One Person's Joy...

Posted on 04 Mar 2014 @ 10:31pm by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexion Wylde & Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle
Edited on on 06 Mar 2014 @ 9:01am

962 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 05 - Solstice
Location: USS Galileo - Sickbay
Timeline: MD 1 - 1300 hrs.

[ON]

Following Alexion with her eyes as he walked away, Delainey waited a few moments before she went in search of him. She didn't want to hover or push him to talk, but she also didn't want him to feel forgotten either. While many of the crew looked forward to shoreleave, it also meant they were presented with more time to reflect on what they'd been through without feeling the pressure to keep going for the sake of their jobs. For some, more time to process was a good thing, but for others, it represented an entirely new set of stressors.

Alexion busied himself with going through the results of tests he'd taken of his patients going through de-assimilation treatment. He had a deep frown on his features and his body was tense. He glanced up when he felt the closeness of another person, looking with mild surprise when he saw who it was. "Can I help you with something, Lieutenant?"

Delainey smiled wanly. "I was actually going to ask you the same question. I don't mean to pry, but I noticed you seemed upset back there. Please forgive me for being so insensitive to what you're going through. Seeing others celebrate coming home must feel like torture."

Alexion watched her with surprise that she'd noticed anything at all. He certainly hadn't seen her as insensitive. He cleared his throat, uncomfortable for a moment as he looked down. "It does," he finally admitted, as blunt as ever. "But I would never resent someone else their celebration. It just - I suppose it just highlights the fact that we - my son - will never experience that same joy. Home is gone," he paused before grimacing, shaking his head. "I apologise, that made no sense."

Automatically, Delainey placed her hand atop Alexion's. "You don't need to apologize for your feelings, especially not with me," she added with a small smile. "I'm listening, if you want to talk now or anytime."

His eyes widened slightly in his surprise, but he was relaxed as he nodded. He gave a small, half smile. "No Vaeron priests around here," he mused, the people who would usually be talked to where he was from. They hadn't had medical professionals for the mind. "As a dad, I suppose my thoughts are always on how Laeon manages with it."

"And does that include how to keep your feelings in check so as not to frighten or worry him?" Carlisle surmised gently.

"Yes," Alexion replied quietly, but honestly. He didn't see the point in lying. He was too gruff to care what others might think of the truth. "It is getting harder. His Talents are starting to develop. Sometimes, he can get a sense of what I am feeling from time to time. Mostly when I am especially stressed. He might be 50 years old, but we age slower. He is about the same as a 15 year old human. With the same insecurities and frustrations to match. And now, he is here, having lost his kin and home, amongst people who do not understand him, who are not his own kind. Yes. I worry."

"That must be a lot to carry on your shoulders," Delainey replied with a nod. "Feeling understood is important for children and adults alike, and if that is absent, depression sets in. A lot of people try to pretend they're not bothered by it and carry on, but over time, a person has to find support somewhere."

A small smile curved the corner of Alexion's mouth at that and he sighed, nodding. "It is...lonely," he admitted quietly, tersely, and matter of factly. "Being the only man of your kind around."

"I won't pretend that isn't a heavy burden," Delainey replied with a nod, "but even if your the only one of your kind around, you get to decide whether you are truly alone."

He nodded at that, thinking it over as he set the slide of instruments aside as sorted. "Laeon seems to like it here. We were on a Galaxy before, so he had a lot of space and entertainment. This is very different, but he insists that he is fine with it. It is smaller here, but, well, I rather like it. Feels like a real ship."

"Real ship?" Delainey asked. "Was the Galaxy class less real in some way?"

"It was so big," he shook his head with a small smile, meeting her eyes as he thought about it. "Could have been a hotel, or a station, or a complex. This feels like a vessel. Moving. Breathing."

Delainey smiled ruefully. "I suppose if you were on a Galaxy now, you wouldn't have people as nosy as me checking on you."

"Hm, that's a point," he said with a small, playful smile as he arched an eyebrow to her. "I take it all back."

Delainey laughed heartily. "I'd say my work here is done for now, even if it is at my own expense," she added with a grin. "But if you ever need a butt of a joke again, please come and find me." A thought occurred to her. "Would it be ok if I checked on you in a few days?"

He nodded, holding her eyes to show he meant it. "Of course. My son and I have few plans for shoreleave. We shall probably find somewhere quiet on Earth to relax."

"That sounds like a great idea. Sometimes vacations offer a perfect opportunity to focus on the present and to gain perspective. Please know if you need someone to talk to in the meantime, my door is open."

[OFF]

WO Alexion Wylde
Doctor
USS Galileo
[PNPC - Blake]

Lieutenant Delainey Carlisle, M.D., Ph.D.
Counselor/Medical Officer
USS Galileo

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