’m okay. Still sore, but okay. Aasrel had to tease her a little. The nurse is more than happy to help me while you are away, he said. They want me to eat and then I have to do PT.

~ Izei, CMO

He could feel her bristling. She didn’t like the thought of that at all. That feeling was locked down quickly along with the self-doubt he never got a glimpse of. Well, a bet is a bet. Tell me what they feed you, and what you want instead. I’ll be sure to sneak it in to you when I get off duty. Her attention was diverted as one of her junior officers reported an issue at the airlock. Nothing major, just a poor civilian that took a wrong turn. I wish I could be there for your PT, but I don’t think my shift will be over by the time they get there. I’m sorry.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

There was amusement from him, Don’t worry, Bethany, she’s nice, but I could only ever be with you. He said to her. He named a particularly unhealthy but delicious Betazoid desert for her to sneak in to him. The Sickbay was serving mashed potatoes and chicken. Don’t worry, we can’t neglect duty. I’ll be fine without you… Just this once. His playfulness was clear to her. It was a good sign he could be so playful.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany hated he knew how she felt. It was petty of her. She knew that. She’d never been jealous in her life. She’s very nice and I’m sure you both have a lot in common, work wise. She wasn’t a fan of mashed potatoes. She didn’t like the texture, but it wasn’t a horrible meal. I’ll sneak it in with my own dinner. I mean, I have to eat too. There was a flash of irritation over something going on around her. You’d be fine no matter what. Work hard and you’ll be out of sickbay sooner. I have to go deal with stupid people now.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It was a natural emotion, like any other. What mattered was how one acted on it. Okay, I’ll stop distracting you, then. He said to her. His PT was tiring. It was still very basic pushing, pulling, those kinds of things, but it was going to take time. “When can I start getting up?” He asked the physical therapist.

~ Izei, CMO

I like you distracting me, there was shy laughter and then her thoughts focused totally on what she was doing.

“Well, let’s start with sitting up on the edge of the bed and do some reflex exercises. Be prepared that your balance will seem off until your body gets used to feeling the prosthetic. Then we can try standing. It’s tiring, but you are syncing up much faster than most people.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Sitting up was easy, but his reflexes in the prosthetic were about what was expected, not very good yet. Syncing up quickly should have been a good thing, but it made Aasrel feel… bad. Reminded him of the implants, as if having had them made it easier in some way. He didn’t like it.

~ Izei, CMO

About half way through his PT session, Bethany was suddenly gone. Well she was there, but her feelings and thoughts were tightly hidden and locked away. It was noticeable. It wasn’t a gradual or instinctual thing. It was sudden and absolute. But right before it happened there was a flash of anxiety, paranoia, fear, and then absolute resolve.

Bethany? Are you okay? Aasrel reached out for her, seeking her out. Did something happen?

There was no response. Her shields were surprisingly strong and well made, nothing got out. She heard him, recognized him, and he could feel that, but her concentration on what she was doing was absolute.

The PT smiled, “We can thank Chief Tyrsk for that. He’s a wiz at matching up bio and prosthetic rhythms. All the patients he works with sync up like that. Well as long as they are putting in the work.” The reflexes were still a bit slow, but his balance was good. “What do you say to me getting you in the chair over here, and then you doing some bicycle pedals with your legs and arms? It will get those gross motor muscles working.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded to the PT. “Let’s do it.” That was even more tiring than anything else he’d done, and with his body still recovering from the surgery itself, it made him sore and painful. But he was determined to return to duty.

~ Izei, CMO

The PT put straps over his feet so that if the right leg faltered, the left could continue and help guide the right leg. The idea was the same for the hands. There was a strap for the hands as well if Aasrel needed it. “I’m going to keep it to a very low speed. The idea is to build coordination. We’ll work on endurance and strength later. I’ll leave this in here and you can use it as often as you feel up for. Moving to the chair is a good idea if you want. Just make sure you have someone to help - just in case. And like we practiced.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “I’ll be careful.” He could stand, he was balanced enough, but it made his hip hurt and he didn’t have good enough control of the leg to walk without support. When he was finished with the cycling, he was tired and sore and just wanted back to bed.

~ Izei, CMO

The PT helped him and gave him a heat back for his hip. “I’ll be back in the morning and we’ll do more. Let the nurse know if you need something for the discomfort.” Aasrel didn’t have to wait long, the nurse seemed to magically switch places with the PT. “Lt Izei, how are you feeling? Comfortable? What can I do for you?” Her voice practically purred.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I’m fine, thank you.” He just wanted Bethany. Whatever she was doing, she wasn’t responding. He wanted to try and sleep until she could come back.

~ Izei, CMO

“Are you sure?” She asked and smiled sweetly. “It’s what I’m here for - to take care of you. It’s no problem. Water or a snack? I saw how hard you’re working. You’ll be up in no time and out of here.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled politely. “I am. I just want to sleep, I’m very tired.” He said to her. He rubbed his right shoulder with his left hand.

~ Izei, CMO

“I imagine.” She didn’t think he got much sleep with a security guard watching his every move. “Well you should be able to sleep better. I’ll be just outside, but at least you won’t have a jailer tonight. She saw him rubbing his shoulder. “Here, let me. I’m sure it’s sore.” She set her hands on his shoulder and went to adjusting the pillows. “If it’s cramping I could put some heat rub on it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He shrugged, “They don’t bother me.” In her eagerness to help, she was too quick and not gentle enough. “Ouch, ouch, careful. I’m okay, okay?”

~ Izei, CMO

The nurse at least looked contrite. “Oh, sorry.” She backed up a step. “I’ll be by later to check your vitals. I’ll try not to disturb you.” She left in a hurry - embarrassed.

It was right about then the wall around Bethany went down. Her emotions were turbulent, total chaos and none of them were positive.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel reached out as soon as he felt the mental wall drop. Bethany? Are you okay? What happened? He asked. Where are you?

~ Izei, CMO

Aasrel… There was a sharp stab of fear For him. No… I’m … I’m not. I can’t tell you. She felt torn, chaotic, scared and resigned. I’m still on the Asimov.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Please, Bethany, tell me, anything you can. Come back to my Sickbay room. She could feel his worry. She was scaring him. What’s wrong?

~ Izei, CMO