Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Rest and Relaxation?
Posted by… suppressed (42) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Aasrel looked at her. She was stunning in that gown. She could hear exactly what he was thinking when he saw her. He put an arm around her and leaned his head against her. Take my mind away from it.

~ Izei, CMO

Okay. Bethany got up and went into the other room and soon music started to play. She came back and took him by both hands and led him into the living area, where she’d moved chairs out of the way. She shrugged the robe off and laid it over a chair. Her hands smoothed over his shoulders as she helped him out of the short sleeved vest and set it aside.

She guided his right arm around her waist. Then let her hand smooth over his arm all the way up to his shoulder, so the sensors in the arm felt and welcomed each sensation. Bethany took his left hand and tucked their hands against his heart. She pressed close as they swayed slowly to the music. Dance with me, Rel.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Her touch left a pleasant tingle all the way up his arm. Aasrel leaned into her, keeping his arm around her waist. His heart thumped at a steady rhythm under their hands. He let himself sway to the music with her, looking at her with one of those adoring looks in his eyes. I would love to.

~ Izei, CMO

They moved slowly insync with each other. Nothing complicated or quick, just a slow swaying in each other’s arms. I love to dance. Bethany rested her cheek against his as they moved. Even when you’re all alone in the universe, for those few moments you’re connected to another person, or part of a group. You don’t have to know each other or wonder what may or may not come next. It’s just simple connection. There was sadness and loneliness carried on memories. She lifted her head to look into his eyes. She loved his eyes. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, it’s so much more, and it changes everything. Like you did.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel met her gaze and smiled. But at her words, his expression changed to one of surprise. I did? He asked her, his curiosity and puzzlement surrounding them as they swayed to the music.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany smiled. It was warm and affectionate. Of course. We aren’t just a single moment. You are so much more than that to me.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel leaned against her again and smiled. I love you. He danced with her in silence for a little while. It was clear she had succeeded in taking his mind off what he was wearing.

~ Izei, CMO

I love you, too. Slowly, Bethany led them into more than just swaying. She kept those thoughts shielded. Not to be deceptive, but so he wouldn’t think about it. She had noticed Aasrel did better with his prosthetics when he didn’t think about using them. When it was just instinct, he moved like he always did.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The only difference was how quickly his muscles got sore, which would eventually remind him. But for now he was happily distracted as they moved together. Aasrel let her lead him to do whatever she wanted. He let himself be lost in her presence, her emotions, just enjoying the moment. One of the rare times he could do that.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany was in no hurry to end their spontaneous dance. Aasrel’s warmth and presence were heady and addictive. She had no desire to give it up.

Later…

Dancing had led to other things. Now the chill in the room demanded to be noticed by bringing goose bumps to her skin. Bethany decided she was too comfortable to do anything about it. “I love you, Rel.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I love you too.” Aasrel cuddled in closer to her, both because he was chilled, and because she was too. He kissed her gently then rested his head against her. “I have never enjoyed a dance so much.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany reached for the blanket and pulled it over them. She sighed sleepily as the blanket insulated their warmth. “Hmmm… does that mean another tradition?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel chuckled lightly and lifted his head enough to look at her. “If you want it to be.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany smiled warmly. “I liked it too much to never dance with you again.” She yawned, “And I’m tired.” There was amusement with the words. It had been a truly unique evening for her. She didn’t want it to be over, but this was a perfect way for it to end.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him. “Then let’s go to sleep… I can’t think of a better way to end the day.”

~ Izei, CMO

---

The next morning Bethany was woken suddenly by a loud crash. She sat straight up, wide awake and instantly alert. She was coiled as she scanned the room trying to identify the source. The noise came again from the living area. Bethany let out a long breath and relaxed. The corner of her mouth twitched as she got up and padded into the other room.

She knelt in front of the cage and opened the door. “I’m sorry girl. I forgot to check your food before I went to bed. Here.” She added food and hay to the dishes as Luna hopped about, rubbing her head against Bethany’s leg. Bethany took the water bottle and refilled it as well. Luna hopped back into the cage and started eating. Bethany rubbed her ears and then went back to bed.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel shot up to the noise too, What was that?! “Bethany?” He said aloud, and then saw she was heading into the other room at a relaxed pace. He relaxed a little, but not completely. Then he heard her speaking, and her thoughts, and remembered the rabbit. Phew.

~ Izei, CMO

Everything is okay. I forgot to check her food and water last night. She is not shy about demanding what she needs. I’m out of practice after a year. She slid back under the blanket with him and kissed him slowly. Good morning, handsome.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. You’ll get back into old habits. He said. He kissed her back, melting into her. Morning, love.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany closed her eyes and sighed, relaxing against him. She is not going to be happy about traveling again. We leave in just a few days. Unless you want to postpone.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It was tempting, but no, they shouldn’t. No, if we postpone we might not get to go. We should go. Aasrel set his head against her.

~ Izei, CMO

Then we need to pack, and you need to talk to your physical therapist. But first breakfast before T’Jal arrives. She propped her chin on his chest and grinned at him. So what do you want for breakfast?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

You. Was the first thought in his mind, causing him to grin, but he dismissed it and began to think of a serious answer. There’s a Betazoid breakfast dish that’s as synonymous with breakfast as pancakes are to humans.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned back at him and began to kiss him. We’ll have it later.

Later…

Bethany scooped Luna off the shower floor. “You had a bath yesterday Ms. Diva. You don’t need to be in here.” She grabbed the towel from the day before and set it and the rabbit on the counter. She wrapped a towel around herself before fluffing the bunny dry. She set Luna down. “Now go on, and don’t get underfoot.” The rabbit’s ears twitched and then she hopped away into the bedroom. She looked at Aasrel in the mirror, “Best breakfast, ever,” and winked at him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled at her, intentionally avoiding the mirror. “I agree.” He pulled a towel around himself, tying it around his waist. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulders. He mostly kept his gaze on her, but in the interest of pushing himself, he stole a few glances into the mirror, quickly looking away each time. “We have to get our habits back on track.”

~ Izei, CMO

“We do, and we will.” She rested her hands over his arms and stared at his reflection. “Your hair is growing back quickly. Maybe you should go to the barber and have it all trimmed the same length?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel glanced in the mirror at the uneven patch of hair. The rest of his hair had grown out quite a bit anyway, it would only be a little shorter than he normally liked it if he had it cut the same length as the shorter section. He caught the flash of the flecks of silver in his prosthetic eye and glanced away, focusing instead on Bethany’s hands. “Yeah. That’s a good idea. It’ll look better that way. Maybe before we leave so I look good for… uh, the trip.” For his family. He still wasn’t sure he was ready for this, but he’d promised and he would do it.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany turned around and set a hand on his cheek. “Sometimes we are never ready for what we need, but it has to happen anyway. I’ll be right beside you even if they hate me.” She grinned and ruffled her hair with her other hand. “I think a trim might be in order for ne as well. We’ll go after. Now why don’t you get us some those Betazoid pancakes.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel kissed her gently, just a quick peck. “They’ll love you. I’m positive.” He brushed his fingers through her hair briefly. “It’s beautiful whatever you do with it.” Then he headed off to replicate the meal. He came back a little bit later with two plates of breaded sweet smelling food, not really like pancakes but clearly the same sort of thing. It was paired with a fruit sauce topping and some Betazoid fruit juice.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany settled at the table across from him. “It smells familiar and looks delicious.” It still surprised her how much she had forgotten. Or maybe she had chosen to forget. She took her fork and broke off a piece.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel took a big bite. He waited for her to taste it and then, How is it?

~ Izei, CMO

Just as playing the card game had brought back memories, the taste of the food did the same. It was dense, and sweet, with a crust that was fun. She liked it with extra syrup and a purple whipped foam.

“UhBeza, jopa, quona?” She had asked her grandmother. She loved mornings with her. She made the best breakfast.

“No Bethany. You’ve had enough,” her father said. “All that junk will make you lazy.”

“Edah, let her have it if she likes it. You never let me spoil her,” UhBeza said. Her mother agreed and simply put the extra food on her plate. Her father scowled and Bethany could tell they were talking with their minds even though she couldn’t hear it. Her mother set a hand on her father’s arm. He sighed, got up and left the room.

“Here sweetheart,” and her mother added more syrup and foam to her plate.

“I think my grandmother used to make this.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Aasrel smiled at her. “Did you like it? Do you remember anything else about it?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded, “I did. I put extra syrup on it and … I don’t know what it is. It looked like whipped foam and was lavender in color. And the crust was extra crunch on hers. I liked it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Rayap cream.” Aasrel said. “A sweet topping, kids usually do like it.” He smiled, “I always liked it too.” He finished his off fairly quickly and downed his drink. Then he stood and collected his tray.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. She wondered if her grandmother was alive, why had she never come looking for them? Questions, but the answers really didn’t matter now. She finished quickly and took her things to the reclamator.

It was only a few minutes later the chime sounded. T’Jal entered when Bethany opened the door. Luna hopped over, demanding attention. The Vulcan woman knelt down and pet her. “Hello Luna.” Then she stood and walked over and took a seat. “Hello Aasrel. How are you doing today?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I’m okay.” Aasrel said, sitting back down. He was nervous, unsure what to expect. He glanced at Bethany, and then T’Jal.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded at him and sat down and took his hand. She felt confident about it all.

Aasrel was reassured by her confidence as he squeezed her hand gently.

T’Jal met his gaze, “What do you know about mind melds? Have you ever undergone one?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“No, never. I know it’s a Vulcan form of telepathy, that it’s different than Betazoid telepathy. I know it used to be frowned on, on Vulcan, like, two hundred years ago.” He listed off a few other things. “I’ve been trained to use visual telepathy, that’s how I saw Bethany’s dream. I’ve studied forms of telepathy, but… Mind melds weren’t the focus.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Like Betazoid telepathy, the communication is the same. We will be able to converse back and forth. It also allows for visual telepathy. Unlike Betazoid telepathy we will be able to explore each other’s memories, at will, not just converse. It can be very disorienting. My memories, you will experience as your own and vice-versa. For a time we will be one being. Afterwards, you will be able to know what was you and what was me.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded, feeling more at ease. “Okay. That makes a lot of sense to me.” He squeezed Bethany’s hand gently again. “I’m a naturally pretty strong telepathy. I tend to adapt to these things quickly.”

~ Izei, CMO

T’Jal nodded, “If you are ready, we can start.”

“Do you want me to stay? It can be very exsposing,” Bethany asked.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“You can stay.” Aasrel said, though he let go of her hand. He turned to T’Jal, “I’m ready.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany got up and moved over to a chair, while T’Jal took her place. She set both hands along his face and stared into his gaze. She breathed intentionally matching their rhythms. “My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts.Your mind to my mind, thoughts to my thoughts. Our minds are merging, our minds are becoming one.” She repeated the mantra until the connection was made and solid. Hello, Aasrel. It is time to come with me. To look at those things that are frightening and painful so that they no longer control you. She began to move through his memories collecting those twisted self-images like a dragon holding gold. Aasrel could not avoid it. In this case, she was in charge of their consciousness. He was aware of her memories, relived them as well. As she fought the Borg many times, rescued her husband, finding him so changed and then the long journey to recovery.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

His mind shied away from her memories, afraid of the Borg. Terrified of them. Then there was the shame that came after. Why was he so afraid, when so many had far worse experiences? T’Jal’s memories only proved that. T’Jal was in charge, Aasrel found himself following her through his own mind. Twisted self images, his implants looked far more noticeable than they ever had been in reality, his eye like something from a horror movie. Even his prosthetics, in his mind, were something grotesque, though better than the implants.

He could also feel her fear. Odd for a Vulcan, but she was half human. Do not be afraid, it’s over, these are memories and we are not alone. Do not be ashamed. There is no scale to balance who suffered more or less. We have all suffered. She paid particular attention to his feelings and perceptions about himself. Delving into the reasons and the emotions.

Then there were his own memories of the Borg, full of terror. He’d been afraid from the moment it became known there was a Borg ship within sight. His ship barely stood a chance. T’Jal relived it with him - he’d been in Sickbay, going about business as usual. Then came the attack, the reports of damage and injuries. The Sickbay became busy. Aasrel, a new department head at the time, had rushed from patient to patient as the Borg’s onslaught against his ship continued. No, no, I can’t. I don’t want to see this, please. Aasrel’s telepathic voice sounded near pleading.

Suddenly his emotions were gone. T’Jal did not embrace the idea of Vulcan emotionlessness, but she was capable and she used it now to shield him from the trauma.

She saw as it came over the comms they were being forcefully boarded and Aasrel closed the biological contaminant bulkheads in an attempt to protect his patients, his staff. He collected a couple of phasers, from injured patients from the Security department, and armed those still able to fight. And then they waited. In tense, fearful silence, they waited. Aasrel fiddled with medical equipment - these were his memories, T’jal knew why. A scalpal, to defend himself, a medical device he attempted to alter to distract or otherwise buy time.

They waited until there were sounds at the door. The Borg had come. She saw, no, she was Aasrel as he turned the medical device on, flashing extraordinarily bright lights at the Borg drones. It seemed to have little effect. He’d hidden all the patients away in locked patient room, only those who could fight were in the main Sickbay. Those few staff members were quickly overcome. Aasrel, in another attempt to protect his crew, confronted them head on, but it ended predictably. He was caught and held tightly, assimilated by force.

He could remember being assimilated, he could remember his body being altered - hastily, the Borg had been desperate. He could remember his time, though short, only a handful of weeks, as a drone.

And then he was on another ship, the Sickbay of a battleship, terrified and alone, without his telepathy, huddled on a biobed with his knees to his chest.

~ Izei, CMO

You will remember what has happened to you. As she spoke to his mind they were so merged that Aasrel repeated the words in first person.

You will remember that you did feel. It will be lessened as if felt through a fog. It will cause you no upset.

You will be able to speak of it, to do the work to heal your spirit. When you are ready the feelings will return, under your control, when Bethany or I say this phrase....

T’Jal forced him to look at a reflection of himself. She forced him to see how she saw him, how those around him saw him, with out the twisted self loathing. Accept and Be Whole.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel repeated the words in his mind as T’Jal spoke them to him. It was more like she was saying them with him, at the same time. She brought up a reflection of him, of how others saw him. Normal… He looked… normal. The emotions associated with his memories of it faded into the background. There was a sense of gratitude and thankfulness, along with a great sense of ease. As if letting go after a long hard day, except for him, it had been ever since the attack.

~ Izei, CMO

You are whole. You are healed. One day, very soon you will have control of your memories. It will not be an easy journey, but you have the strength to overcome, and you will.

The disconnect was slow. T’Jal did not wish to shock him, so she allowed their separation to be slow. He was free to experience any of her memories, there was nothing hidden. It was a truly intense intimacy between telepathy.

When the connection was broken, her hands dropped and she leaned back on the couch. Bethany handed them both a glass of juice. “Here drink, both of you. And I have muffins as well.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS