A little escapism

Posted on Mon Jan 13th, 2020 @ 7:44am by Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor]

Mission: Casperia Prime - A lesson in relaxation
Location: Various
Timeline: Current
1516 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

Heather was starting to feel couped up in Sickbay, she was still under close monitoring from Tallia and the nurses though she hadn't had another seizure or more hallucinations...yet! She waited until the nurse was busy to sneak off of her bed and out the doors, all she wanted was a few minutes away from staring at the Sickbay walls. Though her legs were somewhat wobbly and she didn't have much energy.

Fernando was on his way to see Heather. He like being in her company and he hoped he wasn't making a pest of himself in Sickbay. Then he smiled to himself. He knew Tallia would tell him if he was. As he rounded the corner he saw a figure in a hospital gown in front of him, looking like they came from Sickbay and decidedly unsteady on their feet. He closed the distance and wasn't surprised to see it was Heather. "Heather what are you doing?" He asked as he took her gently by the elbow.

"Fernando...I was just trying to get to the holodeck!" She looked at him almost pleadingly. "Will you help me? I just...want some time away from staring at the walls in Sickbay!!"

"The holodeck!" He repeated. "I don't know if that's a good idea Heather, that is decks away. Besides, you aren't exactly dressed to be traipsing all over the ship at least not without a guide." The last said with a smile.

"How's about a...site to site transport?" She looked at Fernando quizzically, her mind was still hazy but she was starting to remember more of her time being a Starfleet officer aboard a starship.

"Yes. it can be done." Fernando replied, thought for a moment then his mind made up tapped his combadge, "De la Rosa to transporter room. Lock onto my com signal and beam two of us to holodeck one."

"Aye Chief." Came the reply and an instant later Heather and Fernando dissolved in a shower of rainbow lights only to reappear at holodeck one. "We're here," He announced.

Heather grinned. "Show me somewhere beautiful, and by the sea. I miss being by the sea, the sounds of the waves on the shore and the feel of sand between my toes."

"Somewhere Beautiful." Fernando repeated and thought for a moment. "Computer show me Smugglers Cove beach in Greece." An instant later the reply came. "Program running. You may enter when ready." He took her hand, "Your wish is my command, prepare to be amazed." As they entered they were greeted with a warm breeze, sparkling white sand and crystal clear blue water. It was the closest thing to paradise on Earth and they had the beach to themselves.

Heather's eyes widened in surprise. "Fernando, this is...amazing!!" She slipped off her slippers and walked through the sand, smiling at the feel of it beneath her feet. "I've always dreamed about visiting a place like this!"

Fernando smiled broadly. "I am glad you approve. The program is yours to run whenever you feel the need to 'escape' Heather. Now relax and enjoy the sun, sand and gentle breeze."

She nodded. There was even deck chairs on the beach so she made her way across to one to sit and relax. "I snuck out of Sickbay you know, I don't want you getting into trouble!"

He nodded, "Yes, I know you did and so you know I sent a message to Sickbay, saying you were with me and for them not to worry. You just needed a change of scenery."

Heather grinned. "I owe you Fernando, I won't forget it." She relaxed back on the deck chair trying to hide away her shaking hands. She didn't want Fernando to see how much she was truly suffering.

Fernando shook his head as he sat in the chair next to hers. "You owe me nothing Heather. Friends help friends and in the short time we have known each other I think we have become good friends."

She nodded and smiled her shaking hand gripping his. "You're a special man Fernando, about that kiss before..." She took a moment before she leaned closer and gently kissed him. "That one was meant for you this time." She smiled warmly.

He held her hand with one of his own with the other he placed it gently atop their intertwined hands. "I am just me." He said in regards to her compliment before she kissed him. His eyes shut at the kiss and when he opened them he looked deep into hers as he allowed himself to dream... just a little. He didn't want to rush or pressure Heather. She had been through and was still recovering from a terrible ordeal. "Thank you Heather." He replied simply.

She nodded as she rested her head back on the chair. "I hate these withdrawal symptoms Fernando!" She sighed. "It hurts! There are times it goes away and I think it's all over and then it's back all over again."

"I know you do my Betazoid Rose but you are strong and you will get through this. You have many people pulling for you. Tallia, the nurses. Captain Lalor and Commander Taylor and me. That is a heck of a support group. You may not think or feel like it but you are making progress and soon your system will be rid of the drugs."

"I really hope so!" She looked out at the sea and closed her eyes just listening to the sounds of the sea lapping at the beach. "I want to be over this! I will get over this!"

"No doubt in my mind that you will Heather. Then you can start to live again." Fernando replied confident Heather would beat this.

"I want to try finding my crew Fernando, I have to find...Jason!" She looked at Fernando wide eyed. "I'd forgotten, how could I forget about Jason and the others!!"

"We will find him and the others Heather, I promise you." Fernando replied solemnly. "And you didn't forget. You have had a lot going on in your own life Heather."

She nodded. "Can I...cuddle up with you for a little while?"

Fernando blinked at the question. "Of course you can Heather, whatever you need to help you deal and get through this."

The deck chair wasn't big enough for two so she moved the towel that was hanging on it onto the beach and sat on that before waiting for Fernando to join her, once he did she gently cuddled up with her head on his shoulder. "Thank you Fernando."

Fernando looped an arm over her shoulders and held her close. "Your welcome." He said softly, "Now sssh and enjoy the peace and tranquility the beach provides."

Heather nodded and quietly enjoyed the relaxing sounds around her. She eventually started to drift into a peaceful, restful sleep on Fernando's shoulder. The first proper sleep she'd had since arriving onboard.

Fernando listened as Heather drifted off to sleep her breathing becoming regular and slow. He silently vowed he would stay here for as long as needed for her find and get the peace she craved.

~ 2 hours later ~

Heather eventually stirred at first she awoke wondering where she was before realising, raising her head she smiled at Fernando. "How long have I kept you here?"

"Its not important Heather. Fernando replied smiling. "What is important is how do you feel?"

"Rested, thank you." Heather offered a smile. "I guess I should be getting back to Sickbay. I have some apologies to make."

"That is good." Fernando answered as he stood and offered a hand to Heather. "Yes, a good idea before they send out a search party for you." He teased gently." He looked at her, "I know this difficult for you Heather but you are a strong woman and you will beat this. I just want you to know you aren't in this alone. I'll help you anyway I can."

Heather nodded and smiled. "Thank you Fernando. I appreciate everything you're doing for me."

Fernando shook his head, No need to thank me. You would do the same for me. I am sure of it."

Heather nodded and smiled. "I'm thinking...of asking your Captain, if I can stay onboard your ship."

"I think that is a wonderful idea Heather." Fernando answered trying not to get too excited. "The Elysium is a great ship with a great crew. I am sure the Captain would love to have you and Tallia would be thrilled to have you as a nurse.... if you decided that what you wanted to continue to do."

Heather smiled. "I think...I'd like that." She held onto his arm as they slowly started towards the holodeck doors. "Can we transport back?"

"You just have to let her know Heather." Fernando answered as they headed for the holodeck doors. He stopped at her question. "We certainly can." He tapped his combadge, "De La Rosa to transporter room, Two to beam back to Sickbay."

An instant later they disappeared in a shower of sparkling light.

{OFF}