Ensign T’Fearne - Sojourn to Weather Storms
teayl.thorn
((Flashback cont'd—The Sojourn, Volga-class Runabout Assigned to USS Ronin))
Alyndra shifted back to sit cross-legged on the bunk, her eyes cast down, fingers absentmindedly tracing the small, metallic emblem in her grasp. It was the Trill’s rank and delta. T’Fearne watched her, feeling an urge to help but also out of her depth and wanting to get Alyndra any help she needed.
oO Oh, Alyndra! Oo
T’Fearne: Do you want me to get Dekas for you?
Alyndra shook her head sharply, quickly wiping away a tear. T’Fearne thought perhaps she understood. She remained close, hoping she could somehow comfort the Trill. The soft hum of the shuttle was the only sound in the room, a reminder that the world was still turning, even when everything felt like it had come to a stop.
There was perhaps one thing she could do for her friend.
After a beat, T’Fearne gently placed her hand on Alyndra’s knee, her palm up. She’d planned to ask Alyndra to hold her hand, but the Trill beat her to it, placing her hand gently on top of the offered palm. T’Fearne’s gaze flicked to her friend’s eye, the good one—the one that shone with tears—ignoring the wound and tissue trauma that marred her other one and focused instead on the brave medical officer with the blindingly bright spark of katra.
T’Fearne: Can I show you something that my father taught me?
She thought she felt Alyndra squeeze her hand in response, taking that as silently permission to continue. T’Fearne adjusted her grip so she could cradle Alyndra’s hand, palm up, and place three fingers lightly into her palm.
T’Fearne: Close your eyes for a moment. :: Softly:: Imagine yourself caught in a turbulent tornado, the winds pulling and twisting you in all directions. Now imagine you have the power to control the wind. With a single thought or gesture, you can quiet the storms, you can calm the sky, and control the very air around you. But why would you? You control the thermals now, and you can fly anywhere you wish.
T’Fearne paused, letting the words sink in, allowing the image to grow vivid in her own mind. She closed her eyes too, partly so Alyndra would not feel her looking but also to immerse herself in the childhood memory of her father’s lessons. The calmness that comes with control washed over her.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw Alyndra’s gaze softening, her breathing seemed steadier.
Syrex: Thank you
T’Fearne: You’re welcome.
Syrex: You didn’t ask. The last thing I need right now is to ::whimpers, a tear reflowing through her eye:: …explain.
The Vulcazoid winced, her heart aching for her friend as the effect of the meditation technique seemed to fade. She could feel the weight of a large emotion pressing to escape from Alyndra.
T’Fearne: You’re right, I didn’t ask. I trust you will let me know if and when you want to talk about it. I’ve got a few things to tell you about it too when you are ready.
Syrex: I don’t know how you feel, you may have sensed it already, but I think you’re probably my best friend. Not just on the ship, but… everywhere… To think our first meeting was me getting slapped by a pillow!
Alyndra gave a soft, wet snort, and T’Fearne couldn’t help but chuckle, even as she ignored the flying alien bodily fluids. As a security officer she had to deal with worse.
oO Anything but Bolian bold mixed with Sheliak excretions, though…! Oo
But Alyndra’s comment brought a smile to pluck at her lips as she remembered the confusing and comical nocturnal meeting when she found a strange trill sleeping in her bunk.
T’Fearne: I threw a coat on you first, Doc! :: pondering Alyndra’s words deeply for a moment:: I don’t know what the future holds Alyndra. The universe is wonderful, vast, mysterious and, at times, absolutely deadly. I am honoured that you concider me your best friend, and I am, and hope one day to be your greatest friend!
Syrex: Response
T’Fearne felt a warmth spreading from the trill that touched her strange hybrid heart as she heard her words. She was glad beyond measure to have met Alyndra.
((End of Flashback))
((Xenobiology Lab, Deck 10, USS Ronin—in EnRout to the Alpha Isles))
T’Feane blinked hard to dispel the unbidden memory that had surfaced unexpectedly. She was not on the Sojourn but stepping forward into the Xenobiology Lab now, her focus snapping back to the present. She reached out, steadying Alyndra, who seemed to falter.
T’Fearne: Apologies. I think…I think I caught a flash of your memories. :: Bemused:: That doesn’t usually happen. Are you alright?
Syrex: Response
Pulling the Trill’s arm to link it with her own.
T’Fearne::: Grinning and repeating:: I am and hope to one day be your greatest friend!
T’Fearne performed the Vulcan salute with her free hand—a graceful Ta’al. But then, with a playful grin, she turned it into the human “peace” sign she’d learned at the academy.
Syrex: Response
Just then, the door to the lab hissed open, and Beck swished in, blue coat tails flapping behind him as strode into the lab.
[Tag, You’re It! / TBC possibly as a JP]
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14