Brother and Sister Reunion...
Posted on Mon Mar 20th, 2023 @ 3:21am by Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik} & Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece]
Mission:
MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Medical building, Ice Planet Zebra
1087 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure
Somewhere between watching patients coming and going, and Malakai’s visit, Kara had fallen asleep. Lying on her side, which was more comfortable given the size of her seven month bump, she wasn’t aware that Matthias had arrived.
As soon as Phoenix and the kids been brought to the surface and settled into their tents, Mattias set out to find his baby sister. He was relieved to hear that she was alive and uninjured. The welcome news that both her daughter and unborn child were also uninjured warmed his heart immensely.
Finally, after making his way to the medical tents, he found her. She was in the general care section, curled up in a ball on her side. Moving over to her side, he gently laid his right hand on her left shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze, like he used to do when they were children on their parent's freighter. "Kara?"
Kara stirred to the familiar feel of Mattias’ hand on her shoulder. His soft vocal tones made her smile as she gently rolled onto her back. “Matt!! I was so worried about you!” She gently pushed herself up into a sitting position, which took a few moments without the power of her legs to push herself up. “Are Phee and the kids okay?”
Mattias helped Kara sit up, then the siblings embraced warmly. After a few beats of comfortable silence, Mattias released his hold and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Yeah, they are. A few bumps and scrapes, but nothing more than that." His tone softened some as he asked, "How are you feeling?"
Kara offered a shrug of her shoulders. “Okay I guess, Mal came to see me so I know he’s okay. I’m just... frustrated that I can’t walk yet.” She paused. “I was trapped in the cargo bay while looking for supplies before the accident, my legs were trapped.” She rested her hand on her bump. “Sthilg saved both our lives, but my legs are going to take some time to heal. Though saying that, I do have a little more movement now, maybe...” she paused. “Both my grandfather and David did say that I would probably heal faster due to my El Aurian heritage.”
The look of pain on Mattias's face was clear, as he listened to the ordeal that Kara was going through. "Kara, I am so sorry! I wish there was something I could do to help you recover faster!"
“It’s okay Matt!” Kara smiled. “I’ve been feeling sorry for myself for long enough. What’s important is that the baby is alright, I’ll heal in time. Right now I just wish I could do something to help here, we’ve lost enough people.”
Mattias put his right hand on Kara's left, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Kara, right now, all you need right focus on getting better. You'll be no good to anyone if you collapse from exhaustion."
Kara nodded. “I know, it’s not like I’d be able to walk around right now anyway. I still have physiotherapy ahead me, I just have to learn to be patient.” She grinned a wry grin. “So, what’s it like being a husband and father again?”
Though concern was starting to fill his mind, when Kara changed gears on him, Mattias couldn't help but grin happily. "It's wonderful, Kara. I know that I'm a very lucky man." His grin grew to a loving smile as he thought about his family.
“That’s what I needed to see,” Kara smiled. “Seeing you happy again, makes me happy. When all this is over, I want to get to know my new family members.”
Mattias grinned at that. "Well, you already know Phee and Tristi. So, that just leaves Miran and the twins. Two of those three aren't really up to full conversation stages yet." He chuckled as he finished speaking.
“Obviously” Kara grinned. “You know me and kids! I can’t wait to introduce Ezri to those she hasn’t met yet.” She looked across at Ezri who was enjoying herself with some paper and crayons. “I’ve missed not being with her.”
Mattias followed his sister's gaze over to the beautiful young girl, seemingly oblivious to the crisis around them. It gave him a warm feeling in his chest. "You know, you, Ezri, your unborn baby...even Mal," he grinned sheepishly. "Are always welcome in whatever home Phee and I establish."
“Thank you Matt!” Kara smiled the biggest smile yet. “You know the same goes for all of you, you’re all my family.” She gave Mattias a curious look. “Can I ask you something?”
Looking into his sister's eyes, Mattias nodded and replied honestly. "You can always ask me anything, Little Girl," he replied softly.
Kara paused for a moment. “Would you think I was crazy if I said I wanted to keep in contact with Kyle Cragen? He’s my grandfather, and I care what happens to him.”
Mattias had to take a beat, as the question had surprised him. Then, he replied. "Kara," he let out a soft sigh. "If it's something that you feel is important, than you have my complete support." Before she could reply, he raised a warning finger. "That being said, if he causes you any pain, I will kill him."
Kara nodded. “I know, but it’s important to me that you know and approve. You’ve been my family since I was young, I wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt you.”
Mattias put his arms around Kara and held her close. "You could never do anything that would hurt me, Little Girl. I love you almost as much as I love Phee. I just want you to be safe." He squeezed her again, then released the embrace before adding, "Besides, who knows if we will ever find our way back home for you to even try."
“That’s very true” Kara nodded. “That’s the part that worries me, but as long as I have all of you I’ll be happy. You all give me strength.”
"That goes both ways, Little Girl." Mattias embraced his little sister again.
“Good because I’m not going anywhere” Kara smiled as she returned the hug.
For awhile, bother and sister just sat there, holding each other, both gaining strength from the other through the embrace. All around them, the medical staff quietly tended to the rest of their patients.
~OFF~