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 Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?
Posted by… suppressed (91) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Aasrel leaned into her and rested his head against her, rubbing her hand with his thumb on their clasped hands. He closed his eyes and let himself be lost in her feelings of love and support.

~ Izei, CMO

A soft contended sigh escaped, that he only heard because they were so close, as his thumb rubbed over her hand. Bethany remembered him doing that when she was in sickbay and thought she was going to die. As if he could use the motion to simply wipe away everything that was wrong with her. They stayed that way for the rest of the trip. Bethany was content as she had ever been. When the transport stopped, she waited until the aisle cleared and then made their way off and back into the neighborhood where his family lived.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

By the time the transport stopped Aasrel was sleeping lightly. It was Bethany’s movement that prompted him to get up and follow her off. When they arrived home, his mom hugged both of them. How was your day? Did you like going, Bethany? What did you think?

~ Izei, CMO

After the quiet of the transport, Rel keeping the majority of the thoughts around her at bay, the sudden contact felt too much. Bethany realized she had a headache from all the telepathy. She had tried to blend in a little more for Rel’s sake. “It was beautiful. The Spires are,” she searched for the tight word, “enchanting.”

She felt a small kick at her foot and looked down at Luna. Bending to scoop her up, Bethany grinned. “I see you managed to wrap someone around that floppy ear of yours, and got out of your carrier. You had better have stayed out of trouble.” Luna twitched her nose and cuddled into Bethany’s arm.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana smiled and laughed. “She is too cute for her own good.” Everyone sensed her discomfort and the pain of her headache and switched accordingly. Mrs Izei smiled and nodded. “Enchanting is a good word for them. I love going there.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned from behind a full face nuzzle of the bunny. “Oh and she knows it. On my previous ship, our security chief was known for never smiling. Everyone liked him, but he was always quiet. By the end of our first week, Luna had him walking her around the ship on her leash, and getting him to feed her in the lounge. No one could believe it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana smiled widely. “Good! Everyone needs to smile.” That was when Masas walked in. “Of course little miss smiles would say that.”

~ Izei, CMO

For a moment, it felt like home. Watching her uncles pick on her mother like they were still children. When she had first arrived on Earth, she had been fascinated watching her mother and uncles together. Then after her mother had died, it was like the light faded. Her uncles still picked on each other, but for a long time it was forced. Bethany envied Aasrel and Masas and Keyana that relationship. “You should always smile and laugh. Especially when people don’t expect it. It makes them wonder what you’re up to.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“See? Bethany gets it,” Keyana said, gently clapping Bethany on the shoulder. She grinned at Aasrel, “What do you think?” Aasrel shrugged and shook his head, “It’s complicated.” Keyana’s smile faded slightly, and there was a quickly hidden pang of… pity? Some kind of regret? and she plastered the smile back on. “Come on Rely, everything is more fun with a smile. You used to say that.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked over her shoulder at him, tossing one of those flirtatious, sassy, mysterious grins. The kind that always got his attention. She held his gaze until he smiled at her, and then she winked at him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel couldn’t help but grin, “Come on, Bethany, that’s not fair,” he complained.

~ Izei, CMO

“On Earth, we have this very old saying. Goes back a few centuries. ‘All is fair in love and war.’ So, yes it is quite fair.” She winked at him again.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Well, this isn’t Earth.” Aasrel huffed playfully, giving her a look. “Alright, alright,” Keyana replied, “I think I like that saying.”

~ Izei, CMO

That look made Bethany blush. It always did. Bethany leaned into him, not overly close, but enough. “It’s called cultural exchange, Doc.” Then she looked at Keyana, “It’s a very useful saying.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

We’ll see how you feel about that cultural exchange later, Aasrel replied, still giving her that look. He was sure he could find some way to playfully use his culture to his advantage. Keyana looked between them and smiled. “I can imagine so.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany didn’t trust herself to make sure only Aasrel heard her. But she knew all about the side of his personality that went with that look. Her face turned an enamored and bright red. Which of course everyone in the room noticed. Bethany didn’t care. She was quite sure she would enjoy whatever he came up with.

Bethany nuzzled Luna again before the rabbit insisted on being transferred to Aasrel. Bethany indulged her and handed her over. Turning her attention back to his sister, “It’s quite useful in all sorts of situations. I’m pretty sure whomever first coined the phrase intended it that way. Is there not something similar on Betazed? Minus the war part of course.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana thought for a moment as Aasrel took the little bunny and scratched by her ears. “What’s fair in one thing, must be fair in all things. Means quite the opposite of your phrase.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. “Do unto others,” she said quietly. A double edged blade that statement was. Be kind is what it was supposed to mean, but many took it to mean if someone hurt you to do the same to them. “That’s a good standard to try and live by. I fall quite short of it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Most do, I think. No one’s perfect,” Masas said. He glanced at Bethany, “So long as you’re good to my kid brother no one here will be judging you.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany met his gaze, “Understood, Cmdr.” There was a hint of humor to the words, but the feelings behind it were nothing but sincere. Of course Bethany was less perfect than most. She had a monster’s DNA running through her veins.

And that quick Aasrel could feel the strain against the block the Admiral had placed as memories and knowledge tried to free the emotions.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel pulled her into him and kissed her, right there in front of everyone. No thinking like that on our vacation. He said to her telepathically, concern in his words. You are nothing like him.

~ Izei, CMO

Aasrel took her by surprise. Which was beneficial to stopping all those problematic thoughts. The words and his conviction washed over along with his concern and love. She wasn’t sure she wasn’t like him, but at the moment, while he kissed her, she couldn’t think of anything else. There was only the safety of his arms and the connection between them.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

His family was polite enough to look away, empathically understanding why he’d done it. Maybe not the exact reason, but the broad strokes. The kiss ended and he nuzzled his head against her, still gently cradling Luna.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany told herself she didn’t care his family was watching. She’d survived life by not caring what people thought. People always stared at her, had opinions about her. But never had she really felt home except when she was with Rel. She rested her head on his shoulder, keeping her eyes closed, holding onto the illusion of privacy for as long as possible. Luna scrunched up on Aasrel’s arm and closed her eyes.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

They were like that for a while. His family just didn’t have the heart to interrupt. It was the most at peace either of them had felt since arriving. Finally Aasrel sighed softly and lifted his head. “I love you.”

~ Izei, CMO

“I love you, too.” Bethany kissed his cheek and rested her head on him again. She didn’t feel well. She’d already had a headache, and this sudden bout made it worse. It upset her stomach too. Headaches had mostly been cured now because of a better understanding of the brain. However that led to the incorrect conclusion that they never happened. What she probably needed was Rest and a mild pain killer. She didn’t want to Aasrel to stay alone with her. He had a family waiting to love him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“You should rest.” Aasrel said, sensing her headache and tiredness. “Why don’t you head to my room? It’ll be quiet there.” He said, hugging her again.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded, “Yeah. I think I might take something if you think it’s okay.” Her whole medical profile was out of whack now. She couldn’t think about the why too much.

Aasrel nodded. “That would be fine.”

She reached for Luna. The little rabbit seemed to sense that Bethany needed her, and she willingly settled into her arms. Bethany said good night, even though it was early, to everyone and then went into his room and shut the door. She had barely finished changing when Luna climbed onto the bed and laid down with her.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Everyone said good night back, and Aasrel hugged her one more time before she left. Then he sat down to spend some time with the others.

~ Izei, CMO

Aasrel’s mother sat down next to him. She radiated a warmth and love that soothed and comforted. She took his hand and squeezed it warmly and didn’t let go. I am so happy you are home. I have missed you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I’ve missed you too, Aasrel replied, but there was apprehension. The mind meld had helped immensely but there was still a lingering fear he wasn’t himself anymore.

~ Izei, CMO

It was easy for his mother, his whole family, to pick up on it. She reached up and brushed her fingers through the hair at his temple, like she had when he was a child (and unbeknownst to her, where one of the implants had been). You are still our Aasrel. Your essence, your feeling, is still the same. Just a little older.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The surgery was still recent enough sometimes when he was touched where one had been he flinched like it was still there. This was one of those times. He jumped slightly with a flash of discomfort and something like fear, and shame. And then sadness and emotional exhaustion as he leaned against his mother like a small child would. I’m sorry.

~ Izei, CMO

No, oh no, my little love. That’s what is mother had always called him. Never be sorry for your emotions and how you feel. They are natural, a part of you, a part of all of us. We all feel the rainbow of emotions. Sometimes alone and sometimes together. She kissed his forehead.

His father came over and sat, he set an arm around his shoulders. There is no shame in how you feel, and there is no time limit on how long you feel it.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Masas came over too and set a hand on his shoulder. Sometimes in the fleet we go through things we never should have to. That is why there are so many people there to help us. Haven’t you any friends in your crew? What about your counselor?

Aasrel felt comforted by them, they could tell, but still sad and stressed, and upset. He offered no intentional response, but the answer was pretty obviously just Bethany and no recent counselor visits. He was however, glad his telepathy was back. Their words reminded him how isolated and alone and lost he’d felt without it.

~ Izei, CMO

Your brother is right, Azzie, his father said. There are resources there for you. Why have you not used them?

His sister had a hard time seeing him with no friends. She thought Bethany was amazing, but why hadn’t he made other friends? She had no way of knowing how hard that was to do on a mission like they just finished.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It wasn’t just that the last mission wasn’t conductive to friend making but also that he hadn’t tried since the incident with the Borg. He’d spent most of his time alienating people and wanting to be alone. He pressed his face against his mom’s side. I just… I don’t know, I just don’t.

~ Izei, CMO

It can be hard to connect to new people that don’t understand what you have been through, his father said, And that’s okay. But ignoring therapy is a bad idea. If you don’t like the counselors available to you, let’s find one you do. It’s going to be okay. We’re here with you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It’s not that I don’t like him, Aasrel insisted. Of course, he’d sensed Bethany’s apprehension about Paddy, but he’d not seem the counselor himself. I have to use the ship counselor anyway. He could do a subspace call, but if they got stuck on a mission like the last one, that option wouldn’t be available.

~ Izei, CMO

His father sensed the hesitation and the confession, Then why haven’t you gone? He squeezed his shoulders. You don’t have to say, but if you tell us, then maybe we can help you. Rather than just offer our words and feelings.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I don’t know why, Aasrel replied miserably. There was an undertone of apprehension and anxiety. It’s too much, I guess.

~ Izei, CMO

His mother took his hands and rubbed the backs with her thumbs. How do you wish you felt right now? She had often asked her children that when things were too much or confusing.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Better. Like myself. Less… disgusted with myself. He sighed against her. Bethany had this old Vulcan friend of hers do a mind meld to help… Suppress some of the emotional turmoil. This isn’t even as bad as it was.

~ Izei, CMO

She rocked him slowly, How do you want us to help you do that?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I wish I knew. Judging by the wetness on his shirt and the soft sorrow he felt, he’d started crying. You’re going to call me at least once a week from now on, Masas said.

~ Izei, CMO

And us too, his mother said. Then she began to sing. Lullabies and ballads she used to sing when they were much younger. The songs evoked memories and emotions in all of them, that they all shared together.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Nostalgia and pleasant emotions overwhelmed him, drowning out all else. It helped him calm. Soon he was asleep against his mom, emotionally exhausted.

~ Izei, CMO

His parents and siblings exchanged glances and emotions. A mix of gratefulness he was home and loving concern for the trauma he went through and hope that finally being home would help him begin to heal. After awhile, they laid him down on the couch and covered him with a blanket and went to bed.

It wasn’t long before Keyana returned. She was holding a cobalt blue stuffed flanarian bird. Aasrel had given it to her when she was little. She had had horrible nightmares about the things that might happen to their father while he was deployed. It had comforted her. She tucked the stuffed toy into his arms and then laid down in the floor beside him and went to sleep.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The toy has been his, one of his first when he was a baby. He’d been glad to give it to her to help her sleep. Here, Mr Feathers will watch over you and scare all the nightmares away, he’d told his younger sister.

Aasrel woke up in the early morning. He noticed a familiar blue stuffed toy tucked gently into his arms and then Keyana on the floor. He smiled a little, hugged the toy closer, and closed his eyes to try and sleep a little longer.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany could keep her mind quiet and blank with little effort, but that was due to intense training. She could also move silently, but that was because Uncle Kian had taught her how to move through the mountain wilds and not disturb the animals.

She had woken with Luna curled on her chest, but no Aasrel. She had fed and pit the rabbit in her cage and then went looking. She stood in the living room watching Aasrel and his sister sleep and the stuffed flanarian bird in his arms. She smiled, it was a precious sight. He looked more peaceful than she’d ever seen him.

Just as silently as she’d arrived she slipped out of the house. She always lived fresh air and nature first thing in the morning.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The house began to awaken a little bit later. First Masas, then their parents made their way quietly into the main room. Their parents started on breakfast. It was that noise that woke Aasrel, who reached down and gently poked Keyana in the back. “Key.”

~ Izei, CMO

Keyana groaned and then her eyes popped open with a huge smile, “Asa!” She hopped up, clammored onto the couch and hugged the stuffing out of him. He hadn’t called her that in a long time and she was so happy he was home.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Key please, Aasrel said as he was squished into a big hug by her, though there was the same sense of joy and nostalgic happiness. I saw Mr Feathers. He said to her, smiling at her.

~ Izei, CMO

She squeezed him tighter for a moment before letting him go, just a bit. He always made me feel better. You made sure, so I thought he could help you now.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled and picked it up and tucked it into the bedding on the couch. I don’t want to take him away from you.

~ Izei, CMO

Keyana leaned away from him and gave him a look. He’s yours first. You gave him to me to keep the nightmares and fear away. I always knew you were close by when I had him. That you would keep me safe. Now you keep him again, so you know I’m always with you and love you no matter what. She grinned at him, Besides that’s what mail is for. You can return him when you don’t need him anymore.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel gave her a mock horrified look. MAIL him? No way, they’d lose him. The day I don’t need him anymore, I’ll bring him back myself.

~ Izei, CMO

Keyana’s eyes lit up and she squeezed the stuffing out of him again. Good. She let him go after a moment. What do you want to do today?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I don’t know, I need to see what Bethany wants to do. He looked at her and hugged her again. Thank you.

~ Izei, CMO

You are welcome, Asa. She hugged him again and got up to help her mother with breakfast.

The strange thing was, now that he had a moment to notice, he couldn’t hear Bethany.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel pIsed when he noticed. Has anyone seen Bethany? There were a few nopes, a sense of lingering curiosity as everyone went about their business. Aasrel stepped outside and reached out for her, telepathically. Bethany?

~ Izei, CMO

There was a flutter of presence that felt like it was coming from behind the house. She wasn’t hard to miss with sunrise glinting off her red hair in all the greenery of his parents garden.

She was sitting in the garden, on her shims, hands loose in her lap, eyes closed. She was meditating.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel went over to her, quietly. Bethany. He said softly, telepathically, pleasantly smiling at her. Came to look for some peace and quiet?

~ Izei, CMO

More like looking for the calm eye in my own storm. She rolled her shoulders and sat back, stretching her legs out as she looked up at him. I was trying to practice some of the techniques you’ve been teaching me. Everyone was asleep, felt like a good idea. She reached for his hand and pulled him down beside her. I always loved sunrise, when the mountains first wake up. This isn’t quite the same, but it hints so strongly at unknown familiarity that it’s uncomfortable. She wasn’t sure he understood. She didn’t dislike it, but it felt off, strange, to feel so… well like a piece of the puzzle, but feeling you don’t really fit either.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He smiled. Good, I’m glad. You could’ve woken me. In his arms he still carried the stuffed blue bird, its bright orange feet hanging down from his arms. He nodded and sat by her as she pulled him down with her. I don’t really get it, but I want you to teach me.

~ Izei, CMO

No, she shook her head. I’ve never seen you sleep that peacefully. I wouldn’t let anyone wake you. She looked around the garden, I don’t know of I can explain it, Rel. I know things look familiar because I lived here 7 years of my life. I was born here. Like that flower. Bethany pointed to a dark purple bud. I know it, I recognize it. I know it grew on the path to the lake, but I have no clear memory of ever seeing it and I can’t name it.

My mom… Well, everyone… He sighed softly and smiled a little bit. Like this. He said, gesturing to the stuffed bird. There was that sense of nostalgic happiness, and comfort… almost peace like she’d never felt from him. I don’t think I’ve slept that well since before everything.

I’m glad Rel. You need good sleep. She smiled, Keyana is very protective of you. Even more than Masas is.

I was surprised to see her on the floor there. There was a sense of amusement even though Aasrel didn’t audibly laugh. Maybe she’s trying to pay me back for our early years.

She raised a knee and rested an arm across it. Like yesterday, I felt this yearning, this… pull toward the dances. Like my body knew the steps, like breathing, but I never went there or anywhere else as a child, unless I was a baby. But as I tried to anticipate what they would do my memory was blank because I don’t know them, but I am also certain that I do.

Bethany shrugged, Maybe just wishful thinking.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

No, it makes sense. You were so young, you don’t consciously remember, but you were raised in some of your formative years here, so it’s all there somewhere. Aasrel smiled. Maybe it would be best to remember the good times, with your mom, but ultimately let go of the past and experience Betazed anew.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded, You’re right of course. This isn’t quite that though. Or at least I don’t know if it is. It’s just these hints of familiarity, but when I try to remember they slip away. It’s just frustrating. The feeling left her off balance, made her feel like she was being watched, like someone was out to get her. It was putting her on edge.

So what’s the story with the bird? She reached over and gently tugged one of the orange feet.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel put an arm around her and pulled her into him. He knew he couldn’t make her feel completely safe, but he could try. It was mine, when I was a baby. You know how sometimes moms buy babies that first stuffie? This was mine. It’s called a flavian bird. When I was three, I named him mr feathers. He slept with me every night. But when Keyana was really little, throughout most of her young childhood really, she started having nightmares about dad, about what might happen to him while he was on duty. So I gave her Mr Feathers. I told her he would watch over her and make the nightmares go away. That he would fly into space every night and make sure Dad was okay, and if he wasn’t, Mr Feathers wouldn’t come back because he’d have to be with Dad. So if he was there in the morning, he must be okay. He smiled, It doesn’t make any sense, but it worked. She had less nightmares about it.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s amusement was obvious, but there was also a sense of awe and pride for him. That he did that for Keyana. And now she wants you to take him to watch over you. I guess he still knows how to do his job then. Rel hadn’t had a nightmare last night.

He hadn’t. He’d slept soundly and peacefully. Yes, his nightmares had lessened slightly since the mind meld, but they were still very present. The night before last he’d had one. Yes, he does. Aasrel played with the stuffed bird’s wing. Before I gave him to her, I’d take him everywhere with me. The first time my mom saw me without it, she thought I lost it.

Oh no. But you had just given it to Keyana, to keep her safe. Bethany kissed his cheek. You are an amazing man, Rel. I love you.

Aasrel smiled and there was a sense of joy and happiness, but also bashfulness. I was only trying to be a big brother, like Masas.

Her head rested on his shoulder, and she scooted closer as he held her. Rel did make her feel safe. He might not take on a fullraging Klingon, but he fought something much scarier - her inner monsters.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel wished he could fight a raging Klingon. But no, he would get very quickly beaten. He was a doctor, and that was it. He leaned against her and sighed contentedly.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany caught his thought, To be fair, I wouldn’t last long in a fist fight with a raging Klingon, either. You’ve learned a lot, Doc. You’ll survive it, even cause some damage in the process, and that is all that matters. Besides you fight things much deadlier than a Klingon warrior every day.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel was surprised and then happy for Bethany. She’d caught his thoughts and responded. There was a sense of joyful amusement. I hope I never have to test that.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany couldn’t quite tell the difference, and Aasrel never corrected the misconception. Bethany shook her head and leaned against him. If you ever end up having to fight a raging Klingon, you better call me immediately. I’ll never forgive you if you don’t.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

But Bethany, what if we’re on a mission and you’re on the ship and I’m on a planet? Aasrel asked, amusement and playfulness swirling about the words.

~ Izei, CMO

It’s called a transporter, Aasrel. Or ship phasers set to high stun with a wide field or minitorpedos if necessary. She shrugged, Lots can be done from far away. And if not, we’ll I’ll just have to come down there.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. He never wanted it to happen, but he enjoyed teasing her and she could tell. If you’re busy you can’t drop everything to shoot torpedoes out of the ship. He commented.

~ Izei, CMO

“Pfft.” Bethany raspberried. If you are on an away team and being attacked you are our priority. And if not the CO’s, you’re mine.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel grinned. I’ll remember that. He leaned his head against her. If we ever encounter them again though, I want you to stay as far away from them as you can. I don’t care about anything else.

~ Izei, CMO

No worries, Rel. That was a slim coincidence. I’m out of that work, remember. Bethany laughed bitterly, Well, I’m supposed to be out of it. I wish I really was.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

That wasn’t who Aasrel meant, but it was an equally valid thought. I think you’d have to leave Starfleet first. He commented.

~ Izei, CMO

“Yeah,” Bethany looked out over the landscape. But what would I do? She had to admit the scenery called to her in a way she didn’t understand. Stay at home and wait for you to return on leave? The image of an old front porch swing and mountains of yarn and knitting needles piled around her. It was so absurd it made her chuckle.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel chuckled too. One day we’ll switch ships. Something that doesn’t do intel stuff. He smiled at her and then sighed softly. I meant… He pictured them, the Borg, but Bethany wasn’t trained to see it. the, well… he gestured to his prosthetic arm. We ever run into them I want you to run away.

~ Izei, CMO

She grinned and gave him that look. Now that sounds like far reaching, permanent plans. They had to, or they would never be assigned to the same ship.

Aasrel blushed slightly. He smiled. I… I didn’t think of it that way, but I’m not against the idea.

Hey now Doc, she looked at him with a wide eyed twinkle, keep thinkin’ like that and I’ll get the idea you’re sweet on me.

Then you’ll get the right idea. Aasrel smiled.

Bethany blushed and fanned herself dramatically, Oh my.

Bethany turned to look him right in the eye. She took both his hands. “Not without you. I have no plans to fight that enemy, but I will not go without you. You can’t convince me otherwise.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel squeezed her hands. I can’t watch that happen to you. It’s worse than death. You will run. You have to.

~ Izei, CMO

I will run, dragging you along with me. Promise.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled despite himself. That’s not what I said. But he hugged her anyway. Let’s hope it never comes to it.

~ Izei, CMO

Hope was all they really had. He was afraid of the Borg and she was afraid of… well she should feel afraid of Elias. Right now though, everything was calm and safe. She leaned against him and watched the sun as it continued to rise. Will it storm today?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Hope. That thing he’d once lost and Bethany had returned to him. That she kept bringing to him. He nodded towards the sunrise. Deep red. It’s beautiful. He looked at her. But it will storm.

~ Izei, CMO

Where’s the best place to watch a storm? I want to do that when it gets here, she asked as she watched the Deep red on the horizon that was so different from home, but welcoming at the same time.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel pointed up a nearby hill. There. Keyana, Masas, and I used to go up there. He told her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany followed where he pointed. Will you take me? It might be special though for him, Masas, and Keyana, Is it alright?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded. It is special. But so are you. I’ll take you there and they will love that you’ve seen it. Do you want just us two to go or all four of us?

~ Izei, CMO

We can all go. It was awkward for her, this whole sibling/family thing. But she absolutely wouldn’t exclude them. She liked them and wanted them to spend as much time with Aasrel as they could.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. Once it starts rolling in we’ll get them to come up here. Aasrel wanted her to feel included in the family. He knew everyone else did, too. They would be happy to invite her to their old “secret place”.

~ Izei, CMO

Will Masas bring Vexi too? There was a subtle sound behind them, and Bethany whirled from her stretched out position to one knee facing back behind them. At the same time she had pushed Aasrel behind her and reached for a phaser that wasn’t there. Cursing herself the whole time. Her mind raced with outrageous and totally unplausble scenarios. Most centered around Elias Balthazar.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It was Keyana who jumped when Bethany reacted so swiftly. But then she settled and smiled. She knew Bethany didn’t mean anything by it, she could feel her paranoia. “I was just letting you know breakfast is ready.”

Aasrel hugged Bethany to him. It’s alright. It’s just Key.

~ Izei, CMO