Post 256: If You Insist

Stardate: 062607:1800
Author: Ensign Samantha Hain
Scene: Sickbay and the reception
Time: After the Awards
Title: If You Insist

Samantha Hain returned to sickbay after the ceremony concluded. McBrayne had recognized her service during the Bajoran disaster, stating that Hain's actions enabled the medical personnel to effectively work on those most in need, thus saving time and lives.

Samantha hadn't said much as Dr. McBrayne handed her a folder but her cheeks had blushed a bright red. She wasn't used to any limelight and the discomfort showed.

"Hey. what are you doing back here?" Cliona McBrayne's soft voice greeted her as she stepped into sickbay.

Samantha moved her hand towards the reports Cliona was perusing. "I thought you might need some help."

McBrayne smiled gently. "I appreciate the offer but I believe I heard orders of some R&R directed towards you."

The younger woman shifted slightly. "I want to thank you for your kind words this morning. They meant a lot."

Cliona stared at Hain for a brief moment before speaking. "Samantha, you are extremely valuable to this ship. You are efficient and intelligent as well as being very professional with our patients. You have a great career in front of you. I'm just happy you've started it with us."

"Wow. I don't know what to say."

"Then say nothing." Cliona smiled and walked towards Hain. Reaching her in a few brief strides, she took the young woman's shoulders and turned her towards the door. "Now. You have orders from two superior officers to relax for awhile. Get out of here."

Samantha felt herself being pushed forward gently. "I guess this means I'm not needed." She laughed softly.

"Not today. Go to the reception and enjoy. That's an order."

Samantha nodded her head and murmured an agreement. She wasn't much for parties either. Most of her time was spent in the company of a few close friends. Maybe Marianne would be at the reception. Samantha had seen her at the ceremony from across the room. With any luck she would have a friend to share her misery with.

Walking into the hall she was gratified to have her hopes confirmed. Marianne Rogers was indeed at the reception, talking quietly with an ensign from her department. She looked up as Samantha entered and waved Hain towards their table. As Samantha approached the ensign excused himself and left.

Sam perched in an empty chair and looked around her at the room full of strangers.

She returned her eyes to Marianne who smiled with an accompanying understanding wink. "Don't worry. It'll be over soon."

"I hate these things."

"Relax, Sam. Here. I took way too many canapés. Finish them for me and save my waistline." Marianne Rogers pushed a small plate towards the young nurse.

Sam pursed her lips at Marianne. "You could eat all day and not ruin that waistline. How you never gain an ounce is beyond me."

"Oh, I gain. You should see the laps I do around the holodeck to hide the weight I gain."

"Call me next time cause after this I'll have to join you." Samantha closed her eyes as she took a second bite of the delicious concoction. "How did it go with the Vedek?"

"Really well." Marianne lifted her glass and took a sip. "He was very easy to work with. Extremely personable. Very concerned about his people. You could see the pain in his eyes when we left. I'm actually surprised he returned. I was afraid they'd have to drag him back. I think if he had seen he could have been of any further help he would have stayed but his job now will mostly likely include garnering aid from other planets to help the rebuilding on Bajor."

"Was it a real mess down there?"

Marianne's eyes clouded over before answering. "It was horrid. I still hear the screams that hung in the air. We couldn't tell where they came from but there was never a time when you couldn't hear a plea or a cry from some distant victim."

Sam reached her hand out to cover Marianne's as they gripped her glass.

"You know you did all you could."

Marianne nodded silently.

The two women sat in a silent preoccupation, each using memories in their own bit of healing.

Samantha Hain
Medical Staff
USS Independence