Visiting hours 1

Posted on Sun May 25th, 2025 @ 10:00am by Lieutenant Didrea Zade & Lieutenant Commander Savin

Mission: Pandora's Box
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: MD6, before 'Beneath The Static'
1115 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Knowing the security chief wouldn't be in any shape to visit his office anytime soon, Savin allowed for several hours before he made his way down to sickbay. Having been informed she was conscious and on the mend, he decided to visit now that her memory might still be fresh, and the trauma still processable.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as he approached her.

Zade had been reading, which was about the only thing the doctor would let her do, when Savin came in. Lowering the PADD, she gave him her full attention. "I'm antsy to get back," she admitted, hoping the reason why was obvious. Not many liked being stuck in sickbay to begin with, but her inability to just lay there and get better left her feeling restless and... well, useless. She was about two steps away from starting to annoy the doctor until Ame gave in and released her. "... and a little tired, but doing alright, all things considered."

Savin nodded as he shifted the available seat around to be able to see her. "I can tell that you are," he confirmed with a small encouraging smile. "Exhaustion is explainable," he added, "the reports say you were almost crushed. Your body is using quite an amount of energy to heal." He watched her for a moment, sensing her restlessness. "I do recommend following doctor's orders, and take things easy. Overdoing it will only see you confined to sickbay longer than you desire." A wan smile followed. "Trust me, I know from experience."

A frown was enough to express her thoughts on the idea of taking it easy, but she grudgingly nodded her compliance. "You have my word that I'll at least try," she responded. With a sigh, she adjusted her position slightly and rested a hand behind her head. "I know I'll be here for a while, but I'm not good at sitting still, Savin. It took convincing just to let me read."

"Your word is good enough for me." He studied her for a moment, as if to consider something. "You could work from here if Doctor Solis is agreeable to setting up a console for you," he suggested, "then they can keep an eye on you, and you are not sitting still. And perhaps you can be permitted to spend some time in a warm pool? Perhaps the one we visited some time ago? As part of your healing process, of course."

It wasn't a bad idea. Physically, she wouldn't be cleared for light duty and would likely remain bed-bound for at least another couple days. The lack of memory of the events left her a little tense, and her usual methods to unwind were currently off the table. If she didn't do something, she'd probably lose it by the time she'd be cleared for light duty. "It's worth asking," she agreed. She made a pointed look toward her leg, which was still being tended to via the biobed's automatic functions, before giving him a small smile. "For the pool, it would help to be up and walking first."

"You do not need to be able to walk in order to be able to swim," Savin pointed out, "there are other means to go about. The weightlessness of being in water will no doubt encourage your recovery, I am certain Doctor Solis will agree with me. And being out of sickbay will be instrumental for your mental recovery. Just let me know when, and I will make arrangements. Perhaps someone can accompany you, if you wish."

Zade gave him an exhasperated 'you're telling me' look. If it got her out of sickbay, even for an hour, she would likely entertain it. "Maybe when the mission's over," she decided. "I can at least provide overwatch or something administrative-y to stay out of the way. Last thing I want to do is be in the way if we are still in hot water." As much as she wanted to get back to her duties, she knew that Savin was right and that too much exertion would only make her stay longer.

"Possibly even before that," Savin mused, "I have no doubt your own staff will keep you informed and as for overwatch, you will need to take that up with Doctor Solis. But yes, as long as you stay here I see no reason why you could not."

The only immediate response was a nod before Zade picked up the glass of water beside her and took a sip. Provided she was careful when moving with her still tender ribs, Ame had allowed her to sit up on occasion, which also made it more convenient for reading. "Lieutenant Dash knows what to do, as do the rest of my team." Pausing for a few seconds, she looked at the glass, her thoughts wandering back to the reports. "Is it true?" she asked quietly, looking to him. "The casualty report?"

Slowly, Savin nodded. "Two did not come back, five were injured and were treated in sickbay." He watched her closely, sensing the spike of pain as she moved. He didn't say anything but a minute change in his expression showed he had senses something. "I am certain someone will come to brief you," he added, "I have no doubt the captain or first officer will come to see you, if they have not already."

"Zora came by yesterday," Zade confirmed, disappointment clear in her expression. Losing crewmates always sucked, but knowing they died because of her orders sucked even more, even if it was the bad guy who was responsible. She took another sip of her water before setting it aside. "Though it sounds like everyone else's debriefs were more helpful than mine. I don't remember much from when we were down there. Malone was with me, so I read his report, but I can only verify about half of what he reported." With the way Ame described it, the concussion could have made things a lot worse.

"You verified that which you could. Perhaps in time you will remember more, otherwise myself or another telepath could assist you, should you desire." He held up a hand to stall her response. "When you are healed, not right now."

It was frustrating to not know what happened, to not remember. As much as Zade wanted to know, if it landed her here and Iska in the morgue, was it worth remembering, even if it was bad? Could she be ready to know? "I'll keep that in mind," was all she responded with.

Savin merely nodded. "I will let you rest now and I will come back later."