Recovery 101

Posted on Mon Nov 2nd, 2026 @ 7:34am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 6 - Episode 8- The Price of Home
Location: Gary's Quarters
Timeline: Backpost: After rescue of Elysium crew
1457 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary had finally managed to get Naxea out of Sickbay and into his? Their? quarters. Her daughter was also there as she and LL had become quick good friends. Right now Gary was talking, telling Naxea the ground rules. "You are to take it easy. Bed rest but you don't need to stay there exclusively you can sit on the couch or the recliner. You are to take it easy and enjoy being pampered with no snarky comments." The last said with a grin on his face. "Now, any questions?"

Naxea didn't like that she was on bed rest. She had Marines to oversee. Yet time with Sle'anna did sound good to her. "Oh, I'm full of snarky comments. Then I expect you will be cooking?"

"Yes, I'm sure you are full of snarky comments. I'd be disappointed if you weren't." Gary bantered back. "So get them out of your system and yes I will be cooking. Do you have any requests you want to make?"

"No, surprise me," she said, grimacing through the soreness as she walked to the kitchen.

Gary's eyes lit up like Christmas trees at Naxea's statement. "That I can do. Trust me you will be surprised."

"Need any help?" she asked, bracing herself against the counter.

Gary eyed her bracing against the counter. " Would love some help if you feel you are up to it. I don't want you overdoing it."

"I'll be fine," she said, pushing off the counter and moving to stand near Gary. "So then, what's on the menu tonight?"

Gary nodded at her statement. He knew better than to argue with Naxea about this especially when she had her mind made up. The woman was fiercely independent and he loved her for it. "I thought to celebrate you being home we would go with steaks and baked potatoes for us and the girls can have have hamburgers and fries. How does that sound?"

Naxea grimaced as a chuckle left her. "Sounds good, but Sle'anna isn't quite ready for hamburger. She's only one." Even though Sequus evolved faster than humanoid infants, Hamburger was still too much for her and Sequus aren't big meat eaters. "Though if it's ground up and plant based, it would be better." The pain in her side eased as she joined Gary.

Gary groaned as his mistake. "Ohhhh. that was a stupid mistake wasn't it? I'm sorry Naxea. Though I think it is easily correctable or would it be better if I fix her a salad?" He noted her grimace. "Are you sure you are alright? You want to sit down? Don't want you overdoing it."

"Sure, she loves salads. But sugar cubes are a big no no. Unless you feel like chasing an infant Sequus hybrid who is doing Warp Ten through the corridors.". She took a breath. "And yes, I'm sure I'm ok. It only hurts when I laugh." 'or move wrong, stand for long periods,' she thought to herself.

"Okay. I'll make a salad or you can as you know what she likes best and sugar cubes big no no. I can remember that," Gary stated while thinking *I hope. I don't want to screw this up.* He fixed her with a look but said nothing as the seconds dragged by before answering "Uh huh."

"I can fix it. You have your hands full," she commented, moving towards the replicator. "The good thing about Sle'anna is that she's simple when it comes to food. Oh, do you have fresh greens and vegetables? If not, I can get it from the replicator," she asked, pausing in front of the replicator, looking at Gary.

"Thank you Naxea." Gary replied. "I'm not sure. Might be best to use the replicator." Gary answered, "I'll make sure to have some greens and vegetables here for the next meal so, we don't run into this again. What else does Sle'anna eat? Give her some variety in her meals."

"Oats, wheat, she loves apples, carrots, and pumpkin," she began. "Computer, one medium sized bowl of salad with lettuce, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and tomatoes. Topped with four croutons.". The computer chirped it's response as the bowl materialized. She grabbed the bowl before continuing. "She does love salt pops that allow once in awhile."

Gary listened attentively as Naxea gave a list of what Sle'anna like to eat. "This is great. Now I have an idea of what she likes to eat and make meals accordingly. You mentioned she loves salt pops is that like a salt lick only smaller? Also, I'm guessing that the salt pops are reserved for special occasions?"

"Yes, they're solid Popsicle shaped salt based treats that she has when she's been good . That and they keep her occupied for awhile when I need to do things," she replied.

Gary nodded at the information Naxea supplied. "Alright, I'll have to get some to keep here as well. I can see where they would come in handy when you have things to do."

Naxea grimaced as she reached the counter, causing her to nearly drop the bowl as she set it down hard. She closed her eyes, willing the pain to go away, taking a few deep breaths as the pain began to subside.

Gary didn't miss Naxea's grimace or the fact she set the bowl down hard. "Alright that's enough, you are confined to sitting and directing of this dinner not exerting yourself and going back to Sickbay."

Naxea sighed. "Fine," she said turning to go into the living room. The pain in her side was getting worse the more the stood and moved around . "Sle'anna's dinner is ready." With a grunt, she sat down on the sofa, letting out a relieved breath as she relaxed.

When Naxea agreed so readily Gary knew she had to be in more pain than she was letting on. "LL, wash your hands and come on in here, dinner is done." He then turned to Naxea, "What would you like to drink with your dinner?"

"Bajoran herbal tea," she said, instead of her her usual Raktajino. "Sure, you don't need any help?". she asked.

"I'd be glad for your help, I just don't want you tiring yourself out. Tell you what, you can get everyone's drinks. "I'll have some sweet tea, LL will have a fruit drink and you know what your daughter would like to drink."

Naxea nodded. "I'm on it," she replied, letting out a grunt as she used the armrest to help push herself up, pushing the moment of dizziness aside as she headed for the kitchen and towards the replicator.

Gary watched Naxea move slowly into the kitchen. When she was out of sight he motioned LL and Sle'anna over to him. "Go into the kitchen and see if you can help. " He whispered. He knew Naxea was proud but he didn't want her to injure herself in a show of pride.

"Okay Daddy." LL Giggled softly before looking to her friend. "Let's go help your mom!" She staged whisper as the pair sauntered into the kitchen.

They came running into the kitchen, with Sle'anna in front and went to hit the brakes to slow down. Naxea turned to see Sle'anna sliding across the kitchen floor. "Sle'anna, no running!" She hadn't mastered stoping on smooth surfaces as she slammed into Naxea's legs, sending her sprawling to the floor, letting out a cry of pain.

"Mommy!" Sle'anna cried.

Naxea clutched her side as she took quick shallow breaths. "I'm ok," she reassured Sle'anna.

Gary heard the crash, Naxea's cry of pain as he rushed into the kitchen to see Naxea sprawled on the floor with Sle'anna lying next to her. "What happened?" He asked even as he moved to help Naxea up.

"Sle'anna ran into her mom Daddy and they both fell. It was an accident." LL replied helpfully.

"I see." He replied as he scooped Naxea into his arms. "LL, you and Sle'anna get the drinks please. "Sle'anna are you alright?"

A quick nod was his answer.

"And you." He said to Naxea, "Your going to the couch."

Naxea looked at him and grinned as he carried her to the couch. "This is completely your fault you know. On the couch, off the couch, on the couch. Make up your mind," she teased.

Gary grinned in return, "Yes, yes my shoulders are broad. I take full responsibility." He bantered back and while the kids were getting the drinks he leaned forward and kissed her. "Are you okay?"

Naxea nodded. "Yeah, the pain is starting to subside some."

"Good. You had me worried." Gary replied. "Don't do that," He playfully added.

"No promises," she teased back, grinning as he set her down on the sofa.

END