Path To Healing

Posted on Thu Jul 6th, 2017 @ 7:02pm by Lieutenant Commander Holly Gillo & Master Warrant Officer Gaius Aquila & Splendora Sage

1,830 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 94 - Return to Rashanar
Location: Medical Department-ICU
Timeline: MD2, 1640hrs

Medical Department ICU

Giaus was in and out of consciousness after surgery. Technology may have reduced the surgical scars, but the fact that his body had to adjust to a new heart would take time.

Braxton's eyes were on the readings. He wished he'd gone on the mission with everyone but Hades had insisted he stay and take care of the medical bay...well that and he had some exams to finish for Starfleet.

He looked over at Splendora who had been a great help. He'd asked her here specifically because she was a counselor.

"He's coming out of it," she said.

Braxton gave a nod. He leaned over. "Easy Aquila. Just slow."

Giaus felt like someone lit his chest on fire, just by inhaling. "By the gods this hurts!"

Splendora winced as if she was the one in pain.

Braxton almost winced too being half Betazoid. "Yeah...that pretty much sums it up. Like being hit by a shuttle." He sighed. "Just relax and take it easy. You had heart surgery. It's going to take a while."

Splendora stepped up to the biobed. "He might benefit from some rose quartz crystals by the bed."

Braxton looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "A what now?"

"A rose quartz. It's a crystal...."

Braxton was starting to kick himself for letting her be in here when Aquila woke up. A counselor yes but a witch doctor? He turned his attention to Aquila and proceeded to check his vitals. "What else are you feeling sir?"

Giaus looked up, "Besides the pain, well, that is about it. I don't feel as weak as I think I should. Plus I am hungry. " Giaus then noticed the crystals. Being Magna Roman, he was familiar with their use. "The crystals are fine Doc."

Splendora smiled. She placed the crystal on the bedside table.

Braxton gave a nod. "Hungry is good. I will go and get some food for you." He left to go to the replicator.

"Thank you Doc," Giaus said. He anticipated his first meal after the battle.

Splendora pulled up a chair. "Mr. Aquila you gave us quite a scare but I'm glad you are on the mend. Not feeling weak is a huge step when it comes to the type of surgery you went through."

"What type of surgery?" Giaus asked. "And how are my sons?"

Splendora smiled at him gently. "Your sons are fine. They are worried but you will see them soon. As for surgery you took a hit to the chest. Dr. Thr'elanon had to install an artificial heart." He gently placed her hand over his knowing this would be a bit of a shock.

"A chest wound. Yet I have not joined the Afterlife. The gods have plans for me after all. To start with, maybe it is to watch my sons grow up to be men." Giaus brushed the still rough skin on his chest. "An artificial heart eh? I hope it does not effect how I feel."

Splendora smiled. "It won't. Mr. Aquila, there are some cultures that say that the heart is really a reflection of the soul." She put her hand on his. "Your family was really worried. They love you very much."

"I am from such a culture Splendora, BUT, I have also been in the Marines long enough to know some reality. Any word from Commander Gillo?"

She smiled, "Marines still love and receive love. Everyone has been here to see you." She said cautiously. She wanted to ease him into things. "You and I have much to discuss Mr. Aquila."

"Okay. Like what?", Giaus asked.

Splendora sighed, "Let's start with the limitations."

"I am all ears".

She smiled, "For the first little bit you will have to take it easy. Because the doctors have opened your chest they had to break your sternum. You will have to relearn a few activities."

Wincing from the pain as he inhaled confirmed this. "I get that. But what will I have to relearn?"

"Well such as getting out of bed, walking, sitting down. They all have to be adapted for a while. The other thing is when you cough or laugh or sneeze," She held up a purple pillow, "You will have to hold this to your chest."

Giaus let out a small chuckle, which caused some pain. "At least it is the color of royalty."

She smiled as she handed him a pillow. "There will be diet restrictions for a while and you have to take things slow. Doctor Hades promised he'd make sure you can get back to duty but...well you can't push yourself too much. I hear, and my sources are private," she smiled. "I hear that you are a stubborn man."

Giaus tried to joke back, "Those are just rumors started by the Marines I run into the ground."

Splendora laughed. She patted Giaus' hand. "Tell me a bit how everything that you've been told about your condition makes you feel. What are your thoughts Mr. Aquila."

Giaus did not take to long to think out his answer. "In Magna Roma, I have seen both Legionnaires, and Gladiators pull through serious injuries with medical care that lacks behind Star Fleet. It is not the question of 'If', but 'When' I will return to duty. I know this will take time. I am ready to continue my path."

She smiled at him. "You will have all the support you need. Also if you ever need to talk or are feeling frustrated over any part of this, my door is always open. I want to help."

"You are a great help, but there is one more person, who's presence would be an even greater help. But she is off base." Giaus said, thinking about his soulmate.

Splendora smiled. She could sense the love Giaus had for Holly. "Mr. Aquila, she was with you every step of the way. She is still with you. She might be out there but her soul and heart are with you." She felt tears trying to well up. "With the power of love all things are possible. If you close your eyes you can feel her. Before you know it you will have her in your arms," she gave his shoulder a pat.

Holly knew what was going on and what he would want so she carried on her duties as normal as possible. The boys were in their quarters and she was monitoring them closely as this was tense times for them all. First Giaus was transported on the starbase directly into medical and then there was no word as to his condition before he was admitted into surgery. Then it all came out and her mind went right to him without even thinking. All of her emotions came out in a flood and she had to gather herself to resume duty as quickly as possible. For the boys she had to remain calm and carry out somewhat of a normalcy for them. They needed that just about as much as she needed to try and hold it all in for the right time to let it all back out again.

The entire base seamed to be tense for her as she waited for a dismissal from her post. Once the transfer of duties was done she was on her way piratically sprinting down the halls as she went to medical. She needed to be there when he woke up. Coming into the medical area she waited to be greeted by someone and to be taken to him as she knew that he was going to need her to heal.

When she walked into Medical, everyone in reception got quiet. Everyone, including the orderly sitting at the desk knew why she was there. Without even waiting for Holly to make her inquiry, the orderly said, "I will take you to him Commander." He stood up, and motioned her to follow him to Recovery/Rehabilitation.

Even as Splendora gave his shoulder a pat, Giaus felt something familiar. He knew for sure that Holly was there, and his heart raced as he tried to sit up, and look as dignified as possible, trying to ignore the pain that followed his attempts. Bonding with a Betazoid must have established some sort of mental link between him and Holly.

Splendora sensed his pain as he tried to move too quickly. She placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Calm yourself." She looked up as the door swooshed open and Holly walked in.

Holly walked into the room and saw with her own eyes what was going on. Looking between Splendora and Giaus, Holly very calmly spoke so he would know that she was there, "Hope I'm not interrupting. I came as soon as I could." She effortlessly went to his bedside and touched him so he would know there was no need to show her his strength that she knew he was strong.

Splendora felt relieved. Holly seemed to have a way about her that was collected and calm. "Not at all. Mr. Aquila was just talking about how much he missed you." She stood and sighed. "Alright, I should go and leave you two alone. Mr. Aquila, remember what I said. Don't push too hard and listen to the doctors. My door is always open should you need to talk."

The pain was worth it to Giaus, who was now ecstatic to see Holly for the first time since his injury. He reached out to hold her hand. "I kind of got hurt while you were away."

Holly had to smile a bit as he explained things, " A little bit? You had the boys worried. Not to mention your fellow marines. They'll be happy to hear you are doing well, and when the doctors allow it are home." It was then that she kissed him on the forehead before placing her forehead up against his. Sitting down next to his bed. "Just am glad you are going to be alright."

"Well, I might have a new heart, but it really belongs to you." Giaus managed to say. He was now at ease with the situation.

"I know," was all she managed to say to his response allowing herself to sit proper in the chair and hold onto his hand with her own. "I'll bring the boys by when you are ready to receive them, and whatever else you want from our quarters that will help you until you are able to come back home."

"All I need is your presence, and the boys too. So visit often. Did I mention that I love you?" Giaus said, as he was getting very drowsy from the medication he was on.

Holly just smiled, "Get some rest. We'll visit soon." It was with that she kissed him on the forehead again and let go of his hand. Gently placing it back at his side she then left him to heal.

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