And How Are You Today?

Posted on Sat Jan 27th, 2024 @ 11:37am by Lieutenant Xavier Leiko & Lieutenant Commander Savin

Mission: Character Development
Location: Sensor Control
1359 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

It was rare for Savin to 'hunt down' a patient, but sometimes it was very necessary. Especially, if their duty status might depend on it. His information showed Leiko had been injured during their prior mission but as usual, the Betazoid had failed to report in for his post-injury evaluation. "Lieutenant Leiko," he called out to draw the man's attention, while at the same time chasing anyone else present our with a single glance. "Are you going to make a habit of me having to chase you?"

"Chasing me for what?" Xavier asked without looking up. He was sat crossed-legged on the floor, surrounded by multiple PADDs and tools. He was running out of time to solve this particular issue and if he were being honest, Savin was the last person he wanted to speak to right now.

Walking around, Savin sat down across from him, oblivious to the return query as he'd not seen him speak. "You are aware, that failure to report for a post-injury evaluation can actually get you removed from duty?" He asked quietly as he surveyed the PADDs and tools.

Xavier closed his eyes and sighed heavily. As he looked up, he plastered a smile on his face, though he couldn't be sure how genuine it looked. "With all due respect Sir, it was a physical injury, not a psychological one. Doctor Kembe cleared me for all duties with no follow-up, it should be on my record."

"And Doctor Kembe should have reminded you to report to me as well. Physical injury always has psychological consequences. I would really hate to remove you from your...work ..because of a technicality. That would be a shame, would it not?" Whether it looked genuine or not, Savin could easily sense the smile certainly was not genuine. "Tell me, how did you get injured?"

"Take it up with the Doctor, Doc," Xavier said with a more genuine smile, "I just follow the instructions I'm given." He wanted to tell the counsellor to go away, it wasn't easy trying to mask sensor output on a ship this size. But Savin was a stickler for the rules and he would have no problem pulling the Betazoid from active duty if only to prove a point. So he closed his tricorder and gave the Romulan his full attention.

"During the shuttle recon mission," Xavier answered as he rubbed the spot where he had been struck; the lump had all but disappeared now. "Our shuttle was boarded and Ensign Washington and I were taken captive for a few hours. Charlie, not Henry," he added for clarity.

Savin nodded as he observed the other officer. "Did you lose consciousness at any given time?" He asked quietly, "do you still suffer ill-effects from being struck?" After all, being hit on the head, especially in Xavier's condition where he had been struggling with his telepathy, could still have psychological consequences even if Xav wasn't fully aware of them.

"No and no," Xavier answered, probably a bit more bluntly than he had intended. "Like I said, I was given the all clear and my telepathy is fine," he added, answering the unspoken question.

Fortunately, the actual bluntness was lost on the counselor even though the minute changes in his expression were not. "All clear, physically yes," he repeated, "psychologically no. I am gratified to learn your telepathy is fine. Have you regained full use, without further issue?" It was a mild reminder that the man had failed to come see him then, too. And that he had opted to let that slide, then.

~Mostly, yes.~ Xavier said telepathically. "I have been given a list of exercises to do to build my strength back up and reduce fatigue. The Doc said it will take time to get back to fully where I was at but I'm happy to say they have been working perfectly."

The counselor's expression seemed to brighten a little at the telepathic contact. "Recovery does take time," he acknowledged, "and if you desire assistance with your exercises I will be happy to assist." He smiled at the Betazoid, "though I am certain that Jerant will be more than happy to do so too." And he wouldn't be surprised nor offended if Xavier chose to turn to the other Betazoid. In fact, he would encourage it. "I am pleased to learn you are recovering. You do seem... happier."

Xavier paused what he was doing and thought about that for a second. True he had his telepathy back and he felt more like himself than he had in a long time. True, Finn was back on the ship and that had boosted his spirits, he didn't realise that he had missed her as much as he had. True that the trial was over, that was more stressful than he had cared to admit. True he had patched things up with The Admiral, something he never thought would be a possibility without a death in the family.

"You're right," Xavier finally said out loud. "I feel more myself, more confident, and less lost. It was a dark time but I can finally see the light at the other end of the wormhole."

"That is encouraging to ah...hear," the counselor answered. "And eventually, you will feel entirely like yourself again," he added, "and no longer lost. You are not alone lieutenant, remember that. You have people here who will support you when you need it. There is no shame in turning to your friends for help or support."

"You tell that to The Admiral," Xavier replied with a laugh. "My mother, it's a pet name," he added, seeing the somewhat confused look on the counsellor's face. He shook his head, dismissing the terrible joke. "Thank you Sir. I have people I can turn to here; you, Jerant, Finn, Mason, and even Tey if I'm desperate enough. I don't always ask for help but they're always there when I need them."

"I was under the impression Ensign Fenn was your friend, why do you feel you need to be desperate to turn to him?" His expression was one of genuine surprise as he asked for clarification. "And perhaps you should ask for help when you need it, it is what we are here for, is it not? Why torture yourself?"

Xavier laughed loudly. He was sure if the counsellor wasn't deaf he would have been startled. "Next time you have a life crisis, try talking to Tey and see how useful he is."

Savin smiled back, somewhat happy to see the other man laughing at least. "I do not appear to have any of those," he clarified, "but if I do, I will try." He hoped that it was obvious he wasn't exactly serious on that part. "Even so, he is your friend, someone you trust. He can be of help to you in other ways, other than talking, correct?"

Xavier studied the man carefully, trying his best to ascertain exactly what the Romulan was implying. He was fairly certain that the Counsellor was not referring to Teyo's known skills for nocturnal activities, though he wasn't one hundred per cent. Eventually, he smiled and said "you don't need to fix my relationship with Tey Sir. We're good just the way we are."

"I do not believe your relationship with Lieutenant Fenn requires fixing," Savin answered, aware of the scrutiny. "Nor was I implying it does." He pushed himself to his feet, still smiling slightly. "I have interrupted you for long enough lieutenant, I will let you continue with your work. Perhaps, you can stop by my office some other time? Being counselor is a lonely profession, I could use some talk of the ship from time to time. Perhaps even learn something new in the process?"

"That sounds like fun," Xavier replied, grateful that he had satisfied the counsellor's curiosity, at least for the time being. "Once this mission is over, I promise I will visit you."

"Do not make promises you have no intention of keeping lieutenant." He was fairly certain Xavier would never visit his office without a prompt to do so. "Good day, lieutenant."