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Collins composes a message to Officer Pendleton of Hathor and Detective Lunnd of Thoth: Thank you both and both your departments for everything you've done in the case of Ensign Kylah's attack. We are set to leave orbit shortly, and I wanted to know if you're finished with the pieces of the zither, as we'd discussed having them returned to their owner. When you're ready to beam them up, let me know and I will make sure they are handled properly. Collins out. and sends it off.
Pendleton soon responds, Yes, we've taken pictures and scans, and you can have the zither remnants back now. He provides coordinates from which they can be beamed back.
Graham and his guest hear the announcement that the Yorktown will soon be breaking orbit. "Time to head back, I guess," Det. Lt. Ruthen says, a little regretfully, as she finishes her coffee.
T'Var greets Fujishiro's friends and gives them the time and privacy they need with her.
"Ain't that the truth," Graham replies to Ruthen's comment about plea bargains. "But if we let the perfect be the enemy of the good in this business, we'd never get anything done."
He offers some observations and trivia about Starfleet Security and Federation ships as he leads the Thoth detective toward a transporter room. He's genuinely in a good mood: for what it's worth, some justice will be done. Kylah seems to be back on her feet. And I'm looking forward to the--well, the date tonight...
His reverie is only mildly interrupted by some sort of noise ahead as they approach a turn in the corridor. Well won't that be embarrassing if I have to lead Ruthen past a maintenance hatch that's just fallen to the floor, he thinks.
Graham is caught flat footed by what he sees instead. Kylah, looking...terrible. Hurt. Rangin all over her.
Oh no.
The flash anguish lasts just a moment and is immediately superseded. Reflexively his hand snaps to his sidearm and he shifts slightly into a shooting stance, even though consciously he knows he won't need it to separate them and arrest Rangin...
Graham's never gotten any pleasure from violence. But there have been those few moments, when the command "drop your weapons and come out showing your hands" was completely insincere. No, don't. Come out fighting so we can take the shot and erase a stain in the fabric of the universe. Erase you.
Now that would be perfect...
"Get your goddamned hands off her," he growls, tightly, moving toward them. He's too focused to be bothered by the fact that it's less than professional protocol in front of the detective. He mentally paces of the distance between himself and the pair of them with each step, now acutely aware not only of Rangin's hold on her but also that Kylah looks as if she can barely stand.
Thank you, Officer Pendelton. Collins turns to Roble again. "They're ready to beam the zither up. With your permission, I'll go to Transporter Room Two to retrieve it."
The cop seems a little surprised by Graham's response to the situation but says nothing.
Roble says, "Yes, please, Mr. Collins."
A short turbolift ride and a walk later, Collins is in the transporter room. Mr. Ferguson is on duty, and beams up the Elasian zither pieces, which are in a large plastic bag marked THOTH CONSTABULARY. "Will there be anything else, ma'am?" he asks.
"No, thank you, Lieutenant." Collins smiles at Ferguson, takes the package, and heads to her quarters to drop it off before returning to the bridge.
Kylah is trying to stay awake and upright, greatly helped by the force of Velir's words--and the unexpected declaration that he does care about her, which bears the heat of truth in both his tone and the emotions surging through his body wherever it touches hers. She puts her hands on his chest in an effort to steady herself and in an unconscious attempt to connect to him in any way possible.
Still, she is afraid of returning to Sickbay, and is about to complain when Graham's voice comes from what seems like miles away. Her head turns to find the security officer closer than expected--and, shockingly, armed with a phaser. Kylah now wonders if she is dreaming, if she has lost consciousness after all. Dream or not, this is wrong, terribly wrong.
"Stop, do not hurt him!" she says, her fingers on Velir's uniform tightening to clasp the material so he will not move. When looking down she notices the scattered science articles and imagines what the two of them must look like. "Oh--do not blame Velir, Mr. Graham, please. It is all my fault... he is trying to help. He wants what is best for me, I know he does. He said so." She gazes at Velir, almost accusing him, daring him to disagree with her and pretend he feels nothing.
Graham halts his forward progress and licks his lips, his mouth dry. "No one is going to hurt anyone," he says evenly, a comment intended as much for Rangin as a reply to Kylah. He slowly extends a hand toward her, keeping his voice quiet and reassuring as if... As if I'm talking to a hostage. I am talking to a hostage...
"Kylah, why don't you take a step toward me and tell me what happened here," he says, gently, his anger replaced by concern. Spacing the sonofabitch is not an option...What matters is getting her out of the situation...
Kylah swallows and shakes her head. "Lower the phaser," she says, and tries to position herself so that her body blocks the weapon. She can feel Velir's increased breathing and she looks back up at him, remembering how upset he was the last time Graham tried to protect her, back in Sickbay--and how he vented his frustration at her.
"Velir, it is a misunderstanding, that is all." She tilts her head toward Graham but keeps her gaze steady on Velir. "He means well, he will not do anything. Do not be angry with me again!"
She now turns to face Graham. The truth is, if she tries to step away, she might not remain on her feet. She fears that something dreadful might occur if either man acts rashly. "I grew faint and dizzy after our meeting, and took a moment to rest," she begins, trying to be lucid but her energy is flagging fast. "Velir found me and helped me up. I thought I could leave but I... I was stupid. I am too weak, I could not stand on my own. He caught me." Kylah inhales deeply. "Please put your weapon away, Mr. Graham? I will go with you, but... not if you threaten Ensign Rangin."
Ruthen is tense but her hand does not go to her sidearm.
Two Science techs in blue overalls, talking and laughing, round the nearby corner but stop short when they see what is happening. One starts to back away.
Rangin's mind is ticking down the list of things he needs to do in terms of getting Kylah some help, despite her apparent resistance to go to Sickbay even though it's the most sensible thing to do when he hears Ens. Graham growling at him from one side. Rangin can't help but freeze wondering if he is about to be assaulted again. Looking across he can see the Security man, phaser at the ready and Rangin wonders what kind of hair-trigger psychopath he must be, pulling a weapon like that.
Kylah then speaks out, about how Rangin is only trying to help and he grinds his teeth but says nothing, not wanting to spark Graham off, who then suggests that Kylah start walking away towards him. Rangin can't contemplate letting her near anyone so violent, not in her current condition and his fingers reflexively curl tighter around Kylah, unwilling to let her move.
Then as Kylah tries to move round to stand between Rangin and Graham, Rangin holds her firm and moves himself in the way, not wanting to let Graham near her, not knowing what may occur, what he may do. But then as she suggests that she go with Graham just to appease him, he flashes back to the Sickbay and how Collins appeased him last time. Was this always going to be the case?
As he spies the two Science techs, Rangin thinks of a better way to resolve this. "No, Kylah appeasing him isn't going to help?" he whispers to her.
Rangin then calls out to the two Science techs, "Can one of you call Cmdr. Vargas or Lt. JG Collins please, whichever is available? I believe they should be made aware, and can the other gather this equipment up, while I assist Mr Kylah."
He then stands back slightly, still supporting Kylah but giving a little more free space. "Mr Kylah, The Science bays are nearby. Let's get you there for starters and see what shape you're in. Then we can decide if you need to go to Sickbay or just the galley for the meal you should have had." His voice may be more businesslike, but his grip betrays his worry for her. He doesn't want to let her go as past memories of holding her tight start to flicker though his mind.
From what Kylah had said, she had been looking at photos, with a Thoth detective and it was highly likely Graham had been there as well. Which meant Graham had let her wander around in this condition. Rangin is furious, and looking back over one shoulder, he glares at Graham. "Mr Graham, I believe you have a guest to attend to. I strongly suggest you join us, once you have finished."
He turns back to Kylah, "When you're ready," Rangin says, ready to help her onwards.
One Science tech says "Aye, sir," and immediately walks away.
The other stands there, looking uncertainly at Graham. "Uh... sir? Can I pick up this equipment? Would that be OK?"
"Yes, Velir," Kylah whispers. The onlookers make this situation worse, and she wants to bury her head against Velir's shoulder and hide. Must every incident in her life be witnessed by her crewmates?
Instead she forces herself to look warily at Graham, hoping he will not escalate things by preventing them from leaving. "That will be all right, Mr. Graham?"
Graham looks carefully at Kylah's face--almost peering, really--trying to gauge her state of mind, condition...honesty.
"'All right' is pretty far from the phrase I would use," he says quietly and almost sadly. He relaxes his posture and releases his weapon.
"It's your choice, Mr. Kylah," he adds. Although at the moment he doesn't believe she is able to make a free choice, he doesn't have a lot of immediate options either.
He takes a step back, half-turns, and gestures--offhandedly, not officiously--to the Science crewman. "Have at it," he says, shurgging slightly.
He's already assumed Kylah will sick with Rangin--for the moment, at least.
"I'll contact Lt. Collins myself," he more loudly and firmly, now addressing both Kylah and Ragin. What the hell else can I say? Threaten the guy like we're in some old mob movie?
He barely audibly sighs and shakes his head ever so slightly. "Well, Detective...I'm sure you're ah, enjoying the tour...I'll--ah, well, the transporter room isn't far, this way."
He can't stand to look at Kyah and Rangin as they continue on. It's an accident waiting to happen--no, worse than an 'accident' and it's already happening.
With the release of the immediate perceived threat, Kylah's adrenaline lowers and exhaustion takes its place. "Thank you," she says. "I am sorry for frightening you, Mr. Graham. I am sorry for everything. Everything."
The dizziness is returning, and--despite her hating that she must seem like a useless clinging vine--she squeezes her eyes tight and lets her head fall against Velir's shoulder. "Please get me somewhere I can sit down," she whispers into his uniform as she clutches his arm. "I do not want to fall in front of everyone again."
Graham nods barely perceptibly at Kylah's apology and (assuming Ruthen follows) continues walking.
Rangin keeps quiet but relaxes slightly as Graham starts to walk away. He nods to the Science tech to begin picking up the equipment while then guiding Kylah back to the Science lab to find a seat to recover on
While Velir leads her away, Kylah squints her eyes open enough to see Graham leave without a response. Her stomach twists. Every choice I make disappoints someone, she mourns inwardly, eyes screwed tightly shut against the dizziness and tears.
Paying no attention to where she has been taken, Kylah soon finds herself placed on a chair and reluctantly lets go of Velir, feeling colder without him. Immediately she curls forward and holds her head in both hands, breathing in. "Thank you," she says in a voice so thin it could float away mid-air. "I am sorry to you too, Velir. You should not have been treated like that. By him or me." Though she tries to suck in enough oxygen to clear her head, her words are beginning to slur. "You should not have to... to do all this..."
Rangin delicately helps Kylah to sit down and as she curls up in the chair he stands back slightly to get a better idea of what condition she is in, before turning slightly to the technician with the equipment. "Thanks for that. Just put them on the table in xenobiology, I'll deal with it shortly," he says quietly, not wanting to disturb Kylah and then dismissing the Tech with a nod.
Turning back to her, he crouches down to respond to her, "Of course I have to do all this, you need a little assistance. I can't believe you're trying to work in this condition. Actually, I'm amazed no-one has noticed and told you to stop and take a break." He holds on to the thought that the last person who should have noticed this was Ens. Graham and tries to clamp down on the anger, even though it was so typical for the man.
"Before anything else, you need a chance to recover, the last few days have not been good to you." Rangin chokes slightly as he considers all Kylah had gone through, the fights, the rejection and then the assault she had faced on the planet. "Look take a few minutes to just sit and gather your wits, and then we can see whether you need to go to Sickbay or if you are ok."
Kylah has to rouse herself--she seems to be sinking into a warm bath of sleep, and must resist. When she opens her eyes and sees Velir kneeling in front of her, she almost smiles in bittersweet recognition. Just like at the resort. I fell there too. A joking line humans used at the Academy emerges from her hazy memory. "We must stop meeting like this," she murmurs, dropping one weary hand so that her fingertips brush his wrist. She then curls her arm around her stomach, which aches.
"Do not blame anyone but me, Velir. As usual this is my fault. I wanted to be on duty." Her head and chest rise with a deep inhale. "Do you know what I keep thinking of? You and me, at that bar. Not on Anubis," she adds with a faint flush. "On Starbase 27. When we were together. Do you remember how happy we were?"
She closes her eyes, imagining it. "That meal... the hamburger and potatoes. I would crawl on my hands and knees for such a meal now. I do not deserve it, I do not like eating when I have not earned it." A scowl lowers her brows. Her father's voice is resolute and cold. "You have disobeyed us again, Kylah. You know the rule. If you fill your mind with our thoughts, you will not fill your belly. Leave the table." She shakes off the past by wiping a hand across her eyes.
"Did you like the dinner I sent you?" Kylah looks at Velir again, hope in her tired gaze. "We were to share that together. But I ruined that, and so did not have anything. Then on Anubis... of course I could not eat. I should not have had the Bellaque Mr. Johnson gave me, but I was so hungry."
She swallows. The thought of the delicious pastry is making her mouth water. "I made up for it this morning, I stayed strong. I thought I could last but obviously not. If it will keep me from Sickbay, I will get something to eat. Then I will be fine and you do not have to waste your time with me. I know you are busy..." She tries to identify exactly where they are. She has never been in this room and it strikes her that this must be where Velir usually spends his days. The idea brightens her mood. "This is the Science lab? Where you work?"
Rangin shakes his head, saying nothing but thinking plenty, as Kylah starts to mention how she hasn't eaten at all. She can't allow herself to eat unless she's earned it - she's in Starfleet for pity's sake, she's earned every mouthful.
"Yes. Yes, this is the science labs where I usually carry out my duties and try to stay out of trouble. And no, you don't get to look around it until you have recovered. After you have done, then you can come and peer at the xenobiology labs and all the paperwork. But..." Rangin straightens up, "...first you have to go and have something to eat. If you haven't eaten anything in the last two days apart from some what-ever-it-was from Mr Johnson, then you are certainly doing yourself a disservice." Not to mention everyone in the crew when we are supposed to look out for each other.
He sighs almost despairingly at Kylah in front of him, "So either you let Lt. Thalen know that you need some time to recover after the identification session you mentioned, go eat a full meal and we can talk after that or I call Dr Villa and she can lecture you on taking care of yourself and you get to spend more time in Sickbay having nutrients firmly, but most assuredly, administered."
"And no I don't blame you," Rangin adds quietly, "and yes, we really should stop meeting like this."
Kylah wants very much to hold Velir's hand when he offers to show her where he works--it seems so friendly, so convivial. Perhaps he is not angry with me anymore. He might be later but now... She smiles slightly, nodding at whatever he is saying--until he mentions Dr. Villa.
"No, no! I do not want that. I will call Lt. Thalen. I promise. He said I could." She hesitates. "He actually said I should, if I needed to. He is a kind person." She straightens slightly to get her communicator, opening it.
"Lt. Kylah to-- no. Ensign Kylah to Lieutenant Thalen. I am sorry to bother you, sir. I had to leave my watch to meet with a Thoth detective. She had suspects to identify. Now that we are done, I am not... feeling well. I became somewhat dizzy. I apologize for the inconvenience, but with your permission, I need some additional time to eat something. Breakfast... or is it lunch?"
Kylah looks at Velir, realizing she does not know what time it is. The expression on his face makes her continue hurriedly and in a humbled tone: "To be honest, sir, I may not be able to finish today's watch after all. In truth, I find I am less... less fit for duty than I hoped. Perhaps if I may sleep a bit, I will be able to take on an overnight watch for someone else? It is the least I can do... I have caused enough work for everyone. May I have your permission, sir?"
Another glance at the man so close to her--so very close, after what feels like months of being distant and untouchable. But it is only a few days. So much has happened... maybe I can make things right after all... She finally offers Velir a hopeful smile as she waits for Thalen's response.
Having placed the package of zither pieces at the foot of Kylah's bad, Collins is now back on the bridge at her station.
Graham glances at Ruthen as they walk. "You know when you're sure something really bad is going to happen...or has happened, behind closed doors, but you can't do a damned thing until you actually see a crime committed?" He sighs. "That shitty situation still happens, even on a Starship...been there?"
The Science tech picks up the gear and carries it away.
Lt. Thalen says, "Of course, Ensign. Almost lunch by now, I think. Take off the rest of the day, if you wish."
Things are busy on the Bridge, Collins sees, as the crew prepares to break orbit and leave the Anubis system.
Det. Lt. Ruthen snorts. "More often than I'd like to admit, Ens. Graham. I think it might be a near-universal situation." She sticks out her hand as they arrive in the transporter room. "Thanks again for the coffee and the tour. Best wishes, wherever your travels take you."
Rangin nods with relief at Lt Thalen's words over the communicator. After she is ready, he looks at her hoping that she will do what Andorian said and actually take care of herself.
"Well, if you are going to the Galley for some food, I think I will come along. I may not be able to stay long, but at least I can make sure you get something to eat."
After thanking Thalen and apologizing yet again, Kylah closes her communicator and looks at Velir, hardly daring to believe his offer of coming with her to the mess hall. Do not get too hopeful, she warns herself before responding. "If you are too busy it is not necessary, I will eat, I promise. But I... would appreciate it," she admits shyly. "I promise I will try not to lean on you."
Biting her lower lip, she braces herself and slowly stands up, closing her eyes against the lightheaded swirling of her mind. One white-knuckled hand grips the edge of the chair while she steadies herself. A few seconds later, she is ready to try walking with Velir to the turbolift.
Collins takes her seat and performs her share of the pre-departure procedures.
Graham returns the handshake with appreciation. After the detective leaves he sends a message to Collins asking to speak with her when she has a chance.
Collins messages back to Graham Meet me outside the gym after watch.
Graham returns to his patrol route in a decidedly less cheerful mood.
The gift he was able to secure for Nia--and his assumption it will be as surprising as the snow globe--gives him some comfort.
At least I can count on accomplishing one useful thing today, no matter what, he thinks.
He tries to convince himself the odds of something terrible--more terrible--than what's already happened to Kylah is small in the interval between the present and when he has a chance to talk to Collins. Maybe T'Var, too...
Short of throwing him out an airlock (which has it's appeal) I'm at the end of my rope on how to deal with Rangin's "tender ministrations," he thinks, gritting his teeth unconsciously.
He just hopes Collins doesn't insist on talking while playing basketball. I guess we did meet in the pool, he reminds himself. But still, I don't want to show up to our first date all sweaty...
Maybe leaving all sweaty would be OK...
At 1109 hours, the Captain returns to the Bridge. Roble yields the big chair to her and reports, "All shore leave personnel have returned and are present and accounted for. All visitors have gone back ashore. All cargo and supplies are loaded and secure. Mr. Cheverez reports warp power is ready at your discretion. Anubis Port Control has given us departure clearance. The ship is ready in all respects for deep space, ma'am."
Singh settles in and says, "Thank you, Mr. Roble. Helm, set course for the FGC 23 pulsar cluster. Warp 6."
"Warp 6, aye," Kendin says. "Course plotted and laid in."
"ETA at that speed?" A yeoman brings her a datapad with a report for her approval.
"Nine days, three hours, ma'am."
She signs and hands it back. "Very well. Ahead, warp factor 6."
Kendin taps the buttons which awaken the slumbering energies of the Yorktown's impulse engines, and the heavy cruiser smoothly eases away from the gravitational pull of Anubis. Soon the warp drive is engaged, and the ship races out and away, into the eternal night of deep space.
The rest of the watch passes without incident, and by the time the Captain yields the conn to the First Officer, the Anubis system has fallen far behind, its once-prominent star now barely distinguishable from the others in the vast heavenly array.
Your watches conclude, and you are now off-duty.
Roughly an hour after she'd message Graham, she remembers T'Var asked her to come to sick bay for some reason. She sends Graham another message Hey Booker, I forgot T'Var wanted to see me, so meet me in Sickbay instead, Okay?"
When watch ends, Collins heads to Sickbay to talk to T'Var. When she gets there, she tells one of the orderlies why she's there and would they please tell T'Var she's there. She hums to herself while she waits.
The orderly says, "Of course, ma'am," and moves off.
Rangin and Graham both get messages from the First Officer, asking them to meet him in his office in half an hour.
It is now 1603 hours.
Kylah opens her heavy-lidded eyes, already aware that she is in the relative comfort of her own bed. In truth, since arriving on the Yorktown, she has spent fewer nights here than off-ship. But it is not Sickbay, nor is it OCIII or the Sakathian station.
She yawns and turns over on her side, hearing something fall from her bedcovers. Her clothes? She looks down and realizes that she is still in her uniform--even her boots. Vaguely she remembers crawling into bed, drawn there as if magnetized. The only thing she removed before falling asleep was her communicator, since it pressed uncomfortably on her hip.
Kylah thinks back to her lunch--breakfast, really--with Velir. The long silent walk from Science to the turbolift, then from there to the mess hall. Velir was by her side the whole time, one hand not quite touching hers but always read if she needed it to lean on. She only needed it once or twice, mainly because her gait was so slow. Any faster and she might have lost her balance.
The few times she hurried to clasp his arm, it was there, waiting for her. But also quick to let her go. Or at least, not prevent her from moving. Maybe he was conscious of Graham's strange accusations? Worried about attracting attention by appearing to hold on to Kylah too tightly? That does not seem like Velir, but then again... He has not consistently acted like the Velir she thought she knew for some time now.
Then they reached the mess hall, Velir sitting her in a chair--she was too tired to make it further than the closest table to the door--and ordering food for her: eggs, toast, water, a large glass of some kind of juice, and hot chocolate. Somewhat to her disappointment, the eggs were hardly the heaping platter she envisioned, and no butter or cheese on the toast. But Velir explained that she should not eat too much on such an empty stomach, and no dairy other than her beloved chocolate; she might get sick.
As she ate, the warmth of the eggs and toast and familiar sweetness of the hot drink could be felt every inch down her throat to her stomach. Velir spoke little except to gently caution her to take small bites and to chew as thoroughly as possible. He seemed like a concerned parent rather than a peer, much less a... partner, or whatever euphemism one might use.
I deserved no better, Kylah thinks now, embarrassed by the entire morning's string of incidents. Showing weakness in front of the science crew, collapsing into Velir's arms, being the subject of that ugly scene between Velir and Graham... How much of a spectacle is she going to make of herself? As if she hasn't already been the subject of enough gossip since returning from OCIII. No, even before then: going back to that confrontation with Ferguson.
But while others may have been watching Kylah, during the mess hall visit with Velir, she noticed that he--pointedly? Considerately? she is still unsure--turned to his datapad to work or research. As she carefully ate her food as ordered, as she did as a little girl under her nurse's watchful eye, Kylah kept sneaking looks up at him. Now and then she found him eyeing her, nodding in approval at her food intake. But then he would quickly direct his gaze back down to his datapad.
He was impossible to read, even for her. When tired her empathic abilities were dulled, and of course, she has long refused to reach out and impose her powers on Velir. If he only knew that she did have some ethics and restraint... He would only think it the least I could do, Kylah acknowledges now. He is unlikely to reward me for acting as I should.
Finally, when she was nearly through, Velir suddenly stood up and said he would need to leave, now that she seemed better. Kylah hurried to swallow her mouthful of eggs before getting to her feet. "Of course," she said then, staring at him and trying not to look desperate. "Thank you for taking so much of your time... I would not have made it here without you. I know you must go back on duty. But can we not... Can we talk later? Please? You did say we could."
Kylah still remembers his tilted smile. At the time, Kylah could not read the smile, and she still cannot interpret it. "I know I did. When you've had enough rest. Maybe tomorrow?"
He said more, but Kylah just nodded and agreed. As tired as she was, she knew she was grasping for anything from him, any sign that they might return to their normal friendship. But it was too soon. This whole morning had been an emergency situation. Perhaps it would be the spark that would start them on a path to a richer understanding of each other. Perhaps it would be nothing more than an uneasy truce. Kylah sank back down, finished her meal, and felt strong enough to nearly sleepwalk her way to her quarters alone.
Now Kylah sighs, rubs her eyes, and slowly sits up. "Lights," she says huskily. She peers at her chronometer to discover she slept nearly four hours. And yet she could easily return to it, if she wanted. Instead she needs to go to the bathroom. Pushing herself up, she rises groggily and kicks something on her way to the foot of the bed. She looks down to discover an envelope. Oh. This must be what she accidentally pushed off her bedcovers earlier.
When she bends down Kylah reads the label and alarm rushes through her. It is from the Thoth Constabulary. A knot of nerves interacts with the still digesting food and causes Kylah to clutch her stomach. She lifts the padded envelope and drops it back on the bed as if it is electrified. She must go to the bathroom before dealing with... whatever this is.
I thought this was over for now, she thinks, closing the door behind her and staring at the mirror. Why will it not end?
Rangin stands back having packed the rest of the tools away and nods to Ens. Delaney. Happy with the progress the pair of them are making on setting up both sensors, Rangin thanks him and for the work so far and that they should be able to finish off the work tomorrow.
After everything going on, Rangin is looking forward to a more peaceful night. He'd heard that Fujishiro was in a bad way, so he needs to visit her at least once, he is still most of the way through that story, and it would be wrong not to finish it for her. Then, from earlier today, he wonders if Kylah is ready to talk, or if she is sleeping, like she really should be. He hadn't wanted to get too close, not just because of everything that had happened with Graham, but because he wanted to make sure she was better before anything else.
- - -
Thinking back, she had been in as bad a condition as she looked. She stumbled a few times on the way to the galley and he'd had to guide her into a seat. As she'd been too tired to even get her own meal, he'd fetched it for her, although she seemed slightly upset there wasn't more. He'd also had to stop her trying to eat it all at once and take her time. It wasn't that he was trying to mother her, just stop her being sick.
After a while, he had felt comfortable to going back to his coffee and datapad leaving Kylah to eat alongside. But more often than not, he'd find himself just watching her slowly work her way through the meal, the datapad held loosely in his hand and coffee slowly ingested. Every so often, she'd look up and he'd quickly look down back to the schematics he was supposed to be reading. He was there as a colleague, not someone supposed to be overseeing her recovery, that was Dr Villa's role, not his.
After a little while, he had realised how long he had been there for and the mug was empty. He tried to catch Kylah's attention a couple of times, but she still seemed tired. It wasn't until he stood up that perhaps it got through to her.
"I'm sorry Kylah, I do have to go. I'm still on watch and I expect some people will be wondering where I am." She had looked slightly shocked that he was leaving, perhaps she hadn't heard and it may not have registered that he was still on watch, even though she wasn't.
"Thank you for taking so much of your time... I would not have made it here without you. I know you must go back on duty. But can we not... Can we talk later? Please? You did say we could." she seemed to stutter out and he tried to resist the urge to stay a while longer, but no, talking later once she had recovered would be better, for both of them. Velir cannot help but feel guilty for the scene in Sickbay but then remembers the meeting with Jan on OCIII and...well they had both acted without thinking.
But perhaps they could start anew, or at least try to understand each other and he couldn't help but smile for the good moments they had had. "I know I did. When you've had enough rest. Maybe tomorrow?"
Kylah had nodded, tiredly but as enthusiastically as she could manage, before stifling a yawn she probably didn't even realise she had.
"But yes I do want to talk, with you and sooner rather than later. Just, please take care of yourself and get some sleep." and then he'd picked up the cup and headed off.
On the way out he was stopped by the chef and looking up the figure realised the lanky form of Mr Johnson in front of him. "She alright sir?" a single thumb jerked in the direction of Kylah and the obvious feeling that anything was wrong, Rangin was going to regret it.
"She's not in a great way, hungry and tired. She may need a hand getting back to her quarters if she falls asleep there."
"And you're just gonna leave her there, classy."
"I'm not even supposed to be here, but she needed someone to help her out. I don't suppose you could find someone to help her back to her quarters after she's finished. And no, please don't call Sickbay, she's just tired, not ill. She's already refused once."
The withering look and the grunt from Mr Johnson told Rangin all he needed to know, before the shake of the head. "Yeah, I'm sure I can find someone." before another snort and he heads back into the kitchen.
- - -
Rangin just hoped that everything had gone alright and that he was likely to find out in the next hour or so...until the message comes from Cmdr Vargas.
So, he wants to see him in his office, but no clue as to what about. Is there something about the scanners he needs to know that hadn't been mentioned. No, it was more likely to be about Ens. Graham and the harassment that had occurred over the last day or so.
Rangin was going to need another coffee, no, a shower and then a coffee.
Graham frowns. Swallows. Tenses and resists the urge to rip the comm panel off the wall. He stares at the ceiling and squeezes his eyes shut for a moment.
OK Booker, get a grip.
A sociopath like Rangin: manipulation is his game. Odds are he's been laying groundwork for this since he came onboard, choreographing his chess moves so he could pat himself on the back at maintaining his mild-mannered persona while laughing as anyone who stands in the way of his prey is transferred to the ass end of nowhere.
The fact is, it's not my game, Graham thinks, even if I know it's underway.
His frustration, and concern, about Kylah are interrupted: and I'd really like to at least have dinner as planned with Nia, tonight...
Graham thinks for a moment, then starts moving quickly. One thing at a time. Any one sinks or swims without the others.
He replies to Collins that he'll be in Sickbay ASAP. He showers and shaves triple-time, then looks for something to wear. Options between "work out" and "Starfleet dress uniform" are slim. But he finds a black Nehru collar shirt he wore to Patil's wedding..
He puts that on, checks himself in the mirror, takes his box with his gift in hand, and heads to Sickbay. Try to create a new lifeline for Kylah. See Vargas...come what may. And...hopefully...one last supper.
"What would Bennett think?" intrudes on his thoughts. He shakes his head. Stupid to even think about...Nice perfume, too bad that old man was sent away... but...should I talk to her about Kylah?
He pauses before opening the door to the corridor from his quarters. You've volunteered for suicide missions before, Booker, and this feels like one.
So be it, he thinks, "shooshing" the door open.
Graham nearly runs into Ens. Mahmoud as he goes through the door. "Whoa, Booker, is there an alert?" He takes in Graham's shirt and gift in hand, and breaks into a grin. "Or... a big date?"
Following a shower and a coffee, Rangin is ready outside Vargas' office on the dot. He is not trying to work out what may occur in the meeting because it invariably winds up being completely different to his expectations. All he can do is wait and see.
With a deep breath he presses the chime and waits for the response.
T'Var thanks the orderly, then leaves her office to find Collins.
"You may have heard by now," T'Var begins. "Ensign Fujishiro is dying. She does not have much longer. You are welcome to spend some time with her."
Collins is a little shocked. She hadn't heard much of anything beyond Fujishiro being in a coma, and that the OC3 spores weren't going to be of any help. She had no idea her crewmate's condition was deteriorating. It takes her a few moments to find her voice. "I, uh, thank you for telling me, Doctor. I need a minute before I go in."
She starts replaying the Sakathian mission over in her mind. She hadn't done anything directly to Fujishiro, but a mission leader is responsible for her team, therefore Tomeo's condition was Collins' fault. Slowly she walks to her fallen comrade's bed, the flow of tears getting stronger with each step. At bedside, she barely squeaks out "I'm sorry" before running from Sickbay in search of somewhere private, completely forgetting her appointment with Graham.
Graham grunts, the realizes he probably looks more like he's on his way to a funeral than a date.
"Uh, yeah, I, ah--I'm having dinner with Lt. Onn later."
He clears his throat and tugs at his collar with his free hand, trying to focus on dinner with Nia rather than the meeting with Vargas and Rangin.
He brightens up and shrugs. "I mean--that is unless she comes to her sense before then, of course."
Shit, the meeting with Vargas and Rangin--he checks the time and decides its better to keep Collins waiting than Vargas.
When he and Mahmoud are done talking he heads to Vargas' office.
Once Kylah is back in the main area of her quarters, her stomach may feel better but the envelope on her bed still causes some mental discomfort. She tears it open carefully and reaches in, expecting some sort of document. Instead there is a plastic bag, very light, which she pulls out to reveal a label marked Evidence followed by an indecipherable case code after it, and inside, familiar contents: The same combination of dusty white powder, shards of stone, and random shapes of crystal that is still scattered in her dirty canvas bag.
She does not remember sitting on the bed, but somehow she is. Her free hand clutches the bedcovers while the other holds the plastic evidence bag in her lap. There is no further sense of grief at her ruined zither. Just a rush of guilt at the reminder of the dire consequences of her folly. And a curious objectivity. There is not enough here to constitute the entire instrument, she thinks, turning the plastic over and touching it cautiously. They must have kept some of it. Evidence for the prosecution? Evidence of what? How does this connect to the suspects? Kylah's mind is too dull right now to imagine how her zither's remains could be used against the criminals. All she knows is that she cannot bear to see it anymore.
With effort she pushes herself over to the other side of the bed and drops the plastic bag in the open canvas bag, then rolls over onto her stomach, hugging her pillow. She supposes it was thoughtful of the police to sent it back to her, but... in the end it serves no purpose except a reminder of what she has lost, and the failure in her duty to her family.
That thought triggers a tug of dread. Kylah reluctantly shifts her gaze to her computer terminal over on her desk. She cannot put this off indefinitely.
Soon she has forced herself over to the chair and is now composing the message. After a few seconds staring at the empty screen with hands poised over her keyboard, she changes her mind. It strikes her that a video message will be much more effective. From the examination of her face in the bathroom mirror, Kylah knows just how beaten she looks. The faint remains of a not-completely-healed bruise on her forehead, her lifeless dark eyes, the ashen complexion...
Surely, if Aldaan sees her, he will realize she did not break the zither purposely?
Rangin sees Graham round the corner, walking towards Vargas's office door. He is not in uniform. They are alone in the corridor, at least for the moment.
Rangin glances down the corridor and sees Graham walking down in something smart, but more importantly not in uniform as Rangin is. He shudders wondering if his fate is already determined, after all, if Graham is turning up like that to go through the assault that Graham committed then Cmdr. Vargas has obviously decided.
Saying nothing he resolutely turns back to the door and waits, listening as Graham makes his way down, getting tenser and more nervous. Given everything, Rangin expects Graham to try something, even outside Vargas' door, just because he's that kind of psychopathic bully.
Graham sees Rangin ahead of him, and the progression of this thoughts and feelings is quick.
Anger is quickly replaced: pointless and irrelevant to the situation.
Anxiety strikes around a little longer: if he were just meeting Vargas, he'd take whatever dressing down Vargas might see fit to administer (if any) but given the MO of dirtbags like Rangin Graham can't help but worry he's got some angle, some manipulative scheme in play.
But even the anxiety is replaced by sadness. It's not about me or him. It's about Kylah, and...I don't know what to do.
Regardless of what happens in Vargas' office, I'm going in not knowing what to do, and I'll come out not knowing what to do.
Unless Vargas flushes Rangin out an airlock, he allows himself that hope.
Pensive, he walks slowly toward Rangin and the door. Just beyond arm's reach from Rangin he silently turns to look at Vargas' door rather than his crew mate. A deep breath released almost as a sigh is the only noise he makes.
The two are right on time. The door will not open unless either gets closer to it.
It takes Graham a moment the two of them are standing in the hall like idiots too far from the door to trigger it.
He resolves to hold fast to the fact that this is not about Rangin. This is about Kylah. He might as well be some sort of parasite that needs to be pried off her or a disease that needs to be cured.
Maybe I should ask T'Var about some particularly gross pustules, he thinks.
Without looking at Rangin he steps up to the door.
Having set up her terminal to record a visual and audio message, Kylah sits and stares at the keyboard while she collects her thoughts. Finally she clears her throat and lifts her chin.
"Commence recording," she says softly. After a few seconds, she bows her head, then her gaze returns to the screen as evenly as possible. "My humble greetings to you, Uncle Aldaan." She adds the usual salutations to Dohlman Tel and her sister Ditraa, and wishes everyone in the household is well.
"I am sending this message in such a format because I--I suspect by the time this gets to you, you will have heard some news reports of an incident that occurred to me. I thought seeing me would ease your mind. Just in case you have not..."
Kylah inhales and quickly explains about the shore leave on Anubis, the kidnapping, and the attack. "I wish I had fought better, Uncle, but you know I am not strong, not a warrior as an Elasian woman should be. It is something I plan to practice, far more diligently. I did use my knife... I think I struck one of the men. But I am not sure. I forgot to ask.
"They--they stole some money and some objects I had with me. Including the knife, I fear--it was my last one, as the other was lost during my first mission. And they beat me until I was unconscious. I am fine, now," she adds hurriedly. "As you see, I am all but healed. Although I might not have survived if it were not for my crewmates.
"One of them--the Coridanite I told you about in my last message?" Kylah's voice turns a shade warmer and she looks down at her bruised left wrist, rubbing it unconsciously. "He was so clever, he was able to find me although the thieves had broken my communicator and abandoned me to bleed out in an empty building. Other crewmates followed his lead and took me back to the ship, where the doctors cared for me. I am fortunate to have such intelligent and skilled colleagues. If my friend had not discovered my whereabouts..."
A faint burning in her cheeks warns her to avoid this topic. Besides, she must now confess the worst of it. "But... Uncle... I am afraid to admit this to you. The thieves did not just break me. They--" Kylah's eyes fill with tears. "They destroyed Grandmother's zither. Your mother's zither." She blinks away from the screen and nervously repeats the lie she has told so many times: that she brought it down to the planet for repairs. Then she looks back, eyes wide.
"It cannot be fixed, nor, I know, replaced." She wrings her hands in misery. "I am so, so very sorry, Uncle. All that is left is crushed stone and powder. I do not know why they chose to ruin it. The animals have been caught, but I never thought to ask anything of them, and now we have left the planet's orbit. It probably does not matter; what is done, is done."
With her helpless shrug, hot tears spill down her cheeks. "Please forgive me, Aldaan. I know what it means to our family, and--and what an honor it was for you to have trusted me with it. Perhaps I was unworthy of such trust."
Kylah leans forward, wiping her tears away as her heart pounds in anxiety. "But Uncle, I know you wished me to continue to work on my music. I will not fail you. I have already asked, and my superior officer--who is an artist himself--has said there is a suitable instrument I can use, a lute of some kind. Of course it cannot possess the grace and nuance of an Elasian zither, but--" She bites her lip, trying to think of a harmless way to share her thoughts in this open communication.
"--But nevertheless, I am sure I will be able to express myself in much the same way, through my compositions, even if I must learn how to play all over again. I swear I will continue to practice my music skills just as you wish me to. I will not shirk my responsibilities." Her tone is intense, as is her stare into the blank screen. Aldaan will surely believe her, he must hear and see her sincerity.
"So please, again, I hope you will forgive me. Not only for this horrible loss, but for any untoward scandal or notoriety my experience has brought to our family. I am ashamed to have been caught up in such a disgrace."
Kylah thinks for a few seconds. "I should mention that our next mission is, I believe, related to scientific exploration. I know very little about it, but I expect it is unlikely to involve any communications activity. Which does not bother me, to be honest. For the first time since I arrived, I should be able to work more regularly in my department, taking on Bridge watches--which is a great honor for one as junior as myself. And a relief, too," she adds under her breath, then quickly adds: "Of course, I am proud to have been selected as part of a landing party for two missions right after I started, but... I did not expect them to be as dangerous as they were."
Her tone sounds hollow even to her. "So I think the ability to establish a routine and get to know the ship and my crewmates better will be good for me. This has been a more challenging month than I ever dreamed. Especially the past week or so." She gazes through the screen now, seeing the Sakathians, Mrs. Porr, Fujishiro, Jan, Wilson, Hardin, Palver, the three men and their vicious clubs...
Kylah shakes her head to break free of the spell. "Again, please forgive my loss of the zither. And please extend my wish for pardon from His Serenity the Dohlman--although I am sure my brother has far more important things on his mind, as you ably guide and teach him how to ascend to the leadership role that will be his."
She takes another deep breath. "I pray you pass along my humble respect and duty to him, and my best wishes to Her Grace Ditraa. And to you, Uncle Aldaan..." Wiping her face again, she attempts a hopeful smile. "My love and affection, and my wish for your guidance. My sincerest wish is to have better news to share with you in my next message. I want dearly to make you proud of me." Kylah swallows, a tight knot in her throat causing her some pain. "If you can spare the time, please let me know how you are. I bid you farewell, Uncle Aldaan."
With a final bow of her head, she closes her eyes. And, five seconds later, she whispers: "Kylah out. Cease recording."