Bedside Counselor

Posted on Tue Oct 5th, 2021 @ 3:42am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: MD8 late afternoon
1236 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Kaden sat in bed holding a PADD making notes for his drink menu for the bar. He felt a slight sting in his shoulder causing him to grumble a bit while he rubbed it he hated being cooped up and not at his bar. He heard the sigh of boredom from his roommate so to speak laying in the biobed next to him.

"If you like, I think I got a spare PADD you can borrow to pass the time."

Alicia turned to look at Ross as she lay staring at the ceiling, her newborn daughter was sleeping peacefully in her crib next to the other side of the bed. “That’s very kind of you, Kaden isn’t it?”

"One and only." Kaden began before taking note of the crib. "Congratulations that you're first?"

Alicia smiled and nodded. “Yes, and no. I have a...son, Connor from the mirror universe, his mother was my mirror double. She left Connor in my care, and now I have a daughter with my husband here in this universe. Earlier than planned thanks to our visitors.”

Kaden blinked a few times trying to process what she said. "I see, what a family you got there heard stories of a mirror universe. Never thought they are true I mean I always thought they were dumb as that Riker Program on Archer and the old 22nd Century days."

“Ohh the mirror universe exists alright” Alicia frowned. “Trust me it’s not a place you want to be! Evil has a whole new name over there.”

Kaden laid there for a moment thinking about what things would be like over there honestly it made him shudder. "The idea of an evil version of me on the loose out there makes my skin crawl." He slouched in his bed pulling the covers up a bit uncomfortable on the thought.

“Fortunately for me, my opposite wasn’t evil” Alicia smiled. “She just...fell in with the bad crowd in an attempt to protect herself from harm. My son’s father was the mirror verse version of Commander Taylor, ruthlessly evil and cruel. Though he loved his son, Connor was in danger there, so I brought him back here where he’s safe.”

"Yeah, I uh...know a thing or two about bad crowds," Kaden replied with a frown.

Alicia smiled. “Well you’re in with a good crowd now, I’m looking forward to visiting that bar of yours sometime.”

"Came close to not being my bar cause I pulled an idiotic move."

Alicia shook her head. “I doubt that you were trying to help. That in itself is brave, not idiotic.”

Kaden looked around making sure nobody was around before adjusting himself into a better position to face Alicia. "Can you keep this between us?" He asked.

Alicia nodded. “Anything you say will stay confidential, that I promise you.”

"Well, I am in a bit of a situation with a special person in my life." Kaden began. " You see, I wasn't always a bartender let's just say I was paid to do things to certain people."

Alicia nodded. “Ahh I see, I guess it makes sense you blaming yourself for getting injured.”

"It's more than blaming me for getting injured," Kaden replied. " You see, I felt...." He paused unsure if he should continue.

“What?” Alicia looked at Kaden curiously. “What did you feel?”

"I don't know if I can talk about it right now or if this is the place to even discuss things like this." Kaden took his PADD and set it off to the side. "Can I ask you something? I could use some advice."

Alicia nodded, “Of course you can, that’s what I do remember?” She smiled warmly.

"It's about that special gal in my life ever since I found myself in the morgue I've been stuck trying to figure out if I should keep our relationship a secret or if I should just let it be known." Kaden felt a bit strange talking to his roommate about this sort of thing but for some reason, he felt drawn to let his bottled-up emotions out with her.

“I guess I can understand that you’d be worried about letting your feelings be public knowledge” Alicia paused. “But if you truly love her, and she loves you why keep it secret? You only live life once Kaden, live it to the max!”

"Even if I got some...um, 'family' issues?" Kaden asked not exactly wanting to elaborate on what he meant.

“Ahh, I see” Alicia nodded. “That’s something between you, and the woman you love but don’t let it put you off.”

"Trust me, let's just say my family isn't the real friendly type they are not afraid to get their hands dirty." Kaden made a long sigh. "Nor are they afraid to hurt people. Which is why it puts me off."

“Explain it to her” Alicia gave a caring smile. “She might understand better than you’re thinking she will. I’m guessing this is our new consul Freya Savette?”

Kaden nodded. "Yes that be her, but she is aware of my family and the sort of things they do."

Alicia nodded before looking towards her daughter as she slowly stirred. Checking on the tiny bundle she gently covered her with a soft blanket before looking back at Kaden. “Then she understands, if you love her then let her know it before it’s too late.”

Kaden raised an eyebrow he was taking her advice to heart and it was certainly something that made him really think about what she said. "This some seriously womanly advice?" He asked with a bit of a playful tone.

“Ohh you can bet it is!” Alicia grinned. “Take it from a woman who has a husband that she loves with all her heart.”

"Well, who am I to argue with an expert on such matters," Kaden replied with a smile. "Say, I never got your name."

Alicia couldn’t help but grin. “It’s Alicia”

"Nice to meet you, Alicia, forgive me for saying this anyone ever tell you that you make a good Counselor?"

“There have been a few times” Alicia nodded. “That’s very kind of you to say.”

Kaden waved her off with a grin. "Just stating what I see."

“Well it’s still very kind of you” Alicia smiled warmly. “Kaden...don’t be afraid to let your girl know how you feel, you deserve to be happy.”

"I know, but honestly I never really experienced love much growing up as a kid it's complicated to explain." Kaden adjusted himself on his side to be more comfortable. "Truthfully, I am really winging it and fortunate to have Freya be understanding."

Alicia nodded. “Then she obviously loves you very much.”

"Well wasn't always like that at first she hated my guts," Kaden confessed.

Alicia grinned. “Sounds like you’ve made an impression since then Kaden” She stifled a yawn. “Sorry, I tire easily these days.”

Kaden yawned as well. "Yeah same here, guess we both could use a nap." He fluffed up his pillow. "Say if you like why not come by my bar or something be nice to chat with you again."

Alicia nodded and smiled. “I’ll do that, thank you.”

With a smile and a nod Kaden pulled the sheet up before going to sleep.