Getting to the Truth

Posted on Monday, 10 August 2020 - 6:06am by Commander Soral & Lieutenant JG Maximus Mackenzie & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Jabberwocky
Location: USS Standin Bear | XO's Quarters
Timeline: 2393 - MD 11 overnight

{ON:}

Unable to sleep, Alex lay on the bed watching Bones sleep. Given Soral’s obsession with duty she had taken to allowing the puppy to curl up on the bed beside her and the Beagle had been happy to take full advantage. On the verge of giving up on sleep and doing something productive instead, she heard the door chime ring out. Amazingly, Bones slept through it. And the sound of Max’s voice.

It was late but then again that meant nothing to Soral. Resting her head on the pillow with her back to them she feigned sleep so they could speak. After all she had confided in Max that Soral was burying himself in work and practically begged him to seek out his friend. If Soral would confide in anyone, it was Lieutenant MacKenzie.

Soral was surprised to see Max, "It is late Lieutenant."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't give me that. You've been avoiding me. We haven't spoken since we got back. I'm worried about you."

Soral looked towards the bedroom. The door was open and to close it would make an eerie hissing sound which would undoubtedly wake Alex up. He sighed. "What is it that you wish to speak about?"

"What the hell has been going on with you. I've heard the crew talking and well it's not pleasant."

Alex frowned, this was news to her but she could imagine. She closed her eyes, praying Soral would give in and speak to his friend.

Soral sighed. "Allow me to check on Alexandra and I shall return." He headed to the bedroom to ensure she was asleep.

Hearing his footsteps she forced herself to feign sleep, keeping her breathing slow and steady as she lay curled up on her side beside Bones. It was a hard few seconds, especially when he adjusted the covers around her but finally he seemed satisfied and headed back out.

"She's alright?"

"As well as can be expected."

Max sighed. "But you're not alright. I can see it. You've been rude and arrogant, and cold, very Vulcan. Not your usual self."

"I am Vulcan Maximus."

Max raised an eyebrow. "Great got that out of your system? Now talk. Remember I know you better then anyone."

Soral sighed. "Very well. If you insist."

Please do, Alex thought inwardly, hoping he would finally open up. At this point she didn’t care to whom, as long as he spoke to someone.

"None of this reaches Alexandra. I cannot allow her to be stressed or upset anymore then she is."

Max bit his cheek. "Fine."

"I require your oath on it."

He sighed. "Alright."

Had they been open she would have rolled her eyes. Didn’t he realise his coldness, his obvious hurt, was already upsetting her?

He sighed, "I am fighting pain."

Max sighed, "I can imagine. All of his has been an emotional..."

"No," Soral cut him off. "Physical pain. My head is constantly hurting, I must focus to keep the nausea and dizziness away. My logic...requires constant testing. Meditation has had to be increased."

Max's eyes scrunched in concern. "Have you gone to the doctor?"

"There is nothing that can be done. Hades tells me that it will take time for my system to adjust to being without the bond. This was not severing so much as a fading of it and until my mind and body adjust my telepathy and my cognitive functions will have glitches."

"Hence why the holodeck time. You're doing logic tests."

"Indeed."

Oh Soral... Alex had to fight the urge to go to him, to let Max be Soral's friend and comfort because if it came from her it would only make it worse. She curled up tighter, feeling the weight of guilt. This had happened because of her. Soral was suffering because of what Sara did to her. She should have been stronger for him. Found a way to cling to their bond for dear life.

"And you don't want to share this with Alex why?"

Soral sighed. "She will blame herself. I do not wish this. This is not her fault yet I know she will blame herself."

Max was quiet. He rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess you're right there but she loves you."

"I know this."

There was a long silence between the two friends. "Then talk to me. When you need it talk to me. Above all else I see you as my brother."

"And I you." There was a pause. "How is it going with your roommate."

Max hissed. "You have to stop setting me up. Seriously. I'm...not available anymore."

Soral raised an eyebrow.

"I've undergone the Talan."

"What?" There was a slight raise in voice. "Who is this woman? Who has convinced you to undergo something so foolish and dangerous?"

It was Max's turn to be defensive. "This is about you not me."

"Maximus Jax you will answer."

Max stared. "Damn. You do that better then my adopted mother did. It's Haru okay!"

"Oh...about time."

Max stared at him with an open mouth. When he found his voice he said. "Excuse me?"

"I was getting tired of attempting to set you up with people who were wrong for you in the hopes that you two would figure things out."

"I...." He paused "I don't...." another pause. "You knew?"

"Well obviously." He stood. "Now go rest I believe I am tired."

Alex couldn’t hide her smile. In that moment he had sounded like his old self. Thank you Max...

The door hissed closed Max left. Soral showered and changed for bed. He slipped beneath the covers and gently wrapped his arm around Alex. Their bond had muted but he still craved contact with her. Not wanting to wake her he whispered that he loved her and gently drifted to sleep.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

{OFF:}