Matthew Reynolds
Rear Admiral
"It's good to have an end to a journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."
Registered: Apr 28, 2005 20:58:32 GMT
Posts: 2,759
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Post by Matthew Reynolds on Sept 4, 2008 5:39:00 GMT
"Stay out of it!" he snapped. "Answer me, damn you!" he demanded of Matt.
"Get off of me you son of [word deleted]!" Matt snarled as he overpowered the doctor. Not wanting to hurt him seriously Matt punched him squarely in the stomach once which immediately caused the doctor to fall on the floor. Matt had never physically attacked a member of his crew, but he was not going to let this go unanswered. As a father himself, Matt understood the anger that Nathan was going through, but the doctor needed to understand that during times of war people got injured even children.
"Give him a sedative now!" Matt said to the shocked acting chief medical officer," if you try anything else I'll put you in your place once again."
(Nathan)
"Jameson help him up," Matt said as gently rubbed his throat. Nathan's little attack had taken him by complete surprise and it had took him a few moments to react," Hannah treat his wounds and if he is capable I want him treating the wounded. If he is unwilling to help I want him locked up in his quarters. Will he get his hearing back?"
(Hannah)
"Alright, I want reports every hour," Matt said as he tried to give Freddie a comforting smile, but the young boy was clearly upset that he had attacked his father even though it was in self defense," I'll go to the bridge where I will be coordinating the transports with Commander Garrett."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2008 11:24:57 GMT
The punch to his stomach was the drop that tipped the bucket and Nathan dropped to the deck, on the verge of losing consciousness. It brought back memories of the previous hours; memories he'd rather forgotten about altogether. He sat on his knees, doubled over with his left arm across his abdomen, gasping for air while tears flowed from his cheeks. "Please, no more," he whispered, making himself as small as possible. "I'll not do it again, I'll not run again."
He remembered begging for his life as Joshal released his anger upon him, even as blows and punches rained down on the defenseless doctor. He didn't see Matt before him, he only saw Joshal.
"Give him a sedative now!" Matt said to the shocked acting chief medical officer," if you try anything else I'll put you in your place once again."
Nathan cowered in fear, keeping his head lowered in submission, lest he'd get punched again. "No no, I won't," he promised, "please, no more."
Donovan Jameson and Hannah Lowell exchanged a shocked look, before Hannah returned her attentions to the injured Jayden. Pressing a vial in the hypospray he still held, Donovan gently pressed it against Nathan's throat and the doctor's tremors subsided a little.
He allowed the boy to get to his father, listening with sadness as the boy wailed loudly in distress.
"Jameson, help him up," Matt said as gently rubbed his throat. Nathan's little attack had taken him by complete surprise and it had took him a few moments to react," Hannah treat his wounds and if he is capable I want him treating the wounded. If he is unwilling to help I want him locked up in his quarters. Will he get his hearing back?"
"I don't think he's in any condition to do so commander," the marine replied, "and to be honest, your retaliation didn't help him any either. While I'm very sure you did the best you could to protect the boy, you don't know what he went through down there."
With Hannah's aid, the put the now unconscious doctor on a biobed. "And I'm not so sure it's a good idea to keep him on his feet. In the past two days he and only two local doctors managed to save hundreds of people. I'll help in his stead, I'm a quick study." Donovan smiled ruefully. "Even though I was only pressed into service yesterday and was thrown into the deep end when the rebels took the doctor."
He indicated the bruises on the doctor's bare arms, shoulder and face, then lifted up his tunic to reveal more bruises, the one Matt just caused added to the mix. "He was beaten," he explained, "and defeated. You should've seen it, it was terrible."
Hannah nodded, giving her expert opinon. "I'll keep him here in sickbay. If he's up to it, he can help but I prefer that he rests. And yes in time Freddy'll hear again, but I'm not going to risk that surgery, it's for Nathan himself to perform now that the EMH is still offline."
The senior nurse watched Matt leave, then shook her head. "Commander T'Ress, will you be able to stay here for a while and watch the boy and the doctor? Donovan and I have work to do." She paused, realising what she'd said. "Oh I know you have too...but I'd really appreciate it. They like you very much and I think they'd appreciate the company and the presence of a friendly ah....snout."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2008 19:06:31 GMT
The senior nurse watched Matt leave, then shook her head. "Commander T'Ress, will you be able to stay here for a while and watch the boy and the doctor? Donovan and I have work to do." She paused, realising what she'd said. "Oh I know you have too...but I'd really appreciate it. They like you very much and I think they'd appreciate the company and the presence of a friendly ah....snout."
The feline nodded, murmerring in response to the comment, “But of course I would only be too happy to remain here. As much as I do have tasks to attend to, these of a human quality are far more important than those attending to machines. Murr….if machines are made to be more important to their masters, than I would wish to live in a world that is less frightening.”
Turning back to the boy, he nodded and exhaled, wondering how he was to communicate, or if even communication was necessary. Glancing around peacefully, he tried to find something that might ease him, though it was soon obvious that such a thing was hardly necessary by any means.
After all, the two cats that he had brought for the boy were doing a far better job than anything else he could think of. Therefore, T’Ress stood slowly, moving over to the doctor, now that he had calmed down…somewhat.
“Murr, sir, I understand your plight. There have been countless times that I have wanted to remove the still beating heart from the chest of an enemy with my razor claws and rend it into pieces…I take it that this is how you also feel…am I correct? Merow.”
Blinking as he stood back, the feline walked a bit away, concerned over the continued emotions of the other being in the sickbay room that he shared.
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Matthew Reynolds
Rear Admiral
"It's good to have an end to a journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."
Registered: Apr 28, 2005 20:58:32 GMT
Posts: 2,759
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Post by Matthew Reynolds on Sept 5, 2008 4:38:45 GMT
As Matthew Reynolds walked out of sickbay all eyes were on him. Matthew was trying hard to not break into a sprint trying to escape the terrible act he had just committed. The disgust and loathing he felt towards himself made him feel vile and dirty and nothing would be able to clean him up.
~You idiot. Nathan was just protecting his son. You didn't have to use force. I just hope I haven't broken him~ Matt thought as he remembered seeing Nathan cowering in terror. As Jameson informed him of Nathan's experience, Matt wanted to vomit almost instantaneously.
"Commander Reynolds are you alright sir?" a Lieutenant asked once he noticed the pale faced first officer.
"No, no I'm alright I need to go to the bridge," Matt said as he tried to push away the previous ten minutes out of his mind. As he walked into the turbolift, he knew that he would need to speak to Nathan but at that very moment Matt knew that he was going to be a coward.
"Commander Reynolds, we have three Federation starships on long range sensors, they will arrive within the hour," the bridge repair team leader reported," they are asking for orders."
"Tell them to begin transporting our injured immediately to there sickbay," Matt said glad that the responsibility of command would not sit solely on his shoulders.
"Commander Garrett how are things going down there? Do you require any more assistance?"
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2008 2:36:51 GMT
It was wonderful to see people gradually starting to leave and go back to the safety of the Jefferson. The shortlist of injured officers was already back, and Megan had begun to send some of the exhausted Marine’s and security officers back as well. Many of the uninjured medical personnel, though just as exhausted themselves, had insisted on remaining behind until more help arrived, and although concerned with their wellbeing, the science officer could understand entirely, as she had no plans on returning until backup showed up either. As a result, a small contingent of security personnel would need to stay behind just in case of further trouble, even though so far the Dorvans had kept to their word and no more fighting had occurred.
Ta’kel had been an incredible asset to the peace, working to bring together all of the different tribes to stop the fighting. Megan had found the chief to be insightful, persuasive, and intelligent. Speaking with leaders all over the planet, Commander Garrett had found many of them were similarly impressive. She wasn’t entirely sure what they thought of her but felt a great deal of respect for them. Matelus had also been cooperative and helpful. Many of the crewmembers who had rebelled with him had vanished, seeming to realize their freedom was precarious, but the Dorvan Lieutenant remained visible and repentant, seeming determined to make retribution.
Most of Megan’s attention was focused on organizing the officer evacuation and coordinating with the Dorvan chiefs to determine who needed the most help and where the most serious injuries were located. Her goal was to make the transition from the Jefferson and Fang personnel to those who would eventually arrive to offer their assistance as easy as possible. The Commander felt much better with Nathan back in sickbay. Doctor van Breughel had been through so much, and she just hoped he was getting treatment and rest, and that Freddy was doing well. After what they’d both just been through, an extended break was certainly recommended.
=/\=Commander Garrett, how are things going down there? Do you require any more assistance?=/\= the voice of the first officer asked over the open channel.
“The situation is well in hand at the moment, Commander,” Megan replied pulling up a few current statistics. “I have determined the evacuation order of our officers, as well as those from the Fang. Most of the medical personnel have requested to stay planet-side until more assistance arrives, and I’d like to request the same for myself. There’s still a lot of work needed to treat the injured and repair the damage.”
<Tag Matt>
“So far since the ceasefire was reached there have been no attacks and no fighting whatsoever. I’ve spoken with many of the local chiefs personally, and they are each committed to maintaining the peace. Chief Ta’kel has been a great help making contact and convincing the others of our good intentions and sincere apologies for what happened. Matelus has also been very helpful in maintaining the peace. Many of the crewmembers involved in the rebellion disappeared the moment the ceasefire was reached, but the Lieutenant is determined to answer for his actions.”
<Tag Matt>
“Sir, if I may, what is Doctor van Breughel’s condition? He was roughed up pretty badly down here. I think it is in his best interest to be placed off duty as soon as it becomes possible. I can only imagine his son’s recent injury had made his state of mind even more fragile. I also recommend he receive extensive counseling.”
<Tag Matt>
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2008 17:27:45 GMT
Cyle had rushed to sickbay as fast as his wounded, bloody, and brusied would let him. When he arrived a nurse grabbed Freddy and immediatly started treating him. Cyle wasnt worried about himself until his head started to feel heavy and he almost couldnt move. After being called to the bridge he shook his head to clear him mind and lift the weight. The nurse gave him a heavy pain killer and sent on him his way. Leaving sickbay he headed to the nearest turbo lift taking it to the bridge.
When he arrived Matt was no where to be seen,'great, where is he' Cyle hung around the bridge looking over the damage report and giving a little of his time to help wiith a few repairs on the bridge. When Matt finaly arrived Cyle turned to see him, and the rather pale color of his face. "Commander, what do you need?"
<tag matt>
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2008 19:51:17 GMT
“Murr, sir, I understand your plight. There have been countless times that I have wanted to remove the still beating heart from the chest of an enemy with my razor claws and rend it into pieces…I take it that this is how you also feel…am I correct? Merow.”
Nathan was barely able to keep his eyes open; the pain he was experiencing was excruciating and though he had regained consciousness after Matt's punch, he was on the verge of losing it again. He was just aware of being lifted onto a biobed, the diagnostic hemisphere closing over his body, effectively restraining him. Not that he was in any physical condition to get up, no matter how much he wanted to.
He felt a small hand slip into his own and slowly twisted his head to the side to see his son stand beside him, his face tear-streaked. The boy was silent now, but his eyes were wide with worry and he could see the boy was in pain as well. The injured doctor sighed miserably. "No commander, that's not how I feel," he answered softly, his voice rasping. His throat was dry and he was too exhausted to talk.
"I'm a doctor, to do as you suggest goes against my oath. My attack on Commander Reynolds already did such, and it was unprovoked and unwarranted and no doubt I'll get penalised for that."
Beside the bed, Hannah gasped. "Not a chance," she retorted, pressing a hypospray against his throat. She watched as the doctor's eyes closed, his body going limp under the hemisphere, his head lolling to the side as he lost consciousness. "Mr T'Ress I implore you, take the boy with you for now. Entertain him in engineering perhaps? I don't want him to see the extend of his father's injuries. If needed, bring him into the care of Major Johnson. He'll look after the boy."
The senior nurse watched as the white-furred feline beckoned the boy and drew him away. "Go with Commander T'Ress," she suggested, making sure she pronounced the words carefully so he could see what she was saying to some extend. "I'll take care of your dad, I promise." When they were gone, she beckoned Donovan. "I'll need your help undressing him," she said, as the hemisphere lowered.
Donovan nodded and reached for a pair of scissors. "This'll be less painful," he murmured as he cut the doctor's tattered shirt from his torso. He grimaced at seeing the extend of the bruises, the bloodied bandage on his shoulder and the nasty bump and discolouration between neck and shoulder. He proceeded cutting away his slacks, his scowl deepening. "They really left nothing untouched," he growled, reaching for the dermal regenerator.
Hannah stalled his hand, shaking her head. "He wouldn't want that," she informed him, "he's traditional in that, but we'll help him along a little anyway. We'll set the bone and mend it most part, then clean and close the cut on his shoulder. Give him 10cc of morphine, that'd kill the pain all right. It's a small wonder he's still able to walk at all. Look at this."
She pointed at the scan she'd just taken, which showed the broken clavicle, the deep cuts in his right shoulder and several small fractures along his ribcage. "There was a slight internal bleeding but thank god that didn't pull through. He'd never have survived that."
Together, nurse and marine worked to make the doctor as comfortable as possible. After an hour, Hannah finally tapped her combadge. "Sickbay to bridge. I'm happy to report that we've alleviated most of the doctor's injuries. He's still unconscious but I've no doubt that with a little help he'll make a full recovery. Commander, I think he'll want to see you when he wakes up. He pretty much apologised for attacking you, though I think it's you who should apologise to him sir."
She and Donovan exchanged a curious glance when Jayden approached from the other ward. The marine looked better than when he'd been first brought in, though he was still a little pale. His dark eyes were wide with worry as he approached the human doctor's bed. "May I sit with him?" he asked softly, almost pleading.
"I was going to ask if you would," Hannah smiled, reaching for his hand, patting it comfortingly. "He'll want to see you when he wakes. Make sure he rests hm? And make sure you do as well, you did lose a lot of blood after you were shot."
"And he saved my life through quick thinking," Jayden waved it off. "We're even, I'm sure."
Hannah shrugged and walked into the CMO's office with Donovan close on her heels. "They'll be fine, they'll pull eachother through." She ignored Donovan's scowl at her words, shrugging indifferently. "It's who they are." Donovan merely nodded, while they both waited for the first officer to come back when he had time to do so.
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Matthew Reynolds
Rear Admiral
"It's good to have an end to a journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."
Registered: Apr 28, 2005 20:58:32 GMT
Posts: 2,759
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Post by Matthew Reynolds on Sept 9, 2008 8:07:26 GMT
“The situation is well in hand at the moment, Commander,” Megan replied pulling up a few current statistics. “I have determined the evacuation order of our officers, as well as those from the Fang. Most of the medical personnel have requested to stay planet-side until more assistance arrives, and I’d like to request the same for myself. There’s still a lot of work needed to treat the injured and repair the damage.”"You won't have to be down there for much longer, three Federation starships will be arriving within the hour," Matt said proud with the decision of his crew," once they arrive I would like for all of you to transport back to the Jefferson." “So far since the ceasefire was reached there have been no attacks and no fighting whatsoever. I’ve spoken with many of the local chiefs personally, and they are each committed to maintaining the peace. Chief Ta’kel has been a great help making contact and convincing the others of our good intentions and sincere apologies for what happened. Matelus has also been very helpful in maintaining the peace. Many of the crewmembers involved in the rebellion disappeared the moment the ceasefire was reached, but the Lieutenant is determined to answer for his actions.”"We all make mistakes, Commander. I know that Matelus is a good man at heart. He was angry and confused, I understand his position," Matt said surprised that he meant every word. Only a few hours ago he would have killed Matelus for his act of betrayal. “Sir, if I may, what is Doctor van Breughel’s condition? He was roughed up pretty badly down here. I think it is in his best interest to be placed off duty as soon as it becomes possible. I can only imagine his son’s recent injury had made his state of mind even more fragile. I also recommend he receive extensive counseling.”"The doctor is already being taken cared for, but I regret to say that I injured him when he arrived in sickbay," Matt said glad that he was able to speak to someone about this. Even though he didn't know Megan personally all that well, he knew that she had faced situations where she hurt innocent people," it just happened so fast...... but I should speak of my personal situation. Good work down there Commander, I'll make sure that everyone recieves a commendation for what you have done." (Megan) "Commander, what do you need?"Matt wasn't expecting to be questioned when he arrived on the bridge. He had just finished talking to Commander Garrett, who had aprised him of the situation down on the planet. Matt knew that he had called for Cyle a while ago, but he was not going to be angry. He knew that everyone was doing their part to make things on the Jefferson better. "I'm reinstating you as Senior Marine Officer, your actions during this crisis demands that you return to your old post," Matt said knowing that everyone involved would be pleased with this decision," you don't have to worry about the Lieutenant. He performed with grace and honor, but this ship requires a veteran marine officer." (Cyle) "Once the Fang arrives please let me know, I will need to speak to Admiral Drew and Brigadier Hrisvalar," Matt said knowing that he would need to explain the actions that happened on the Jefferson and the planet as well. "Sickbay to bridge. I'm happy to report that we've alleviated most of the doctor's injuries. He's still unconscious but I've no doubt that with a little help he'll make a full recovery. Commander, I think he'll want to see you when he wakes up. He pretty much apologised for attacking you, though I think it's you who should apologise to him sir.""I completely agree with your recommendation Hannah, I should have taken into consideration what he went through on the planet, I was so caught up in my troubles that I didn't take time to do my job and look after the crew," Matt said knowing that he would need to resolve this issue with Nathan for the well being of both men," Hannah, I want to be informed when Nathan wakes up, but please know that I will be in a debriefing with Admiral Drew and Brigadier Hrisvalar when they arrive. (Tag Hannah) OOC: Alright guys, lets wrap up this misison. It's gone a little bit longer than I wanted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2008 18:26:35 GMT
"No commander, that's not how I feel," he answered softly, his voice rasping. His throat was dry and he was too exhausted to talk.
The feline sighed softly, continuing to speak. He knew the doctor did not wish to, but he would rather have kept the physician from thinking about it rather than the pain that permeated him.
“Then how do you feel? Murr..”
"I'm a doctor, to do as you suggest goes against my oath. My attack on Commander Reynolds already did such, and it was unprovoked and unwarranted and no doubt I'll get penalised for that."
The feline nodded carefully, “Bound to the oath which commands you; murr. I am very proud to see such loyalty in another.”
"Mr T'Ress I implore you, take the boy with you for now. Entertain him in engineering perhaps? I don't want him to see the extend of his father's injuries. If needed, bring him into the care of Major Johnson. He'll look after the boy."
The feline nodded, thinking for a moment. “No, no I should be able to entertain him just fine in engineering. It should be safe enough now – I have had my staff do their best job so far of repairing the area in there. It should be safe enough to contract at the moment.”
He turned to the boy, beckoning him to follow after having said what he had.
Having him follow, the feline tried to walk quickly into the turbolift, ordering it to take them into the engineering deck immediately. He sighed carefully, suddenly ordering a stop.
“I know what I should do…murr…”
Punching in a different deck, he led the boy out into one of the other, many generic corridors and soon walked him to a wall. Tapping on the computer screen that was outside the wall, he watched the doors slide open as he took the boy onto an expanse of cold, gray and white steel.
A female Vulcan quickly approached them in this strange room, raising her brow to the feline, “Good morning, Captain. I trust that you should soon exchange yourself into a more appropriate dress for a commanding officer.”
The feline looked to her, shaking his head, “Murr, Captain’s prerogative.”
“The Captain’s prerogative does not allow for breech of codes.”
“Take your position, Number One. Merrow.” “Aye, sir.”
The feline then turned back to the boy, “Surely, this is considered part of my duties, considering that I am required to watch you. This is the USS Fading Sun, and probably the only holodeck left functioning. Here, I am the commanding officer. And the year is 2293.”
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2008 3:49:20 GMT
=/\=The doctor is already being taken care of, but I regret to say that I injured him when he arrived in sickbay...it just happened so fast...=/\= the Commander reported, which caused Megan to wince slightly. The thought of the doctor getting hurt again after everything he had been through was not a pleasant one, but though Matt had failed to mention the circumstances, Commander Garrett was sure the first officer hadn’t just attacked him out of the blue but had been provoked. Given Nathan’s state due to his capture and the recent injury to his son, it was hardly unexpected.
=/\=But I shouldn’t speak of my personal situation,=/\= Matt added to change the subject, the guilt in his voice fading. =/\=Good work down there, Commander. I'll make sure that everyone receives a commendation for what you have done.=/\=
“Understood, Sir; I also have several special commendations that I will personally request, and I’m sure there are others who will submit similar requests. There are a lot of people who have done extraordinary work. I’ll organize the evacuation and coordinate with the incoming ships to expedite the transition from our people to their officers. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours. I’ll keep you informed; Garrett out.”
As the channel closed, Megan allowed herself to lean back in her chair and close her eyes for a moment. The fatigue of the past three days was beginning to take its toll on her, especially considering how little sleep she had gotten. Many others had been on the planet for nearly a full day longer than she had, so Commander Garrett could only imagine how exhausted they all must be. While she had made use of the stimulants sent with the supplies for the past day and a half, the science officer had avoided taking any for the past six hours to avoid the drug showing up in her blood. The last thing she wanted was a lecture about taking care of herself.
Luckily the evacuation and transition was already well planned out due not only to Megan’s general diligence to her duties but also her intense desire to go back to the Jefferson and rest. Planning how best to make the switch quick and easy was her job, but it was also something she was personally motivated to accomplish. It would only take about an hour and a half to two hours to make the switch the way the science officer had arranged it. New doctors would beam down first, brought up to speed by the original doctors, while the new security personnel arrived. Then the officers from the Jefferson and Fang would transport back into orbit. Then, of course, the transition would move on to the next site, twenty-five locations in total.
With a sigh, Commander Garrett firmly massaged her temple. Her symptoms had been growing worse over the past day including the headache. It was only a matter of time before she was at risk for losing consciousness, and that was something the second officer would rather avoid at all costs. That would result in an even bigger lecture, but that was not going to happen… Megan was determined not to let it. A few more hours wasn’t that long, another hour waiting for the ships and then two or three hours until the transition was made and she was back in her quarters. She had been through worse before and as a result was resolved to last a little longer.
~
Exactly three hours and twenty-seven minutes later and the final men and women were leaving the final site, and the entire backup contingent of medical and security personnel were in place. Incredibly grateful to be minutes away from going off duty, Megan was still speaking with the new senior officer on the ground, Commander Floyd, updating him on the current situation as well as a history of past problems. It was taking every last ounce of the second officer’s strength to stay on her feet and appear entirely awake. Fortunately, if Floyd noticed it, he didn’t say anything.
“One last thing,” Megan added, feeling rest within reach, “I want to introduce you to someone who has been instrumental in maintaining order and peace with each of the local chiefs.” Beckoning Ta’kel to join them, Commander Garrett sent a warm smile his way before continuing. “This is Chief Ta’kel, the ruling leader in this area. Ta’kel and I were the first to begin a dialogue and to reach an agreement, and his help in contacting the other chiefs and convincing them of our good intentions has been invaluable. Ta’kel, I’d like you to meet Commander Floyd, who will take my place here, and I can assure you that he represents the same principles that I do.”
The two men shook hands, both looking perhaps a bit cautious, but Megan knew that each would learn to trust the other soon. “Well then, I will leave the operation here in two sets of capable hands. I trust both of you implicitly. If either of you have any questions, I’m just a comm call away, but I don’t believe that will be needed.” Turning to Ta’kel, Commander Garrett reached out to shake his hand. “Thank you, Chief. I regret our meeting started out with two kidnappings, but I am grateful we were able to work together towards a peaceful end and stop the fighting quickly.”
“You are welcome,” Ta’kel replied, shaking her hand in return. “Please, convey my good wishes and continued apologies to your doctor. And thank you as well. I do have one further request of you.” The chief hesitated briefly before finally asking. “Please take care of my son, and try to look after him. I know he did wrong, but he is a good man, who is owning up to his mistake, and he is trying to make it right.”
Megan had completely forgotten about Matelus, whom she still had to retrieve from a few kilometers away. Covering her slight annoyance at having to remain on the surface just a little longer, she nodded sympathetically. “I will do my best, and I will also put in a good word for him based on what he has done since beaming to the surface, but I can’t make any guarantees. His mistake cost a lot of people their lives, and he seems to realize that he has to answer for that, but I will try to help.”
Smiling sadly, Ta’kel nodded. “Thank you, Commander. I wish you well also.”
Heading back to the Commander center, Megan pressed her fingers against her temple, momentarily forgetting to try and hide how she felt, before approaching the new Commander. “I need to be transported to these coordinates,” she requested, tapping the location in the console. “From there, I’ll have the Jefferson beam me back up.” Floyd glanced at her questioningly but nodded without voicing an opinion.
A few moments later, Megan materialized alone in the middle of what had been the former enemy base. The room was filled with Dorvan rebels, who looked up as she appeared, watching her very closely. Suddenly feeling incredibly vulnerable, and less than at her best, Commander Garrett momentarily regretted beaming in without any backup as the entire room silently surrounded her. Refusing to let any concern show, though beginning to feel a bit nauseous, the science officer quickly surveyed the room and found the Lieutenant working at a console across the room.
Straightening her spine, feeling a surge of defensive adrenaline, Megan resisted the very strong urge to rest her hand on the phaser at her waist and calmly stepped through the crowd of rebels toward Matelus. Though she received glares on her way through, a few did step aside marginally to let her pass. The Dorvan Lieutenant picked up on the sudden silence and glanced up as she approached, his expression falling slightly as he realized what was happening before it set once more in a reluctant yet resolute look. She had to admire his strength of mind.
“I’m ready,” the Lieutenant announced calmly, holding up his hand to stop a small group of rebels advancing on the Commander from behind. Megan couldn’t help but notice the move and glanced from side to side feeling a little nervous but trying not to show it. Matelus moved to join her, looking around sentimentally as he realized this could be the last he saw of his home planet for a long time. His eyes fell on the window showing landscape and sky grey and overcast from the fighting.
Nodding to the man now standing next to her, still feeling edgy, Megan tapped her commbadge. “Garrett to Jefferson, two to beam up.” The duo dematerialized, leaving behind a solemn room of the Lieutenant’s countrymen. As they reappeared, the Commander wavered slightly on her feet, but fortunately no one seemed to notice it.
Glancing wryly over at her, Matelus commented, “I’m not sure it was entirely wise to beam there alone. There may be peace, but they easily could have attacked you.”
Still feeling slightly disoriented, Megan had to agree with him but was feeling a bit defensive considering her carelessness was the result of her fatigue, and replied, “But if I had beamed in with a team of security officers or Marines, that may have been taken as an ambush.” It sounded good, but she knew Matelus had been right.
Nodding in agreement, the Lieutenant followed Commander Garrett as she left the transporter room as she led the way to the brig. His mind was preoccupied with how he had gotten to this point and the mistakes he had made along the way. He had been so loyal to Starfleet and worked very hard to create a life and career for himself, only to be consumed with suspicion, hatred, and revenge. It was a tragic ending, but he’d made the mistakes and repented too late to reverse the damage.
As the two officers arrived in the brig, there was only one man on duty due to the supply exhaustion of security and Marine personnel. The man glanced up, looking tired, and instantly recognized both Megan and Matelus. The Lieutenant kept his head up, as the Ensign on duty glared at him, and stepped willingly inside the cell. As the forcefield went up, Commander Garrett stepped across to the lone guard. “I don’t want to hear any reports of this man being mistreated, and I want that to be communicated to your replacement as well and so on. Do I make myself clear?”
The even glare given with the order left no room for questions, and the Ensign stood a bit straighter and swallowed before replying, “Yes, Ma’am, perfectly clear.” He had witnessed Megan’s transformation first hand, being one of the guards on duty during Jombis’ interrogation, and he wasn’t about to risk questioning her. To his immense surprise, Commander Garrett’s stern expression wavered slightly as she tilted on her feet and actually reached out to grasp the edge of the console. “Ma’am, are you alright?” he asked in concern, reaching out to help steady her.
Pulling herself together, standing up straighter, and removing her hand from the console, Megan nodded although her face was beginning to grow pale. “I’m fine. As you were,” she replied stonily before turning carefully on her heel and leaving the brig. If her estimates were correct, she only had about ten minutes before she would absolutely need to sit down. That meant reporting to Commander Reynolds just now was out of the question. Besides, if he were to see her like this even if she did make it through, he’d most likely order her to sickbay, the last place she wanted to go. Making it to the lift and leaning up against the wall before requesting the turbolift head to the deck containing her quarters, she tapped her commbadge.
“Garrett to Reynolds, the transition is complete. All the Fang and Jefferson officers have been retrieved, and Lieutenant Matelus is now in the brig. Request permission to go off duty for a shift?” Megan requested, hoping almost desperately he’d agree. Luckily, he did, and that was all Commander Garrett really cared about hearing. “Thank you, Sir. Garrett out,” she replied, quickly signing off as the doors opened and moving down the corridor towards the relief of quarters at a fairly rapid pace.
As soon as the door opened, she kicked off her boots and moved almost in a haze towards her bedroom where she practically collapsed on her bed, breathing heavily. She’d made it... After a few moments, Megan was beginning to feel a little bit better, or at least like she wasn’t going to collapse. Still, the science officer was not about to risk anything by staying awake or standing for too long, so as quickly as possible, Commander Garrett changed out of her almost unrecognizable uniform, and took a very quick sonic shower, before throwing on a clean uniform minus the jacket, and once again collapsing back onto the bed, almost having pushed too far.
Barely conscious now, Megan crawled up to the top of the bed, too tired to bother with the covers, grabbed a pillow, and curled up on her side, beginning to drift off to sleep almost instantly. The last thought that crossed her mind was that if Nathan hadn’t sedated her when he had, she might not have made it through everything.
OOC: Sorry for the monster novel...it was longer than intended. LOL But it does conclude things on Dorvan and with Matelus.
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