Ensign Elor Letek - Building a den
Ensign Elor Letek
((Sickbay, Deck 5))
Children were the subject of a number of separate lectures during medical training at the academy. There they not only learned about special diseases of children and infants, but also practiced how to deal with young patients. For example, it was relatively easy to ask an adult to remain calm and allow the treatment to pass quietly. Children often had a fear of treatment. You could use one trick or another. In Daniel's case, Drex had already laid the foundation and spoken of ‘magic’ that Elor could work to treat his injuries. And this approach did indeed seem to have the desired effect.
Daniel was not enthusiastic about the treatment, but he kept still and, when Elor removed the dermal regenerator from his face and showed him in the mirror that the black eye had disappeared, he was obviously convinced of this procedure too.
Daniel: :: Surprised and in disbelief:: It’s gone!
The Denobulan chuckled at the kid’s reaction.
Drex: I told you he could do it.
Letek: You see. My magic has already healed the wound. My grandmother told me that this word stands for healing and courage. So it could be that you feel a little braver now too.
The boy nodded looking at the mirror and whispering.
Daniel: Rala'ven… Rala'ven…
Drex: :: To Letek :: Anything else that needs to be healed, Doc?
Letek: Now we just have to treat your ribs with the magic device. It's just as easy and painless as on your eye, alright?
Daniel: I’m brave. :: He looked at the two officers with a slight smile ::
Elor's face was adorned with a broad, very satisfied smile. The ‘magic’ words already seemed to be having an effect. So the treatment could continue.
When the boy had given his consent, Elor treated the wounds on Daniel's chest in the same way before putting the device aside and taking the mirror from Daniel again.
Letek: There, that was all. Your wounds have healed and you're certainly a lot braver now thanks to the spell. ::Looks conspiratorially at Daniel:: Remember the magic word. If you're not feeling so brave, you can always whisper it quietly until your courage returns.
Drex: If you feel well, I think we can go take that shower, or maybe you prefer a warm bath with small ships sailing around high mountains of bubbles. You can actually try both, since Elor healed you and your belly is full, we have no hurry to get back here.
With a gesture of his hand the science officer invited the kid to get off the bed and follow him. Daniel bit his lips. Only when Drex repeated his invitation did Daniel get out of bed and join him.
Daniel: But I don’t want to go back home. Please.
It broke Elor's heart to hear these words from the boy's mouth. What kind of monsters must the people in whose care he had been placed have been for the child to be afraid to return to the people who were his wards?
Letek: Don't worry, Daniel. I give you my word, you don't have to go back there. After all, we wanted to have a slumber party today. Drex will give you a bath and then you'll come back here. He certainly won't take you back to them either.
Drex confirmed Elor's promise.
Drex: No, I won’t take you there, I promise. Once you’ve washed yourself, we can return here.
Daniel nodded and took Drex’s hand. The Denobulan froze and lowered his gaze to his hand. The temptation to move away was very strong, but the fear of hurting the boy was even stronger. He remained still, looking for a way out.
Elor saw Drex stiffen briefly as soon as Daniel took his hand and wondered what had made him do it. Had Drex had bad experiences with children? But he was far too caring for that. Was it the touch itself? Perhaps he didn't like physical contact in general?
He decided to ask the Denobulan when the opportunity arose.
Letek: You see. You have both our word. And we in Starfleet keep the promises we make.
Drex nodded and closed his hand around Daniel's.
Drex: All right, we’ll be back soon, and better smelling, Doc. I entrust you with the task of building a suitable den for this puppy.
Daniel: I ain’t no puppy! :: He protested ::
The Denobulan laughed and started walking towards the door.
Drex: We’ll see… I know for sure puppies hate water.
Letek: ::Calling behind:: I'm going to build a big den out of blankets and pillows, with cozy lights and little snacks. So don't take too long a bath or I'll eat all the sweets myself.
The boy waved his free hand at Elor, following the other officer out of the sick bay.
Elor looked after them, a smile on his lips and his hands on his hips. He had always had a soft spot for children and playing with them, looking after them and caring for them gave him a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
When the door had closed, the Bajoran made his way back to the replicator. After all, he needed blankets, pillows, cozy lights and snacks.
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