Follow Up...

Posted on Wed Nov 16th, 2022 @ 3:59am by Hendor Charles [Reece] & Commander Sthilg & Staff Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik}

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: USS Elysium, Sickbay
Timeline: MD 1 / 1430 hours
924 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Sthilg was working patiently carfuly running the steriliser over the floor of sickbay. He would be lying to himself if he didn't enjoy the gental quite beeping of the machines. A moment of peace before the next storm hit.

Moments later the doors swished open to reveal Leilani and Hendor, the two had arrived for Hendor’s check-up. He was very much looking forward to seeing his favourite Dragon again. Leilani smiled as she saw Sthilg. “Hello Doctor, we’re here for Hendor’s check-up.”

Hendor's little face lit up when he saw Sthilg. "Draco!!" He squealed in excitement as he practically pulled his mother along behind him.

" Hello little sssquire." Sthilg said in his grandfatherly tone as he bent down to give the little human a hug. " Have you been a good boy for you parentsss?" he inquired.

Hendor finally released his mother's hand and wrapped his tiny arms around as much of Sthilg as he could reach. He then looked up and nodded. "Yes, Sir. I'm even going to be a good big brother soon!"

" Well young ssquire I hope you're prepared to be a big help to your mum and dad. Being a big brother is a big resssponsssibility." the gorn said as he picked up the small human.

“One I think Hendor will handle wonderfully.” Leilani smiled proudly at Hendor.

Hendor made a small, exited squealing sound, when Sthilg picked him up. His Dragon Knight was one of the few people on the ship that he trusted completely, after Mama, Papa and Skylah. "Mama and Papa have been letting me help get things ready for when the baby gets here."

" Well young one you'll need to help your mum and dad asss much asss possible with your new sssibling. Now any complaints with any of your implantsss?" he asked the young human as he placed him down on a biobed.

Leilani looked at Hendor, then at Sthilg. “If there is he doesn’t complain, he did have some minor irritation for a little while, but it seems to have cleared up.”

Hendor nodded, then looked down slightly, as if he had something to say that he was afraid to.

" What's up little one. You can tell the dragon knight." The lizard stated calmly.

Hendor looked up slowly, first at his mother, then at Sthilg, then back again. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Mama!" He was on the verge of tears.

Leilani gave her son a worried look. She bent down to his height. “Hey, it’s okay. Just tell us what’s wrong.”

As tears of shame started to fall down his cheek, Hendor replied. "I wanted you and Papa to think I was a brave boy, strong like Gregor...." he sniffled some, then let it out.

"My ear...it's been ringing a lot lately. I thought it would just go away! I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth!" More tears started flowing down his right cheek.

Leilani reached out giving her son a loving hug, before looking him in the eyes. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for, I’m sorry for not noticing something was wrong.”

The gorn put his arm around the small human and gave him a resuring hug. " it's okay little one. Jussst lay back and the good doctor will sssee what'sss wrong."

Leilani gently held onto Hendor’s hand as he lay back, she couldn’t help but feel awful. “I’m not going anywhere sweetheart, I’m staying right here with you.”

While still upset, Hendor was, after his mother's affirmation, starting to calm down. He laid down as Draco had instructed. Then, still holding his mother's hand, turned his head, to present his artificial ear to the doctor.

The doctor carefully brought up his tools as he examined the earpiece. Fortunately judging by the smile it was good news. " I sssee the problem young man. " He said a finger turning into an air blower. With a slight puff he blew some dust and ear wax out of the boy's ear. " Now jussst need to ressset it and it ssshould be fine." He said warmly as he did so. " Any better?" he asked the small human.

Hendor's face warmed with a happy smile. "Yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir! The ringing is gone!"

Leilani smiled a very relieved smile. Seeing Hendor smiling again lifted her mood no end. “Thank you Sthilg.”

" A few ear drops a month ssshould ssstop the problem from coming back. You're a very brave boy." the gorn said honestly.

Hendor reached up and laid his small hand on Sthilg's real arm. "Thank you, Draco. You're the best doctor ever!"

" I try my best young sssquire. Now if you ever have any painsss tell your mother ssstraight away." He said softly but reassuringly.

Hendor nodded his head as he replied. "Yes, Sir. I promise."

Leilani smiled warmly. “You’re a very brave boy Hendor” She bent down to give him a big hug.

Hendor smiled brightly and wrapped his small as around his mother's neck, and held on as she picked him up, laying his head on her shoulder. He was suddenly feeling very tired.

“Looks like someone’s got tired” Leilani hugged her son, Hendor meant the world to her. “Let’s go home.”

Hendor felt safest in the arms of his parents. And now, feeling that same level of safety, he nodded slightly as his eyes already started to close. By the time Leilani carried him out of Sickbay, he was already fast asleep.

~OFF~