Stubbornness thy name is Soral

Posted on Saturday, 17 October 2020 - 5:10pm by Lieutenant Alex Kingsley & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Dreamweaver
Location: Personal Quarters

After what felt like an eternity of pacing the confines of Dr Rose’s office, Lieutenant Kingsley had been relieved to be allowed to see Soral again. While she would have wagered the warp core on the fact he was still in more pain than he was letting on, she was assured he could rest at home. With strict instructions to contact Sickbay if there were any issues, they were allowed to leave and allow the medical staff to tend to other patients.

She spent the whole journey home studying him for signs of further injury, and, well, to be absolutely sure he was there at all. His return felt as surreal as his disappearance.

Bones was still in her arms, since she didn’t want him to run off. He seemed quite content now and, as soon as they were in their quarters, the pup reclaimed his bed, lying on top of an old uniform jacket. Watching him for a moment she turned to face Soral, “you need to rest, Doctor’s orders.”

"Indeed. I believe I need a shower first..." He studied Alex just to ensure that she was real. He'd lost all hope of seeing her. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

“Uh huh,” she lied. “You sit and I’ll sort your things. Bones will make sure you stay out of trouble.”

Bones tilted his head as he looked between them, wisely staying silent.

Soral slowly turned her and wrapped his arms around her. He need that to center himself.

There was a brief hesitation before she slid her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. She was absolutely positively was not going to cry. Again. Nope.

"I never thought I would see you again my wife." He held her tight. He could only imagine what she was going through. He had been devastated.

“Same,” she whispered, although to his hearing it was clear as day. “I was so scared that we wouldn’t find you. And then Yolen...”

He kissed the top for her head. "Yes...we lost three good crew members." He knew Alex and Yolen were friends. "I am sorry he is gone."

Alex only nodded to acknowledge what he had said. Her tiredness was creeping up on her, now she was safely in his arms. She took a deep breath, pulling back, “shower. Then rest. Although... Severine called. You should let her know you are okay.”

He studied her. "Will you call her with me?"

“With you?” Alex replied, seeming surprised before shaking her head. While she was certain Severine would be thrilled to see her father very much alive, it was a moment for the two of them. Standing on her tiptoes she kissed him on the cheek, “that’s okay. It’s her father she badly needs to see. I’ll make sure the shower is ready.”

Heading towards the bedroom she glanced over her shoulder, calling out "Bones, you're in charge" before she disappeared out of sight. She wasn't certain how long he would spend speaking to his daughter so she took her time, making sure everything was prepared so that he could shower and then go straight into bed. The instructions had been clear, bed rest and then to take it easy. Both of which were almost impossible with someone as stubborn as Soral.

Soral finished the call with Severine in twenty minutes. He was surprised that she was reluctant to end the call. She kept asking if all was well. When he was done he sat on the Sofa with his head in his hand. He felt a hand on his back. Sitting up he pulled Alex to sit by him. "I believe you are her hero."

“We need to raise her expectations,” Alex said softly as she curled up beside him, “I didn’t do anything. You all found your own way back.”

His wife's modesty was one of the beauties about her but there was no need for it. "You did a lot." He allowed himself a ghost of a smile as he kissed the top of her head. "We've had a, as humans say, rocky time of things, haven't we?"

"I think that's an understatement," Alex replied with a rueful smile as she rested her head on his shoulder. From family revelations to family betrayals, and all of the pain the later had caused. It felt at times as if the universe were throwing things at them for daring to be together, if you believed in such things.

"We shall, however get through it all." He sighed. "I should go and shower."

She nodded, sitting back to let him go.

He got up showered slowly and dressed for bed. As he exited the bathroom he stumbled a little having to hold onto the wall. His body was telling him that rest was needed yet his mind was going through everything that needed to be done.

“Come on,” Alex said softly as she appeared beside him. “I’ve got you...”

With care she helped him to the bed, fussing over him. Leaning over she kissed his forehead, “sleep.”

He held her hand, "Not until you are ready to sleep." He was not budging on this one. Even as he spoke he stifled a yawn. It was illogical but he needed to know she was really there.

"Soral," she said his name almost in exasperation, "you were allowed home on the condition that you get proper rest. I know you, you want back on the Bridge as soon as possible and being stubborn is not going to work. I can transfer my work to review here, I'll be right in the next room, I promise."

"Indeed. Yet I would still prefer that we both rest." he paused. "I can sit in the other room while you work."

"No, you, my love, stay here. Right in that spot or I will drag you back to sickbay myself," Alex warned, although she climbed over him to stretch out beside him. Her work could wait until he fell asleep.

"Indeed." He curled his arm around her and sleep claimed him. Exhaustion having taken its toll.

She had watched over him for the few minutes it took to fall asleep, still amazed to have him back. "I love you," she whispered as she decided she could close her eyes too.

Just for a minute or two.

OFF