Looking In On A Friend

Posted on Sunday, 5 September 2021 - 1:36pm by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Lazarus
Location: Sickbay | USS Standing Bear
Timeline: MD 10 -- After Away Team Returns | 2394

ON:

Soral had checked on Oriana who was recovering across the sickbay. Now he stood by T'Lanna's bed. She'd just been through surgery and he didn't like all she'd gone through. He sat down the silent sentinel watching over her.

T’Lanna stirred with a slight groan, she wasn’t really in pain as Ryan had her on plenty of pain relief along with who knew What cocktail of drugs after her radiation exposure. She opened her eyes and looked at Soral, at first she simply looked before a small smile appeared. “Soral...”

Soral stood walking closer to the bed, "I am sorry we did not get you out sooner." And he was, the guilt was strong.

T’Lanna offered a weak smile. “You did all you could.” She paused her mouth was dry. “I’m alive, aren’t I?” She frowned, She still wasn't sure whether this was just in her head. “I’m still there aren’t I? I’m dying and I’m just imagining this!”

"No, you are very much alive." He still felt guilty. He should be the one here. "We do, however, have to ensure now that you heal, for your son."

“Jayce...” She nodded managing to come back to some sense of reality. “This wasn’t your fault Soral. I... knew what I was doing.”

"It should have been me down there." He simply said.

T’Lanna shook her head. “No. I volunteered remember?” She offered a weak smile.

He didn't point out that so did he. "The ship that came at us was at fault."

T’Lanna nodded. “On that we agree” She shifted a little on the biobed trying to get comfortable. She missed her own bed, and longed to be back in it cuddled up with Raith. “Who were they? What did they want?”

"Pirates, they stole some...rations and medical supplies. It is nothing you have to worry about."

T’Lanna nodded. “I guess they didn’t know about the Trellium D, if they had they’d have most definitely gone for that.”

Soral said nothing. He looked down at his hands. "What does Doctor Rose say with respect to your condition?"

“My condition is improving” T’Lanna offered a brief smile. “Ryan has already replaced my lungs and liver, so far there are no signs of rejection. As for the longer term... that remains to be seen.” She paused for a moment massaging her temples. “There’s no knowing what may or may not happen from now on, I just have to wait and see.”

"It is something that will have to be monitored closely." There was another sweep of guilt. "I wish there was a way to get you seen by Vulcan doctors."

T’Lanna offered a brief smile. “It may be required in the future, Ryan doesn’t like my neurological readings. I’ll admit I am struggling with keeping my senses under control.”

"We can work on this together when you are better."

T’Lanna nodded. “I’d appreciate that Soral, from now on I’ll listen when you voice concerns for my wellbeing. I wanted to be helpful.”

"There is a time for that and a time when things like that are dangerous." He sighed. "Now the focus will be to get you well. How long will you be in sickbay?"

“Not long, Ryan says I can go home to rest soon. The emphasis being on rest!” She offered a smile. “I’m terrible at sitting around, I get bored.”

"Well rest is what is needed and your son will be happy to have you around more."

“I’m very much looking forward to dedicating some time to Jayce.” She paused. “All I could think of when I was in engineering was that I wouldn’t be here to see my son growing up. I intend to make up for being away from him.”

"Then we will ensure that nothing like this happens again."

T’Lanna nodded. “Just remind me of that next time I volunteer for the risky jobs!”

He gave a nod and then did something uncharacteristic. "You, Alexandra, and Biacami will drive me to insanity." He took her hand. "I think I liked it better when I had no emotional attachments on this ship." He didn't mean the words but it spoke of his care for the people around him.

T’Lanna held onto Soral’s hand. “Thank you Soral, you mean a lot to me too.” She offered a warm smile. “I promise not to drive you insane, if anyone is going to go insane the likelihood is it’ll be me.”

"That will not happen. " He sighed. "But you must rest. Perhaps when you are better we can start you on lighter duty as for now there is nothing much to be done. Our ship needs repairs and it's mostly engineering that will work on that.

“I’ll rest, I promise!” T’Lanna stifled a yawn.

"I should go and allow you to rest." He said standing.

“Soral...” T’Lanna held onto his hand. “Your friendship means the world to me, thank you for caring about me.” She gently let go.

"Rest now I shall visit again." He headed out.

T’Lanna nodded, rested her head back on the biobed and closed her eyes.

OFF: