CDR Naxell — Solemn Duties
Naxell
((OOC: Upon clarification with the writer, it's become clear that the intention of this plot line did not involve sexual assault, and any implication otherwise was accidental. Hopefully, no one has been unduly disturbed by this series of sims, and in the future I encourage everyone to refer to my recent OOC email on the subject. Furthermore, I am closing out this scene, as we will imminently transition all characters to the awards ceremony, and thereafter, our next mission.))
((Medbay-Infirmary, The Indulgence of Chocolate-Coated Jama’haron))
It was the second time the security office on the Indulgence had summoned him, only this time he was not on Dangani prime. He was in his now much more modestly apportioned cabin. He wasn't sleeping, of course—he would only need an hour or two later on in the night, and even then it was more of a nap. He had been reviewing reports and personnel files. The first time he had been contacted, it resulted in new living quarters aboard the cruise liner
As he stepped into the ship's modest medbay and the familiar scent of disinfectant filled his nostrils, he harbored no expectations that it would go the same way.
Ohnari: I...don't know if Ez has been told. But I can make sure he knows you are here. If that's what you want. ::another squeeze:: You can tell me what you decide after we speak with Commander Naxell.
From the other side of a privacy curtain, he heard himself referred. As the doctor was with her patient, he stopped near the entrance and cleared his throat. There was a delicate balance to be struck between announcing his presence and interrupting her consultation.
Whether he struck that balance would remain a mystery to him, but the absence of a scowl on the Haliian doctor’s face as she rounded the curtain was a hopeful sign.
Ohnari: ::quietly:: Her jaw has been temporarily immobilized, so speech is limited. Her vitals are stable, and she will be kept for observation to monitor her condition. I recommend we keep this brief, Sir. The more rest she can get the better.
Naxell: I understand, Doctor. The plug is yours to pull.
She nodded, and with a subtle wave of her hand invited him to follow her around the privacy screen. He did so, remaining a step or two behind. He caught glimpse of the woman, repose atop her biobed, and a flurry of information flew from his memory. Some of the information he’d already recalled, but it was as if the facts of her file were floating, amorphously, in his mind. Seeing her face served to cement them.
Ohnari: Lera? The Commander has arrived. We won't keep you long, ok?
Michaels: Fine. I am terribly sorry, Commander. :: beat :: I have caused everyone a great deal of trouble.
She seemed well enough on the outside. Dermal regenerators could work wonders on superficial wounds, though he knew it took a great deal longer for the deeper injuries to heal. Longer still for the hurts that couldn’t be detected or addressed by physical means. He felt somewhat at a loss of how to proceed. He was a new face to her, as the mild look of confusion across her features indicated. He wasn’t a counselor, he was a commanding officer, and he wouldn’t pretend to know how to guide her through what she had experienced, or how to process its meaning on her life.
She reminded him of his granddaughter, and was probably about the same age. He let that though guide him, and brushed off her unwarranted apology. He spoke to her in the same tone he might have used to comfort Yulnara when she fell off a swing.
Naxell: I’m Commander Naxell, there’s been a change in the command structure of the Khitomer and I’m CO. I just want you to know that you are in good hands, Lieutenant.
With her mouth immobilized, he raised a hand to dissuade further speaking. Whatever she had to say could wait until she was healed. He spared a sideways glance to Ohnari, to ensure that she
Naxell: The Dangani authorities are already involved, and I’ll make sure they do not bother you until you’re ready for them. But they have taken the passenger into custody, and we are almost back to Deep Space 33. You are safe.
A noise slipped into his ear, and he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. With an apologetic nod to Khitomer’s Chief Medical Officer, it was time to say his farewells. He smiled his most grandfatherly smile towards her, briefly resisting the doctor’s urgings to leave.
Naxell: For now, Lieutenant, rest well. We’ll have you home, soon.
TBC
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Commander Nax-Ellarneii-Tellargo
Commanding Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
A240001NH3