Author's note:
Another chapter comes, and it's a longer one!
Many thanks to my friend MaliceUnchained for the continued support, and also contributing his own character and lines to this chapter!
Enjoy!
"How is she, doctor?" Jidzi asked, unable to keep her hands steady, her entire body fidgeting with worry. She flagged down the hologram as soon as he left the sickbay.
"Stable, when it comes to the body at least. With the mind, I'm not so sure." Terrance responded, passing the PADD he was holding to the other officer. Jidzi grabbed the device, and skimmed through the text as the doctor continued talking. "Whatever that beam may have been, it must have somehow accelerated the progress of her condition. That's the only conclusion I could reach, given the very limited data I have." He sighed, the inability to do something clearly starting to get to him. "The symptoms the captain is showing, match those of some of the Zan-Eth patients with the same illness. Low energy levels, inability to function correctly, slowed metabolism and energy regeneration. All, as I imagine, caused by the brain functions being diverted from body control and regulation. But it's not that I'm worried about." Terrance ran a hand through his beard, a frown on his face. "In other patients, what I assume was extremely heightened neural activity, caused sleep deprivation and a near constant alert state. As you might imagine, this, coupled with generally lowered levels of energy the body can keep, is extremely draining. I-" He paused, a deep sigh escaping his lips, as he locked gazes with Jidzi. "I believe that in her current state, I can keep her alive for a week, maybe a few days longer."
Jidzi's shoulders slumped visibly and she fell against the corridor wall, sliding down it to sit on the floor. She let out a long, heavy sigh, her gaze turning blank as she stared at the ground in front of her.
"Hey doc, how's the-" Tala rounded the corner, and started speaking when she noticed the hologram. The sight of Jidzi gave her pause. "That bad?"
"If we don't find a way to help, the captain has about a week to live." Terrance explained grimmly, stealing a worried glance at the Trill.
The Andorian's eyes went wide. "That's-"
"She almost crawled out of it." Jidzi said suddenly, looking up at them, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. "She was so close, I could feel it."
"Hey." Tala said gently, kneeling down next to her, putting her hand on the woman's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "She still will, I'm sure of it. You can't give up now." She offered Jidzi a warm smile. "Besides, I came down here with some good news. Vice admiral O'Neill contacted us to say they should be here within six hours."
"I hope…" Jidzi's breath hitched in her throat. "I hope he will have some way to help her, because…" A sob she desperately tried to stop escaped her. "I couldn't bear losing her now." And finally the dam burst, and tears started flowing, the stress and fears of the last few days finally finding their way out, breaking free.
Tala moved slightly closer and put both her arms around the Trill, pulling her into an embrace. "Shh, it will all work out. You'll see, the captain will be back on her feet in no time." She spoke in a soft tone, trying to soothe the other woman's nerves at least slightly.
Terrance knelt down next to her as well, gently rubbing Jidzi's shoulder in reassurance. "We will find a way to help her." He said confidently.
It took a few more minutes for Jidzi to calm down, to find her determination again. But when she did, it flared even stronger than before, as if to make up for faltering, if just for a moment. She steadied her breathing, wiped the tears from her eyes and cleared her throat. Both Tala and Terrance pulled away at the sound, and stood up as she did. Jidzi ran her sleeve over her face, soaking up the remainder of the tears from her cheeks. "You're right. I won't give up now. Can I see her, doctor?" She said, her voice filled with determination again, and strength to carry on.
"I would prefer she rested for now, but I'll let you know when she wakes up." Terrance explained, his promise placating the woman for now.
"Can I wait inside?" She asked, pointing at the sickbay doors.
"As long as you don't disturb the captain, I don't see why not." The doctor nodded.
"Thank you." She paused for a moment. "Tala, please let me know when the admiral arrives."
"Of course." The Andorian replied, bowing her head slightly.
Jidzi nodded and moved past them and into the sickbay.
They watched her go, and exchanges worried glances when she disappeared behind the closed door. Terrance hummed, running his hand over his beard. "I don't think I've ever seen the commander react so strongly."
"When you joined, she already had much experience dealing with death and desperation. And she has been under a lot of stress lately, everyone has their limits." Tala replied, and couldn't keep the worry out of her voice. She sighed, and adjusted her uniform. "I'll get back to the bridge. Keep me posted, doctor."
"Of course." The hologram said, giving her a quick nod as they parted, Tala marching off down the corridor, and Terrance entering the sickbay.
Eilis woke up with a pained grunt, her head still throbbing from the experience, and she opened her eyes to see the sickbay's ceiling above her. She felt a warm, gentle touch on her hand, a feeling of a thumb running over the back of her hand slowly. The feeling of someone else's hand in her. But it felt strangely dimmed, distanced.
"Hey." Jidzi's warm voice called out to her, and she shifted her head to look back at the woman. A small, soft smile was on her face, and Eilis couldn't help but smile herself when she saw her. "How are you feeling?" The Tril asked, concern evident in her voice.
"As if a Targ trampled me." Eilis said, and tried to sit up. When her arms were sluggish to respond, and she couldn't find the strength to lift herself, instead crashing back down onto the bed from the small distance she managed, she let out a heavy sigh. "Or rather a whole herd of them." The gentle squeeze she felt on her hand, meant to offer reassurance, drew her attention back to Jidzi, and she noticed the sadness in her eyes, one that she tried to hide, but Eilis knew her too well for that to work. "How bad is it?" She asked, adjusting the grip she had on Jidzi's hand.
The officer looked down at the gesture, although her gaze started growing distant. "The doctor…" She paused as her breath hitched in her throat, and took a few deep breaths, calming herself. She locked her eyes with Eilis's. "The doctor said that the Na'kuhl likely, somehow, accelerated the progress of your condition. If we don't find a way to help you…" She spoke calmly, but her demeanor started to brake when she got to the worst part of the message. She looked away, unable to keep eye contact. A reassuring squeeze of her hand, caused her lips to turn into a small smile, and she looked back up at Eilis, the woman looking right into her eyes, nodding her head slightly in encouragement. Jidzi felt a sting of tears at the edges of her eyes again, as she let out a sigh. "The doctor says you have a week, maybe a bit more." She finally said, her head dropping.
The movement, and rustle of the captain's uniform snapped her attention back up, to see Eilis trying to sit up again. Jidzi stood up immediately, bending forward, putting her hand on Eilis's shoulder, and pressing lightly. She was about to tell her she should be resting, when the captain raised her hands, throwing them over Jidzi's neck, a gentle pull all she could manage, but it was enough to make her intentions clear. The Trill leaned in, their lips crashing together in a kiss. It was soft, gentle, filled with affection and reassurance, and for that brief moment, nothing else mattered, and the whole universe seemed to come to a standstill, leaving only them, pouring all of their love into that simple gesture. The love that brewed quietly over the years and was finally finding the outlet it needed.
Jidzi finally pulled away, sitting back down and nudging her chair closer to the bed, taking Eilis's hand between hers. "It will be alright, Eilis." She said, sounding as confident as she could.
The captain's smile widened, and she looked into Jidzi's eyes for a few moments before speaking. "You're here… So it already is." She said quietly, already running out of energy after her brief rest.
Jidzi squeezed her hand gently and stood up again, leaning in to place a brief kiss on her lips, and then another on her forehead. She let go with one of her hands, running it instead through Eilis's hair, putting a loose strand behind her ear. "Get some rest for now." She said with a warm smile, placing another peck on the captain's lips. "Maybe when you next wake up, your brother will already be here, to help."
Eilis nodded lazily, her eyelids already heavy. She gripped Jidzi's hand slightly tighter, as if unwilling to let go, and soon after, thanks to the Trill's gentle touch and soothing words she somehow managed to drift off to sleep, Jidzi's presence acting calmingly, giving her the strength to put her mind at ease, to break through the throbbing pain and chaos in her head, and rest.
"Sir, the Voyager and the Vigilant just dropped out of warp at the edge of the system." Nelen reported, bringing the two ships up on the viewscreen. The Intrepid-class escorted by the larger Archon-class were now zooming through space towards them.
"Signal the ships that the admirals may beam over at their leisure. I'll head down to transporter room 8. Nelen, you have the bridge." Tala said, moving towards the turbolift. She tapped her combadge. "Sh'era to Grahn."
"Go ahead." Jidzi's voice came back through the comms.
"Admiral O'Neill has arrived." She reported, entering the turbolift.
The transporter's beam brightened the room, as two people materialized on the pad. The dark skinned Vulcan, Rear Admiral Tuvok, his expression passive as ever, and Vice Admiral William O'Neill, whose greenish-yellow skin and veiny complexion couldn't quite overshadow the similarities to his twin sister. He offered Tala a small smile, his expression remaining overall grim.
Tala bowed her head slightly, before taking a step forward as the men stepped down from the transporter pad. "Welcome aboard admirals. It is a pleasure to see both of you, sirs, again."
"Likewise. Although I wish the circumstances were better." William said extending his hand for Tala to shake.
The Andorian did so, letting a small sigh escape her lips. "Don't we all, sir." She gestured to the door. "Please follow me. I'll take you to sickbay to meet with the captain." She left the transporter room, both the admirals in tow.
"Commander, perhaps you could properly fill us in on what has transpired, since this condition started affecting admiral O'Neill?" Tuvok said, his tone characteristically calm.
"Although I'm sure commander Grahn will be able to tell you more, I can relay what I know." Tala responded, nodding slightly.
The door to sickbay slid open, and William and Tuvok entered, Tala dismissing herself to return to her duties at the bridge. Jidzi stood up from the side of Eilis's medical bed, and adjusted her uniform, taking a step towards the approaching men. "Admiral O'Neill, Admiral Tuvok." She gave each of them a respectful nod.
The Vulcan responded with a simple "Commander." and a nod of his own.
William offered her a warm "Jidzi." and a brief handshake, during which he shot her a strange look. Then he quickly approached the bed, laying his hand on his sister's arm. He took a shaky breath, closing his eyes for a moment.
Eilis looked up at him. "Hey, Will, good to see you." She said weakly, before turning her head towards the other man. "And very 'agreeable' to see you as well, Tuvok." She said with a small smile.
The Vulcan bowed his head a bit deeper, in an acknowledgment of both the welcome and the joke. "Likewise, admiral."
"You could never stay out of trouble, could you?" William shook his head, his lips twisting into a sad smile. He moved his hand to grasp one of Eilis's, and he glanced at Jidzi before looking back.
Eilis smiled, squeezing his hand gently, and giving him a subtle nod. "I think it's more that trouble has a way of finding me."
William let out a small chuckle. "That's certainly true." He cleared his throat, looking up at the Trill. "If you will, Jidzi, I'd like you to fill me and Tuvok in on what happened recently. Tala gave us the basics, and said you would have more details."
Jidzi glanced at Eilis, before nodding, and adjusting her uniform again. "Certainly, sir."
And as much detail as she was willing to go into, she decided to keep the acts of affection to herself, glancing at the captain every once in a while. She decided to leave it to Eilis to reveal their newly founded relationship, and let herself enjoy how the woman smiled when Jidzi had to work around the times they kissed.
The turbolift doors opened, and immediately Tala had been flagged by Nelen, standing at the science console, tapping away. "Good thing you're here, sir." He said, glancing up at her, before pointing at the sensor data displayed before him. "We've detected some unusual tachyon emissions, barely qualifying as little more than a sensor echo. But we've been monitoring for things like this, since they can indicate a cloaked sh-"
"Unauthorized transport detected!" Kyn, the Breen security officer alerted them to a bright transported beam, materializing in the middle of the bridge. The Chief of security drew his phaser and pointed it at the target.
Out of the matter stream, emerged none other, but the Bajoran Kassai Lydana, Fleet Admiral in Starfleet Intelligence. "Would someone please explain," the admiral said in a measured tone, "exactly what is going on here?"
The Andorian fixed her uniform, gesturing for Kyn to lower his weapon. "Admiral Kassai." She said carefully. "I must say, this is quite a surprise."
Lydana fixed the officer with a steady glare, clasping her hands behind her back as she moved slowly across the bridge. "No more a surprise than when I found not one, not two but three high-ranking Starfleet officers, gathered in the middle of nowhere like rebellious lovers. Now please, answer my question."
Tala stiffened, straightening her posture and adopting a stern, militaristic expression. "I'm afraid the admirals' business here is their own, and I feel I'm not at liberty to disclose it."
The Bajoran sighed, frowning thoughtfully at Tala. "I respect your loyalty to your superiors, but in this instance it is not just their business, it's also mine. If you can't answer me, then the Admirals themselves will have to. Escort me to them, if you will."
Tala considered her options for a moment, her antennae twitching slightly, before nodding and loosening her stance. "As you wish." She gestured towards the turbolift.
"Wise move." Lydana answered, her lips quirking in a partial smile as she headed for the lift.
The Andorian sighed quietly, following after the admiral, giving a slight head signal to Nelen, to notify the officers in sickbay. She never liked Intelligence getting involved, especially since they usually found out after the fact. She stepped into the lift beside the other woman, and turned towards the entrance. "Deck 12." She said, and the doors slid closed.
Tala stopped in front of the sickbay doors, turning to face the Bajoran. "Here we are, ma'am. You'll find the admirals inside."
"Thank you, Commander." the admiral answered with a curt nod. "I'll let you return to your duties." Without even waiting for a response, the diminutive admiral stepped through the sickbay doors, moving towards the gathering around one of the medical beds.
All eyes turned to her when she entered, an animated conversation cutting abruptly, and William took a step towards her, clearing his throat, a polite smile on his face. "Ah. Admiral Kassai. It seems nothing can escape your sight."
Lydana grinned in genuine humour. "You should know by now, William, Intelligence is everywhere. Now, will someone tell me what is happening, before I start getting annoyed?"
"It's a personal matter, and I-" William begun, but paused when Eilis's weak voice came from behind him.
"Lydana." The woman smiled. "I'm afraid I'm the reason you're all the way out here." She extended her hand towards the woman, the whole limb shaking slightly from the effort of being held up.
"Eilis," the Bajoran said, moving up to the older woman's side, her brow furrowed in concern. "You never did know when to take it easy. What's happened?"
"She's affected by a certain fatal mental condition, and this is the final stage." William sighed, moving beside the bed. "And now she's refusing the only treatment we know of." He said with a hint of frustration getting through in his voice.
Eilis turned her head slowly towards her brother. "It's too dangerous. I won't risk your sanities to save my own."
"Too damn stubborn, Eilis, that's your problem," Lydana answered, only half joking. "I'm not content to believe this is the only treatment. Send all the data you have to the Shadow, we'll see what we can dig up." She noticed the dubious expressions of William and Terrance, the calm questioning look from Tuvok, and added, "You forget - at heart, she's still a science ship, just like I'm still a scientist. Let me help."
"As much as I respect your abilities, ma'am, I doubt you can accomplish in days what generations of the brightest Zan-Eth medical minds couldn't. We're short on time, since in a few days Eilis could be too far gone for the mind walk to work, or even dead. I'm not willing to take that chance and wait." William explained, growing increasingly irritated. "The risks to the treatment are acceptable, and Tuvok believes he wouldn't be in danger at all. But if it's to have even a remote chance of success, we need your cooperation Eilis."
"It's too dangerous. There is too much potential for disaster." Eilis said weakly, shaking her head.
"I don't recall asking anyone's permission," Lydana snapped. "You're right, maybe I won't find anything. But if Eilis refuses this treatment, then no doctor has the right to override her decision without good cause. If you won't look for an alternative, I will. Now send. Me. The data."
"I don't think you understand, ma'am." William started, annoyance clear in his voice. "There is no-"
"Well isn't this just a lovely bunch." A soft voice, followed by a giggle stopped William's rant, and all eyes turned towards its source. A rather petite, young woman, raven coloured hair tied in a ponytail, and intensively green eyes that stared back at them, was making her way across the sickbay. She wore a mostly black uniform, the right arm, shoulder and part of the chest, up to the collar covered in blue diamond pattern. Five golden chevrons attached to a small black plate with a silver border, her rank insignia, were attached slightly below her collar, on the right. When she set her her eyes on Lydana, her smile turned slightly more smug. "Even my favourite Bajoran is here, looking dapper as ever." She gave the woman a playful wink.
"Anais," Lydana acknowledged, offering the newcomer a lopsided smile. "Are you ever going to make good on this flirting, or is it just for show?"
"I think there is too much of an audience here right now, don't you think?" Anais said with a sly smile, as she stopped in front of the Bajoran. She leaned in a bit closer, glancing to both sides conspiratorially. "But I do have a ship nearby, with some very lovely quarters, and the most comfortable bed in this century." She winked again, before straightening her posture, and moving past the woman, and offering a mock salute to Tuvok and William, and a small wave to Jidzi, before stopping at Eilis's bedside.
"I'll hold you to that." The young admiral called back, her cheeks reddening despite her previous confidence. "William! I expect that data within the hour, and if I don't receive it then you will become very well acquainted with the nearest airlock. Eilis, we'll do all we can to find an answer, you have my word." With a final shy glance towards the newcomer, Lydana turned on her heel and strode out of sickbay, heading for the Relentless' transporter room.
Anais watched her go with a wide grin, much enjoying William's and Terrance's stunned expressions, and Tuvok's eyebrow raised in confusion. A soft chuckle turned her attention back to the woman on the bed. "You've not changed a bit." Eilis said, smiling up at the woman.
Anais scoffed playfully. "Why would I change, I'm great already." She replied, her smile still wide. "You however, love, look terrible."
Eilis chuckled again. "And I feel even worse. Although this time, it's not entirely by fault of my own."
"Well I'm here now to make sure no more future pals of mine crash your party, while you get your brain in order." The temporal agent said, giving the woman a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"If she agrees to the treatment you mean." William, who had recovered by then, took a step forward, shooting a pleading look at his sister.
Eilis sighed. "Will…" She started but a voice interrupted her.
"Admirals." Jidzi said suddenly, up until then simply standing silently by Eilis's bedside, her brow knitted in worry, eyes filled with concern, and gears in her brain spinning for a solution. When all eyes turned to her, she swallowed and cleared her throat. "Could you… could you give me a moment to talk with the captain alone?"
William and Tuvok exchanged a glance, and the Zan-Eth man nodded. "Of course." He gave Jidzi a knowing look. Before he could turn to leave Eilis weakly grabbed his hand.
"Will, send Lydana the data." She asked, looking him in the eyes.
Her brother sighed. "Fine." He responded, before turning on his heel and moving towards the exit. Tuvok followed after offering both of them an acknowledging nod, and Anais gave Eilis's shoulder a last reassuring squeeze, and offered Jidzi a smile, followed by a wink and a thumbs-up as she started to leave.
"You too Terrance." Jidzi turned to the holographic doctor. "I'll let you know if anything happens."
"As you wish." The man nodded and walked towards the exit.
This action brought a small smile to Jidzi's face, as she watched him go, because the man could have simply disappeared.
"Jidzi." Eilis said, looking up at the woman. "I know what you're going to say and-"
The Trill stopped her from saying more, by leaning down quickly, and pressing her lips against the captain's. The kiss was long, and desperate, and Jidzi poured all of her love into it, something that the other woman didn't hesitate to reciprocate. When she finally broke away, she stayed close, looking the captain straight in the eyes. "Please, Eilis, I don't want to lose you." She said, her voice trembling. "All those years I've followed you, and you were always selfless, putting others first. Can't you be selfish just this once?" She let herself drop, burying her head into the other woman's neck as tears started to stream down her face.
Eilis brought up her free arm, and put it around the Trill. "Jidzi." She started, fighting her own tears. "The danger…"
"I don't care." Jidzi said into her neck, before lifting herself slightly, shaking her head. "I don't care about the danger. I know it will work, it has to. I…" She paused, her breath hitching and her eyes widening slightly at the realization, as she looked into Eilis's. "I love you." She said, her lip trembling. "I can't lose you." She shook her head again.
The captain looked at her stunned for a moment, before her features softened. She gently pulled Jidzi in, to place a soft kiss on her lips. "I love you, too." She whispered against the Trill's lips. They stared into each other's eyes, and neither could keep the smile from forming on their face, despite everything. "I'll use that to stabilize to ritual." Eilis added after the long moment passed.
Jidzi's eyes widened. "You mean you'll go through with it?" After receiving a confirming nod, she almost leapt forward, embracing the other woman in the most loving hug she had ever given.
Eilis smiled, bringing her hand up to slowly caress Jidzi's hair. "I want to stay with you. So I'll do it, both for you and… myself."
"Thank you." The Trill smiled, lifting herself to place a soft kiss on the other woman's lips. "How… how about we give admiral Kassai a few days to get through the data? Maybe she will find something." She offered, shyly.
"I'd appreciate that." Eilis responded, a warm smile on her face. "How long do you think we should wait?"
Jidzi leant back in, placing another gentle kiss on Eilis's lips, before nuzzling her face into the woman's neck. "We can discuss that later with Terrance and your brother. Now I just want to stay with you, like this." She raised herself, blushing as she looked into the captain's eyes. "If you want to, that is."
Eilis chuckled, and pulled Jidzi into another kiss, longer, filled to the brim with love. After a while the Trill pulled away, and Eilis looked into her eyes for a moment, finding reflected in them, despite everything, the same happiness she was feeling herself. "I want nothing more right now."
The door to the Shadow of Bajor's biomedical lab slid open, and T'Vrell, the ship's second officer, lead Jidzi in. A few researchers working inside raised their heads briefly to see who entered, before returning to their work. The two women made their way across the room, towards the small figure of Admiral Kassai, currently pouring over one of the consoles.
"Admiral," the Vulcan announced with typical calm, "Commander Grahn of the Relentless is here to see you."
Lydana looked up from her work, brushing a stray hair back behind her ear with a small frown, and rose to greet her guest. "Commander, forgive me," she said gently and extended her hand. "I had no idea you were coming over."
Jidzi took the admiral's hand and shook it. "I'm sorry, ma'am, I probably should have called." She smiled sadly. "I was hoping we could talk?"
Lydana nodded in understanding, gesturing towards a small private office area. "Of course, Commander. T'Vrell, please make sure we aren't disturbed."
The Vulcan inclined her head in agreement, and Lydana led Jidzi to the office. "Thank you, ma'am." The Trill said, following the admiral. "I hope I'm not imposing."
"Not at all." Lydana replied with a reassuring smile. "Any friend of the Admiral is welcome aboard my ship. What can I do for you?"
"I..." She sighed. "I've convinced E- Admiral O'Neill to undertake the mind walk." She rubbed her arm somewhat awkwardly. "In three days."
Lydana sighed, rubbing her nose ridges in irritation. "I wish I could say I approve, Commander." She said, leaning against the office desk. "For a start it doesn't give me much time to find an alternative. Second, after what I've read, I understand Admiral O'Neil's concerns more than ever. Unfortunately, while I may not approve, I..." She sighed again, shaking her head. "I wish I could say it was the wrong move."
"I know ma'am. It's just..." She exhaled, steadying herself. "If we wait too long we may lose our chance, and while I hope you'll find some other way..." She sighed. "It's not a chance I am too eager to take."
"Then I best work faster, hadn't I?" Lydana said firmly. "Although...I feel there is more you need to discuss. Please, don't hold back. If there is anything else I can do, just ask."
"I have a... favour to ask, ma'am." Jidzi said, her hands fidgeting nervously.
"Name it." Lydana stated, without hesitation.
"Since the worst case scenario of the mind walk is... everyone involved ending up insane or dead," Jidzi took a steadying breath. "I'm afraid, despite everything, that Eilis- Admiral O'Neill, I mean, may ask you, ma'am, to order us not to proceed, as the highest ranking officer here. I-" She paused for a moment, clearly struggling to say it. "I'd like you to disregard that request, ma'am."
Lydana blinked in surprise, staring at Jidzi for a moment in case she was joking.
Except, of course, she wasn't.
"So, less a favour, and more a request to disregard the wishes of a patient." She gnawed on her lip, shaking her head once more. "That's a hell of a moral dilemma you've given me, and I don't know if i can agree. I have to weigh her life against the other two admirals, and despite my own feelings on the matter I would have to look at the matter objectively."
"Ma'am, I know that in this particular matter, I can't be objective, but I have a feeling the treatment will work. Eli- Admiral O'Neill was close to beating her condition before the Na'kuhl arrived, and I know she can do it with our help now." She took a few breaths to calm her rising emotions before continuing. "I know her brother believes the danger is only so high in theory, and admiral Tuvok said he shouldn't be in any real danger at all, thanks to his mental discipline. Or help from another Vulcan should the worst happen." Jidzi spoke passionately, desperation seeping into her voice. "Besides, Eilis is not thinking clearly, so she shouldn't... I mean she doesn't... She..." The Trill scrambled for words, feeling the sting of tears at the edges of her eyes.
In a move that defied protocol, Lydana pulled Jidzi into a comfort embrace, the older woman's emotional state making the decision for her. "It goes against my better judgement," Lydana said softly, "but I'll do it. Who knows, if she survives she may even talk to me again in my lifetime."
"Thank you." Jidzi whispered, her breath hitching and tears starting to stream down her face. "She may not even ask, but I had to make sure... I had to."
Something in the Commander's voice seemed somehow familiar to Lydana, and she patted the woman's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "I...think I understand, Jidzi," she said, "and she's lucky to have someone like you at her side. Given what I've read...she'll need your strength."
"Thank you, ma'am." Jidzi replied, taking a step back and wiping away her tears. "And I apologise for my... outburst." She cleared her throat, and straightened her posture. "It was unbecoming and I'm sorry you had to see it ma'am."
"You want to talk about unbecoming, you should see what I did to my quarters after-" Lydana cut herself off, her expression turning pained for a moment before she smiled at Jidzi again. "Yes, well. I wouldn't worry, Commander, and if you ever need to talk you know where I am. I'll have T'Vrell escort you back to the transporter room." She said, moving out of the office. "Apparently I'm on a much shorter timer now!" She smiled broadly at the Trill, before returning to her console, settling in for a long night of research.