Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Side sim: Matters of the Heart

Posted by Ensign Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in Side sim: Matters of the Heart

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in Side sim: Matters of the Heart

(snip)

Roman nodded, looking briefly at Rand. Grat’s statement wasn’t hugely reassuring but at least it was something. He turned, slipping his legs over the bed, and then waited again. He felt lightheaded, his vitals again reacting though less drastically, to the movement. When he started to feel better, he looked at Grat.

~ Roman

“I’m not thrilled with how long it’s taking to return to resting, but it’s not unexpected for your first day. How are you feeling? Want to try standing again or rest for a bit?” Rand didn’t even need to hear the answer, Roman would try to stand again. She had too, and she kept trying till she could stand on her own.

Rand

“I want to try standing.” The answer came quickly, as Rand had expected. Roman was far too stubborn to say anything else. When Grat gave him the green light, he stood again, hand out towards the bed in case he needed it. He did need it, he was quickly so lightheaded he needed to sit back down or fall down, so he steadied himself and then sat. But he did not black out, and that felt… weirdly triumphant.

~ Roman

That was much better, and Grat let Roman keep working on standing until he showed signs of fatigue. “Alright, I would prefer you to rest for awhile, but if you are feeling up to it later, Elbbirt will be here all night.” He was rather pleased that the lower dosage was enough to keep Alden stable, but he had already learned not to say too much, for fear the Cmdr would become more stubborn.

This. was. frustrating. Roman tried until Grat made him stop and he still couldn’t stand reliably let alone walk on his own. With a frustrated harumph, he laid back when Grat made him stop. He hadn’t expected it to be so hard.

Rand moved back over and sat with him. “You did really well.” She kissed his cheek. “You want some water or citrus tea?” She remembered she wasn’t allowed caffeine for awhile. The stimulant could over work the heart.

Rand

“Citrus tea,” he sighed. At least it was tea. He wouldn’t be allowed his usual black tea for a while. He didn’t feel like he did well. He’d have at least liked to stand in one spot without needing to leave a hand on something to support himself, and that hadn’t happened yet, not even after all their trying. And the fact that standing in one spot without moving was some kind of accomplishment was just depressing to him.

~ Roman

Rand knew it was depressing and frustrating. To be so sure you could make your body obey and it wouldn’t. She could only sit with him and answer whatever questions he might have.

The following days were the same, Rand did have to leave for awhile. Once to visit Pipkin and to clean up and fresh clothes. She brought Roman something more comfortable than a medical gown to wear. Another time for a longer session with Rogers. She had her escort the whole time.

Roman was making good progress. Once his body remembered how to maintain when standing he was able to move around the room. After Elbbirt came on duty he had good news. “Alright, so I have been arguing with Morgan all day, but she’s going to station Richards in here and we are going to clear sickbay and go for a walk. There is a small office past the main bay that has a window. Right now only Morgan knows, and we have to stay in sickbay. We can take as many breaks as you want.”

Elbbirt