Hand on Heart

Posted on 02 Oct 2012 @ 3:41pm by Lieutenant Aria Rice & Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm

3,678 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Episode 01 - Project Sienna
Location: USS Galileo - Captain's Quarters
Timeline: MD 11 - 0115 hrs

[ON]

To be honest, Aria wasn't the type that easily rubbed shoulders with her betters. She did have that issue about never knowing when to sht up (she needed to learn that), but for the most part on the Galileo she had stuck to the enlisted...

Except for the Vorta. Now that was one weird situation in itself.

She had decided to go and see the Captain. Not to...see the Captain about anything, but to check on her. She was worried about the woman. She had seen her so...beaten up. Tortured. So Aria had donned her tight jeans, her top, her boots and carried with her the one thing she had spent some time in the mess doing: baked goods. And by baked goods, she had baked cupcakes. Sure, the icing wasn't that brilliant on all of them, but they tasted of coffee and caramel. Sweet things helped with shock after all.

She rang the chime, waiting, looking down at the basket. She felt like an idiot suddenly, like a child running to see the teacher with an apple. It wasn't meant like that.

The sound of the door chime snapped Lirha from her dream, and she groggily opened her eyes and looked about. She was back in her own quarters, but it took a moment for her to recognize the surroundings of the large room due to the mental trauma she had recently suffered. Inhaling a long breath, she slowly sat up on the couch. "Enter." she called out quietly, still trying to wake herself up. A quick check of herself revealed a tight gray tank-top across her chest, a pair of black leggings, and a sling which was supporting her injured shoulder and arm. In addition, she could feel several thin medical bands wrapped around her thigh, given to her by the very competent chief medical officer. They worked as a support to help her walk, but it proved to cause more of an aching feeling than she had hoped. Rubbing her eyes, Lirha looked towards the door to see who her guest was.

Aria walked in, stopping when she saw her. She looked better. Tired but better. "Ma'am..." she suddenly felt awkward using that. "Captain...I...hope you don't mind...I thought I'd drop by to see how you were doing. And...I brought some coffee and caramel cupcakes."

Lirha watched as a young, attractive dark-haired woman entered her quarters. Because she was not in uniform, it took several moments for the captain to place the familiar face, but she suddenly recognized her as Ensign Rice, the security officer who had helped rescue her from the terrors of her interrogation cell. A weak smile spread across Lirha's gold lips. "Hello, ensign." she said in a soft voice, then looked at the treats which she had brought her. It was a very nice gesture, and she couldn't help the glint which appeared in her eyes. "Oh...thank you very much...please, come sit." she said, her eyes flickering towards a vacant seat on the couch next to her. The aroma of the delicious confections began to seep into her nostrils, and she couldn't help but comment. "They smell wonderful."

Aria practically beamed at that and placed them down. "Well, you need to build your strength...and nothing helps as much as buttericing," she said and met her eyes. "Let me get something to drink for you...what would you like, Captain?"

The ensign's concern for her was heart-warming, and Lirha held her gaze for several long seconds. "I would love some of your coffee." she replied, then stifled a yawn which was still lingering from her nap.

Aria nodded as she stood, moving to get some. She glanced back at her, studying her. What Lirha looked like she needed was being tucked into bed. She frowned and looked back at what she was doing, considering it. Also, considering that the woman had been tortured, maybe it wasn't the best idea in the world to let her be alone. After all...she couldn't be feeling that good in herself right now. She picked the mugs up and carried them over, her eyes gentle as she sat down. "You know, if you're tired, Captain...sleep is a good healer. And...and I could stay if you didn't want to be left alone just yet?" she said, meeting her eyes, hoping desperately she didn't sound like a complete brainless child.

She took the mug from Aria and brought it to her lips, taking a long sip of the warm and flavorful drink, then turned to face the blue-eyed woman. She opened her mouth to begin to speak, then closed it as she considered her suggestion. "I..." her voice trailed off as she sighed, then put her hand on the ensign's arm and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "You wouldn't mind?"

"Of course not," Aria said quickly, giving a warm and genuine smile. "I wouldn't mind at all. I mean, I know I wouldn't want to be alone..." her smile faded a bit and she cover her hand with her own, to squeeze gently. "Besides, I could use some downtime. Been a bit hectic lately. So this is actually on the top ten things of what I want to do..." she smiled and sipped her coffee. "You should try a cupcake...should pretty much cover your calorie intake for the next week."

Lirha wasn't sure if Aria had telepathic abilities, but she seemed to be reading her mind quite well at the moment. It had indeed been a troublesome day, full of pondering regrets from her actions which had lead to the deaths of many of her crew, and culminating in the horrific images of her own torture. A shiver ran through her body as she accidentally thought about the drill which had torn open her leg and shoulder. Another long moment passed before she finally snapped herself from her thoughts, then placed the coffee mug on the table and took a cupcake as Aria suggested. She brought it to her mouth and took a large bite, savoring the wonderful flavors which suddenly played across her tongue. "Mmm..." she hummed quietly, and closed her eyes as she indulged herself.

Aria smiled warmly and took one as well, biting into it. "You know, if you lot gave me a few hours in the mess, I could make pizzas," she said playfully, licking buttericing off her fingers. She watched the woman with easy warmth, forgetting she was the CO. "Or whatever you like to eat. I can be quite handy in a kitchen."

The captain finished the cupcake rather quickly...and happily, then licked her own fingers clean as she finished chewing. She smiled as she looked back at Aria and gave her a small nod. "I'd be happy to arrange that for you." she said with approval, then picked her mug back up and took another long swig of coffee before putting it back down on the table one final time. "My bedroom is in the other room..." she said as she gingerly stood from the couch and got to her feet, anxious to lay down in her bed with some company for a change.

Aria got up and moved to her side, to offer herself for support. "Let's get you some well deserved rest," she said firmly, her arm gently going around her waist. "Everything gets better after some rest, you know. Hangovers, colds...sleep is good for you. And if anything, it is an excuse not to think for awhile..." And Aria would be there in case she had a nightmare, ready to wake her up.

A green arm slipped around the ensign's shoulder as she used her for support, and they slowly made their way into the back bedroom. Though her limp was slight, it was still giving her some discomfort, and she leaned her weight on the shorter woman's shoulders as best she could. "Yes...I suppose I could use some more rest. It's been a...strange day." she admitted quietly, in agreement. The two of them arrived at Lirha's large bed and she released her grip on the security officer, then delicately plopped down on the soft mattress. With only one good arm, she began to fumble with her pants in an attempt to remove them and get ready for bed.

Aria watched her before moving to her. "Let me..." she smiled gently and started undressing her, her hands gentle. "You prefer sleeping in the nude?" she asked gently. She had read lots of Orion women liked that. Aria was more the tee shirt type herself, but only because she got cold easily. And while the Captain was wounded...she was still a beautiful woman.

Lirha nodded. "Yes...I do. But if you would prefer that I don't, then I completely understand." she replied, suddenly aware of the awkwardness it might create. "I know that most Humans are a bit more reserved than Orions...and I can be rather open at times." she added in a quiet voice, looking into Aria's eyes to judge her reaction. Truth be told, she preferred to sleep nude, and hoped that her guest didn't mind.

"No, she said and smiled gently, shaking her head. "I am not that...unfamiliar with Orions," she got her naked and pulled the covers back, helping her in. "And you need to be comfortable. It'll be better this way, I promise..." she tucked her in, giving her a warm smile. "There...better, right?"

"Yes." she answered with a sigh and a small smile, happy to be in her bed again and thankful for being tended too. She looked back up at Aria. "Join me?" she asked, waiting expectantly for her to do the same and lay next to her.

She nodded as she sat on the bed. She got the boots off and the socks before getting out of the jeans. She undid her bra and slid it up but kept the top and knickers on...she would just feel warmer. Now, on a scale from one to weird, getting into the bed with her CO would rate about weirdest thing in the universe. But Aria forgot that she was her CO. She was another woman, who needed support. And it was good, it was okay. She smiled as she slid into the bed, next to her, and reached to stroke her good arm. "It's okay..."

Lirha turned towards Aria and wrapped an affectionate arm around her shoulders, then nestled her head against the woman's neck. It was a strange feeling, bringing one of her junior officers into bed with her, but she could care less about protocol at the moment. "Thank you for rescuing me." she whispered softly as she wiggled her body closer against the young woman's slim and toned frame.

She smiled gently as she stroked over her back now that she had shifted. "Thought you might need it. You shouldn't be alone right now anyway..." she stroked her cheek against her hair, smiling gently. "Besides. Couldn't protect you before...maybe I can do this instead...to somehow make it a bit better."

The ensign's words echoed through Lirha's mind. They were kind, compassionate...considerate, and affectionate. To know that one of her crew felt that way about her was beyond comforting. Slowly, the captain brought her green hand to the side of Aria's face and stroked her cheek in return. She took a deep breath and gave into her emotions, lifting her head and placing a soft kiss on Aria's lips.

Aria kissed her back, before pulling her head back slowly. She let out a shaky breath, watching her eyes with want and confusion...before it eased. "I..." she smiled gently, taking a breath. This...was a lot. A lot to turn down. And any other situation and Aria would never have thought that deeply about it. But what was going on here was that there was a woman who had been hurt, who was her superior officer...and it was difficult to know what was genuine need and attraction and what was the need to feel alive, to feel good. "Right now...that's not a good idea..." she kissed her cheek and held her, close. "Right now, you need to focus on yourself...and just get better. Even if this is pretty much like me calling Santa and saying I don't want any presents for Christmas...okay?"

It was rare than an Orion woman's advances were turned down, in fact, it had never happened to Lirha since she had joined Starfleet. She wanted nothing more at the moment then to be loved, and hearing Aria tell her to stop brought a lump to her throat...a feeling of rejection. The turmoil inside her head increased, and she let out a choked up sigh as her eyes fell to the sheets and she placed her head on Aria's chest in defeat. Silent tears began to flow from her eyes and onto the fabric of the woman's shirt. "Okay." she whispered in return, then squeezed herself against the ensign even harder.

Aria watched her with pain, stroking her hair before kissing it. "It's not because you're not beautiful...God, you're stunning...and you are intelligent and sexy...and I mean, usually...I'd be all over that. But you've been through something terrible, Lirha..." she used her name, swallowing as she moved to gently wipe her tears. "And if I did this, I'd be using you. Not sure if I could live with myself doing that to you. You deserve better than that..." she held her close, not letting go of her. "You deserve so much better."

Lirha began to sob against Aria's chest. At this moment, she realized she wasn't acting like a captain should, and it furthered her troubles as she let out a soft yet anguished cry. What had happened to her? How would she be able to command a ship if she couldn't even keep her composure? What had started out as an innocent visit from one of her crew had turned into more turmoil, but the last thing she wanted to do was to be alone again. "Please don't leave me..." she managed to say in between sobs, hoping and praying that the young Human wouldn't judge her CO's lack of professionalism.

"Hey...hey," Aria frowned as she stroked her cheek, caressing it as she smiled gently. "I told you, I was staying...that doesn't change..." she stroked over her neck, rubbing reassuringly as she took a deeper breath. "Staying here as long as you need me to. More than happy to as well..." she didn't try to soothe her sobs...she needed to let it out. And that was okay too, it was okay to need to cry. And Aria could be strong for others. "So don't worry about that, Lirha. Not leaving you...won't let you be alone."

Several long minutes passed before Lirha's tears subsided. Though she didn't say a word, she could feel Aria's comforting hands on her exposed neck and back, rubbing in a soothing motion and smoothing her hair. It did well to calm her, and it was good to know that her new friend was so understanding. With a sniffle, the captain finally lifted her head and looked at Aria through blurry eyes, giving her a small, forced smile. "Thank you." she said.

"Welcome," she said and smiled gently, wiping her tears off her face. "Just relax...get some sleep. I'll still be here when you wake up. Promise."

The Orion nodded and let out a deep sigh in an attempt to relax, then moved her head so it rested snugly against Aria's shoulder. "Computer, lights." she said, and the room dimmed into darkness. She closed her eyes and tried to clear her head, thinking of comforting thoughts such as Rigel's elegant steam pits and hot springs. It took a while but eventually her breathing slowed, signifying her transition into sleep.

Three Hours Later...

Lirha laid on the interrogation table, still strapped to her restraints and covered in blood. Above her, K'Nara peered down at the Orion with a horrific smile on her face as she held the metallic drill in front of her for her to see. Gold blood dripped from the tip, and Lirha could identify several pieces of her own flesh still entangled in the device.

"Give me your ship's transponder codes," the Klingon demanded with a hiss, "Or you will never see the light of day again." she threatened.

Biting her lip, Lirha remained silent.

"Very well." K'Nara said with a strange satisfaction, then pressed a button on the device causing it to begin to whirr and spin. Ever so slowly and to Lirha's horror, she began to lower it to her face, pointing the sharp tip right at her swollen eye. Inch by inch, it came closer, until it hovered right above her green iris.

"N-n-no," Lirha protested, wracking her body against the restraints and trying to turn her head in a futile attempt to escape. "Please stop!" she yelled.

The last thing the captain saw was K'Nara's sharp teeth spread in a satisfying smile, as the drill finally made contact with her eye and began to shred the soft organ. The sharp tip pierced her cornea and penetrated deep into the socket, spewing and churning out bloody chunks of retina and pupil. Lirha screamed as the most intense and anguishing pain exploded in her skull and began to vibrate through her face as the drill sank into the swollen cavity.

Suddenly, her world went white, and she was instantly freed from the restraints and immediately snapped up into a sitting position, her body covered in sweat and trembling. She tried to look around but everything was dark. Instinctively, she brought her hand to her face and over her tortured eye, but felt it still there and intact. With jagged breaths, she tried her best to figure out where she was and what had happened.

"Hey! Hey, hey! It's okay," Aria watched her, sitting up as she reached to touch her back, stroking gently. "It's okay, it was a nightmare..." she frowned as she rubbed the small of her back, wanting to calm her down. "You're in your quarters...you're safe."

"C-computer...li-lights." she managed to say as she suddenly heard a familiar voice next to her and a warm hand on her back. The room illuminated and suddenly she could see, much to her relief. A quick glance revealed she was still in her bed, with Aria right next to her. Still shaking, she turned and wrapped her arms around the woman in a tight and sweaty embrace.

Aria hugged her tightly, stroking soothingly over her hair. "It's okay, you are safe," she whispered and rubbed her back, holding her tightly...hoping it helped.

"I'm a mess." Lirha admitted, somewhat ashamed of herself for her inability to cope with her recent troubles. Suddenly, she remembered the gift which Lieutenant Coleman had brought her earlier in the evening during her visit. "Can you grab the small silver case in my nightstand next to you?" she asked, glancing over at the drawer inside the table next to Aria's side of the bed.

She nodded and turned, moving to open the nighstand. She took out the silver case and offered it to her, her eyes gentle. "You know, you don't look as bad as a human does when crying. I mean, we really do get all red and blotchy and generally...not nice. There's snot involved, put it that way."

The ensign's light-hearted joke cause a laugh to escape Lirha's lips, and she took the small case from her hands and pressed on the sides to unlock the lid. "Humans are beautiful as well...your skin tones are so varied and diverse." she replied, looking into Aria's pale blue eyes for a long moment before turning her attention back to the small jar. Inside was a special type of cream, a gift which the intelligence chief had recommended. "This is called Mangorian lotion, I'm told." she explained in a soft voice, "Lieutenant Coleman used it on me earlier tonight and I found it very...relaxing. But I'm not sure exactly what the composition is."

"I have never heard about it before," Aria admitted, watching her with a small smile. "I mean, I know lavender and camomile and those things, but that one is new to me."

"And me as well." she said quietly, putting her fingers into the jar and scooping out a small amount of the gel. She placed the small container on the sheets and looked back up at Aria. "Would you like to try some?" she offered.

Aria smiled gently and took some as well, testing it with her fingers. "Not bad at all," she said softly, before moving to touch her shoulder, to rub it into her skin.

Lirha watched Aria with a small smile, then moved her own fingers to her temples as Evelyn had shown her and rubbed the cream into her green skin. Almost instantly, a wash of relief flooded through her mind and began to slowly trickle outwards across the rest of her body.

Aria smiled gently, moving to rub gently, to work it in and reassure her. "It'll be alright," she said reassuringly. "Get you right as rain."

Attaching the lid back onto the jar, Lirha closed the small contained and reached across Aria to place it back on the nightstand. She already felt much better, and the memories of her nightmare had quickly faded. Letting out a soft yawn, she slipped her nude body back underneath the sheets and closed her eyes as her head rested on a large pillow. "Right as rain..." she whispered.

Aria nodded and stroked her arm before closing her eyes. "Right as rain," she agreed and relaxed, falling asleep again.

OFF:

--

CMDR Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

&

Ensign Aria Rice
Security
USS Galileo

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