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 (47) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
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.”

Her posture relaxed immediately, but the jumpy edge didn’t fade at all.

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

~ Izei, CMO

She relaxed noticeably in his arms, but it was his presence, his words, and recognition that really helped her. Bethany nodded just slightly, but it was more a feeling of acknowledgement. “Sorry Keyana,” Bethany smiled apologetically. “Thank you. We’ll be right there.”

Keyana smiled and turned, heading back for the house.

I’m sorry, Rel. Her regret and shame we’re palpable. She couldn’t do much about it though. She hated the paranoia, and she knew it was mostly baseless. The thing was, it wasn’t anymore.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Don’t worry about it. Aasrel hugged her tighter now that his sister was gone. There’s nothing here to worry about. We’ll be okay.

~ Izei, CMO

She leaned against him, head laid back on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She breathed slowlt a few times. I know, but knowing doesn’t stop the paranoia. Maybe she should go back on her medication? She hated it though. It made her lethargic and muddled. She didn’t feel like herself and it was hard to make decisions. We should go eat, I guess. Your mom is a great cook.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

You could try different meds. Have you thought about asking Paddy? He asked, hearing her thoughts. Then nodded, Yes, we should. She probably made something for you.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany sighed. That was problematic. She’d gone on a couple of dates with Paddy when she first was assigned to Asimov. That wasn’t a huge deal, not really. However, a lot of the things associated with her paranoia was classified, restricted, and compartmentalized. How could he help her if she couldn’t tell him 90% of it. I probably should, I guess. She didn’t move anything but her head to look up at him, I thought Medical had to write prescriptions? Not that that really mattered. Aasrel was professional, he would want a consult anyway.

We do but I’m not trained in mental health beyond screening questions. Aasrel replied with a shrug. I don’t feel comfortable recommending mental health meds without a consult.

After a moment she sat forward and stood. Let’s go eat. I’m going to put on 15 pounds from your mother’s cooking.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel stood with her and started walking her to the house. Wait till we go back and you lose it all again.

~ Izei, CMO

Oh I’m sure. That just means I can come back and eat all I want again. Bethany didn’t really think about what she said or that it meant she wanted to return to Betazed with him again. The feelings and words were genuine, she just wasn’t thinking about it that deeply.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled and she could feel his amusement. She would love that. When they reached the house, it smelled of breakfast foods. They made waffles with maple syrup and even managed to find earth fruits that one might want on a waffle, strawberries and things. When Mrs Izei saw her, she smiled. It’s Earth breakfast day. I hope everything tastes okay for you. I don’t cook Earth recipes very frequently.

~ Izei, CMO

“Everything smells wonderful, Mrs Izei. Thank you.” Bethany moved toward the table. Bethany considered offering to show her a few recipes or even cook for everyone, but she didn’t want to hurt their feelings. Everything they had made was wonderful, and Bethany enjoyed it all.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Two days later, Aasrel and Bethany were sitting on the transport back to the spires. “What do you thinks she wants?” Bethany asked about the priestess. She had respect for people who devoted their lives to faith, but she didn’t believe in it. She was also curious but wary.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I don’t know.” Aasrel said, shrugging. “I mean, these kinds of priestesses are usually pretty in tune with their senses, she may want to just… Tell you something?”

~ Izei, CMO

“Well that’s vague and reassuring,” Bethany bumped his shoulder with his. “This ever happened to you before?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“No, never,” Aasrel replied, shrugging. “Could be some sort of scam, except I didn’t sense any deception.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Hey now, you sound like you’re coming down with a case of my paranoia.” She grinned at him, but it certainly was a change. “I’m the suspicious one of this relationship.” She stared just past his shoulder, thinking. “I’m not great at the whole empathy thing, but either she is very good, or very genuine.” Maybe she should go back to the shuttle and get her phaser.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Come on, Bethany, you don’t need a phaser to protect me,” Aasrel said. “It’ll be fine, I’m sure.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Glad to know you have such faith in me.” Bethany grinned, but there was that nagging suspicion. It was her paranoia. But what if this time it wasn’t? She shook her head to herself. She couldn’t keep on like this. She’d almost attacked Keyana the other morning. “Is there anything, like manners, or ritual I should be aware of?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Just follow my lead, and you’ll be alright. It’s not exactly a mystery you don’t know certain customs.” Aasrel replied.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. She didn’t like being unprepared, but it wasn’t like she didn’t know how to improvise.

Eventually the transit stopped, and they got off to be welcomed by the same woman who had told them to return. “Welcome. I am glad you have both returned. Come,” she beckoned them to follow. They took a round about path past the pillars toward a building that was sprawling, but low, with beautiful flora and several people wearing similar garments as the woman walking about.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel followed, beckoning Bethany to do the same. “It’s… Well, it’s like a Buddhist retreat, I suppose. A place where people devoted to the religion live and work and pray.”

~ Izei, CMO

“It looks peaceful,” Bethany observed. The pillars were just as busy as they had been the day before. She had that same sense of experience, that she knew things, but had no memory of it all.

As they reached the building the woman turned and paused. “I am Vemme. Iddis,” she nodded towards an older man who stepped outside, “and I will be your guides. Through the door you will find robes and slippers. Take your time, we will be waiting past the inner door.” The passed through a door and the two were left standing outside.

Bethany took a breath, “Well Rel? Shall we?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. “Yeah. Let’s.” He said, but she could feel he was nervous. He took her hand and headed through the door.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked around. There were soft plain slippers and warm knitted robes hanging up. The was a soft trickle of water and a very relaxing aroma in the air. Everything inside was made of natural materials with soft simple decorations. “Hmmm, if it wasn’t for the mysterious nature of our hostess, I could believe we were on a romantic spy treatment.” Bethany looked over her shoulder at him and winked in that way she had. “Hmmm, maybe we should do that.” She began to undress, reaching for the robe and tying the belt around her waist.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel eyed the robe uncomfortably and hugged his arms around herself. The way she winked at him made his stomach flip. He smiled slightly, but his discomfort was obvious to her. “Anything romantic with you sounds good to me.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany turned and wrapped her arms around him. “Come on. The robe is long and the slippers will cover your feet. It will be okay. I mean at least they aren’t treating this like a wedding and want me to parade naked around the sanctuary.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“You’d be okay with that,” Aasrel joked. He hugged her and rested his head against her. “Please, I....” He looked at her, stressed and uncomfortable, “help me?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed, “Hmmmm, with you yes. If that is what you needed. I’m really not into the whole public nudity thing. Though I refuse to be embarrassed if it happens.” Bethany hugged him tightly and then helped him find a robe that made him feel covered. Then she rummaged through drawers and cupboards until she found socks that he could wear with the sandals. “There, how’s that?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“These will work. Can you sort of… Guard?” He asked. And then, quickly and uncomfortably, he changed. He pulled the robe tightly shut and pulled the socks up as high as they’d go. Then put his gloves on.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany took up the most cheesy and stereo typical stance by the door. She cracked it open and peered through, shushing him and waving him back from the door every so often. No doubt she would take anyone out that threatened him. However, her overexaggerated antics were meant to make him laugh.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel grinned and shook his head as he changed. It did make him laugh a little. But it also highlighted how ridiculous he was being and made him feel bad and weird. He tightened his robe again and waved her to knock it off. “Alright, alright, I’m ready.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany turned and wrapped her arms around him tentatively, and she looked and felt uncertain. She bit her lip worriedly. I’m sorry, Rel. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. She had just wanted to help him relax by being ridiculous. Instead she had made it worse.

She stepped back and turned for the door. He’d be better off with a real Betazoid.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

No, no, no, he said, almost frantically, that’s the beauty of Betazoid communication. I understood your intent. I am happy for it. He clung to her and stepped with her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany stayed with him, she wouldn’t leave, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be better off with someone else. Someone not broken and abnormal.

Vemme and Iddis were waiting. Vemme looked at Aasrel. We want to help her, but she is totally dependent on you. You make her feel safe and loved. Are you willing to encourage her to come with me on her own. To let her experience the wholeness and beauty of her heritage? Or do you think she will withdraw completely?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel considered for a moment. Then he nodded. I think she’ll be okay. He looked at Bethany and hugged her gently. “Go with them, okay?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany was aware of a conversation going on that she wasn’t aware of. When Aasrel told her to go with them, she became extremely uneasy. She didn’t want to go alone with any strange Betazoids. It was hidden and buried underneath that sassy overtly flirtatious demeanor. “Yeah, sure Rel.”

As they left Iddis turned to him. I am Iddis. I am here to help you if you are willing. Waved Aasrel forward to join him as he began to walk down a path.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel went with him apprehensively. He was far more trusting than Bethany, but he was still cautious. Help… With what?

~ Izei, CMO

You are lost young one. I wish to help bring you back to Karawati. She and her children have not forsaken you. The way is open if you wish to travel it. Are you familiar with the Rute of Incada? the old man asked.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I know of it, Aasrel said, But I do not think it can fix me. The… All that matters was taken away from me.

~ Izei, CMO

The older man set a hand on his shoulder. Perhaps, but it is not gone forever. You are not gone; you are still here. You are not broken, Aasrel Izei, just wounded. I would help you find your connection again so you may heal. If you are willing to try.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It won’t work if I don’t believe it will. I’m afraid I don’t have anything left to believe with. Aasrel replied sadly.

~ Izei, CMO

The old man nodded thoughtfully. Do you believe that we are all connected? Through the gifts of telepathy and empathy. Connected to each other, all living things, to Karawati - the planet on which we live?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Of course I do. Not just to Karawati, but the universe as a whole. It’s hard not to when you’ve been out there. Aasrel sighed softly, But my connection was severed.

~ Izei, CMO

No, not severed. Damaged, but not severed. He walked on for a moment. Karawati teaches us that we are all connected, not just here to other Betazoids, but to all life, large and small. We are lifted to have an insight to that connection through our telepathy, but all things share it.

He looked over at Aasrel, If your connection is severed as you say, then you lose nothing but trying. If however it is simply waiting to heal, you gain much.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Is Bethany doing something like this? Aasrel asked. Why was he so apprehensive? Maybe she had rubbed off on him.

~ Izei, CMO

The man’s eyes focused inward. Yes, or Vemme is trying to convince her. She is quite afraid of us, but she is a part of us. She has been traumatized more than she can accept or face. His gaze returned. Vemme is hoping she will agree to the Caitia Panelle Rite. It is Vemme’s hope that it will help her accept her gifts of empathy and telepathy, and also feel the connection to others and the Goddess herself. To help her feel connected and not adrift and alone.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel chuckled lightly. “I love her, but I wish you good luck.” He looked at the man and nodded, a bit uncertainty. Okay, let’s try this.

~ Izei, CMO

“Vemme is stubborn and veey convincing. We shall see what happens.” Iddis led him to a low, squat building with sliding wicker and rice paper like doors. Steam floated out as he opened the doors. There is a small changing area with bathing shorts. The sauna room is quite warm, so you must dress lightly. The oils and salts have been prepared. You may enter the pool when you are ready. I will be on just the otherside of the door during the rite.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Thean could feel Aasrel’s trepidation. I HAVE to wear less? He asked. I, um.... I don’t know…

~ Izei, CMO

No one will be in there with you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I know. It’s… Not just an ‘other people’ problem, he explained, hesitantly going in to change.

~ Izei, CMO

Iddis put a hand on his shoulder. It will be alright. You can wear as much or as little as you like. I will leave a dry robe for you. But, my dear child, nothing will change if you will not allow yourself to see yourself. He squeezed gently and left him to change. He entered a room very nearby, where Aasrel could still feel his presence - calm, comforting, and steady. He could feel Bethany too, having no easier time with the whole thing than he was. She was earnestly trying to keep an open mind, but the whole thing, all the telepaths, were making her paranoia spike. She was trying very hard to control it and do this for him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS