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BEGIN SIM

MED: I'm always nice! :: protests her friend's remark ::

:: in sickbay, resting somewhat comfortably, having brushed her hair and had some of her bruising taken care of ::

:: taps her combadge :: +CSO+ Your wife is awake if you’d like to see her.

:: does, however, wince from a twinge as she shifts in the bed ::

:: on the bridge, worrying about Harper, but is assured that she's recovering and attempts to concentrate on filling in the captain's shoes ::

:: in Main Engineering, coordinating and overseeing shipwide repairs ::

:: at the helm, still running the coordination system between the other helms, since Discovery did not seize control of what had worked so well thus far ::

:: on the Bridge, having composed herself in the ready room and happy to have handed command back to Kuari, but tears threaten again as she hears Acacia's words. She looks back at Kuari, the plea plain on her face :: XO: Commander, may I be relieved for a short while?

:: looks up from focusing on her console and blinks a moment, realizing what the question is. A soft smile shows on her face when she realizes what it's probably about, and she nods back firmly :: CSO: Of course.

:: eagerly drinks the rest of the water, wow did her mouth get dry during that ordeal ::

:: offers a parting meaningful look and a smile to Harper, heading out of surgical recovery and into main sickbay to continue her rounds ::

:: gives her friend a nod of gratitude and hands off main Sci/Ops to her subordinate, hurrying toward the turbolift :: +MED+ Acknowledged, Doctor, I'm on my way.

:: is working on charts, giving Acacia a grin and wave as he saw her enter the main sickbay ::

:: manages a tired smile for Jasper, waving back ::

:: returns Acacia's smile as she leaves ::

:: is back up on her console, double-checking systems and scanners to keep her mind off of what had happened planet-side ::

:: notices her tired smile, cocking his head to the side briefly before standing to move towards his friend and officer :: MED: You tired? How do you do with coffee?

::on the bridge having just delivered a status report to Kuari about Harper, along with the usual casualty reports::

:: though she's still processing her newfound memories, overall, she's heartened by what Emily did for her, so she chooses to focus on that, for now ::

:: raises an eyebrow and gasps playfully :: MED2: Are you offering? I take it with cream and sugar.

:: rides the turbolift down to Deck 15, the conflicting emotions playing out across her face causing those who join her in the turbolift to leave her be ::

:: arrives on the Bridge, leans out of the turbolift :: XO/Bridge: Uh, hey. Permission to, uh, to come to the Bridge? Just requesting a brief chat with the top brass, then I’ll be outta your hair.

:: snickers, nodding :: MED: Yeah, I'm offering. You look like you need it.

::glancing to Hannah as she sticks her head out, still doesn't quite know what to think about this person::

:: turns at hearing the TL doors open, frowning, and looking to Kuari for instructions ::

:: sighs softly :: MED2: That obvious? Maybe I’ll hand the rest of the patients off to Doctor Straynj.

:: hurries down the corridor, but pauses outside the sickbay doors, trying to compose herself ::

:: when Wright left, he silently wished for her to have the strength to get through this ::

:: looks up as Lexy approaches, angling herself toward the sickbay doors to catch her as she comes in ::

MED: To me and Ryleigh, yeah. Others... not so much, probably? :: his voice raises in a question, before he continues :: MED: Anyways, I'll go get those coffees. ::

:: gives Ethan finger guns as he goes for coffee ::

:: finally takes a deep breath and enters Sickbay and is immediately intercepted by Emily - almost runs straight into her :: MED: Oh!

:: dodges around Wright, giving her a slight smile and vanishes into the hallway to get the coffees ::

::just bypasses Hannah, beelining it for the replicator to get another giant mug of coffee (tm). Or maybe she should just go to sleep. naaaah. ::

:: catches her by the arms to avoid the collision, chuckling :: CSO: Ope! Sorry—ah, Kate’s this way. :: she turns to lead Lexy to the entrance to surgical recovery ::

:: watches CMO walk by without acknowledging her :: XO/Bridge: Don’t everybody pipe up at once. Take your turn.

:: closes her eyes and prepares herself to see her wife in a bad state, then follows Emily ::

XO: Commander. Miss... Ziredac is asking for permission to enter the bridge. :: her tone shows her slight dislike for the other ::

:: fiddles with her hair while waiting for Lexy ::

:: takes her to the entrance and gestures in, not following Lexy to give the two a little privacy, though she parts with an encouraging pat on Lexy’s back ::

:: looks over at the turbolift at Hannah and frowns, then to Grey, then back at Hannah :: Hannah: Is there a problem? :: stands up from her seat ::

::gives a little contented sigh as she takes the first sip from the mug:: Hannah: Oh... so sorry. Um, what can we do for you? Wait.. Top brass. ::looks to Kuari:: You might want to speak with her. ::sips more coffee and wanders back to her station.

:: catches Emily's eye and mouths "Thank you" at her before turning back to the entrance and taking a deep breath, then stepping inside ::

:: her tired face brightens when her wife enters the room :: CSO: Rosie!

:: gets handed a patient’s chart and asked a question by one of the nurses, pulling her back into main sickbay and toward one of the patients ::

XO: Nah, no problem, really. Just, uh, wanted to chat about offering my services. Repairs on my ship are almost done, and if things are heating up with the Xovul… Well, not to toot my own horn, but, you could use what the Skylark has to offer.

:: idly scratches at his arm where he was burnt in the battle ::

XO: She’s not much of a fighter, but she can do some pretty vicious recon and sabotage work. I can play support to your fighters.

:: returns with two steaming closed-cups of Earth-bean based coffee, fresh from their stash, and immediately spotting Acacia :: MED: Your coffee, cream and sugar as requested and straight from our stash of beans

:: sees Kate there in the bed, alive and well but obviously injured... and also with her hair done for some reason? Emotions play plainly across her features - first joy, then concern, then her face slowly crumples as she bursts into tears and rushes forward, clamping her arms around her wife in a rough embrace ::

:: gasps, accepting the coffee with a grateful bow of her head :: MED2: Thank you! ... real beans!?

MED: Indeed. Both Ryleigh and I are particular about our coffee... and what Starfleet calls coffee is a failure to the quality real-beans.

:: takes a small sip and marvels at the flavor :: MED2: Wow. Well, I’ll remember not to offer you replicated brew.

:: grits her teeth a bit as she's hugged, the deep bruising still causing that to hurt, but with every ounce of her will, in order to keep her wife from worrying any more, she suppresses any further reaction to that pain and hugs Lexy back as her eyes moisten :: CSO: I am fine, love.

:: acknowledges what Hannah is telling her, looks towards the ready room, but dismisses using it as Wright is already off the bridge, then looks back at their guest :: Hannah: I'm sure Captain Harper would agree that we will use all the help we can get. Be as prepared as you can for if the Xovul return. The captain should be back on her feet soon.

:: on the Syrinx, he finishes compiling the report of all the information he extracted from the would-be assassin's mind, along with his observations from his time in deep cover among the Xovul ::

:: laughs at Acacia's comment :: MED: Though if you wanna hear what Ryleigh's curse-word dictionary is like... then definitely offer her replicated coffee... though maybe don't do it in front of the crew. She knows a lot. ::

:: sobs silently against Kate's neck for a long moment before she is able to bring her blubbering under enough control to get out intelligible words :: CO: I saw your life signs, Kate. You were dead. Don't tell me you're fine!

XO: Gellish. I’ll be back when she’s back, then. :: finger guns :: Thanks. TL: Deck 18.

:: chuckles :: MED2: Oh, I bet. :: she sips her coffee, taking a few moments to revel in it :: MED2: By the way, did you get the chance to process that blood sample from Lieutenant Kohls?

:: watches Hannah leave and, feeling the tenderness of her own injury, carefully and slowly sits back down ::

:: strokes Lexy's hair as she sobs, blinking at tears of her own, finding herself so grateful to still be here :: CSO: Well, I am still sore, but our doctors are incredible. :: her voice drops to a whisper :: I am... so sorry, Rosie...

:: sees that Power Distribution is not in need of another overhaul :: Ugh, thank Glob.

:: looks over at Grey as Hannah leaves, her expression mostly neutral ::

ACTION> The Syrinx hails, specifically requesting the XO.

:: glances to Kuari, expression curious ::

:: pulls away from Kate, finally releasing her from the rough embrace, and paces around the room, angry crying ::

:: he nods, turning to set the cup down and pulling up the Lieutenant's blood sample results on his PADD, offering the datapad to Acacia :: MED: Yeah, here you go

:: notes some deficiencies in the auto-modulation routines in the shield system :: Well, that would explain the uphill battle I fought. CD: Hey, Davis, go find Iesius and Byrne and meet me in Deflector Control, will you?

Davis> CEO: You got it, Chief. :: scurries off to find the others ::

:: shudders at the word Chief :: Really gonna have to get used to that.

:: takes the PADD and begins reading the results. She nods at Ethan and gestures with both the coffee and the PADD :: MED2: Thank you, for everything. :: she reads the results as she makes her way over to check on Lieutenant Kohls ::

:: picks up the hail, glancing to it curiously :: XO: Hail from the Syrinx, requesting you specifically, Commander ::

:: heads to the turbolift :: TL: Deck 11.

:: notes Grey look at her console as she's already looking at Grey, and turns back to the main viewer :: CTO: On screen.

:: shifts the comm onto the screen, looking up at the main viewer ::

:: her tears start to spill as she sees her wife angry crying, and she starts desperately trying to explain why, the usual clipped, rapid tempo of her voice going even faster :: CSO: I just had to see it for myself, with my own eyes, the consequences of what they are putting us through, to internalize the price of it all. I thought the risk was minimal, but I did not forsee a spy down there! I am so so so sorry, Lexy, please forgive me for putting you through that. It was a stupid, careless, thoughtless mistake and I will not make it again! :: breaks down into sobs ::

:: goes back to her rounds, happy to he releasing more patients than she’s keeping ::

:: appears on the main viewer :: +XO+ Captain Travax here, Commander... Kuari, I believe? You may remember me as "Vance", who you rescued from the Xovul shipyard. I was a Section 31 agent under deep cover there.

:: nods curtly :: +Travax+ Yes, of course, what can I do for you?

Ana Stecker> :: peers onto the Atlantis bridge through the viewscreen ::

+XO+ I have prepared a report for you. It contains the results of my thorough interrogation of the would-be assassin. I have added my own thoughts on what I learned based on my time among them.

:: stops pacing and looks at Kate, her eyes puffy and red :: CO: I hate this, Kate. I hate all of it. I really hate that I understand why you did what you did. I hate the toll that this is taking on you, on us, on all of us. I hate that this is what our lives are.

::looks up at the viewscreen, listening::

:: notices Ana and is surprised, but her attention is drawn immediately towards Travax's words :: +Travax+ Thank you, I am very much interested in reading it!

:: finishes her coffee after a few patients and finds Ethan to return the cup in case it’s real ::

:: mind starts to wander to all the little things that could be leading to deficiencies in the deflector array, isn’t looking when she steps out of the turbolift…into the living room of a familiar house :: Self: Oh shit; now? Does it have to be right now? I’m busy.

:: looks up from the chart he was finishing with, taking the cup back :: MED: If you ever need a coffee break, just stop by. We usually have a stash, and I'm sure Sol would love to see you. ::

:: steps out of the hallway into the dining area nearby :: Zoë: Oh good, I’m not having a psychotic break.

:: smirks, visibly feeling better after the cup of Joe :: MED2: Careful, ‘cause I will.

I do too! It is all so... zokit stupid! Cultures of spacefaring peoples should be mature enough by this level of development to at least find a way to co-exist, but no! I cannot find a way to reconcile our beliefs and theirs, and here we are, in the middle of so much senseless death. I hate it, too. :: breaks down into deep sobs, each one hurting her chest, but oh well ::

:: nods to Kuari :: +XO+ You are certainly welcome, Commander. It is the least I can do. Some of the information I provided from my time there is still classified, but :: shrugs :: what are they going to do, fire me? :: chuckles ::

:: grins back uncertainly at Travax ::

:: furrows his brow at the viewer ::

+Travax+ I await your transmission then and will review it immediately. Also, Captain Harper is recovering. Surgery went well.

Destiny> :: walks in through the front door, looking more frayed and urgent than when either of them last saw her :: Zoë/Hannah: Good, both of you are here. I’ll keep this short. Don’t speak a word. Not one. Hannah, I know that’ll be hard for you, but it’s a matter of life and death. The meeting time and location is still the same, but do not mention them, even when you think you’re not under the Light’s influence. We are at risk of a serious compromise. In the meantime, do not use your Lights for any reason. Keep them as far away from you as possible. And if your Light takes control, stay silent and clear your mind until it passes. That is all.

:: a relieved look passes across his face :: +XO+ I'm glad to hear that. We are transmitting the report now. :: nods back to Stecker, who presses a button ::

:: is back on Deck 11, with a fresh new pit in her stomach :: +Hannah+ D’bryn to Ziredac.

:: is overcome by a wave a pity and gathers Kate up in her arms, more gently this time, choking back more tears of her own :: CO: Oh, babe, I'm so sorry. I know this is even harder for you than it is for me. I was just... so fucking scared I was going to lose you, Kate. :: she rarely swears, but this one is heartfelt :: You're the light of my life. You know?

+D’bryn+ Yeah, I saw it.

+Hannah+ That’s pretty distressing.

+Travax+ Thank you. :: gives Ana a nod :: +Stecker+ How is Ms. Stecker doing?

:: embraces her wife, hugging back harder than before, her sobs abating a bit :: CSO: I know, Rosie... the last thing I remember was being terrified that I would never see you again. :: after an undignified snorting sniffle, she continues :: You are my everything, and I feel unbelievably awful for putting you through this.

::takes another swallow of coffee, reading through her messages and typing a few new ones, the conversation with Travax doesn't seem to warrant involving the whole bridge::

:: steps aside, letting Ana have the floor ::

+D’bryn+ Duh. Y’know, I don’t see why everyone feels invited to point out my flaws at every juncture. :: mocky dumb voice :: ‘I know not talking will be hard for you, Hannah.’ :: regular voice :: Like, really, Science Witch? You’re coming at us with urgent information and you’re gonna throw shade?

Ana Stecker> +XO+ I'm doing well, thank you for checking. :: smiles at Kuari :: There is a lot to learn here, but I think I'm managing it and fitting in well.

+Hannah+ :: laughs at Science Witch :: Yeah, well, let’s talk later. I have a ship to fix.

Ana Stecker> :: is quite grateful for this second chance, and is making the most of it ::

:: beams a smile back, showing teeth :: +Stecker+ That's good to hear! I'm happy for you. I hope you find there what you were looking for in the Xovul.

::slides a curious glance at Ana on the viewscreen, never quite having understood the girl's fascination with the Xovul in the first place::

+D’bryn+ Kay. Don’t overwork; call off when you’re scheduled to call off.

+Hannah+ Now who’s throwing shade? D’bryn out.

Ana Stecker> :: thinks a moment before answering :: +XO+ I think that I'll find something different, that I didn't know to look for, and that I'll be better for it.

+D’bryn+ :: kissy sound ::

:: nods in approval at Stecker's answer, impressed ::

:: finishes up her rounds and takes a seat at one of the desks in sickbay, taking a well-deserved break ::

:: pulls away again and sits on the edge of the biobed, taking Kate's closest hand in both of hers :: CO: I made a promise that I would always have your back, and I intend to keep it. :: she pauses, thinking. :: I hate this situation and I hate the position you're in and I wish we could just go live our lives peacefully somewhere but at the same time I know that if we walked away from all of this, that ultimately we'd miss it. Not the war and assassination part, but you know what I mean. These are the cards we've been dealt, and we have to play them, right? That's how life is. No matter how much I hate how things are right now, it doesn't matter as long as we're together.

+Stecker+ :: relaxes her smile, nodding again :: That sounds even better.

:: looks back at the captain :: +Travax+ Anything more before I go and view your report, Captain?

+XO+ That will be all, Commander. Give your captain my best wishes for her speedy recovery.

+Travax+ I will, Atlantis out. :: nods back and looks to Grey to cut the transmission ::

:: squeezes one of the two hands clasping hers, and wipes at her eyes with her other hand :: You did do that, and you have kept that promise. I love you, Rosie. But it feels like that I am going to get us all zokit killed if something does not change.

:: shuts off the transmission, taking a minute to stretch and crack her fingers audibly ::

:: busily pulls up the report that was sent to her console ::

:: once the screen goes dark, he turns to smile at Stecker :: Ana: Well said, Ensign.

:: takes a chart from a nurse and reads it, ordering the meds the nurse was asking about ::

:: links up with Davis, Iesius, and Byrne in Deflector Control and gets to work on the auto-modulation system ::

Ana Stecker> Travax: Thank you, Captain. I'm grateful for the chance you've given me here, sir.

Ana: Here in the Free Fleets, a lot of us are misfits who didn't fit in elsewhere, so we're happy to have you. Have you told your mother yet? :: smirks ::

CO: I love you too, Kitty, but more than that, I trust you. We all do. If there's an answer, I know you'll find it. It's so hard when we're dealing with fanatics who think we should all die. How do you get through to people like that?

Ana Stecker> :: shakes her head, looks to the floor, then rolls her eyes to the ceiling :: Travax: No, sir, but I think she'll like this better than the Xovul.

:: gets back to the Skylark, fights the urge to get hammered again ::

:: is engrossed in the report, surprised at how much there is to read, her expression serious ::

:: sniffle-snorts again, then quietly answers, sounding defeated :: CSO: I wish I knew.

Ana: I think she will, too.

:: ineffectively wiping at her eyes, now using the bed sheet ::

CO: You are essentially the opposite of the Xovul. That must make it even harder to wrap your head around. On one level, I kind of hope you never do. I think it would change you.

CSO: I have had that fear... but I was willing to risk it, to stop a war.

Ana Stecker> :: as the captain turns away, she half-smiles and starts composing a message in her head to her mother, the first XO of Atlantis ::

CO: The Free Fleets forces captured the man who did this to you. It seems that he was acting alone. I asked them to hold him for questioning under double guard.

:: glances towards surgical recovery when her timer to check on Harper runs out, but there’s still some pretty intense emotions wafting out so she waits a bit longer ::

:: nods, pulling herself together a little, though the sheet near her is a mess now :: CSO: Good... and... I could swear I remember Kuari and Grey getting hit, too. Are they alright?

:: nods :: CO: They were both injured, but they're back on duty now.

:: starts composing a message on his chair arm console to his mother, the Queen ::

CSO: Oh, I am so glad to hear that.

:: looks up in thought and decides to risk a comm :: +CSO+ Bridge to Commander Wright. Am I intruding?

:: is unsure how she could manage having gotten either of them killed for her need to see the battlefield, much less one of her best friends in Kuari ::

CO: What did the doctor say about how long you'll need to stay... :: pauses when Kuari's call comes in :: +XO+ How can I help you, Commander?

:: hesitates :: +CSO+ How is Captain Harper?

:: manages a smile when she hears Kuari's voice ::

:: appears as if on cue :: CO/CSO: Pardon, but I’m here to take a, hopefully final, scan.

:: then turns the smile on Emily :: MED: Of course.

:: smiles at Kate as she responds :: +XO+ The Captain is awake and here with me now, Commander. :: squeezes Kate's hand and then scurries out of the way as Emily comes in ::

:: offers a small smile to both of them but politely focuses on her tricorder readouts, giving the Captain a thorough scan ::

:: her breath catches when Lexy leaves ::

:: grins toothily :: +CSO+ Oh, that's good! I've received information about the assassin. Can you tell her? She will want to review it, but it can wait if she still needs to rest.

:: looks over at Navarro, then to Grey, hoping they heard the comm ::

:: growls under breath :: Other ENGs: Why are these auto modulation algorithms always so algorithmy?

:: nods to Kuari with a smile of relief for la capitana :

:: looks from Wright to Harper, nodding :: CO: You’re free to go, but you need to take it easy. Do you want to head to your room to change, or shall I whip you up a uniform here?

:: nods slowly, not taking her attention off her console ::

+XO+ Oh, I'm sure she'll want to see that. Stand by just a moment. :: turns to Emily :: MED: Does she need to rest for the rest of the day in our quarters? :: gives Emily a meaningful look ::

:: settles on Tailor, quietly as the comm is still open :: CMO: Well done, Doctor.

:: takes in the meaningful look but holds up her hands like, up to her ::

:: turns her meaningful look forcefully onto Kate ::

XO: Thank you, Commander.

MED: Something here, I think. This gown works for this setting, but for walking through the corridors, I think it might be a bit drafty. But... maybe something... less constricting than a uniform? I am still a bit sore, like you said.

:: under her breath :: Self: I can literally talk at a computer to project a false reality around me, but I need a specialization in several programming languages to fix shields.

:: the meaningful, forceful look catches her like a tractor beam ::

CSO: Tell her that I will review it in our quarters.

+XO+ Can you send the report to the console in the Captain's quarters, please? She'll review it from there shortly.

:: gets up and heads to the replicator. She produces some black knit stretchy pants and a soft red woven sweater, bringing them back to the Captain ::

+CSO+ Very good. Tell her I'm so happy that she's awake, and that I'm fine and for her to get some rest. I'll let you go.

MED: Oh, these will do wonderfully, thank you, Emily.

+XO+ Will do, Commander. I'll be back to my post once I get the Captain settled at home.

:: still grumbling :: Self: It’d be so easy. ‘Fix the algorithm so it does this instead of that.’ Then the computer just does it, and we go about our merry way.

:: smiles warmly, almost as glad to get Harper out of the surgical gown as she is :: CO: Of course. :: she looks between the two and respectfully bows her head on her way back out of the room :: CO/CSO: Let me know if you need anything.

Davis> CEO: You sayin somethin, Chief?

+CSO+ Take your time. Bridge out.

:: swings her legs off the bed and gingerly tries them ::

MED: Thank you again, Emily, for everything.

:: catches Emily before she leaves, taking her hand and squeezing it :: MED: Thank you so much, Emily. For everything. I can't thank you and the rest of the team enough.

:: is able to stand, but straightening her torso gets a grimace onto her face ::

Davis: Just griping at the universe, Davis. When you’re my age, you do that a lot.

CTO: Captain Grey, please relay Travax's report to the captain's quarters, if you would please.

:: returns the hand squeeze, flushing a bit from being focused on :: CSO: All in a day’s work! :: she bows out ::

Davis> :: furrows brow :: CEO: How old are you? Aren’t we the same age?

:: returns to Kate and offers the taller woman her arm to steady herself ::

:: gratefully takes the assistance :: CSO: I am just sore, I swear. Emily would not let me out otherwise.

Davis: If it’s true that you’re as old as you feel, then today, I’m old enough to be your grandmother.

:: wishes he could see that report ::

CO: Of course. We'll take it slow, okay? :: helps Kate out of her gown and into her newly replicated clothes ::

:: nods to Lexy and, with her help, sheds the hospital gown and changes into the fresh clothes ::

Davis> So, if you don’t like being called Chief, do I call you Nana? Byrne / Iesius> :: laugh ::

Davis: Don’t you talk to your grandmother that way, or you’ll be on shipwide gel pack review until the heat-death of the universe.

Davis> Aye, Chief.

:: notes some light, fading bruises on Kate's torso that must have undergone dermal regeneration, and winces, remembering her initial rough embrace ::

:: sends report to Tailor that she’s released the Captain as long as she rest, then goes back to work ::

CSO: Take me home, love. :: smiles at her wife ::

:: smiles back, and walks slowly with Kate toward the exit of the surgical recovery room ::

:: shakes herself mentally out of her distraction, and sends the report to the captain's quarters ::

:: her legs are uninjured and, once her body is upright, she starts walking a bit closer to normal speed as they exit sickbay ::

CO: Anna will be happy to see us. :: as they make their way down the corridor toward the turbolift ::

CSO: Oh, kitty scritchies sound good right now.

CSO: As does some drakberry tea, strangely enough.

CO: Not your usual go-to. :: to the turbolift :: Deck eight.

CSO: I know, it just sounds good. :: she isn't really sure why ::

:: is talking with a nurse when she blurts out :: Nurse: We’ll work ‘til the pigs fly home!

:: is immediately puzzled by her own turn of phrase ::

:: exits the TL onto deck eight and is relieved when they enter their quarters, together ::

:: hurries ahead once they step into their home and goes to the bedroom, making a little nest out of pillows for Kate to lay in :: CO: You get comfy, and I'll bring you some tea and a PADD with that report on it.

CSO: Thank you, Rosie. I love you, more than anything. :: settles into the pillow nest ::

:: bustles around the house, doing domestic things and pampering her injured spouse ::

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