A Helping Hand

Posted on Sun Sep 1st, 2019 @ 11:43pm by

Mission: For Whom The Bell Tolls
Location: USS Majestic, Bridge
Timeline: MD06, 1300
1497 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

"Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Lhaes Sommers."

"Lieutenant Commander Sommers is currently on the bridge."

Ah, well that's two birds with one stone then, Asher thought to himself. His charge, given by Doctor Sekat, was to update security and the bridge about the malady that had befallen yeoman Stef. Sommers' current location simplified the Bajoran's task immensely, though his old-school sensibilities meant he still preferred to deliver such news in person. Murmuring under his breath, Asher walked briskly towards the nearest turbolift, mind still distracted by the spectacle he had just witnessed in sickbay.

Six decades of life had provided a rich and fulfilling journey for the Majestic's Strategic Operations Officer. He was among those fortunate enough to witness the change as Bajor went from an occupied planet to an affiliated member of the Federation. His time spent as a civilian working on his family's farm had slowed the pace of life he was accustomed to. Self-admittedly, his training record and first tour on the USS Massey left much to be desired, but a determined attitude and set jaw left him as a more than capable junior officer.

The doors parted and Asher scanned around the bridge and made his way towards the Romulan Chief of Security.

"Commander Sommers," he spoke as he approached, "Ensign Trenin Asher, I bring news from sickbay for the bridge and your department."

The Romulan turned his head to face the Bajoran. "I heard there had been an incident," he acknowledged, "but I don't have any details. What news have you?"

"Sir, I would understand any incredulity on your part, but for lack of a more sophisticated way to put it, Yeoman Stef is... fragile at the moment," Asher began, motioning as he often did with his hands. "Doctors Adamson and Sekat are currently in surgery trying to save his life. Any movement or physical contact seems to further injure him, so I believe the current course of action involves surgery in a weightless environment sir."

Being a medical man himself, Lhaes nodded in understanding. "Yes, I would agree with that assessment," he said as he observed the man's body language. "Do you feel guilty about the young man's predicament?" he asked carefully, motioning for the man to walk with him, out of immediate earshot of prying young ensigns.

"You know," Asher stroked his chin in thought, "as illogical as it may seem, yes I feel somewhat responsible. The entire incident began with a collision in the corridor outside of our office. To be clear Commander, when I say collision I mean not much more than this." The Bajoran officer walked slowly and bumped against a console to demonstrate. "That is what tipped me off that something unusual was occuring."

"I doubt logic has anything to do with this," Lhaes smirked, "I'm hardly a Vulcan, I don't act on logic. Perhaps the boy is simply fragile, or sick?" He observed as the man kept gesturing as he spoke, only speaking up when he turned back to face him. "I have to ask though, are you hearing impaired?

"Am I what now?"

"Hearing impaired," Lhaes repeated, "you seem to be gesturing in a specific pattern which I assume must be a form of sign language."

"Oh, no, not that I am aware of," Asher shrugged, brow furrowed in thought. "I have always been expressive with non-verbal communication. But no - no formal training in any sign language or anything of the sort. I do okay with Bajoran and Standard, but those are the only languages I use. I am curious now, what made you ask?"

"As I said, you seemed extremely expressive. I know someone who grew up with a deaf sibling, and he is extremely expressive too. I met him in passing on the station my sister served at the time. He was visiting the station commanding officer and I was in transit to my assignment at the time."

A look of concern began to spread over Asher's features as he considered what Commander Sommers had told him. Was it possible that he was hard of hearing? He thought back to his service as a part of the Bajoran Resistance and couldn't help but wonder if overexposure to loud noise had cost him a part of his hearing. He snapped back to the present, refocusing on the Romulan officer.

"Sir, out of respect for Yeoman Stef's condition, perhaps now is not the time, but I think I might follow up on the possibility that my hearing is not what it used to be. There are... some indications when I think back on my history where my auditory sense may have been impaired."

"Yeoman Stef was not the acquaintance I was referring to, though I have met the young man in passing. Do you want to talk about your historical event?" He arched an eyebrow at the man. "Perhaps, somewhere more private? Also you did mention the Yeoman is fragile, is there anything I do need to know about that?"

"Oh apologies sir, I simply meant that I did not want to divert any of the medical team's resources away from caring for Stef," Asher explained, a bit more muted now with his gesturing as a result of having been made aware of it. "I appreciate your offer, and I would not mind speaking about my past, as boring as it may be to some. As for young Yeoman Stef, I cannot help but wonder if his condition is related to the rumors of other various medical ailments affecting the crew. It, uh," he paused mid-gesture, "makes one stop and consider the possibility."

"Well you are speaking with a doctor now," Lhaes smiled, "I'm no counselor but I do have a medical degree. Not to mention a history in intelligence so everything is helpful to me."

"A well-rounded background if I may say so, Commander. I myself was a member of the Bajoran Resistance - officially since the age of fifteen, but realistically sir," he held his hand down at knee height, "since I was old enough to stand I tried to help however I could. When the Cardassians left, I settled into family life on a farm. I have two children, Olur and Arata, both of whom are working on Bajor."

"I'm sure you bring a wealth of experience to this ship," Lhaes smiled, "I have three children. Twin daughters Evaste and Liviana and a son, Galan. They're here with me on the ship, I'm sure you'll see them run around at some point."

"Ah, my children are grown and on their own now. They have little interest in Starfleet or what their father does anymore," Asher sighed. "Enjoy the time with your children. It is precious."

"I do try, they're still very young. Tell me about your family, how do they take you being in Starfleet instead of helping back on Bajor?"

"Oh, they are not too concerned. I worked for decades on the family farm, but my daughter has taken over with assistance from my son." A wry smile crept across the Bajoran's face as he continued. "My wife is probably happy to be rid of me for awhile. I do miss them, I try and talk to them every few days."

"You can take the man out of his farm, but you can't take the farm out of the man," Lhaes answered knowingly, "I grew up on a farm myself, and I find it extremely relaxing."

Asher smiled as he recollected pleasant memories of reclaiming his family's farm and working it back into viability. "Yes, agreed on all counts sir. Taking nothing but land and turning it into a sustainable, life-giving force is a noble profession. I should think I will return there when I retire. Oh but I digress Commander - back to more current events," he rubbed his chin in thought. "Would you consider it wise for me to have my hearing tested?"

"Different kind of farming for me," Lhaes chuckled before sobering, "and yes that might not be such a bad idea. A lot is happening at the moment, your hearing might be something that is additionally affected too."

"I have heard a bit of... hearsay around the ship, yes. But my mother taught me long ago to disregard insignificancies. The secret to a happy life, that, but something tells me you have already learned this," Asher smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "I will meet with the medical staff soon Commander, thank you for your expertise and your time this afternoon. A pleasant day, sir."

Lhaes just nodded, watching the older man walk off. As soon as his back was turned, the Romulan's smile turned into a frown. The news he'd been given was worrisome and he hoped the young patient in sickbay would be alright.

---

Ensign Asher Trenin
Strategic Operations Officer

LtC Lhaes Sommers
CTSO