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 Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Promises and Connections
Posted by… suppressed (62) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Bethany’ll be able to tell and I don’t think she’d let me push it.” Aasrel commented, grinning at her. He stretched briefly and then sat on the edge of the bed. “Ready?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. “I love visiting you at work, but if I never have to be a patient in sickbay the rest of my life, it will be too soon.” She collected their cards and his PaDD. “We’ll go at your pace. You tell me… I,” she hadn’t been at his PT so she didn’t know how long or how fast he could walk. She didn’t know if he needed to hold her arm or use a cane. She didn’t know anything. She couldn’t stop the guilt she felt about that. She was there now though, she would make it up to him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled reassuringly at her. He was still reading her thoughts, like she’d allowed him to. “Yes, I need a support. I have a cane,” he pointed to it, leaned against the wall near the bed, “or you can help me.” He took her hand and smiled again, “Like you said. At my pace.”

~ Izei, CMO

She grabbed the cane and handed it to him. Even if he chose to have her help, he would need it for those times she wasn’t able to do so, and for his therapy. “You know I’ll help. Just tell me what to do.”

They made their way back, Bethany pointed out a couple of places that she had gotten him food. Oh and over there I went shopping like you suggested. She looked at him and winked.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel supported himself with the cane as they walked. He walked with a limp, his PT said the limp would lessen or disappear completely as he continued with therapy. Bethany kept him distracted as they walked. Oh? What’d you buy? He asked, grinning playfully. It seemed it had worked, he was distracted for a few moments.

~ Izei, CMO

Do you really want ne to tell you? Or should I show you when we get there? She grinned wickedly at him. He did get the impression it was something that made her feel feminine.

Aasrel grinned and shrugged, I’ll wait then. Seems worth it.

I hope so. Bethany flushed slightly as they walked.

Honestly I should probably get a few other things. My clothes took heavy use on this mission, and they may not be uniforms, but they are still work clothes.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He nodded. I’d love to go with you, but I don’t want to slow you down. I’m already feeling like a break.

~ Izei, CMO

Nonsense. You can’t slow down shopping. And I don’t need to go now, just before we leave. She looked around, Why don’t we stop there and eat. Then we can walk the rest of the way?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. Okay, that sounds good, he said. He took her hand and squeezed it. There was a rush of affection and love. I love you.

~ Izei, CMO

I love you too. Bethany spotted an empty table and led them towards it. Go ahead and sit, I’ll go get us something and come back. Rest your hip. She walked up to the counter and ordered. A few minutes later she returned with a tray. Perhaps not my favorite meal from Earth, but it is a classic. Hamburger, and I had them put the toppings to the side for you. Lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup, mustard, onion, she pointed them out, with French fries and a chocolate milkshake to drink.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel went to the table and took a seat, balancing the cane against the wall by the table. He stretched out his leg to help it rest. He pointed to the pickles, I’ve tried those before, they’re nasty. He opened the burger and put on the lettuce, tomato, and onion, but left off the sauces. The ketchup he put by the fries. I had this before, at the Academy.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded, Lots of places… She paused, it was harder with all the people around. “There are a lot if places around the Academy that serve it. As for the pickles, I don’t like that kind either, but there are lots of different types. They all taste different.” She layered different toppings in hers and then picked up a fry and dipped it in her chocolate milkshake.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. Remember, you can focus on me if you’re struggling. He watched her dip a fry in her milkshake, raised a brow, and then tried it himself. It was surprisingly good, and he did it again before taking a bite of his burger. They’re not my favourite earth food, but they’re not terrible.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned as he tried it a second time. “Now you’re addicted.” I know. Sometimes it helps to stop and speak. Like a reset button. She ate another and there was a wave of sorrow as she did. “My mom used to take me every Thursday to the general store and buy us fries and ice cream. Just the two of us. I thought she was so weird the first time. I’d never seen anything like it before. Now it’s my favorite.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. That sounds nice. It seems a strange combination, but it works. He sipped some of his milkshake, then had some more of the burger. Would you rather I spoke or communicated this way?

~ Izei, CMO

I miss her a lot . I’d give anything to see her again. Even for just a single minute. Bethany picked up her burger and ate for a minute. I love the sound of your voice, but this way, your voice keeps the rest of the noise at bay. It helps.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. I wish you could. He said. He nodded, Then I’ll keep doing this. He reached down and massaged his hip and the prosthetic thigh for a moment, then sipped more of the milkshake. I should be ready to go by the time we’re done.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. If not I can go find us desert. She sipped at the milkshake and laughed mentally. At least with telepathy I the conversation doesn’t lag while we chew.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

There was amusement from him and he nodded. The human rule of not talking and eating doesn’t apply when mouths aren’t required. He commented. He finished his burger and then took his time sipping the milkshake, occasionally dipping and eating a fry.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany ate quietly after that, lost in memories that made her sad, contemplations that made her question what she knew or didn’t know, and it just made her feel lost, like she didn’t know herself anymore. She was having to reevaluate a lot, but she supposed she didn’t have to do that right then. There was time or there wasn’t. Nothing would change it either way.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel sat quietly and let her think. He finished off his milkshake and set his things aside, and then sat quietly and waited for her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked at him and grinned. Ready or do you want some dessert and to rest a bit longer? She piled things on the tray so she could return it to a reclamator.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I’m ready. I’m full anyway. Aasrel stood and grabbed his cane, stepping away from the table. You have everything there? He asked, gesturing to the tray stacked with things.

~ Izei, CMO

Yeah if you can hold the PaDD for a minute. She took the tray and returned it and then joined him so they could walk the rest of the way. We can try something else tomorrow. Shifts are sparse and spread out while the repair crews do their work.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He held the PaDD, then handed it back when she came back. They started walking again. Sounds good. That’s why I was picking up shifts at the starbase in the meantime. Standing around while they do the debrief and repairs was boring.

~ Izei, CMO

They are still going through the ship, and my debrief isn’t over, last I checked. Bethany sighed. I started out in Intel because it was an Intel officer that rescued Betazed. Or he helped put the plan in motion. I wanted to help people like he did. I never knew the cost.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. Went into intel because you wanted to help people. That’s very you. He said. I became a doctor because I wanted to help people. I did it for Starfleet because I wanted to explore. I never considered what might happen to me.

~ Izei, CMO

I was always good with computers, and I could have done a lot with that. I was told how isolating the work could be, but… She shrugged after my dad, it didn’t seem to matter. Which isn’t fair to my uncles. They love me as much as any parent would, certainly more than my own father. I think they knew though, I needed to prove I was a better person than my dad.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. You could never have been your dad. You’re nothing like that. He paused for a moment to rub his hip again, How much further?

~ Izei, CMO

I don’t know. What makes a person change like that? She nodded down a side corridor, Just one section further. They got to the door,and she opened it. Home away from home.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

You’re the certified counselor, aren’t you? You tell me, Aasrel said with a mental laugh. She opened the door and he stepped in and flopped onto the nearest chair, rubbing his hip and thigh. Ugh, I know it’s good for me but does it every hurt!

~ Izei, CMO

I don’t know. Traumatic events. I guess losing my mom, but she didn’t die violently. She was sick. It wasn’t like she was the victim of a crime, or in battle. She was ill and we knew it would come back. Or, my uncles told me shew knew it could. I was young and didn’t know. I wonder now though if my dad was really the man I thought he was, or if my mom just protected me from it. Bethany set his PaDD down. The more you work at it, the stronger you will get. Station quarters are fancy, there’s a soaking tub. I could fill it for you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel shrugged. I wish I could answer that for you. I hope I never meet that man. There was anger with his words. He wanted to protect her from him. He grinned playfully at her. I dunno, is it big enough for two?

~ Izei, CMO

I have no intention of ever seeing him again or looking for him. Bethany laughed and walked into the bathroom and the sound of water rushed out and then followed by billows of steam. If not I am sure we can be creative. She stuck her head around the door. Do you want help getting up?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Yes please. Aasrel said, smiling at her. He held his hand out so she could help him up.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany walked over and took his hand. She steadied him as he stood and found his balance. Do you want your cane?

No, I’ll just have you help me… Well, maybe I should take it just in case. He reached for it and grabbed it.

After they got into the bathroom she tested the water and then turned it off. I’ll replicate you a pair of slippers so you don’t have to walk on damp feet. Be right back. The steam had a light warm herbal scent. Bethany had added some soaking salts to the water that would help his muscles relax.

She returned with slippers and robes. Okay, ummm… Her lips drew together and to the side. Maybe sit on the edge and put one leg in at a time?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He smiled. That is probably the best way to do it, so I don’t slip and take us both down. He sat on the edge and raised his left leg over the side, then his right, then carefully slid into the water. It was the perfect temperature. Hmm.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany chuckled softly. I can actually feel how soothing that is to you. Maybe I should let you have the whole thing to yourself. I’m sure your other leg is tired too. You need to relax.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. It is, but there will be space. Get in. It was soothing. The water felt different on his prosthetic limbs… Perhaps because he was still getting used to them? Or because they were prosthetic? He couldn’t tell.

~ Izei, CMO

Or maybe because you know they are prosthetic and therefore expect it to be different, she commented, picking up his thoughts. Bethany sank into the hot water and sighed heavily. Reminds me of the hot spring near my uncles home, just not quite as nice.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel looked at her and smiled. Maybe so. You’ll have to take me there sometime. He leaned against the edge of the tub and let himself relax. He seemed to avoid looking at the prosthetics, same as when he had the implants. It’s starting to help.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany wasn’t sure she’d ever get back there now. They had talked about going to Earth so she could see her Uncles. Now she wasn’t so sure it was safe. She honestly wasn’t sure it was safe to go see Aasrel’s family. But Elias had never attacked the Betazoid people, and he had no reason to go after Aasrel’s family. He had said he would stay out of the Federation if they left him alone. His family had no reason to even go looking for him. They wouldn’t even know who he was. But Elias knew her uncles. He’d fathered them. What would he do to see his children again?

Good. Bethany had a general idea of where the prosthetics started, but the medical engineer and Martin had done an excellent job, and the actual point of connection was flawless, she couldn’t tell the difference by looking, or really feeling, except in his movements. It was more a feeling of jerkiness of someone learning to use a limb that had been broken and in a cast for a long time.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It had helped that the bioengineer had been able to scan the actual original limbs and make the reproductions as close as possible. He wasn’t at all worried about Elias, but he understood that Bethany was in a place of paranoia. He smiled at her. At least while we’re on the station, we may have to make a new habit.

~ Izei, CMO

Oh I like new habits. Bethany looked over at him, What do you have in mind? Not that she didn’t already know. The heat was welcome, she hadn’t realized how cold she’d felt before. It was how the constant tension and paranoia affected her. After awhile she didn’t even notice how chilly she was until something drew attention to it.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

A bath instead of a shower… We can soak together. He shot her a look. You need it as much as I do, I can tell. He reached over with his left hand and took her hand. Just relax together… After shift maybe.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany threaded her fingers through his. She made a small ironic sound in her throat. We all need it. Brass thinks a few days or a week of debrief and we’ll all be ready to go again. We won’t be. This mission is going to haunt us for a long time. And not just because I’m justifiably paranoid. She leaned back in the heat and nodded, I like that idea. Too bad we don’t have these on the Broken… the Azzie. I guess we can always ask for one on the holodeck.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

That’s a good idea. We just won’t have it every day. He rubbed his thumb over her hand gently, leaning back so his shoulders were down in the water, too. I know it is. But we have to keep moving. Just like I had to after the Intrepid.

~ Izei, CMO

How about once a week? I think we can manage to get one of scheduled for the holodeck that often. Bethany nodded, sunk deep enough in the water that the movement caused small ripples. I know. We’ll be fine. Bethany knew people who weren’t though. They couldn’t keep moving. They tried, but they couldn’t deal with it. They were just forgotten by the people in charge and then seen with pity or disgust. Good people had been lost to the darkness that way.

She squeezed Aasrel’s hand. She might be surrounded by the darkness, but she had no intention of giving up to it. Even if at times she felt like it would consume her.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Once a week sounds perfect. If it weren’t for Bethany, Aasrel would be one of the forgotten, left to sink in the darkness alone. It was her that kept his resolve to keep fighting it going. He squeezed her hand back and smiled again. She could feel how relaxing this was to him, as if his tension was floating away with the steam. You looking forward to Betazed?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany wished he hadn’t asked that. “Truthfully I don’t know,” she switched to speech because it was easier. As she relaxed, she found the telepathy caused tension from the concentration. Not like it had though. “I’m happy to be going with you. I’m looking forward to a break. I’m not looking forward to facing my memories from there. I mean… what if I still have family there? What if that’s where my dad ran off to? I know you said it will be different, but I’ve never fit in with other Betazoids. But I wouldn’t miss going with you for anything.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel switched to speech, he usually did when she did. “Even if he did go there, I don’t think we’ll see him.” He smiled, covering his own nervousness about going. “With you there I’m sure it will be an excellent trip.”

~ Izei, CMO

Aasrel’s assurance that they wouldn’t see her father reminded her of something else. Elias had said he’d taken care of his father when he found out what he did. The thought made her blood run cold at what all that might mean. For a moment she felt chilled even in the hot water.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him. “We’ll just be nervous together. I’m sure your family will be excited to see you. Will you tell them before we get there?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Of course. Wouldn’t want to just show up out of the blue. I just didn’t want to promise anything before I was able to make concrete plans.” Aasrel said. He squeezed her hand gently. “They’ll be happy to have you there, too.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany smiled. She was very nervous to meet them. He was so sure they would like her, but for how long? She wasn’t exactly a real Betazoid. She had the traits now, but she wasn’t raised to be Betazoid, not like a normal child would have been. He said no one would care if she used her telepathy or not, but that wasn’t her experience, even at the Academy. It was a problem that could only be faced as it presented itself, so no need to dwell on it. “So, are you going to buy some new clothes now too? Do I get to help you pick?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Hmmm… I guess I should.” He nodded, “Of course you do.” He pulled her closer to him and rested his head on her. “You’re my stylist. I’d be lost without you.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed, really laughed. It was a happy carefree sound. “That’s it. I can quit Star Fleet and become a personal stylist. You will be the best dressed, most drop dead gorgeous doctor in the quadrants. I’ll have to moonlight as your body guard to protect you from an over abundance of female patients.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel laughed too. He loved the sound of her laugh. “I’ll be a doctor on Betazed - or maybe Earth, I guess - and you’ll head up my hospital’s security with you as my personal body guard.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany chuckled, “Deal. As long as I’m always your favorite patient.” She leaned over and kissed him. “But no pirate clothes until we leave here, or that nurse might try to stow away on our transport.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Always.” He grinned and elbowed her, “Come on, is it really worth it for you not to see me in them?”

~ Izei, CMO

“Yes,” she said deadly serious. “It is most beneficial to her health and avoiding a forced separation of ourselves. Besides, you can always wear them in private.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Okay, okay,” Aasrel said. He kissed her again. “We should go shopping tomorrow. I’m excited to go with you.”

~ Izei, CMO

“We can do that. We can take our time and enjoy it. As long as we don’t miss your PT session.” She wondered if they would need to find someone while they were on Betazed.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel heard her thoughts. “Agreed.” He looked at her and took her hand. “I’ll be okay. As a doctor… I would recommend a patient find a PT on a long vacation if possible, otherwise I would recommend getting a home routine from the current PT for the duration of the vacation.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany rested her head on his shoulder. “Okay. I just want to make sure we’re taking care of you.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “Yeah… I know getting the PT fast is the most helpful. I don’t want to fall behind. I just…” He sighed softly and rested his head against hers.

~ Izei, CMO

Just what?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He looked at her and sighed, I feel guilty, because Doctor Martin did so much to help. But I can’t even look at them. It’s almost as bad as the implants. I wish I didn’t, but I hate them.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. She kissed his shoulder. *I understand. I’m sure Dr. Martin knows how you feel. Don’t feel guilty that it didn’t turn out the way you wanted.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS