The Long Walk Home
Posted on Fri Jul 30th, 2021 @ 12:24pm by Lieutenant Adora (Addie) Hart & Lieutenant Commander James Trallos MD
Mission: Season Two - Incidentals
Addie smiled, perhaps the first genuine smile she'd had since waking up in sickbay for the second time. "I think that's a condition I can accept," she said softly.
"Excellent." He said and stood up. With a slow motion he pulled the privacy curtains open and moved his chair out of the way. Once clear he stood near the head of the bed, just in case she had a little disorientation getting out.
Standing up slowly and carefully, Addie instinctively reached out, grabbing onto his arm to steady herself as the room swirled momentarily. She took a few deep breaths, closing her eyes momentarily. Opening her eyes again, she drew in another deep breath and offered another small smile. āIām okay, just a little disorientated still I think.ā
He nodded. "That is common after a stun. And with how much your head was effected, I'm not suprised a little disorientation happened. Should clear up in a moment." He said holding her arm as well to keep her steady. "Just take yourself a moment. I'm in no hurry." He encouraged as she got her barring back.
After a few breaths, Addie nodded slightly. "I think I'm good, the room has stopped swirling. Are you sure you can be spared? I wouldn't want to take you away from someone who needs your care."
The doctor shook his head. "Nothing that can't wait or has already been treated. Mostly things like broken noses, broken fingers and other minor problems. Most everyone is just under observation right now so I can step out for a little bit." He said keeping close to her. "Just take your time. Your brain has been working triple overtime the last few hours, so it may take a moment to get up to speed."
She nodded again as she took her first few steps, well aware of the eyes of those around turning toward them. "Everything does feel a little like jello," she said quietly. "Honestly, right now I'd love a long soak in a tub full of warm water, essential oils and bubbles, some quiet music and maybe a glass of wine."
He nodded. "I can write you a prescription for that. I'd highly recommend it actually. I happen to have a bottle tucked in my quarters. Well, I have an extra bottle in my quarters to be accurate. The more relaxed you can get the better. An evening of letting your mind idle is what this doctor is calling for."
"Oh, well, if it's prescribed then who am I to say no? I wouldn't want to disobey doctors orders would I?" she asked as they walked out of sickbay and started along the corridor. "I don't suppose you'd like to join me then? I mean, for a glass of wine at least, I didn't mean in the bath... I mean..." she sighed. "Can we blame that on the head stuff too?"
He chuckled a little and a big honest smile crossed his face. He could take that all kinds of directions, but left them all alone and settled for a chuckle. If it was him in her shoes saying that his nursing staff would have been all over him with heckling until the end of time. "I'll just add that to the doctor confidentiality file with the other one." He said with a wink to her. He remembered of course as she remembered earlier, but the poor thing had been through so much, the last thing she needed was heckling on that kind of material."
"Confidentiality aside, yes I would enjoy having a drink with you. My place or yours?" He asked as the reached the turbolift.
Addie smiled, unable to help herself. "Tell you what, how about we make it my place? I'll make you dinner, an apology for the whole trying to kill you thing."
He smiled at her. "That would be nice. Although, you could have if you wanted. I know my place, I was just a small obstacle in your way of bigger fish." He chuckled. "You've already been forgiven, but will never say no to a meal." He answered as they got into the turbolift. "Did you already have a menu in mind?"
Leaning against the wall of the turbolift for support as it started to move, Addie thought for a moment. "What do you feel like? I can replicate most anything."
He thought for a moment. "Well, I just like food. Anything with meat in it is good. Always enjoy trying new things. How about you?" He asked watching her.
"If it's food, I'm in," Addie said with a soft laugh. "Unless it's raw or moving. But anything else is fair game. There's a reason I'd never make it as a combat officer, I like cheese too much," she said, patting her hips to make her point.
He smile at her and out his hand on his stomach. "You're in good company. How about a steak, potato, salad and some kind of dessert?" He followed her out of the lift when it came to a halt.
"I think that sounds perfect," Addie said with a smile as she started walking toward her quarters. It was only a short distance to her door. She reached out and put in her access code, stepping through the doors as they parted. Almost immediately she felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was her safe space, her sanctuary. Familiar scents and sounds, familiar ambience. "Sorry about the mess," she said, despite the fact that there was nothing really obviously out of place. "I wasn't expecting visitors this morning when I left."
He walked in and looked around. "Looks very nice. You've done a good job making you quarters look very comfortable. It looked clean to me." He said and let the door shut behind him and watched her go further in. "You are looking better. Things quieting down for you?"
She nodded slowly. "This helps," she said quietly. "Thank you. This is familiar, it feels familiar and comfortable." A momentary pause. "Computer, environmental setting Hart Epsilon Four," she ordered. Almost at once the lights lowered slightly to a level that still offered perfect visibility but the lighting was not so harsh on the eyes. Soft music started playing, a gentle instrumental of old blues. On the dresser near the door was a diffuser that glowed softly as a delicate fragrance continued to fill the air around them, a blend of chamomile, lavender and eucalyptus. All in all, it was easy to see why she drew comfort from her surroundings.
She slid her boots off, pushing them under a chair next to the dresser before shrugging out of her jacket, folding it neatly and placing it on the chair, sighing as her feet sank into the soft carpet on the floor. "Can I get you a coffee or something?"
It did not take the doctor much time to relax as well in that environment. It was nice. "Yes please, black coffee would be nice." He said. He watched her go to the replicator and relax. He wondered if he needed something like this. It may help his sleep.
Handing him the coffee," Addie smiled again. "It's a special blend, I hope you like it," she said as he took the mug. "Do you mind if I leave for a few minutes? I would say I'd kill for a shower, but someone might take me seriously," she joked. "I promise I won't be long."
"Of course." He chuckled. "I would be as well." He said and took a sip from the coffee. "That is good. I'll need to get the program from you." He walked around the area admiring her decor and finally chose a chair to sit in to drink the coffee. It was really good.
About fifteen minutes later Addie returned, dressed comfortably in an ankle length gypsy style skirt and a simple deep red shirt, her blond girls hanging damply down her back. She offered a smile as she padded barefoot across the room and took a seat on the couch next to him. "It wasn't a nice relaxing bubble bath, but it was still good. How was the coffee?"
He nodded. "If you still want one I can get you the holodeck time for one." He said then raised his coffee mug. "It was excellent. I do enjoy my coffee. You finally look relaxed. Best you've looked all day I think."
"Well, I'm sure that being awake and not manically trying to kill people does add to one's overall appeal," Addie responded as she sank down onto the couch next to him, turning sideways so she could face him, pulling her feet up and under her and grabbing a cushion, holding it in front of her. "I know you keep saying I don't have to say it, but thank you," she added softly. "I keep trying to put today into words and I just can't."
He nodded. "You're welcome. Sometimes there are things words or a universal translator cannot truly express. You can always run things by me. I've seen a lot in my day." He said and reflexively rolled his right shoulder. "Been through a few too." He said and looked around. "We're all here together."
Addie watched the movement of his shoulder and nodded slightly. "Some things you never really move on from, do you?" she asked quietly. "If you ever want to talk, I've been told I'm a good listener."
He finished looking around and nodded mechanically as his thoughts drifted. He saw her and refocused. He nodded and smiled softly. "I would like that." He said "but not today. You've been through enough of a struggle for today. Don't need to add my old demons to that list today. I've lived with them this long. A little longer won't hurt."
Addie smiled. "Well, I guess it's a good thing I don't plan on going anywhere then." She paused for a moment. "Did you always want to go into medical?" she asked curiously.
He chuckled. "No. First I wanted to be a bluegrass music star. Then I was going to follow in my pa's footsteps and be a gamma welder at Utopia. I went to university one year, discovered the Sciences and just went from there. Xenobiology was fascinating to me. So went premed, then med school. How about you and counseling and medical?"
"I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember," Addie shrugged slightly. "I think my parents were disappointed that I went into Starfleet instead of private practice. Counseling came after. I met with a counselor once on my cadet cruise and it was honestly a horrible experience. I didn't want anyone to go through that, so here I am."
"Well that's good though. I mean, not the having been through a horrible experience part, but that it helped move you to a direction and make improvements." He replied. "I'm glad you went down that route and I'm sure your patients do as well."
"Well, I can think of a few people on this ship who might not be so glad," Addie replied with a laugh, deciding the best way forward was to make light of the situation.
He chuckled. "I think my list might be longer on those that think I should practice at all. I for one am glad to share the medical level with you. I admit, like seeing a doctor, I should have visited you earlier. I've seen a counselor prior, did not get anywhere really."
"It can be hard to find someone who you're comfortable with, especially when you want to talk about things that you'd much rather keep to yourself." She reached across the gap between them, resting her hand lightly on his arm. "How about that dinner I promised you?" she asked, changing the topic.
He smiled. "I never turn down a free meal."