Two looking for Answers

Posted on Wed May 31st, 2023 @ 2:09pm by Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis Dr

Mission: Writing the Q Cards
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: Current

Jeff as Jon was wandering the ship. He was checking various departments in his role of first officer. He was calling on his or rather Jon's expertise as he made his rounds and tried to make sense of the situation. After awhile he had finished and he decided to head for Sickbay/ Perhaps Sam or Shon or the real selves of Julia and Lindsay knew what had happened.

Entering he called out. "Sam? Shon? Anyone about?"

Linds heard him and met him outside the office. She saw the look on his face “Jeff, how are you dealing with all this?” Lindsay asked.

Jeff saw Linds and breathed a sigh of relief. "Linds. I don't know. I think I'm doing okay but i feel like I'm walking on eggshells. How are you doing? Have you seen Shasta?"

Linds ushered him into the office. Sit down and have a cup of tea Jeff. “In answer to your question, no, I’ve not been able to go and see Shasta. I’ve been pretty much hiding away. I mean I think I know what I’m doing but I frightened in case something comes in that I can’t deal with. Also it’s really strange meeting people I have written with and about and that even covers everyone here, Janet, Joe, even you. Also, when is it going to end, will it end, do I want it to end?” She laughed. I feel a bit like a ghost. How about you? She put her hand on his shoulder and suddenly hugged him.

Jeff did as Linds, asked and sat down. He listened and found himself nodding along as Linds spoke of her feelings. When she had finished he spoke. "Strange is an understatement Linds. It is downright weird. I feel like I know you, Jan, Joe and Julia because we've interacted before but I really don't, so this like meeting everyone for the first time." he flashed a nervous smile and went on. "Like you, I feel like I know what I'm doing but in the back of my mind is this little voice saying. Are you sure? and in truth I'm not sure." He sighed as took a sip of the tea. "Um good." He observed. He blinked in surprise at the unexpected hug but realized it was exactly what he needed. A reassurance that everything would be alright. His arms came up and encircled Linds and he returned the hug. "Thank you, I needed that."

Sickbay was quiet and for once there was hardly anyone around. She moved over to Jeff. “You know I feel I know you more than anyone on this crew. You created Seth for me, a part of you and..oh hell” she said. “If I don’t get to do this now I may never do when we return to our own…space.” She leant over and gently kissed him on the lips. “Thank you” she whispered. “For all you have done for me.” She moved away to sit down and sip her tea waiting for a response.

"I feel the same way about you Linds." Jeff replied softly. "I feel we're kindred spirits." He nodded his head, "Seth is a part of me, a big part. The good parts and you deserve the best." He added softly. He grew quiet as Linds, softly kissed him on the lips. After a moment, he smiled broadly a smile of boyish charm. " Wow a hug and a kiss. You are really making my day Linds." He said jovially then grew serious.." You are welcome Linds and thank you for what you have done for me. It is most appreciated."

She smiled, “how would you like to take turn about the ship together?” she asked wishing their relationship had turned out differently.

Jeff positively beamed at the suggestion. "What a marvelous idea! Nothing would please me more. Let's go." He was happy, far happier then he had been entering Sickbay.

“Right then, let’s begin our exploration. I will look very medical and you can look very Exoy. Linds stood and put her arm on his. “I am going on a medical call, put a shout out if you need me!” She called to a nurse who nodded.

“Yes Doctor.” She said.

Linds smiled and looked at Jeff, “see how easy it is” she said. Shall we go my dear?”

Jeff chuckled at Linds term. "Exoy? Is that a medical term?" He joked. "If so, I am unfamiliar with it. Nonetheless I am ready for our walk about the ship." He finished as the pair made their way out of Sickbay. As they left he commented, "Yes, you made it look very easy. I think you have this whole doctor routine down pat."

The pair exited sickbay and continued down the corridor. “I have an idea!” Linds exclaimed excitedly. “Let’s go to the Holodeck first. Something I have never been able to get my head around and I would love to experience it. What do you think Jeff?” She asked, almost pulling him and then remembering it would not be seemly for the XO to be pulled along a corridor by a rather excited portly Doctor.

Jeff smiled at her. "I think that is another great idea you have Lindsay. My sweet Linds You are just full of them. Truth be known, I'd like to see and experience the holodeck as well. So, what are we waiting for? Next stop the holodeck." As they walked (rather excitedly) to the holodeck, Jeff asked her, "Any special program you want to run or just see how it works?"

Linds looked at him, kind of hoping Q would forget about them. She wanted more than anything to stay in this world. She became suddenly sad because she knew that would not happen. Soon enough she would be trapped alone in her own small world once again, doomed to die. She turned away from Jeff. “I should return to my analysis of the Kilrathi dna.” She began to cry unable to stop.

Jeff stopped and looked at Linds as she first made her statement and then began to cry. "Hey, hey. What this all about?" he asked as he reached a hand out and then gently turned Linds around and took Lindsay's hands in his as he knelt down so he could look in her eyes. "Linds, talk to me, what's going on?" He inquired though he thought he had a good idea what had brought on Linds tears.

She stopped crying feeling rather foolish. “It may sound strange but I don’t want to be any happier, I don’t want to be here and have to face…..face what is back in my own world. Here I have a husband and a child and I am……” she didn’t want to say the word. “Free of illness, able to walk to be pain free just like now. I feel I can do anything. Also it means I am here with you.” She wiped her eyes angrily. “Here, on this ship I mean something, I can be a productive member of society and take in everything this century has to offer. Just imagine the wonders we could see Jeff?”

He was silent, thinking. After a few seconds he spoke. "It doesn't sound strange at all. it sounds perfectly normal and wonderful. You mean something in your/our world. You may not be a doctor just like I'm not an XO but you are much more than that. You are a friend, a good friend, a trusted friend and you enrich others with your presence and a kind word. You are a ray of sunshine and I don't think you realize just how important you are in others lives., in my life." He stopped talking and suddenly wrapped Linds in his arms and hugged her tightly. "You are never alone Linds. Never."

“Then why do I feel so alone Jeff?” she asked.

Jeff didn't rush an answer he thought for a moment and then spoke. "I think it is because you have been overwhelmed with what is going on with you. You haven't really had time to process it. It has drowned you and all you've had to think about is your illness and not see the good you do. What your presence means to others Linds. You have been so wrapped up in your illness, you aren't living. You're existing. If you can't get out to explore, get online and find things that interest you. Get into a group like this. Make friends or at least contacts. Don't shut yourself in Linds. Let the world see the wonderful person you are."

TBC