Resuming a new course (Part II)

Posted on Thu Oct 29th, 2020 @ 2:59am by Lieutenant Lily Marlow

Mission: End of Line
Location: Medical
Timeline: MD 3
2424 words - 4.8 OF Standard Post Measure

"There will be some pain, but hopefully not as much as you have been experiencing, before this." Lily remarked quietly. "Its something that you will have to let me know about. I do know from my own experience, when I had been in a great deal of pain, the acupuncture needles certainly lessened it immensely."

Sekat nodded, making sure to not watch her work this time. "Time will tell," he said slowly, keeping his features carefully neutral this time. "And I will inform you if it does not decrease, though I do not expect immediate results from just one session. I do hope, however, to see considerable improvement in the future." He gave a quiet nod towards his cane. "At least to the point where I can function normally, and not be a liability."

"I am confident that you will be a lot more functional." as she neared the last bit of the needles in his thigh. A little more time passed and Lily removed the acupuncture needles from Sekat's shoulder, disposing them properly. Lily then rubbed the catsclaw ointment on the areas she treated with the acupuncture needles. Covering the foot and thigh with the sheet, Lily walked over to retrieve Sekat's robe for him, placing it on the arm of the treatment chair.

"You may want to wait a few more minutes before standing up." Lily said with a smile. "I'll get you some water."

Pulling the sheet up a fraction, Sekat patiently waited and accepted the water she brought in. "Why do these treatments make one want to sleep? Or hungry?" he asked, "would it not be more effficient if they gave one energy instead?"

"They do give energy, but the hunger is for the exertion of the body expeling the build up of toxins, and the sleep is for the body to recover. It does take energy to heal. The re-establishing of the body's connection with the locked up energy, can be tiring."

When he was finished with the water, Lily took the glass. "Sleep is part of the healing. If one isn't rested, then there will not be any healing, and there will be lack of energy" placing his cane nearby as well.

She stepped out of sight, for Sekat to put on his robe.

Gingerly standing beside the recliner, Sekat readjusted his robe after putting it on, then reached for his cane. "Perhaps, I should get dressed instead?" he offered dryly, while nodding over to his neatly folded clothes which lay on a chair nearby the door. "I had changed before your arrival."

"Yes that would be a good idea." Lily stated, her cheeks turning a light pink. "Whilst you change on this side, I'll clean up on the other side of the screen. Then we can get you to your quarters." Switching sides.

She busied herself, while he dressed, putting away the sheets inside a bag, and making the room neat and tidy. She turned off the sounds and the viewscreen, as well as the diffuser. Then she slid her shoes on, her back turned to where Sekat was.

Sekat dressed slowly, then gave her an embarrassed look. "I may need some assistance," he said softly, "I feel a little unbalanced and dare not try and get my boots on." Getting his pants back on had been challenging enough and very nearly landed him on his face too. "I am not usually this... needy," he tried to assure her.

"You are not being needy, Sekat." Lily said, coming over, "As I had said, this is due to the acupuncture treatment. Let me help you out." crouching down to assist Sekat with his boots. Once they were firmly in place, Lily rose and offered the crook of her arm for him to grasp. "Shall we?"

"I do feel needy," Sekat explained, "I am not used to... needing help." He accepted the offered arm, leaning on his cane with his other hand. "Yes, we shall. Do you have a preference in regards to food? Anything you would prefer not to, or cannot consume?"

"I'm not allergic to anything food wise. And I'm open to eating different types of cuisine." Lily stated. "I'm a bit of a food connoisseur."

"Oh?" He arched a single eyebrow at her. "I am not much of a chef, I tend to eat what the replicator gives me. When I have time to eat, that is." He sighed softly. "My wife was the chef, I admit I never did learn to cook properly, and I do not know my way around a kitchen. I am very grateful for the existence of the replicator or I would be wasting away. How does pasta sound? I am familiar with Earth dishes...and I know this is a general favourite."

"Pasta sounds great." Lily said, "I do know how to cook and we can work together on the food. Or for that matter, we can just get something from the replicator. Probably would be simpler, and you will be needing to sleep right afterwards." Lily smiled. " wouldn't want you to overexert yourself after the acupuncture session." a serious expression then settled on her face. "Honestly, I tend to just eat something simple after an acupuncture session. I don't dare try to cook anything, as it makes me not so agile. I felt like I was drunk."

"I do not know what drunk feels like," Sekat admitted, "I do not consume alcohol, it does not agree with me. Yes I agree replicated is simpler and less exerting." He leaned on her arm as they walked. "My quarters are not far from here," he added, gesturing ahead. "Just around the corner."

Lily gave a nod,"My quarters are not far either. Lieutenant Vannan felt it was best for me to have my quarters not to far from Medical. Makes it easier to be close in case of emergency. Rather practical." keeping Sekat steady but not making it look like he was in a bad way. When they arrived at his quarters, she paused, "When we get you inside, I can go get some peaches for you, unless you want to wait for that later."

"I think they can wait." He gave her a small smile. "It gives me an excuse to visit you some time," he said as they arrived at his quarters. Upon his approach, the door opened, allowing them entrance. "Make yourself comfortable, while I program the replicator," he offered, breaking away from her support and awkwardly walking towards the indicated device.

Lily took a seat at a table, not too far from the replicator area, glancing around Sekat's quarters. Giving it the once over, she turned her attention back to Sekat.

"Nice quarters." she remarked. "Also, a friend doesn't need to make an excuse to come visit another friend's quarters." she added with a slight chuckle.

Sekat glanced around his sparsely decorated quarters and arched a single eyebrow at her. He took two trips to carefully carry two plates towards the table, their contents steaming hot. "I hope you do not mind they are vegetarian?" he asked belatedly as he sat himself down again. "And why does a friend not need an excuse?"

"Because with a friend, there doesn't need to be any excuses. All a friend needs to do is find out if the friend they wish to visit is in their quarters, and if they are up for a visit. That is all that is needed, no real excuse, just the pure plain and simple desire to just have a conversation, drink tea or some other beverage and visit or even play some games." Lily stated with a smile. "And I did see your curious glance as to my comment about your quarters. It may not have a lot of things, but there is beauty in the simple uncluttered area."

"And serenity," Sekat answered. "I like my personal quarters sparsely furnished, it helps me focus. Too much clutter will only unbalance me." There was however a small corner in his quarters which seemed like a small altar. A memory candle was burning there, alongside a framed photo.

Lily's eyes wandered in that direction, paying more attention to the set up. "A memorial for your wife? Would it be alright if I look at her picture?"

Sekat nodded slowly. "Of course. I would never think to hide her image. She will always be part of me, even if her katra is gone."

Lily rose from the table, and walked over to the memorial, "I am sorry her katra was lost." Lily actually knowing of some details where that was concerned.

She stood in front of the picture, for a few long moments, gazing at the woman who had lost her life so tragically. Then she placed her hands together palm against palm and gave a low bow of respect to Sekat's wife, then quietly went back to the table.

Watching her, he appreciated the sign of respect but otherwise didn't mention it. "I keep the candle to keep her memory alive. it is a consolation to know she died saving others, doing what she loved to do."

"That is good." Lily quietly remarked. She breathed in the aroma of the vegetarian dish Sekat prepared, it smelled delicious. "This smells good, what is the name of this dish?"

"Pasta," he said, arching an eyebrow at her, "it is nothing out of the ordinary, just vegetables, sauce and spaghetti. If it has a specific name I do not know it. It is food, that is what is important." He returned to the table, setting the bowl down and went to get two plates and some other essentials. "Wine?" he asked, "non alcoholic."

Lily blinked a couple of times, then blushed. "Sorry, my head must have gone to another place for a moment. I don't mind that it is vegetarian, and non alcoholic wine works for me." picking up her fork and began to eat.

"Gone to another place?" He looked confused. "You did not leave here Lily, how do you mean this?"

"It's basically my way of saying, my mind seemed to wander or not focus for just a moment or two." Lily stated. " On occasion it does that. "

"I see, would you mind explaining why your mind wandered?" He poured the wine for her and then for himself. "Do you wish to observe any religious rituals before we start?"

Lily closed her eyes, was quiet for a couple of moments, then opened her eyes once more. "I do pray over my food, but in silence." she stated. "As for my mind wandering, I suppose it was trying to focus on more than one thing at a time, and it causes some disorder. I will be doing some meditation before I go to sleep. It will help get my errant thoughts back into line."

Lily giving a smile, before she took a drink of the wine.

"Meditation is a good way to calm the mind," Sekat agreed, "why are you trying to focus on more than one thing though?" He nodded towards the food, "is food not more important than where it is consumed?"

Lily smiled, "At this moment, yes. Now to concentrate on the food, and the good company that I am with." picking up her fork to resume eating.

"I will take that as a compliment," the Vulcan answered with the slightest of smiles.

"It is meant to be." Lily smiling, then eating a few more bites of food before speaking once more. "Oh, I almost forgot, I will be heading back to the station. I had found some areas that looked like good places for some personal meditation of which I am planning on taking advantage of."

"Would you like some company?" Sekat asked as he finished eating. "I am interested in exploring the station too."

"How about the day after tomorrow. I want you to get plenty of rest after the acupuncture session. It has been advised that you do this in order for the body to adjust. And also we will have to alternate between massages and acupuncture. Definitely need to do all that we can to get you to becoming more mobile." she said with a smile. "Doctor's orders." then set to finishing up the last bites of her meal.

When finished, Lily stacked the plates up and placed the utensils on the top. "I'll clean up, then we can finish up the drinks?"

"You have already reiterated the importance of rest after a session," Sekat pointed out as he carefully stood and moved towards the couch, carrying his glass of wine. "The day after tomorrow is acceptable doctor."

Lily thought for a moment, going over her words earlier. She was definitely tired, and had momentarily forgotten. "Very true, I had mentioned that before. " she truly needed some personal time to get herself back into focus. She contemplated her glass, feeling a wave of weariness wash over her. She looked up towards Sekat and said quietly,

"Sekat, I would love to go wander around the station with you; But, the day after tomorrow will not work out for me. I plan on having a personal day and get myself revitalized. How about making plans for the excursion after my personal day."

"Of course." He could sense her wariness quite easily. "You need rest," he added, setting his glass down. "Will you be able to make it to your quarters, or would you prefer to stay here?"

"I will be able to make it to my quarters, its not too far. Thank you for the offer though." Lily finished up the contents of her glass, and gently set it down. "and just for a little bit of levity..." she cupped one ear with her hand and said, "I seem to hear my bed calling me, and I shall answer its call." giving Sekat a bit of a smile.

"Interesting," the Vulcan deadpanned, "I have never heard my bed say anything..."

Lily shot a quick amused glance at Sekat, chuckling at his comment. "Subtle humor, it likes to peek out from you, Sekat." giving a little bit of a stretch, Lily rose to her feet. "May you have good dreams tonight, and that your sleep will be restful."

Sekat stood as well but didn't move from the side of the table. "Sleep well doctor," he replied formally, offering her a slight bow.

Lily smiled as she walked to the door, turned once more. "Thank you again for dinner." gave a wave and then left.