Time for a little chat

Posted on Sat Apr 6th, 2019 @ 4:35pm by Lieutenant Commander Ariana Monroe-Wayne & Commander Hades,MD

1,627 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 97 - Cultural Exchange
Location: USS Sutherland, Sickbay
Timeline: MD7

Ariana had been surprised to receive a request transferring Hades counselling care to Splendora Sage. It wasn't that she had a problem with his decision, as a patient the choice of Counsellor was his, but she did wonder why. Taking the request with her she headed for Sockbay to speak to Hades.

Hades had sent Carolyn on a break and was taking over sickbay duties. They were all settling in for their trip back to the station. As he finished with a patient he sat down in his office wanting to catch up on some paperwork. He'd sent Bremer a note about Carolyn and special commendation and he'd sent off his transfer request for his counseling file. He had a sinking feeling Ariana would be down here....just as the thoughts crossed his mind...

Walking into Sickbay Ariana smiled as she saw Hades. "Doctor, do you have a moment?"

He sighed, "Of course. I have finished reading up on your physical. Doctor Corrigan was very complete in her notes. Please have a seat."

Ariana nodded and took a seat, for once she'd remembered the small cushion for behind her back and she placed it ready in the seat before sitting back. "You were expecting me weren't you?" She grinned.

"I had gathered that you would seek me out when my request came through," he said standing and walking to the replicator. "Would you like something?"

"Something....chocolate would go down a treat please!" She grinned. "I'll admit it was a surprise getting your transfer request." She looked at the PADD she was holding. "Who you wish to see as your counsellor is your decision, I don't believe in forcing patients to see a particular counsellor. What I would like to know is why you want to transfer?"

He ordered a large chocolate cake for Ariana and a coffee for himself. He set Ariana's cake and a glass of milk by her and picked up his coffee. He sat down. "It is not personal counselor. I feel that you are not only a good person and friend you are a skilled counselor. This is logic and necessity. This trip has been...a little difficult for me as has the last little while. While I have no doubt that you can help me with this I know that you keep files for Starfleet. Right now I need someone who... is not fond of Starfleet or bound to record topics of conversation on the record. I have had issues even keeping my nursing staff from...prying into the situation. The last I had heard they were starting and office pool." He rolled his eyes.

Ariana nodded. "Then you'll need this..." She handed over the PADD fully approved for his transfer to Splendora's care. "If you'd have asked me I could have worked out a way to talk to you 'off record.' After everything you've done for me it's the least I could have done." She picked up the glass of milk and sipped it before putting it down again. "I know it's a private matter but I did hear reference to a certain biological matter that Vulcans are affected by."

Hades now understood how Splendora felt this morning when she got coco in her nose. When Ariana had spoken a large gulp of the coffee he'd been drinking found its way into his nose. He allowed himself a moment. "I see." He sighed, "As you can see even off the record can be...found out. So far nothing but rumours and speculation. I deny nor confirm anything. This is not a forever transfer. I just need to...figure things out." He took the PADD. "This is nothing personal Ariana it is...a confusing time for me. Without going into detail the fact that I almost died this week has been weighing heavy on me."

Ariana finished off the bite of chocolate cake she was eating before speaking. "It's okay....really!" She offered an understanding smile. "I completely understand and once you're ready I'll be happy to have you back under my care for any issues you might have in the future. For now I just want you to get the care you feel you need, it's just nice to have you back Hades. Would I be too forward to say I'd miss you if you weren't here?"

He smiled, "And I you. You are a friend Ariana. Never doubt that." He said in a rare open moment.

"Likewise Doctor and thank you for making me accept what I should have done all along. I should have backed off on my duties after my...." She paused a moment before saying the word that was still rawly painful for her "miscarriage and I didn't I'm grateful that you've put me on reduced duties. Let's just say it's giving me time to process what I should have processed back then."

He smiled, "I was thinking you'd be angry at me for the reduced duties part."

"Well maybe a little at first but that was before I had chance to think about it." She shrugged her shoulders. "You can't run from what you need to face. I can't do it alone so I've taken Freya & Kaden Ross up on their offer to let me stay with them until the baby is born or however long I need to. It's what I need right now."

He gave a nod. "I am glad of it. Having someone there is key." He looked at her "May I ask a question?"

"Sure go for it!" She grinned as she picked up some more cake and politely indulged in it.

"Do you believe...in love at first sighed and can you explain this to me?"

Ariana smiled warmly. "Do I ever!!" She grinned. "The first time I set eyes on my husband it was like....I'd been hit by cupid's arrow a dozen times over!! The way he looked, the way he walked, the way he smiled..." She paused her smile faded a little as she remembered the day she lost him. "The bottom fell out of my world when I lost him." She sighed. "To explain it....I'm not sure I can. It's just a feeling...like you can't be without them. Like you're meant to be together and nothing can keep you apart."

He listened intently. "I see. I think that I understand. Have those ever proved to be false?"

"Love isn't an exact science my friend" She smiled. "Just follow your heart. For what it's worth I think she's a lucky lady, whoever she is."

He blushed, "I was not referring to myself..." He stuttered when he said this, always the bad liar. Just as she would have said something voices drifted down the hall.

"Okay put me down for two Bar's on Ensign Waters. Hades has been seen talking to her...a lot."

Another familiar voice carried, Nurse Lynn's. "I don't know why you all are discounting Lieutenant Rol. They hated one anther and now they're the best of friends. Keep this quiet he'll hear."

Hades sighed. "I think I need to talk a walk. Let me see you back to your quarters."

Ariana nodded. "Trust me if Carolyn hears them talking they'll be roasted, you should have heard her when a nurse burst in during my check up!" She grinned. "Poor woman looked like she'd had the living daylights scared out of her."

He smiled, "She is an amazing doctor. That is why I sent a special commendation request for her. Her skill and loyalty is something that I am grateful for all the time."

"Well she definitely deserves it!" Ariana smiled. "She's put my mind at rest about how the baby is doing. I know I've still got further tests to undergo at the station but I feel happier knowing she's healthy and growing as she should be."

He smiled as they walked. "This baby will be perfect. Do not allow your mind to think otherwise. Both Carolyn and I will follow the pregnancy closely and I know that it will all be well. Any plans for when we get back to the sation?" he asked making small talk as they walked.

"Actually I met someone from the station, he has a business there. He's designing me a cradle for the baby." She smiled. "He took me all around the shops on Cardassia as a passenger on his hoverchair. I felt quite...special." She grinned.

He smiled, "Good, you should feel special. Have you completed the baby's room?"

"I haven't started it yet!" She shrugged her shoulders. "After I lost the baby I was afraid if I started doing anything it would be pushing my luck with this baby. I guess that kind of sounds silly doesn't it?"

"No not silly but you should try now, Make a happy memory. Allow yourself this." He looked over at her. "How is your back?"

"About the same but what you gave me helps. I think this little one just likes to do sumersaults she's extremely active, which doesn't help with being comfortable!" She absentmindedly massaged her stomach. "That's not a complaint at least while she's active I know she's okay."

He gave a nod. "Well these are your quarters. Try and get some rest. I have a few patients to see on the Pegasus and the Essex and I have to get some medication transferred from the Olympia."

Ariana nodded. "I will and that's a promise." She smiled. "Just promise me we can still get together for these 'little talks?"

He smiled, "Of course we can."

"In that case..." She yawned then grinned. "I'll go and get some sleep." Smiling she headed into her quarters leaving Hades to carry on with his work.

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