Catching up with a friendly face

Posted on Sunday, 7 February 2021 - 2:34pm by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Lieutenant Ryan Rose MD

Mission: Operation: Trail of Tears
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: 2394 MD 07

{ON}

T'Lanna arrived back at Sickbay to see how Jayce was doing, Jarin had proved himself to be a wonderful doctor but she was more than happy to see Ryan as she slowly walked in. "Ryan! It's so good to see you. I've missed you."

"T'Lanna." Ryan walked over and embraced her in a hug. Not something he'd normally do, but he was glad to see her. "Sorry, sorry." He stepped back. "It's good to see you too. I missed a lot while I was gone, I've been playing catch up. Come on, I'm sure you're not actually here to see me, we can talk over Jayce's incubator."

T’Lanna smiled and nodded though her concern for her son was evident. “How’s Jayce doing? Have you had a chance to catch up with Jarin about Jayce’s condition?” She gave Ryan a look that said exactly how she was feeling. “I didn’t know I had a genetic heart problem, I was never told about it.”

"Well Jarin did an excellent job hunting your childhood records down. It's good to have the data, and will help us treat Jayce." Ryan nodded to the nurse watching Jayce, and stepped aside once in the room so T'Lanna could come closer.

T’Lanna nodded grateful for a seat when the nurse on duty brought one over. She was still feeling weak after her operation, it was taking time for her stomach muscles to recover their strength. She gently placed her hand through the sterile field and held Jayce’s tiny hand. “He’s so gorgeous Ryan, I’d be lost if anything happened to him.”

"He's a very handsome baby, and we are going to do everything in our power to make sure nothing happens to him." Ryan gave a medical eye to T'Lanna. "How are you doing?"

"How does tired, weak and achy sound?" T'Lanna smiled a wry smile. "It's my own fault I haven't been resting as much as I should have. I haven't slept very well knowing Jayce isn't well, I keep dreaming about him. I guess motherhood is throwing a whole new batch of challenges at me."

"Yes, new motherhood does tend to do that." Ryan checked some readings again. "He's going to be here for a little while I'm afraid, but he's doing really well. Before you know it he'll be home with you and Raith. You know you are welcome to visit anytime."

T’Lanna nodded. “I know but I don’t like to be under people’s feet all the time” she shrugged her shoulders. “Not that I’ve let that stop me so far!”

"You aren't under foot, I assure you. I'd let you know if you were in the way. In fact, why don't I bring in a cot. If you don't tell Kayla you can get a nap in and stay close to your son."

T’Lanna smiled. “I think that would be a wonderful idea. Thank you Ryan.”

"You're very welcome, and if you need anything, you know where to find me."

T’Lanna smiled and nodded. “I forgot to ask, how was your trip off ship?”

"The conference was very boring. I would have much rather been here. I"m sorry I missed this little guys entrance. Seems there is a lot I missed in very little time. Never a dull moment around here."

“Tell me about it!” T’Lanna smiled. “One minute I’m four months, then I wake up seven months and then I’m in labour!” She shook her head. “It was more traumatic than I expected, Jarin was marvellous at putting my mind to rest though you have a wonderful ACMO there. I wanted a natural birth but the caesarean was the only option at the time.”

"Jarin is great." Ryan agreed, and the most important thing is that you're ok, and we'll get this little one stabilized and figure out our options in regards to his heart. I'm confident he'll be ok."

T’Lanna nodded. “I know my son is safe in your hands” she smiled warmly. “To be honest I can’t wait until Jayce is home, I find it way too quiet in my quarters when Raith isn’t home. I’ve gotten used to the close contact Jayce and I had when I was carrying him, being away from him is ... unsettling.”

"I bet. But like I said you are welcome here as much as you like. We'll get him home as soon as we can." He took a look over at Jayce and smiled. "You are going to give everyone on the ship baby fever with how cute he is."

“I know.” T’Lanna smiled at her son “I wasn’t sure if he’d have the Vulcan ears or not with his mixed genetics, he’s Vulcan, Betazoid and Human so that makes a difference. I guess as he has the ears he has the green blood to match? My copper based blood caused a few problems for my mother when she was carrying me but they managed to sort it.”

"Vulcan genetics are usually dominant. I wouldn't be surprised if he develops touch telepathy as he gets a bit older as well. Have you decided if you are going to have him on board long term?" Ryan asked. "I have to admit, I'm looking forward to babysitting."

T’Lanna nodded enthusiastically. “Captain Stillwater has decided I can keep him onboard, he’s had a bay adapted into family facilities so we can have families onboard” She was well and truly excited. “I don’t have to be afraid of leaving my son anymore.”

"That's fantastic. I'll touch base with the teams working on them, and make sure we get some holo emitters set up for Emerick in the area."

“That’s a good idea, I’d feel more at ease having the option of being able to get immediate help in an emergency. In children it can make all the difference. At the moment it’s just Jayce but at least it means other families could come onboard now.” T’Lanna smiled warmly. “Anyway I should really go get some rest, I never realised just how hard on the body having a baby is.”

"Of course." Ryan said politely. "Let me know if you need anything. You know where to find me."

{OFF}