Posted by Captain Julien King (Captain) in Sickbay- Appointment with Sage Posted by Lieutenant Sage Brennan (Chief Medical Officer) in Sickbay- Appointment with Sage (snip) : : : The Zaharen smiled and nodded. “You’re probably right. With their father being in Starfleet and their mother a known wanderer, I don’t doubt my children will feel the need to explore too. A’naad is already showing a great deal of extra curiosity. I’m happy for it, but for now he doesn’t have the language skills to ask the questions you can see in his eyes.” She took a deep breath. “I guess I just want to always feel useful. It was the thing that happened here that I can’t allow to happen again when our daughter arrives.” : : : : : : ~La’kia, Ambassador : : : : “I know you’ve dealt with some very difficult situations, but I have to tell you something. You are living the life I actually saw for myself a few years ago.” Sage stood up and walked to a place where she could lean against one wall. “I thought when Cal and I got married we’d start a family without waiting too long. That won’t happen now, of course, but it doesn’t make me want it any less.” A heartfelt sigh escaped her before she continued. “I also thought being on this ship was a real feather in my cap, but that hasn’t proved to be the case either. After 10 years, I’m still a Lt.” Recognizing she was almost getting maudlin, Sage shook her head and forced a laugh. “Sorry…its been a long time since I’ve had anyone to just have ‘girl talk’ with. Riley is good for most of it, but he’s still an officer and I have to edit myself sometimes.” : :
The look on the Zaharan’s face said everything. There was understanding and empathy there, and also sadness. “I’m so sorry,” she said softly. “And you don’t have to apologize. We are friends. At least I’m assuming we still are. I know my sudden non-return to the Genesis was awkward, but I’m still just a message away.”
: : : She walked over to where La’kia sat and lowered herself into the chair next to her. “Now, I thought you were going to get some rest and let me watch A’naad for a few hours? I can have that packet of information for you in the morning, laying out a plan to minimize the pregnancy discomfort with a list of doctors who can handle the delivery without incident.”
: : :
: : : —Sage
: :
La’kia exhaled. “Okay, sounds good. Why don’t you come by in an hour? I’ll feed A’naad and I have to take care of something first anyway. And thank you, Sage, for everything. I really appreciate your help and advice.”
~La’kia, Ambassador

“You’re welcome, but I’m getting the best out of this. I get to have A’naad to myself for a couple of hours. I really miss that little fart.” Sage stood and walked towards the doors of her officer, opening them. “Alright, I’ll see you in an hour. I’ll bring a pharma cocktail to help with the pain and discomfort of your pregnancy when I pick him up. That way, hopefully, you’ll get some real rest.”

—Sage