Together (finally)

Posted on Fri Mar 24th, 2023 @ 8:52pm by Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik} & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Medical Building, Ice Planet Zebra
Timeline: Just after arrival on the planet
1513 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

Malakai came into the medical building he had been unable to find Kara while he was on the Elysium due to handling the evac of the crew and shuttle departures. Now, he was on the planet and had finally gotten a lead that Kara was in the medical building. Entering, he looked about but didn't see her. Was she dead? Had they placed her in a makeshift morgue and not told him? He shook his head and pushed that thought out of his head. Kara was alright! She had to be!

"Kara! Kara!" He called out as he made his way past the rows of bio beds and cots.

Kara was dozing when she heard Malakai’s voice calling her name, unable to get out of bed to run to him she sat up as best as she could calling and waving to him. “Malakai! I’m over here!!”

Malakai heard Kara's voice it was as clear as the ringing of a bell. Turning his head, he saw her sitting up in a bed, waving at him. He made a beeline to her. Reaching her, he hugged her tightly and then straightened up, looking at her. "Why are you in bed? What's wrong? How is the baby? Is everything all right?" He asked rapidly.

Kara breathed a huge sigh of relief now she knew Malakai was alright, she motioned for him to sit with her. “When whatever happened to the ship I was in the cargo bay, some crates broke loose and fell on me, I was lucky I was rescued but my legs were damaged. I’m okay now, thanks to Doctor Sthilg but I’ve got a lot of healing to do. I’m just glad you found me! I was so worried about you!”

Malakai was usually very tight lipped and kept his emotions to himself except where Kara was involved. Now his eyes glistened with tears at knowing she was alright. "I was worried about you Kara, so very worried, no one knew anything about you." He paused and then asked softly. "The baby Kara, how is the baby?"

Kara lifted her hand and gently wiped away Malakai’s tears. “Feel for yourself” She gently took his hand placing it on her pronounced stomach. “Just wait...” a few moments later there was movement and a solid kick.

Malakai kissed Kara's palm as she wiped his tears away and placed his hand on her rounded stomach. His eyes widened and his face split into a happy smile as he felt the baby kick. "Oh my gosh!" He exclaimed as he kissed Kara. "That is so cool."

“He’s an active little one” Kara smiled as she looked up at Malakai. “What about the ship, and crew? Did we lose many? Any of the blackwatch?”

Malakai's mood turned somber. "The ship is severely damaged Kara. Parts of her are open to space and I think every major system has some sort of damage." He took a breath, "We've lost over thirty percent of the crew. It may have gone higher, I don't know. As for the Black Watch, Phoenix was injured but she will survive. Matt, I'm not sure but I believe he is with Phoenix providing moral support. I don't know about Josh and Anna or the rest. Comms were down ship wide and only now have come back."

Kara nodded. “I knew we were hurt bad, but I never imagined it would be this bad. If the ship is so badly damaged, how are we ever going to get home!? I’ve only got two months to go Mal, I don’t want our son being born here! Not to this!!”

"Kara, we're going to get home. Repairs are going on as we speak to get the ship prepared to make the journey home. It will take time, but we will get there. Now, you need to calm down. You getting worked up isn't going to change anything and it doesn't help you or the baby."

Kara took a deep breath, Malakai was right and she knew it. “I’m sorry, I’m just frustrated that I can’t walk! It’s hard enough carrying around the weight of this...” She motioned to her stomach. “It’s harder when you’re sat down all the time. I’m not sure if physiotherapy is going to be possible with so many wounded to attend to.”

"Kara, if they can't spare anyone. I'll be here to help you. You are a fighter. You are going to walk again just as well as you did before the accident. I promise you!" Malakai answered firmly, decisively.

Kara nodded. Malakai was the one who gave her strength, and she needed that right now. “Have you seen Matt? I haven’t seen or heard anything. I thought he’d have been looking for me by now.”

Malakai shook his head. "No, I haven't seen but he's probably with Phoenix and taking care of the kids and her sister." He smiled at Kara, "Don't worry, he'll be here to see you doing his big brother act." Malakai teased.

Kara smiled and nodded. “That’s true, plus he knows I have you to look after me as well now.” She gently lay her head against Malakai. “I missed you so much! I just wish I wasn’t stuck in here, I want to be able to cuddle with you at night.”

"I missed you and was worried sick over you." Malakai replied as he gently rubbed Kara's back. "Don't worry Kara, we will be cuddling soon enough." Mal replied with a smile. "I'll see if I can convince the Doc to let you come back to our temporary quarters. Then you can cuddle all you want."

Kara nodded. “That would be nice.” She glanced across at their daughter who was sleeping soundly beside her. “How am I going to look after Ezri? It’s so frustrating not being able to walk.” She sighed but offered Malakai the best smile she could muster.

Malakai heard the frustration in Kara's voice and saw it on her face. He turned her head gently, so she was looking at him. "Kara." He began, "I know your frustrated, but this is only a temporary setback. We'll talk with the CMO or one of the other medical personnel and see if we can get some motor assist bands for your legs to help you walk until you can do it on your own,"

Kara shook her head. “No, I’m sorry I just need to learn to be patient.” She offered a calmer, more relaxed smile. “Considering her age Ezri has coped with all this better than me.”

"Kara, I'll help you and even Ezri will help you. What I'm saying is don't feel you are alone. You aren't." he looked back at their sleeping daughter. "Ezri will eat up being the big sister and she'll be a good one."

Kara nodded. “I hope so, she’s spent most of her life with your sister until now. I don’t want her to feel like she’s being replaced or pushed out. I want to be the mother she deserves, that both our children deserve.” She smiled happily. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted Imzadi.”

"Kara, I guarantee you Erzi doesn't feel that way. You will be an amazing mom to her and the baby. You have wonderful instincts. Stop worrying over it. You are going to give her what she needs the most....love and attention." Malakai assured her.

“Have I ever told you that your advice is as good as any counsellor?” Kara smiled. “You keep me level headed Imzadi, and I love you for that.” She stifled a yawn. “Sorry, I’m just tired.”

Mal hugged Kara tightly but not so tightly as to hurt her. "And you keep me grounded and not going off on some wild tangent and I love you for that and a lot more."

“Well I’m not going anywhere Imzadi. I love you, I’m not going to be beaten by this. I’ll be walking again in no time, just wait and see. Will you stay for a little while, or do you have to go?”

"I know you will beat this Kara and you will be walking again. No doubt in my mind. " He grinned at her, "I'm here for as long as you can put up with me or a doctor runs me off."

Kara stifled another yawn. “Good, because I...” she yawned again as she rested her head against him. “need a... nap.” She barely finished the last word before she fell asleep happily cuddled up.

Malakai held Kara in his arms. His one hand coming up to gently rub her back. "You sleep my precious angel. You sleep and when you awake, I'll still be here." He whispered. As he continued to hold Kara, Malakai didn't know what the future held for them but whatever waited for them, they would face it together and as a family.

{OFF}