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 (80) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
They all hugged, not wanting to let go, but they did eventually. Vexi came into the room and looked at Masas. Aazod wants you to put him to bed.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Okay, I’ll go, Masas replied and stood, patted Aasrel on the back, then disappeared down the hall.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany let Luna wear herself out. It would stop her from banging loudly on the carrier to get out in the morning. Bethany had quickly readjusted to it (she’d actually had a hard time not hearing it when she’d had to leave Luna behind), but she didn’t want her to startle anyone else. When Luna finally hunkered down like so much cotton fluff, Bethany picked her up and cradles her against her chest. “Alright, come on. It was all very exciting, but you can explore more tomorrow.” Bethany reentered the house and quietly closed the door behind her

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana smiled as she came in. Bethany, come here, she said and beckoned towards Aasrel. How’s the little bunny?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany walked over and sat down. “Almost asleep. She’s been confined to the shuttle for a few days. She ran herself all over the yard and back. She should be quiet tonight.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. We’ll see. She has endless energy. He looked at Bethany, We’ll do something tomorrow. Whatever you want to do.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned, “True, she does, but she’s a little lady.” She shrugged, “We’re on vacation, no need to rush about.” She really hadn’t thought much past getting him home to his family. “I’m sure there is plenty around here you can show me.” She looked down at Luna, “I’m going to go put her in her crate.” Bethany left the room and down the hall. She set Luna in her crate, made sure her water and food was full, and closed the door. She returned to the living area and sat back down.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

They spent some more time talking, but it wasn’t long before it was time to go to bed. Aasrel stood and grabbed Bethany’s hand. I think we should head to bed, he said. So we’re rested for whatever we decide to do tomorrow.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s eyes twinkled as she stood. “I know better than to argue with doctor’s orders. Good night.” Bethany was exhausted though she hid it. She toed off her shoes and changed into a long night shirt. She was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.

You’d better, Aasrel said and laughed as he followed her.

She slept hard, too tired and too much of a headache to dream or be bothered by memories. It was the sound of Luna’s teeth clicking against the spout of her water bottle and the rustle of hay that woke her the next morning. She opened her eyes and laid in the quiet. She would have to take Luna out. The small carrier didn’t have room for a litter box. But for the moment she would simply enjoy the silence.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel slept hard too. Tired and worn out, he didn’t wake until after Bethany had taken Luna out. When he did, he stretched and reached for her. “Bethany?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany wasn’t in the room. Luna’s crate was open, and her night shirt was folded neatly on top of her bag and her shoes were gone as well.

After taking Luna out, Aazod had been up playing a video game. He kept losing and was becoming very frustrated. He claimed the game was impossible and did random things that weren’t fair. Bethany had smiled, but she wasn’t amused at him. She’d told him it couldn’t be random. Computers didn’t have the capability of making a random decision. Everything action in a game or any program, was determined by choices and input. He had to watch for the patterns. He looked at Bethany like she had six heads and eyes on stalks. She sat down on the floor with him and showed him what she meant.

“HEY! I did it. Thanks Bethany!” She chuckled, “You’re welcome.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel walked out of their room just as Aazod won the game. “What are the two of you doing?” He asked.

~ Izei, CMO

“Uncle Reli!” Aazod jumped up and hugged him. “Bethany is so cool! She showed me how to beat my game. I’ve been stuck for weeks!” Bethany shrugged and grinned, “It’s just a computer program, albeit a very fun one.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel gave a soft ‘oof!’ as the kid ran up and hugged him. “That’s cool, now you can keep getting farther in it.” He said. He smiled at Bethany. “Don’t take the magic out of it,” he said and grinned.

~ Izei, CMO

“Oh I would never,” Bethany grinned and stood up. Aazod hugged Aasrel again and hurried back to his game. Bethany walked over to him and set her forehead on his shoulder and groaned. “I need coffeeeee.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel grinned and hugged her. Then he disappeared back into their room and came back with her coffee. “We just need a machine to make it with.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s eyes went wide in playful desperation. “Tell me you have something?” She hugged him, but behaved herself. “I’ll do anything,” she whispered frantically. “I didn’t bring a coffee brewer. We have to find one!” She whispered urgently.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel laughed and hugged her. “There’s a store not too far from here that should have one. It’s got a ‘human’ aisle.” He looked down at her and grinned, “Wanna go?”

~ Izei, CMO

“I need coffee. Yes!” She looked around. “I gotta find Luna or she’ll get into mischief.” Bethany spotted her sniffing around one of his mother’s plants. She took her outside and quickly brought her in and put her in her crate with extra hay. She hurried back into the living area, grabbed his hand and drug him out the door. “Comeoncomeoncomeon.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Okay, I’m coming!” Aasrel said as she dragged him out the door. They took public transport to the store. It was a normal supermarket. When they reached the right aisle, it was a section of shelving filled with random human foods from random cultures. Teriyaki was right next to hamburger buns, was next to Mexican chalupas. But they did sell a small collection of coffee and a small coffee maker with a pot.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany giggled at the mismatch of food and the suggestions on the signs. She shook her head and grinned. She spotted the coffee maker and snagged it, holding it like someone might try to steal it from her. She had her own coffee, but she grabbed a couple of bags that were also good coffee. “Anything you need? I’m all se… Oh!” She grabbed another box, put the ground coffee back and grabbed the one bag of fresh coffee beams the store had. Bethany had real beans in the shuttle. She could go back and get them.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel was grinning and laughing. “No, I don’t need anything. If you’re ready I’m ready,” he said. “Want me to carry that?” And he pointed to the bean grinder.

At the check out, the clerk smiled at them. How is your day going? Did you find everything you needed?

~ Izei, CMO

“Yes, thank you.” Bethany smiled politely at the woman, but it wasn’t returned. The woman didn’t roll her eyes but the emotion she projected did along with the thought of ‘Oh, one of those.’ Back home that would be means to walk out without making a purchase and making a scene. The only thing that would accomplish would be for Bethany to go without her coffee. Bethany just smiled bigger and paid then looked at the woman, “Yes I am, and you are one of those.” It made it sound like the girl was some sort if creepy crawly monster. Bethany too her purchase and left.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Have a good day,” she said after them as Aasrel followed Bethany out. “What did you get?”

~ Izei, CMO

“A coffee pot,” she grinned, “and this other thing is called a coffee grinder. What we put in the pot is coffee grounds. But it’s made from beans. There is absolutely nothing as good as a cup of coffee from freshly ground beans. I never would have thought to find them here. Usually I can only find it at the store at home.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“So you’re making me some right?” Aasrel said as they got back on the public transport. He wasn’t sure the clerk was trying to offend - he thought she might’ve more been ignorant - after all, lack of telepathy was not at all common. But he wasn’t sure, and he wasn’t going to bring it up.

~ Izei, CMO

“Of course. As soon as we get back. I’ll make enough for everyone. Your travel mugs are in my pack, so we can take it with us.” Bethany didn’t feel the need to discuss it. It wasn’t the first time that had happened to her. It did bother her, but locked down deep where it couldn’t breathe. “Even if you don’t like the taste, the smell is wonderful.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Soon they were back at his parents’ house and heading in. “You know I’ll like it. I always like your coffee.” Aasrel said, elbowing her playfully.

~ Izei, CMO

“It’s why you insist on house calls even when I’m not sick.” She elbowed him back. Inside she set her items down like they were chests full of treasure. She took the grinder out first and opened the bag of whole coffee beans. She inhaled and grinned goofing. She filled the grinder and then let Aasrel smell the rest of the bag.

While the grinder was working She set up the coffee maker. As soon as the beans were ground she dumped it into a filter and started the pot brewing. “Cups?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel, sniffing the coffee bag, set it down and pulled out some mugs for her. “Here you go.” He said, and then he watched the grinder break down the beans.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany waited until the last drop filled the pot. She poured a mug for Aasrel and slid it over. Then she filled one for herself and lifted it to her lips and sipped. “Mmmmmm.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel drank out of his mug. It was very good coffee. “Better?” He asked and then grinned.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded taking a much bigger drink. “Mmmmhmmm.” She closed her eyes and grinned. She savored the coffee. “Okay, now I can function. Where do you want to go today?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel grinned and shook his head. “What are you interested in doing?” He looked at her, “I live here. I don’t know what’s interesting to a tourist.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Honestly, I really just want to see where you grew up. Your favorite places. But I kind of want to see the Glowing Spires of Bren’Dunn. Is that something we could do?” It was a strange request and it held a lot of doubt and very mixed emotion. Bethany wasn’t really religious, it she didn’t appear to be.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “Of course we can.” She had said before she wasn’t religious, but perhaps she was, a little bit, or perhaps she wanted to see it for another reason - in Aasrel’s opinion one didn’t have to be religious to want to see a religious monument. He smiled reassuringly as he felt her doubt. “It’ll be fun.”

~ Izei, CMO

She nodded. She didn’t want to examine her reasons too much. If she didn’t and kept them locked away, no one around her could read her thoughts. She didn’t mind Aasrel doing it, but this felt far too private. “I heard they are quite a beautiful natural phenomenon. Unique to Betazed.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “They are. Beautiful.” He smiled, “I’m happy to take you. Perhaps it’s time I see them for myself again anyway.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Well then let’s go. I just need to make sure Luna is all set in her crate.” She sipped her coffee amd sighed happily. It only took her a few minutes to get Luna settled. “Ready?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. Outside, they got on public transit headed towards their destination and while they rode, Aasrel told her all about it, its history, and cultural and religious significance.

~ Izei, CMO

It was quite a distance to get to the Glowing Spires of Bren’Dunn. Bethany was edgy not having her own transportation, but that was a result of coming off a mission such as theirs. She had no reason to suspect they were in danger here, though her senses never really dulled. The transportation was oddly silent, except for children that were speaking to their parents. “What do you think they are, Rel?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Honestly?” Aasrel said with a shrug. “Some scientific marvel I’m sure. Everything has an explanation in science and logic. But that doesn’t discount their spiritual meaning. Not to me.” He smiled a little bit. “They’re.... I dunno. Hopeful in a way. Beautiful.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Just because there is science behind it, does not mean that there are no gods or powerful beings that built them.” The galaxy was full of such stories. After a moment she looked at him, her gaze searching and more than curious. He could tell that she was looking for answers, an explanation for the way her life happened. “What do they mean to you?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Well, the four gods, they walk among our thoughts, our hopes, our dreams. They aren’t almighty, all powerful beings, but betazoids like us.” Aasrel leaned forward and took her hand. “Being there… It’s like you can hear their thoughts among your own. My family makes the trip here every year.” He sighed softly. “When I was younger, I preferred to pray to Fana. But this year… I definitely would rather go to Altha… or Imza.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Awww, you were a tree hugger as a kid.” Bethany smiled but there was no teasing in it. She seemed to like the idea. “Peace would be nice. Put me out of a job. I could annoy Luna all day.” She thought Aasrel had an abundance of compassion, but maybe nit for himself. “Maybe Imza would be good.” Inside she felt like a lost child. If they lived inside their thoughts, then one did not have to be at the Spires. So why did they never answer her prayers? Was it because her telepathy was broken? Was it because her father and her grandfather were evil people and she carried that stain on her soul?

She told herself it didn’t matter. She had lived and survived her whole life without divine intervention. They could do nothing for her now, and she didn’t want them to, even if they could.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“The gods can’t really directly change things, you know,” Aasrel said gently to her. “They don’t have physical forms as they once did. Their influence is in our mind more than the physical world.” He squeezed her hand and smiled. “They would have very much wanted to help you. Like anyone else.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany shrugged and gave him that classic sassy grin when she squeezed his hand. “I’m just awesome. I didn’t need their help, and I still don’t. I had my uncles.” It was still surprising how deeply they were connected. Or maybe Aasrel was just that strong of a telepathy that he picked up things she kept hidden. Maybe it was both, or maybe she wasn’t guarding herself well enough. She didn’t mind that he picked things up, but she wondered how many other people did.

They arrived not long after. It was crowded and looked like some giant Celtic bonfire ritual. Except their were no fires, just 4 giant spires.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel was a strong telepath and they were deeply connected. There was probably little she could hide from him. He took her hand and led her off the public transit and towards the spires. “What do you think?”

~ Izei, CMO

The sun was still up, but the area still glowed with lights, colorful banners flapped in the breeze. People danced, music played, and the Spires reflected the light as it passed through their prism like qualities. It was a huge party, but there was a subtle reverence to it all and eerily silent to Bethany. She held his hand, her mind focusing fiercely on him as the crowd seemed to welcome the new arrivals in unison. It was uncomfortable and she was trying not to let others realize that. “They are really beautiful,” she said staring up at the Spires that seemed huge even at this distance.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled and gave her a quick kiss. “I’m glad you like them.” He let her lead. “Do what you feel comfortable with. I’ll be with you.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany bumped his shoulder with hers. “I know.” She looked around and started walking, staying at the edge of the bigger crowds watching the festivities. “My parents never brought me here. I do remember going to a temple though.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. “Not everyone comes every year. Many do though.” He followed her as she made her way around the edge of the crowds. “I believe it because it gives me hope to believe it.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded but something about the memory seemed pit of sync with what she saw here. Old memories from the perspective of a child. It didn’t always make sense. Bethany nodded, “I can understand that.” She remembered that feeling - Hope, but she felt like it had died in her a long time ago. “Hope is a powerful thing. It’s what makes people beat the odds in horrible situations.”

They got closer to one of the pillars, people were holding hands and dancing and spinning. Some would break away, approach the pillar. Some touched, some knelt, some lit incense. “What is this one?” She got reproachful looks, as if her voice disturbed what they were doing, but there was no aggression from anyone.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Imza,” Aasrel murmured to her, voice soft. He broke away from her, gently, moving up to it. He knelt by it and touched, staying for a quiet moment, then stood and returned to Bethany’s side.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany stood quietly and waited for him. She was curious about the whole thing as well as feeling out of place. As he came back she slipped in close to him, slipping her arm around his back. Her breath inhaled quickly and the feel around the pillar turned joyful and excited. Bethany was staring up at the pillar as it lit up and the light raced up into the sky.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel set an arm around her shoulders. “Isn’t it beautiful?” He asked as it lit up, light shining into the sky. He pulled her in close to him and smiled.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany leaned up against him. She watched, trying to find the same awe and excitement as the people around her. “When the pillars light up, isn’t that supposed to mean your prayer was heard?” For someone who didn’t believe in faith, Bethany had obviously spent a lot of time, at some point, learning about things.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. It had lit up after he made his prayer. She could feel the hope that gave him. “It does, yeah.” He pointed to each of the other three pillars and told her the name of the deity it represented.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany watched each one as he named them. Each group of people seemed to have a general sense of the same feelings or… Just something in common. People were so moved by it all. The lit pillar was drawing attention from the others. People drew close, smiling expectantly at the two of them. Bethany caught hints of congratulatory thoughts from them before they moved off. Bethany stared up at the light, leaning against him, until it faded.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Just refractory light, he reminded himself, but it still filled him with a sense of hope. When it faded away, he turned to Bethany and gave her a quick kiss. “I’m glad we came here.”

~ Izei, CMO

That was an amazing side effect of all this sudden telepathy. It let Bethany be very close to Aasrel. She could feel his Hope like it was her own. It let her see the beauty of her childhood home. Something she hadn’t been able to do in a long time because of her father.

Bethany leaned against his side as he held her. Me too. I love you, Rel. As much as she was uncomfortable with all the telepathy, she did enjoy it with him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I love you, too. Aasrel leaned into her and hugged her tightly. There was an overwhelming sense of love and affection. I really hope you can enjoy our time here. I’m glad you made me come. The sincerity, gratitude, and love in his words was palpable.

~ Izei, CMO

I will. There was certainty in her thoughts. It’s just taking some getting used to. I never thought I would be here again. She stopped in front of him and set her arms on his shoulders and gave him a devilish look. Oh so that means from now on you will follow all my suggestions because you know I’m right?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Depends on the sanity of the suggestion. Aasrel said, but he grinned. I don’t know, you do have a lot of good ideas. You’re why my implants are gone. Why my telepathy is back.

~ Izei, CMO

She hugged him tightly. But not the way you wanted. Maybe my ideas aren’t so good.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel clenched his prosthetic hand into her shirt. The way I wanted wasn’t possible, remember? If they hadn’t found out because of you I could’ve died.

~ Izei, CMO

I know, but I know you aren’t happy. I wish I had taken you off the ship when you first told me what was going on with you. If I had Martin might have been able to do more. The mission took too long. I didn’t act soon enough.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel shook his head and hugged her to him. You didn’t know. Couldn’t have known. I wish I could’ve seen Martin sooner too, but… There was no way off that mission. It wasn’t exactly a vacation in paradise.

~ Izei, CMO

No, it wasn’t. But this is. She nodded around the area with the pillars and the planet itself. I’m glad you brought me here.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. There was a sense of relief and happiness. Do you want to visit a pillar? Or do you just want to stay a while longer?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked around. I wouldn’t know what to do at a pillar or which to pick. But I would like to stay for a bit.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Whatever feels right. Aasrel with a shrug. Okay. I think staying for a while is a good idea.

~ Izei, CMO

They walked around for a long time. They ate, watched, listened to a storyteller, and even joined one of the dances. Bethany kept circling back to the pillar of Altha. Something about it kept drawing her attention. She was unsure exactly what she wanted to do, so she would move on, eventually circling back again.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel felt her unsureness, noticed how she kept circling back to it. Go up to it. Think your prayer at it like you’re talking to me telepathically. Touch it, kneel at it, whatever feels right.

~ Izei, CMO

Her red hair swayed as she shook her head ‘no.’ She didn’t walk away, just stared at it. To Aasrel she suddenly felt like a very scared, very lonely, and very hurt child. She tried to tell herself it was stupid, she was being irrational. Though all she felt was deep abandonment for all the times she prayed and was ignored, left to her father’s brutality.

She didn’t move, she just stared at the pillar.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel hugged her again. Okay. You don’t have to. He said. He wished he had an answer for her, but there was none. The gods couldn’t protect her from that, but he understood the hurt she felt about it. He just wanted her to be happy.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany leaned against him as he hugged her. She didn’t leave though. She watched the activity around the pillar of Altha. There was a yearning in her to follow Aasrel’s advice, but she didn’t trust it. Or maybe she didn’t trust herself. What if the pillar didn’t light up? She tried to convince herself it didn’t matter, she was used to that. It was better to not try than be disappointed again.

She didn’t believe in the divine, she reminded herself fiercely. She had once though. Before life turned to war and she lost her mother to death and her father to whatever evil lived inside him. What would she even pray about?

She stood there for a long time, indecision filling her. But eventually she stepped away from him and moved toward the pillar. She was watching the other people around it and knelt down like they were. She stayed there quite still, meditative and her thoughts locked tightly up.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel waited quietly and patiently for her, his arms wrapped around himself. Their earlier conversation had brought his focus back to the parts of himself he didn’t like. He was doing his best to not focus on it. He wanted to focus on Bethany.

~ Izei, CMO

She could feel him, his pain, his struggle. Even with the memory block, he was struggling.

I don’t know how this works. Honestly I don’t really believe, but he does. Can you, well, just help him be comfortable with his body. Fine himself again? Thanks

She got up quietly and went back to him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Just like when he had done it, the pillar lit up brilliantly, the light shooting into the night sky. Aasrel wrapped an arm around her and hugged her. I’m glad you tried even if it wasn’t your thing.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany didn’t look back as it lit up. She knew it had by the reflection in his eyes. She moved into his arms, silently needing his strength. She was too wary to hope it meant anything, but too in need of hope to outright deny it. There was nothing Bethany would not do for him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel hugged her tightly. I love you, Bethany. He could feel her need for his strength and her need for hope. He didn’t pry for what she’d asked for, he didn’t want to know, but he got the feeling it had to do with him.

~ Izei, CMO

It was about him, but that hadn’t been what she had originally been thinking. She couldn’t bring herself to ask anything for herself. She had this recurring nightmare since her father turned on her, that she burned in The Great Fire for eternity because she wasn’t worthy. She was damaged and not a real Betazoid. The gods wouldn’t answer her, but she hoped if she prayed for Rel, certainly he was worthy, they might answer for him.

“I love you too, Rel.” Her voice feathered quietly past his ear. They stayed until the light faded, and then Bethany followed him wherever he wanted to go. She was content to follow him and let him indulge in whatever experiences he wanted.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel stayed a little longer, but it wasn’t long before she could tell he felt tired and ready to go. He was doing better with his prosthetics, but the joints and his body were beginning to feel sore. He seemed to be waiting for her to decide if she wanted to stay or go.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany was ready to go and started walking back the way they had arrived. They were waiting to board the public transport when a woman in a pale pink, green, and blue swirl robe approached them. Bethany had no idea who she was, but the people around her were very respectful and had a kind of reverence towards her. The woman set a hand gently on Aasrel’s arm. Your prayers were heard. You both must come back in two days to see me.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS