House Call

Posted on Fri May 22nd, 2020 @ 4:11am by Brigadier General Kaden Ross & Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD

1,868 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 106 – Stalemate
Location: USS Mercy
Timeline: MD4 1200 hours

Kaden limped down the corridor finding Dr. Corrigan's current quarters as stopped to fix his clothes to look some what presentable. It was a bit unusual to come to her with the things on his mind but he felt she was amongst those that should know what is bothering him. Pressing the chime he waited for a answer although slightly uncertain on if he should be there and not with a counselor.

There was no immediate answer but when it came, it was from behind him. Rounding the corner, Rainbow hot on her heels with more energy than a star going supernova, it was impossible not to see the marine waiting outside her door.

“Looking for me?” She asked as she approached. When they were close enough, the small furball darted forward, pausing for a moment at Kaden’s leg before her tail started wagging and she gave a happy little bark and desiring to run loops Kaden’s feet.

Kaden watched her dog run to him unsure if he should move out of fear he step on it. "Uh...yeah, I felt we needed to talk." He replied gripping his cane.

“Sorry, she’s a bit ... crazy,” Carolyn apologised as she knelt down and scooped up the dog, unlocking the doors to her quarters as she stood. “She gets a little bit overexcited when she gets to meet new people. Come on in, forgive the mess.”

As she spoke she disappeared inside and, snagging a bowl of water, made sure the puppy was settled in her bedroom before returning and locking the door. She doubted Kaden had come to talk about anything trivial and a dog running around would probably not help.

“Can I get you something to drink?” She offered, stopping to quickly gather up the sketches she had drawn during the night, depositing them in a haphazard heap on a corner of the couch. But at least the dining room table was now clear.

Kaden sat down rubbing his leg which seemed to flare up a little while he had been walking around. "Sure, I will take cold glass of water." He replied again rubbing his leg before looking to the bedroom of where she put her dog. "Cute dog by the way more of a cat person myself." Again his leg flared up once more causing him to rub it.

Retrieving the water and an orange juice for herself, she handed him his glass, “I was neither but she was a gift and fortunately very well trained. I hate leaving her alone when I’m at work so I come back when I can to walk her or just make sure she’s okay.”

She gestured to the chair, “please, sit. What brings you by?”

Kaden took his glass had a sip before resting it on his lap. "I wanted to discuss our last meeting." He began before he looked at Corrigan. "Look, I uh, suppose I felt I was being a bit intrusive about what's been going on with you and I am sorry. I was merely concerned was all if I had made you uncomfortable over it than I beg for your forgiveness."

“You have nothing to apologise for,” she assured him as she took a long drink.

Setting down her glass she grinned as she added, “And definitely no need for begging. Was there anything else on your mind?”

Kaden leaned forward setting his water down on the table nearby. "Doc, I need to get a few things off my chest here." He looked Corrigan in the face. "I may be a bit slow at times on certain things but don't think of me a fool." Sensing the doctor was about to make a retort he held his up to silence her. "I know you are expecting your sudden departure on my last visit was a strong sign. But listen, I may not understand you women on certain things but I assure you I don't ever intend to try to..." Kaden trailed off unsure what it was he trying to say.

"Look, I guess what I am trying to say is congratulations and I don't want to involve myself in whatever is going on with you so don't feel I am going go around picking fights on your behalf."

She strongly suspected his certainty meant a certain counsellor had either told him or confirmed it. “Thank you,” she said after a moment, “but I’d appreciate it if you kept the news to yourself for a while yet. Having lost a baby before I’m going by every bit of superstition for this one.

And don’t worry,” she assured him, “there are no fights that need picking. You need to focus on getting better for you, not to mention Freya and the baby.”

"About that, I don't know if I ever will or want to." Kaden replied.

“You don’t want to get better?” She queries, unsure she had heard correctly. “Why? You’ve been making amazing progress.”

Kaden rubbed the palms of his hands together uncertain if he should be talking to Corrigan about his recent confession. "Look, I just want you to have me medically discharged saying my injuries are too severe or something."

"Why?"

Kaden stood up walking away from his seat leaving his cane behind as he crossed his arms over his chest with his back facing Corrigan. "Why should I tell you? You will just tell me to go see Rol or a counselor." He replied.

“Because,” she countered, her voice low, calm, “you are asking me to end your career and lie to do it. You are healing Kaden, it takes time. If you feel unable to return then yes, that would a mandatory referral to counselling.”

Kaden smacked a few items off a nearby table onto the floor. "Damn you, Carolyn, I don't want to see Rol or anyone and I wish that you quit suggesting it. I just want you to do as I ask." He told her raising his voice slightly.

“I want you to leave, now,” She demanded, instantly on her feet as she moved to pick up the velvet coloured box which had clattered to the floor with the rest. She pried it open, making sure both the necklaces were intact before snapping it shut. Through the door she heard Rainbow scratching at the door to be let out.

She could feel her anger threatening to boil over.

Kaden wasn't going to argue with her he headed over to grab his cane but his leg suddenly gave out causing him to fall to the floor. He laid there his face buried into the rug not moving save his hands as he let out a muffled scream.

Entering her room, almost tripping over Bow, she snagged a medical kit and hurried back. “Hold still,” she urged as she administered something for the pain before tapping her comm badge, “=/\= Dr Corrigan to Sickbay, I need you to lock on to Kaden Ross’ comm badge and beam him to the main bay, page his physio for a consult. I’ll be there shortly. =/\=“

As the reply came through she frowned, “we will get you patched up, I promise.”

Anything he was going to say was lost as the transporter beam took him.

Sickbay

Studying the scans Doctor Mendez had took, Carolyn followed her colleague into the room where they were treating Kaden. “They forgot your walking stick,” she told him as she leant it against the wall beside his bed. “We’ve reviewed the scans and the fall tore a ligament in your knee. Doctor Mendez will get it healed for you but it will take a few days for the discomfort to pass. Your physio can continue, with some modifications until the joint has fully healed.”

Kaden wasn't looking at Corrigan he was ashamed of his actions back in her quarters right now he didn't care about his leg. "Carolyn, please stay will you?" He asked.

She nodded to Mendez who retreated. “Do you want me to call Freya?”

"No," Kaden turned to face Corrigan. "I...just wish we could talk at times just me and you no Freya no Rol just us cause I need to hear from someone who has been in my position before."

“Kaden, you loose your temper if you don’t hear what you want to hear,” she pointed out. She sat down on a nearby stool. She thought for a moment, trying to pick her words carefully. “I know it is hard, Kaden... what do you want to ask?”

Kaden sat up on the bed rubbing his leg a little. "Was there ever a time you wondered if you made the right choice in your life? I mean being here in Starfleet." He asked softly.

She considered the question for a long moment. “Yes,” she said honestly. “When I had a psychopath trying to rip me apart, losing my baby, losing so many friends. I lost me that day. And I thought often about the what ifs.”

She paused, “but, if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have been there to save the lives that I did. That I still do.”

Kaden sighed as he thought over her answer. "I am going thru that right now wondering if I should stay. To tell you the truth I never wanted to be in Starfleet I had other plans. But I joined cause I was in love but stayed again for love." He sighed as he shook his head. "Right now, I am struggling to find a purpose a need on staying. Just something right now telling me that I have meaning being here."

He paused looking at his leg. "I came to you hoping I could use you to help me find a way out if I couldn't find my purpose. For that I am sorry I shouldn't ask the woman who saved my life for such a thing but I feel lost right now."

“I know lost,” she said softly. “I still do. You will find your way, you are strong Kaden. Not everyone would have gotten this far so quickly. You did the hard work. Think on what made you so determined to put up with a complete sadist of a physio. Because something did. Use that. And don’t be so hard on yourself.

She stood, “which reminds me, you have physio tomorrow morning at 0730 hours. You can thank me later. Mendez will get you patched up.”

Kaden watched Corrigan stand up. "Carolyn, before you go would it be too much trouble to come by and properly meet your dog? I promise to behave." He asked hoping she say yes he was curious to see the dog now.

“Maybe tomorrow,” she told him, “I have patients until almost nine tonight. Provided there are no emergencies before then. Don’t worry she isn’t going anywhere.”

Kaden nodded his head as he laid back down on the bed. "Thanks and again sorry I lost my cool earlier."

Carolyn simply nodded as Mendez entered. “Have you fixed up in no time!” He declared. He set down the equipment tray quickly got to work.

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