Post 420: Leaving Bronte Behind

Stardate:70829.1700
Title: Leaving Bronte Behind
Author: Lt. Grace
Scene: Turbolift/Sickbay
Time: Hours after "Save a Prayer" and just before "Surprise, Surprise"
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"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will ." ~Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
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After donning a new dress so she'd be ready for the party later on, February spent a happy afternoon delivering gifts to those she wanted to thank for their role in her rescue and ritual.

As she rode in the turbolift, she reviewed her mental list of those she'd given so far and those yet to give. She ran her fingertips over the pendant of the necklace that Xhian had surprised her with earlier- and reminded herself to thank him again at the party. It was such a thoughtful gift and truly a work of art.

She'd already given Dabin his guitar and Jariel the prayer beads, of course. Simon Biggs received a long silk aviator's scarf bearing his initials to wear on the holodeck the next time he went flying. For Ashlyn Trind, a bracelet that had been in Bru's family for generations.

For Salvek, a small hand-held telescope she'd had since she was small. For Kellyn, a scarf she'd made herself.

She had something especially important to give Rigin, but she hadn't been able to find him yet today so that would have to wait. She planned to hold onto her gifts for Blane and T'Ana until an appropriate, quiet moment at their surprise party tonight.

She had been putting off the giving of one last gift- and decided now was as good a time as any to just do it. She exited the lift down the hall from Sickbay, walked through the doors and asked if she could have a moment with Captain Gilmore.

Dr. McKenna checked make sure R.J. was awake behind the curtain, and approaching his bedside Bru found him reading daily reports.

"Lieutenant." He looked up at her over his PADD. "I am glad to see you are well on your way to recovery," he paused and finally made eye contact with her. "You really scared us, you know."

"Sorry about that, Sir. How are you feeling?"

"McKenna is going to drive me mad," he replied honestly. "Him and his tests. Most he can tell me so far is that I require more rest. I decided I'd better start listening, if I'm ever going to get out of here and back to my bridge."

"I'm happy that someone could talk sense into you, at last." She stepped closer. "I've brought you something," she pulled an object out from behind her back, and Gilmore analyzed it.

It was a small ship inside a glass bottle. The ship's sails were a little crooked, and the paint job wasn't quite even, but it had character.

"I made it when I was a little kid," she explained, "school art project. I've always held on to it and I don't know why. I want you to have it now, with my thanks. For everything you've done for me -not just recently on Trill, but over the years. I've learned so much from you, Captain."

Gilmore could tell that while she was definitely changed by all she'd been through, she was still very much the February he'd met four years ago, before she was joined to begin with. He smiled wistfully, thinking of that girl and her first day on his bridge aboard the Worthington. She had nearly jumped out of her chair every time he barked an order at her back then.

"February Grace is all grown up now. Ready to take on the worlds and steer much bigger ships. She has no need of toy ones any longer," he observed softly, rotating the glass bottle in his hands.

"No need of silly schoolgirl daydreams, either," she replied meekly, meaning to let him know that any discomfort he may still be feeling around her was not at all necessary. From where she stood their friendship was still intact, and that was what mattered.

His eyes registered his understanding, though the rest of his expression did not change. "February, whatever has been said or done," he began, "or not said, as the case may be, I want you to know that your friendship has always been a gift in my eyes."

"And yours in mine," she replied. "My friendship will always be yours," she smiled, taking a liberty in this moment by adding, ". . .R.J."

He raised an eyebrow now. "Zanh Liis tells me that Mr. Reece has decided to stay aboard."

She couldn't help but smile at the mention of Dabin's name. "Yes, Sir."

"From the look in your eyes, I surmise that this turn of events pleases you?"

"Yes, it does, Sir," her smile turned to a grin. "Highly."

He set the model ship aside before turning a worried gaze toward her and lowering his voice. "You're willing to give up an awful lot for this man."

He knew the penalty that they would pay would be high.

"No more than he is willing to give up for me, Sir."

He watched as she pulled the curtain back and moved to exit the room. "Bru,"

She smiled brightly and awaited his parting words.

"Your daydreams may have been many things. But they were never silly."

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Lt. (jg) February Grace
Helm/Flight Controller
USS Independence NCC-90791