Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in What If…

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in What If…

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in What If…
Posted by… suppressed (75) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Roman had slipped over to her seat and when he saw her sway, put his hands out. He was relieved when Lori came to help her. Jay moved over and let Roman hold onto him while he got up. Then kept an arm around Roman to keep him upright. Roman smiled at Rand. “Thanks for trying, but you have to take care of yourself, too.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She nodded, “I’m alright, really.” She stared up at the front of the Caliano’s home. It was pretty, homey, Rand liked it. It was different from her family’s home, but had the same feel to it. She and Lori followed everyone else inside. Bys and Pater disappeared around the side of the house. They were very careful as they checked the property and then seemed to disappear, though Rand knew they were very close by.

Yeoman Rand

The Calianos led them all inside. “Lori, Rand, make yourselves at home. Jay, settle Roman in, in bed, and we’ll take dinner to him.” Jay had told his father what the doctor had said. “Right, come on big guy,” Jay said, leading Roman back to the back bedroom. Fifteen years ago, it was guest bedroom. When Roman moved in, it became his. It was pretty bare bones, he’d never really moved in, despite the Calianos urging him to.

Lori led Rand over to a chair and they sat. Rand watched as Jay led him away. “Jay is really nice. Looking out for him.” He reminded her of her brother.

Lori nodded with a silly grin. “He is. He’s really sweet. I like him a lot. He really loves his family.”

Jay helped him to the bed and made him sit down. Roman sat willingly and lay back on his bed. “I’m alright, Jay, there’s no need for all this.”

“Yes there is, now lay down, shut up, and wait for dinner.” Jay said. He sat next to Roman in an arm chair in the room.

In the main living area, Mrs Caliano smiled at Rand. “Do you need anything? If not, it’s the back bedroom on the left. That’s where Roman will be.” Mr Caliano chuckled, “He better be. For the next twenty four hours minimum. I’ll make it an order if I have to.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori laughed, “Jay said you would have to do that. Will it work?”

“He’ll listen to me. Always has,” Mr Caliano replied confidently.

Rand liked that. It didn’t sound arrogant, just certain. She always listened to her dad too.

Rand shook her head. “Oh, no ma’am. I’m fine, thank you,” she said quietly. She hadn’t thought about the fact Roman having to rest meant in his bedroom. She looked down the hall and told Lori very quietly. “I… I think I should go.”

Lori helped her stand, “Nonsense.” She turned toward the hall. She paused to look at Mrs. Caliano. “Maybe some chamomile tea if you have any?” She asked quietly.

Mrs Caliano smiled and nodded. “I’ll put some on straight away. I’ll bring it down the hall once it’s brewed.”

Lori smiled, “Thank you, Ma’am.”

She stopped at the back bedroom door and knocked on the frame. “Are you two up for some company?” Lori asked.

Yeoman Rand

Jay looked up and smiled. “Of course. Come in.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori had to propel Rand into the room. There were some things that Rand was very old fashioned about, and add her anxiety. Well, Lori had to prod a bit.

Rand could walk on her own if she took her time. Lori had propelled her through the door, and it would be rude to just stand in the doorway and block Lori. She moved just into the room and to the side. She was curious, but she tried not to stare around his room, or to stare at him too much. “How are you feeling?” She mentally kicked herself for that. He would say fine whether he was or not. Also, she had just seen him, so nothing had probably changed. Lori flashed Jay an amused look.

Yeoman Rand

Jay grinned back as Roman answered exactly how Rand guessed. “I’m fine.” Roman smiled at her. “Thanks… For coming. I can tell it’s hard for you.” He chuckled lightly. “This is probably a lot for a first date.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Of course, you asked me to come,” it was so innocently honest. Lori thought it was adorable too. Rand must really like him. Rand wished she wasn’t like this. She wished she could hide it. “No, it’s okay. I’m just sorry you got hurt.” She moved closer, leaning her hip against the footboard. “Are you still dizzy?”

Yeoman Rand

Roman nodded. “It’ll fade, once I’ve been still for a while.” He said. Jay looked like he was going to comment, but held his tongue and instead looked at Lori and shook his head.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Then you will just have to stay still. No more dancing,” she stopped herself from adding ‘with clumsy partners,’ “for a little while,” she said instead. That was sad, that was all Rand wanted to do. She wished this hadn’t happened. Dancing with Roman had been one of the best moments of her life so far. She’d always remember it.

Lori nodded. Their friends were in need of being taken care of. She started to say something when she saw Rand drop her hand onto the foot board. It seemed casual, but Lori could tell it was the lightheadedness caused by the medication. “Rand, you should sit down too,” she looked around for another chair because she knew Rand would never sit on the bed.

Yeoman Rand

“Daaaaad, can we get another chair in here?!” Jay shouted out to the other room. “I’ll get a camping chair!” Came the reply from his father. A few minutes later, Mr Caliano appeared in the doorway with a foldable chair. Jay took it and put it next to the bed, closest to Roman. Mr Caliano left after Jay thanked him, and then Jay looked at Rand. “Sit.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Well that left no room for Rand to wonder if she should let Jay or Lori have the chair. Jay meant it for her and expected her to use it. Rand wasn’t a follower, but navigating social niceties was always so confusing. “Thank you, Lt. Cal,” she stopped. He had said to call him Jay. “Thank you, Jay.” She waved Lori’s hand off and sat carefully in the chair. She set a hand on the edge of the mattress for just a little extra support as she sat. The chair didn’t exactly allow for perfect posture and she was forced to lean back in the chair.

Lori winked at Jay and mouthed a silent thank you.

Yeoman Rand

Jay smiled, at both of them. “You’re welcome.” He said. “Lori, if you like, next to me is always a seating option.” The trick was, there really was no next to him. It would be in the same chair as him. It was a big chair, but there would be overlap.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori grinned and swept over and sat, squeezed in next to him. “Why thank you, Jay. I can’t think of a better place to sit.” Rand watched out of the corner of her eye. She wished she could be so bold. She turned her attention back to Roman. He was why she was there after all. “Umm, how long has it been since you’ve been home?”

Yeoman Rand

“Ehhhm.... Jay?” He asked, looking over at his friend. “A year and a half,” Jay said. “We went home the Christmas before last, when I was still an Ensign. Then we got started on this project and… Just didn’t have time till now.” Roman nodded. “That’s right. A year and a half… But I promise you, I’ll try my best to see you before that much time goes by. It wouldn’t be fair to ask someone as kind and beautiful as yourself to wait for me when we’ve known each other so short.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

That hadn’t even occurred to Rand. It hadn’t been why she was asking. She was just trying to find something to talk about. Her next question died in her throat and she turned bright red. “Oh, um, it’s… I don’t mind. You don’t really have control of where you go.” He wanted her to wait for him? Her heart raced at the thought. It sounded hard to not see him, but wonderful to know she would eventually.

Yeoman Rand

That made Roman second guess himself. “Oh, I’m sorry. I… I thought you’d want to wait. But that was rash of me. You… You have a life here. I don’t.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand looked horrified, her face turned white. She didn’t say that. “No. Tha … that … I didn’t…”

Lori nudged Jay and tipped her head toward the door. She got up and made a quiet exit. Hopefully the lack of audience would ease Rand’s ability to speak.

Rand twisted her fingers in her skirt. “I don’t mind waiting.” It came out on a quiet breath barely audible.

Yeoman Rand

Jay followed Lori out, quickly and quietly. Roman noticed, and seemed like he wanted Jay to stay, but said nothing. He smiled at Rand when she managed an answer. “Good. I’m glad. I…” He took her hand gently again. “That means I’ll wait too.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand worried her lower lip. When he took her hand, her eyes dropped to them. She seemed to relax some when he did that. “I’m sorry I made you think that… well that I wasn’t um interested. I like you very much, Roman.” It was hard to get put, but at the same time it wasn’t. She felt comfortable with him. If she could just not think about their audience she would be okay.

Yeoman Rand

Roman smiled. “That makes me a very happy man.” He said. He rested his head on his pillow. “I’m getting a little less dizzy.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand smiled, looking up through her lashes. She was flattered. Something about her made him happy. No one had ever said that. Well her family, of course, but that didn’t count. They had to say that.

She squeezed his hand, “I’m glad.” For both things. “Do you need anything? A blanket or something to eat? You should drink a lot of water with a concussion.”

Yeoman Rand

“Jay can get me water,” Roman answered. “You are lightheaded. You should stay here, with me.” Yes, he’d picked up on that, from Lori’s reaction to her putting her hand on the bed. “My blanket is here, on the bed. But I am not sleeping and I don’t want to overheat being under it all day.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“I’m okay. Really. The medication Dr Hammond gave me lowers blood pressure and makes me sleepy. I just have to be careful not moving to fast,” she reassured him. She hated taking it, but she’d let herself get worked up over everything. Then Roman got hurt and Bys wouldn’t take him because of that crazy maniac. It was scary knowing she couldn’t be alone.

Yeoman Rand

Even if he didn’t know her at all Roman would never let that person get near her. It was all the better knowing she had such a dedicated security team. He smiled. “Promise?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand smiled and nodded. “I promise.” She was relieved he didn’t ask how she knew or why she had to take it. She didn’t know Lori and Bys had said anything. Nor did she remember the things she had said to him as she fell asleep.

She wasn’t sure what to do. He said he wanted her there, he wanted to talk to her, but she didn’t know what to say. “Ummm… is there … anything you want to do while you’re home?”

Yeoman Rand

“We’re taking this vacation one day at a time. Jay’s idea.” Roman replied. “Have you ever noticed how happy and proud Henry is when Jay is around? I know you said they see your shows regularly.” He said and grinned. “I think Jay likes all the attention.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand nodded, “He sounded like he loves you both very much.” The way he spoke to Roman in the car and then when they arrived at the house. Rand glanced behind her, “Well he is getting plenty from Lori.” Rand smiled. She was happy for her friend. “She likes him.”

Yeoman Rand

“I can tell. I’m happy for them both. Jay certainly likes attention of that kind, but he seems to really like her.” Roman commented. “Henry, he took me in when I was a teenager. Helped me out when I was younger, too.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand was curious what he meant. Did something happen to his family? Something had happened to him. She wasn’t sure she should ask. “He talks about you both any time I see them. He likes to talk about his two sons being officers in Star Fleet. He was very kind to me when my brother left. I was really scared for him. He always asks me how he’s doing.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman nodded. “He’s like that. A very caring man. I’m not… really his son though. He… My parents…” He sighed a long sigh. “They’re not dead or anything. They’re just.... not....” He shrugged. “So your brother is in Star Fleet?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand smiled, “I think you should ask Cpt. Caliano’s opinion on that.” She didn’t ask about his family. He didn’t seem to want to talk about it. “He is. He’s a nurse practiser. He also is a licensed therapist. He finished a rotation at the veteran’s medical center in San Francisco before he left. He was assigned to Space Station K5.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman nodded. “A solid choice. Though space stations are not my preference, some officers very much like them. Perhaps I’ll get to meet him someday.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Randy said he didn’t really have a choice. He said counselors don’t get assigned to ships. It’s either a space station or outpost with a large medical facility.” Rand wasn’t sure if Randy would have preferred a ship or not. “What’s it like? Being on a ship?”

Yeoman Rand

“They do if there’s a big enough need for one, but otherwise, no, they don’t.” Roman shrugged. Some people thought there should be one on every ship or at least most ships. But it just wasn’t seen as necessary and ships just weren’t big enough to have everything. “The crew is generally quite close-knit, my ship has just over a hundred people on board, but when we’re out there, those hundred people are all you have. But,” He sighed, in a happy or content way. “Space… Well, it’s beautiful out there. Beautiful, Rand. I specialise in alien planets of course. Every single one…” He shook his head, “I can’t even explain it. They’re fantastic.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

The passion in his voice was obvious. He loved what he did. “It sounds wonderous. What’s been your favorite?” Rand had thought about traveling the stars once, but never enough to want to join Star Fleet. Maybe one day she would take a trip.

Yeoman Rand

“We’ve recently visited a planet called Kelmao. Everything is vibrant and reflective or glows. The water stays cold without ice. It’s definitely the next place I’d like to research the wildlife.” Roman said. “I can’t imagine not doing what I do.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“That sounds beautiful. Maybe one day us mere mortals will get to see it. What was your favorite animal?” Rand could ask questions. She knew how to do that, and this was his work, so unless it was classified. It stopped her from having to answer questions about herself.

Yeoman Rand

“I have a lizard, from Aldaria, name’s Mushu.” Roman responded. “But from Kelmao? …there was a small, reflective lizard that could harden its scales into a mirror, flash sunlight at predators.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“You like lizards.” Her head tipped to the side just a little. He named an animal he was studying. Rand thought it was adorable. “Mushu? Like thr guardian dragon from the epic of Mulan?”

Yeoman Rand

Roman nodded. “Jay thought of it. He likes naming the animals. We’re not supposed to get attached, but he can’t help himself.” He was leaving off, of course, that he did the same thing and refused to admit it.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand grinned and her eyes danced at him, like she saw what he wouldn’t admit. “So if you aren’t supposed to do it, why do you call him Mushu too?”

Yeoman Rand

Roman looked at the door and dropped his voice. “Because Jay doesn’t like it when I don’t,” he whispered playfully. “One time, he wallpapered our quarters in photos of one of our animals captioned with its name.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand laughed. “I can see where he might do that.” She thought that maybe Roman liked the animals as much as Jay. He was formal and proper, so she could see him not wanting people to know. She leaned toward him and whispered back, “I bet you still call them by name when Jay isn’t around.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman leaned into her so his mouth was by her ear and whispered softly, “Maybe I do.” He moved back just a bit and smiled at her. “And maybe, just maybe, Mushu rides on my shoulder during his interaction time.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Her heart started racing and a breathless flush raced up her cheeks again. She was only aware of how close he was and the rumble of his voice so close to her ear. Wow His eyes were even more incredible this close and his smile gave her butterflies. “I think I’m jealous of Mushu,” she blurted out smiling at him. Then she realized what she said and thr cute flush turned flaming red with embarrassment. She looked away quickly before covering her face with her hands.

Yeoman Rand

Roman smiled and laughed. “You’re welcome to move closer to me now, then. Give Mushu a run for his money.” He said. He took one of her hands away from her face and held it. “There’s no need to be embarrassed. It’s okay.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

His suggestion was so appealing she was stunned she was considering it. But no, she would have to sit on the bed with him and he needed to lay still so he didn’t get dizzy or anything. It wasn’t okay. She couldn’t look at him, her hand trembled in his, and she was pale now. Every part of her just wanted to run away, but the medicine Dr. Hammond had given her, stopped the adrenaline rush and racing heart. Something in the way he said it calmed her slightly, made her want to curl up in his arms until everything was okay. That thought just shocked her more. She should not have said that; she should not have been so bold. She wasn’t usually like that.

Yeoman Rand

Roman squeezed her hand gently. “What’re you thinking?” He asked. She was trembling and pale. “You can tell me.” He said softly, smiling reassuringly.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand was sure she couldn’t tell him. He had such a weird effect on her. People made her nervous all the time, but she couldn’t seem to hide it from him. Hide behind the mask of her characters. It was impossible to be anyone but herself around him. And herself was so lacking. He was waiting for her to answer, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell him. Social convention said that when you were asked a question you respond.

Her voice was whisper soft, “Chan eil fios agam dè a nì mi. Thuirt thu gum faodadh mi faighinn nas fhaisge, ach chan eil fhios agam am bu chòir dhomh. is dòcha gu robh thu dìreach a’ magadh orm agus gun a bhith trom. Bha thu a’ gàireachdainn. A bharrachd air an sin tha thu air do ghoirteachadh, agus chan eil mi airson do dhèanamh nas miosa. Tha mi dìreach a’ dèanamh amadan dhìom fhèin. (I do not know what to do. You said I could get closer, but I don’t know if I should. maybe you were just teasing me and not serious. You were laughing. Plus you are hurt, and I don’t want to make you worse. I’m just making a fool of myself.).”

Unaware, she had let the pressure of his hand pull her forward so she was almost leaning against him. It wouldn’t take any effort for him to tug her close enough to have her sit next to him. “Chan eil mi airson gun co-dhùin thu gu bheil mi ro dhuilich agus nach eil mi airson mo fhaicinn a-rithist. (I don’t want you to decide I’m too awkward and not want to see me again.)”

Yeoman Rand

Roman hadn’t the faintest idea what any of that meant. It sounded nice. He could hear nervousness in her tone. That same anxious tone she seemed to often have. He smiled, “That sounds nice. Come here.” He tugged her gently towards him, making a little space for her.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

His comment made her laugh, but it was cut off as she was tugged over to his side. It was like he was a magnet and she was made of iron. She couldn’t help herself. She was gently pulled from her chair to the space he had made beside him. She was sure they weren’t, but it felt like they were closer now than when they were dancing. She sat there trying to maintain her posture, out of nervousness, and trying not to stare at him. Her mind raced for something to say and landed on the last thing he said. “Everything sounds beautiful in Gaelic. For all you know, I said there is a monster hiding under your bed and if I tell you he will hurt you.” She meant to grin, but it came out as an uncertain smile.

Yeoman Rand

Roman laughed. “For I know you said something awful… Or something lovely. I think I’ve got it.” He grinned and winked at her. “You said… You really like the idea of sitting with me and you just couldn’t wait for me to drag you over here.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

It was absolutely so close to the truth Rand’s eyes widened. Then they dropped to study her lap. She almost blurted that it wasn’t fair. He said he didn’t know Gaelic, but that would tell him he was right. Lori would probably flirt with him, tell him he was right and how happy she was he figured it out. If Lori actually knew Gaelic. Or… or maybe she should say either way he had her over there and grin at him. Or should she be coy and deny it? Should she get up and leave. Tell him he was too forward. Could she escape with the excuse of finding out where Jay was with his water? Or that she needed to check in with Bys? No, no that wouldn’t work. Bys did the checking, not her.

Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to fi d something to say. Her cheeks would be permanently blushed from now on. Oh, why was this so difficult? What would Elizabeth do? She would insult him and storm out. But that was only if she didn’t like him. Rand liked Roman. Elizabeth would tell him so, politely and privately, but Rand couldn’t bring herself to do so.

Yeoman Rand

“Are you okay?” Roman asked gently, wanting to be sure she was comfortable and okay. He looked at her with caring concern, focused closely on her.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Ohhh,” she’d made him worry. She looked up at him at least. His look tugged the words right out of her. “I’m nervous.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman smiled. “Then focus on relaxing with me. We’re both supposed to be.” He realized how happy Jay must be about this, there was someone that was keeping him in bed. He squeezed her hand. “I don’t know what makes you nervous, but I will tell you if you’re doing something I don’t like, okay? Will you tell me the same?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Hesitantly, Rand nodded. “Okay. I will.” She looked up at him through her lashes again, “Everything makes me nervous,” she confessed.

It took her another few moments before she finally convinced herself to move so she could sit beside him. She quickly stood up so she could before she changed her mind. That was a mistake. Changing position too quickly while still affected by her medication, meant her blood pressure could drop. And it did. She swayed and clutched at the bed as her sight went black and her head seemed to warp in and out. She had a weird flash of cold as her heart stuttered and then thrummed painfully.

Yeoman Rand

Roman sat up quickly and then stood and held her as she swayed. It made him dizzy, so he leaned on the bed, still holding her to make sure she wouldn’t fall.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Her hands braced on his upper arms and her head rested on his shoulder as everything went back to normal. Then she could feel the tension and worry drain right out of her as he held her. He felt warm, and she was always cold when she got anxious. His after shave was still just as nice as earlier. “Thank you,” She stayed there like that, even after the tension left. She didn’t want to move.

“Of course. I didn’t want you to fall.” Roman replied.

She looked up at him softly. “You should sit down. They’ll yell at me for letting you get up.”

Yeoman Rand

The room was spinning for him, so much so he was having trouble orienting himself. He had his hand on the bed. “No, they won’t. They’ll yell at me for getting up.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“They, well Lori, will yell at me for getting up as well.” Despite any worry, anyone who saw them trying to help each other without falling would laugh. But eventually Roman was back in bed, and Rand was beside him where she had to sit after helping him. “Are you okay now?”

Yeoman Rand

Roman nodded. “The dizziness takes a bit to fade. I’m okay. What about you? You looked like you got quite lightheaded, the way you swayed like that.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“I just stood up too fast. It’s a side effect of the medicine. It lowers my blood pressure, so if I change position too fast, it can drop quickly. It also makes me sleepy.” It had felt nice when he was holding her. Rand would have liked for that to continue, but she tentatively reached and held his hand instead. “Thank you for helping me. I’m sorry I worried you.”

Yeoman Rand

“Don’t be sorry. I’m happy to help you.” Roman said. He took her hand and smiled. “Be careful, okay?” He sighed softly and put his free hand to his head. “I’ve got a bit of a headache building.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“I will be, promise.” Her fingers curled tighter around his hand. “Didn’t Dr. Hammond send something home with you?” She looked around the room. She didn’t get up because if it fell, bending over to get it would be bad. She didn’t see it, but selfishly she didn’t want to get up. Plus she figured if she did, Roman would try to follow her. Where did Hay and Lori get to? “Jay?” She raised her voice slightly so he could hear, but made sure her voice was calm so he wouldn’t worry.

Yeoman Rand

A moment later, the redheaded man stuck his head though the doorway. “Yep? Everything okay?” He asked kindly, politely, a face full of subtle concern.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori was right behind him and peeked around his shoulder to make sure they were okay. Rand was sitting on the bed right beside Roman, holding his hand. Lori didn’t think anything was really wrong with them. They looked pretty content. Rand, despite calling out for Jay, seemed more relaxed than Lori had ever seen her.

“He said he’s getting a headache, but I didn’t see any medicines from Dr. Hammond, and I wasn’t sure what he could have.”

Yeoman Rand

“The doctor didn’t give him anything. He can have anything over the counter. Let me get him some pain killers.”

Roman smiled. “I’m being fawned over like I’m royalty. Can’t say I hate it, but makes me feel weird almost.” Jay, knowing Roman’s family background, smiled. He was so different from them. Then he slipped out the door. “I’ll be right back.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori grinned, “Rand would know all about how to do that.”

“Lori hush,” Rand said.

“What? No one would know to look at you, but there is nothing wrong with knowing how to pamper someone properly.” Lori grinned as Rand tried to glare at her. “I’ll go see about the tea,” Lori scoited out if the room.

Yeoman Rand

Roman smiled and squeezed her hand. “She’s a good friend to you.”

Rand nodded, “She is. I was really lucky when she was brought in as my understudy. Lori is the sweetest person I’ve ever met.”

A moment later, Jay returned with a regular painkiller and a glass of water. He handed both to Roman. “Thanks,” Roman said.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori walked in with a cup of tea and handed it to Rand. “There,” she looked at the two men, “Your mum said dinner will be in shortly.”

Yeoman Rand

“Thanks.” Roman said. “I’ll bring Roman his,” Jay said with a look at Roman. “He is to stay here. We have a bed tray ready.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand smiled at Roman. She liked how Jay watched out for him. She let go of his hand and slowly edged toward the bed to stand so she could join everyone else at the table. Or better yet have Bys take her home. She wasn’t feeling up to sitting with strangers.

Yeoman Rand

Roman grabbed her arm, gently and softly. “Rand. You’ve been lightheaded. Jay will bring you a tray too. Stay by me.” He grinned, “Then I don’t have to eat alone.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She turned, just a tad too fast, to look back at him. He could see the way her eyes momentarily lost focus, but it passed quickly. She grinned back at him, “Okay, I’ll sit with you.” She glanced at Jay, “You don’t have to bring me a tray. I don’t want to be a bother. I’ll be fine with just the tea.”

Yeoman Rand

“Nonsense,” Jay said. “You’re here, you’re getting fed. No point in arguing about it. My parents won’t take no for an answer.” He smiled. “It’s better not to miss out anyway. Mum’s an amazing cook.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori gave Rand a look that she didn’t quite understand. “Thank you.” She smiled and then her face turned worried. “Actually, will you give mine to Bys and Pater? They won’t leave to get food, and I’m certain they didn’t eat at the hospital.” She didn’t want to ask them to feed two extra mouths. But for them she would give up hers. They took care of her and it was thenleast she could do. Despite being their client, she treated then like brothers or close cousins. She never took them for granted or forgot about them.

Yeoman Rand

“My mum’s already put extra on for them.” Jay replied with a smile. He thought it was nice the way she cared for them. So did Roman. “So you’ll get your own and they will get to eat. She’s even putting it together for them in case they can’t or won’t eat at the table.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“They will probably take turns.” They usually did. It was there way. She looked at Lori, “Please, give Mrs. Caliano my profuse thanks for making them a meal.” The words were simple, but the feeling in them and her expression said so much more than that.

“I will. Promise,” Jay said.

Lori took the tea and set it aside and then hugged Rand. “Of course I will. Now come on, sit back and get comfortable. Bys will be very unhappy if you slipped off the bed and got hurt.” Rand smiled, he would. He reminded her of Randy that way. She thought that was why Randy hired him. “Okay.” Lori helped her sit back against the propped pillows.

Yeoman Rand

Roman moved over to give her a little more space and an extra pillow to help Lori make her comfortable. Meanwhile, Jay left the room to check on the status of dinner.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO