Post 248: As Blue as the Very Sea Part Two

Stardate: 70624.1230
Title: As Blue as the Very Sea Part Two
Author: Zanh Liis
Scene: Transporter Room One/Sickbay
Time: After "Shave and a Haircut" but before "Twilight"
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Independence's Acting CO strode through the transporter room doors and signaled to Gil Quinlan.

"Commander Salvek is awaiting your order, Sir."

Zanh tapped her badge to hail him. "Salvek, we're ready for you."

[Standing by for transport.]

The Bajoran turned to the transporter chief. "Gil, if I could just have a moment." She moved beside him, indicating that she wished to do the honors of beaming the Vulcan back herself, and Quinlan nodded.

"As you wish, Captain. I will be just outside."

Liis found her hands were a little shaky, and she steadied them as she brought the transporter to life and a moment later saw Salvek materialize.

His eyes were sunken, rimmed with dark circles. They betrayed that he was man who had been shouldering the burden of command under dire conditions for too long. Still, it amazed Zanh how he stood with his shoulders back, head held high, the very picture of calm and control.

His left eyebrow elevated as he saw her at the controls. "Captain," he inclined his head as he stepped down. "I did not expect to see you here."

"Precisely the reason that I am here, Salvek." Liis smiled at him gently, her expression one of worry. She had known Salvek for so long, she knew him well enough to know that though the outside world might not detect it, seeing such destruction would indeed get under his skin.

"I see that you were able to relay my request to Kellyn," he made note that his wife and child were not waiting for him in the transporter room. This was a request he had made of Zanh the last time they'd spoken. He didn't have to explain why.

"She understood. They should be waiting for you in quarters. She told me to tell you," Zanh stopped. Salvek nodded. He knew what Kellyn would have said. "Walk with me, Commander. I will accompany you back." Zanh waited for Salvek to walk through the doors, and he questioned her with a glance.

"Yes. I am making sure that you go straight to a long shower, some hot food and the company of your family. No argument."

"But Zanh Liis,"

"No argument."

Salvek shifted the heavy bag of gear slung over his shoulder. Zanh pulled on the strap, attempting to relieve him of the weight. Salvek tugged back, and for a moment the bag moved between them as they fought for the right to carry it.

"Let me win. I can do this all evening." Liis said with a sideways smile. Salvek sighed, and relinquished the bag to her.

She thanked Gil as they passed by. "I'll be sending Ensign Xhian shortly for the briefcase over there and for my parcel. Watch over them for me."

"Aye, Sir." Quinlan replied, taking his station once again.

"And let me know the minute that you hear from Rogers and Jariel."

Barely a word was spoken between Zanh and Salvek as she escorted him back to his quarters. Nothing needed to be said. It is the way of deep and long lasting friendships- often conversation is an unnecessary exercise when all that is required is one understanding glance.

Liis stopped short of walking him through the doors, setting his bag down on the deck.

"You know there is nothing I can say to convey the gratitude of Starfleet, and Bajor." Liis began. "Words would just feel. . .hollow. And flattering. And you deserve so much more than flattery."

"Captain," Salvek began, knowing that this was probably one of the last times he would use that rank to address Zanh. "My wife. My daughter." he looked away. "Bajor it is very much a part of me. Of everything that has value and importance in my life. How could I have done any less?"

Liis reached out and took his hand. She shook it firmly, and she wrapped her other hand over top of his as well. "Just the same, thank you, Salvek. Now go," her eyes had misted suddenly and she cleared her throat. "They're waiting."

After Salvek disappeared, Liis tapped her badge and signaled Ensign Xhian. He had a task to complete for her.

As she spoke to him she walked onward toward Sickbay. She had not had the chance to visit the Captain since his surgery and was anxious to correct the situation.

She found CMO McBrayne arguing with Captain Gilmore, who looked worlds better than the last time Liis had set eyes on him.

"I know you're sick of it here. I'm sick of having you here. But I won't release you until morning and that's final."

"Trying to jump ship, Captain?" Zanh said, attempting to break the seeming stalemate between the two strong personalities before her.

"Trying to get the hell out of this place. There are still a handful of patients left from Bajor, they need this bed far worse than I do."

"Four days post-op and he's ready to conquer the universe." McBrayne said to Zanh, indicating Gilmore with a jerk of her thumb.

"You expected any less of him?"

"Zanh," Gilmore interrupted the women. "What in blazes have you been doing to my ship? I've been hearing rumors that the engineering staff has gone crazy, cross wiring half the systems to power the transporters. I expect everything to be as I left it when I get back to the bridge."

"So it shall be, Captain. "Zanh promised. "With perhaps just a few innovations."

"Newer isn't always improved," Gilmore frowned. "Just you mind that."

"Truer words were never spoken. But I assure you, Sir, you will be pleased. You will be proud when you hear about the performance of your crew while you've been recovering."

"I look forward to reading about it." Gilmore said. "Start bringing me the reports tomorrow morning, in my quarters. If the good doctor won't release me by daybreak, you have explicit orders to have security come in and rescue me.""If there is anyone here who needs rescuing," McBrayne growled, "It isn't him."

Zanh could have sworn that as she was standing there, she could feel McBrayne's blood pressure rising incrementally from the grief that Gilmore was giving her.

*It was just like watching the time-lapse film footage of old.* Zanh thought. *Though instead of observing the deserts flower after spring rains, she was watching the good doctor lose sanity in accelerated time.*

"The Captain is correct, Zanh Liis. If he is not out of here by morning, do send security. Because if I don't get my Sickbay back by noon I can't be responsible for my actions."

"That would kind of violate the Hippocratic oath wouldn't it?" Zanh teased.

"As well as many other varied and well known regulations. But a woman can only take so much. I could enter a plea of temporary insanity because believe me, if anyone saw what I have gone through with this man in the past four days they would never, ever convict me."

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Zanh Liis
Acting CO
USS Independence