Aftermath

Posted on Tue Jun 1st, 2021 @ 8:19am by Samantha Prescott [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Commander Garrett Lovejoy's Cabin
Timeline: MD4 0h00
1460 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

IC

The Dinner party was over and the cabin set to rights. Samantha checked on Gavin who was sound asleep and then slipped back out into the living room. She removed her shoes and sat down on the couch.

Garrett was quiet. He had been observing Sam. Saw the subtle change come over her, how she had become quiet and introspective. Saw how she kept a tight rein on her emotions along with her brief clipped statements and replies. He came to sit next to her, a glass of wine in both of his hands. "We need to talk Sam." He said quietly. As he offered her a glass.

She took the glass. "Oh?" she asked vaguely as she took a sip.

"Yes." Garrett replied, "Sam, your struggling. I saw how you reacted to Lia. You were scared to death and your whole demeanor changed. You became quiet and closed off. As if you said too much you'd loose control. I don't want to see that happen Sam. I love you too much to loose you again. I won't allow it to happen again."

"Oh that. I am fine. Just forgot how much alike they both are and with Commander Taylor.... it was... I am fine." She repeated. "Honestly Garrett, I am fine not insane or anything."

Garrett cast a disbelieving eye in her direction. "Uh huh. Not buying it Sam. I didn't say you were insane and I certainly don't think you are but I do believe you are having difficulties with your emotions and being in such close proximity or the duplicates that caused you so much torture and pain." He replied evenly.

Sam gave a shrug. "Not much we can do about if I am." she replied. "Anyone I go to see, is going to be a duplicate."

"That's true to a point Sam." Garrett conceded. "However I'm not talking about everyone. I'm talking about two. Specifically Gary Taylor and Lia Taylor, who you knew for four years as Captain Taylor and his mistress, chief of security Lia. They were the two that dealt with you, caused you so much pain. Who sent you to that deserted station where you salvaged for food, just to survive." He took a breath, I read the reports Sam. I know what you went through." His voice quiet but firm.

"They may have been the leads on it, but they were not the only ones Garrett. And Yes Lia set me off. I was just a tad insulted that she would need to use my kitchen."

"She was making some Japanese dish. She's big on Japanese food and customs. I'm surprised she didn't wear a kimono to dinner. But don't be insulted Sam, I'm sure Lia didn't mean it as an insult. Now that being said are you sure that's all there is to your reaction?"

She shrugged. "Not sure. But it was a trigger. I mean come on, I was fine with the Doc. And believe me, the Mirror version of him was a lot worse."

Garrett didn't answer right away. He was looking at her, seeing her reactions both verbal and physical. Sam was tense but trying her best not to show it. Finally after a few seconds he spoke again. "But the mirror version of the Doc didn't try to transform you Sam. Captain Taylor and Lia were both directly involved in causing and inflicting pain on you and I also think you reacted as you did to Lia because she questioned you or challenged you and your old reactions took over."

"And?" Sam reached for the throw she had over the back of the couch. She tugged it over herself as she curled up and sipped the wine.

"And." Garrett said slowly, "I'd like you to see a counselor to help you deal with your feelings Sam. I'd like you to do it for yourself but if you won't than do it for Gavin. Do you know that after you were reported missing I would hear him crying in his room. Praying that his mom would come back to him." Garrett stopped, his voice becoming thick with emotion. "Let you in on a secret Sam. He wasn't the only one who cried. I told you before I don't ever want to loose you again but I'm worried that if you don't see someone that is just what might happen."

She sighed. "And just who do I see on this ship? Who's face is not going to be one who handed me over to male slaves to be raped? Who didn't shove me into an agoniser booth?"

"See Commander Savar or is wife Alicia. Savar is a Vulcan so he'll listen to you without making any snap opinion or judgments. Alicia is Betazoid/Trill so she'll feel your emotions. Pick your poison Sam."

"poison is right" she muttered.

A smile came to his face as he moved closer to her, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her softly. "Samantha Prescott, you have no idea how much I love you and how much I missed you. Every day was torture. I hid my feelings from others just to get through the day. Now you're back and I'm not going to loose you again. I'm not saying you have to go for regular sessions just go and get your feelings out and talk about them. You can do this Sam."

Sam glowered at him."sucking up there Garr. But fine i will."

Her look at no affect on him. "You can be mad at me but what I said was true. I would think you'd know that Sam and you can thank me later."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "And how will you want that Thanks delivered?"

Garrett chuckled at her, "Oh, I'll leave that to you. I'm sure you'll find some unique way to deliver it."

Sam pouted. She knew it was useless, and she knew that he would badger her until she gave in. So she gave a shrug. "Fine, I'll find someone in counseling."

"Gosh darn it Sam! I'm trying to help you even if you don't see it. So stop pouting and thank you for doing this." Garrett answered with a grateful smile.

"You like it when I pout" she taunted back at him.

Garrett shook his head, "That's true and it's because I love you so much Sam and I don't want to see you hurt anymore than you have been." He explained to her.

"I will go tomorrow ok?" She asked as she sipped the wine. "I'll work on it."

Garrett nodded. "That's fine Sam. I know you don't want to do this but I really feel it is in your best interest and some good will come from it."

She nodded and waved him to sit beside her. "Lets just relax before bed ok?"

He got up and moved to sit next to her. "A most excellent idea Sam." He told her as he sat down. "relaxing is always good."

"Hmm indeed" She finished the wine and placed the glass down. She then leaned into him and closed her eyes.

He put his arm around her, holding her against him, feeling her soft skin through her blouse. Her perfume filled the air with it's scent. "I missed you so very much Samantha. So, very, very, much." As his voice broke and he grew silent.

"I missed you too," She whispered back and snuggled close.

He turned her face to him and kissed her tenderly. "My world collapsed without you here Sam." He confessed. "I turned into a person I didn't like but I'm trying to make amends."

"I think I gathered that from the voodoo dolls being made of you by members of this crew" She smiled and kissed him."Bed time"

"No doubt and that explains the pains I've been having in my back and legs." He smiled at her as he rose and extended a hand to her. "Yes. Bed time."

Sam allowed him to haul her to her feet. 6 months she had been back and it had taken her ages to get used to normal things like touching without flinching. She had been doing well until this week. Smiling she snuggled into his side as they went to their bedroom.

For his part, Garrett felt like an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders with Sam's return. She was his better half, kept him grounded and not getting too full of himself. He wasn't blind, he knew this had been a struggle for Sam but she had coped wonderfully until recently and he didn't want to loose her to the darkness again.

"Computer lock doors and lights off" Sam called as they vanished into the master bedroom.