I Need Time...

Posted on Thu Jul 8th, 2021 @ 10:24am by Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Lieutenant Baeryn Whavi-Tonelly & Master Sergeant Kieran Fredericks

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: USS Elysium sickbay
Timeline: MD 8, 1800 hours
1198 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

After everyone left, David's bedside, save for Baeryn, who looked like a Borg cube couldn't move her from his side, David asked her to call Fredericks for him, as he didn't have his combadge with him. After hearing that it would be a little bit, David said thank you and waited. "I'm going to request a leave of absence, When he gets here, Baer. How do you feel about that?"

Baeryn sat on the edge of the biobed, the chair she normally rested on just a foot away but she couldn't bring herself to be even that far away now that David was awake. "I support it, whatever you need David. I think it's smart to take time to reevaluate things, especially given your current condition. How ever long it takes, I'll be here to support you."

"I know that, my love." David gave Baeryn a bright, warm smile, his cerulean eyes glistening as he gazed upon her. There really was no one else in this universe that David cared more for. He just hoped that she wouldn't tire of him and wgat he was going through.

Kieran walked back to David's bedside.

"What can I do for you, Corporal? " he asked.

David took a breath to steady his nerves. "Thank you for coming back, Top." He paused for a few beats and then cpntinued. "Top, with everything that just happened to me, I...I need to figure out who I am now. I know that ultimately, the decision for my request will come from the Colonel, however, as my First Sergeant, I wanted you to know first, that I need to request an extended leave of absence."

Kieran nodded. He had kind of expected this. It was normal after combat like they'd just endured for some to need some time to reevaluate themselves.

"I'll put in the paperwork, if that's what you want. Gotta warn you it might not happen, at least not right away. But I'm sure even if you don't get your LOA you can get medical leave. " he said.

David nodded. "Understood, Top. I'd still like to formally request it in front of you, the Colonel and the XO."

"Sure. I'll put in the request immediately for Special Mast. And I know the Colonel will appreciate the professionalism you're showing right now, even after such an ordeal. That will work in your favor. Just bear this in mind. If you don't get your LOA, request Medical Leave. Starfleet regulations allow you to choose whatever facility you desire for it. " said Kieran, wanting to give his Marine every possible means of getting the help he needed to take care of himself.

Listening to Fredericks, David grinned slightly. "Yeah, it's not much different for how things were done back in the 21st Century either. I definitely want to request a Special Mast. As for which way it goes, as long as I am able to gain the time off. I just...I need to figure out who I really am now. You see, apparently, 460 years ago, When I was 3 years old, my parents had my mind altered shortly after my twin brother died. So, now I have two sets of memories, pre and post surgery. I need to figure out what's real and what doesn't matter any more."

Kieran nodded. "I can't imagine what that is like, but I understand that it is probably pretty confusing. I know what that kind of pain is like. I'm a widower with a young boy to look after. But you have to look after yourself, otherwise you're no good to the Corps. I'll submit your request and put my approval on it. I'm sure the Colonel will too. " he replied.

David gave his First Sergeant a soft smile. "Thank you, Top. I appreciate that, truly." He then looked up at Baeryn and smiled.

Baeryn stood by listening to the two men talk, smiling down at David every time he glanced her way. She knew it was important to David she be present, and she gladly supported any decision he made regarding his health. Thankful he was smart enough to know he needed help and to seek it. Seeing a break in the conversation she decided to speak up. Directing her attention to Kieran.

"Thank you, for visiting and understanding his situation. But I also wanted to say I'm sorry, about your wife...I'm sure that loss is a daily struggle for your family."

David looked back at Kiernan and nodded silently. He had already expressed his condolences weeks before, while he and the unit's first sergeant were having a few beers, following a hard sparring match down in tge Thunder Dome.


"Thank you ma'am. It's rough at times but we're coming to terms with it. It's tougher on my son. He was still very young when she died. " said Kieran.

“I only had my father growing up. So speaking from experience, I feel having a strong dedicated father such as yourself will help him get along just fine. It will never be easy, but nothing worth is ever is.” Baeryn gave Kieran a smile.

"He's having a rough time right now. He's not adjusting like he should." said Kieran.

"If there's ever anything we can do to help, Top, please let us know." David gave his fellow Marine a supportive smile. "Corps is family. Always"

"Maybe when things settle down we could meet him?" Baeryn offered.

"I'll definitely think about that. He doesn't have any friends here and he doesn't seem to be interested in making them. " said Kieran.

David considered that statement. "If not a friend, his age, would you be opposed to me taking him under my wing, as more a confidant? No matter how close you two may be, there are things he won't talk to his father about. Im sure you were the same with your parents? If I'm speaking out of line, please say so."

Kieran smiled.

"Not at all, Corporal. Honestly he could use a mentor besides myself. The only real friend he has on board is Duke, our Rottweiler. He has a hard time opening up to kids his age, but he was pretty close to some of the Marines at our last duty station. He was sort of an unofficial mascot to my last unit. " said Kieran.

"It would be my honor to help in any way that I can, Top." David replied honestly.

"In fact, we have an away mission coming up. Normally I have a friend in Engineering look after him while I'm on mission. I can let him know that it's okay for you to spend some time. Take him fishing or something on the holodeck. I'll give you access to my programs. " Kieran said.

David nodded. "I'll make sure he's well watched over." He thought about something. "Would it be okay if I shared a few of my programs with him? They're all clean, just action activities, climbing Mount Fuji, surfing in Hawai'i, driving 1960's muscle cars at Leguna Seca."

"I'm sure he'll love them. " said Kieran, grateful that someone was looking out for his son's best interests.

David smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure."

(Fade to black)