Disclaimer - Please see Chapter 1

Sorry for being so long with the update, things have been a bit crazy. I'm struggling to get this one right. I'm just putting it out here because if I don't there might be no further forward movement...

Thanks again for all your reviews :-)

Chapter 29 - "Burunik hi Tihet Nosh" - Critical but Stable

Throughout the night Mimi's stats had fallen within normal ranges, her condition was now described as critical but stable. The most pressing concern at the moment was that she was still on mechanical ventilation, even in the 23rd century complications could arise, it was protocol to liberate the patient as soon as possible.

Healer Sakht had performed a very light meld that morning and concluded that she could be placed into a healing trance, her mind being more open than it had been the previous evening. She had also passed a spontaneous breathing trial that morning. With these things in mind and after some discussion Sordd and Sakht agreed it was time to extubate.

Using a hypospray Sakht pushed medications into Mimi to reverse muscle relaxation and then he carefully removed the tape that was holding the ventilator in place. They both continued to monitor her stats. Sakht spoke, "Breathing well with good saturations."

Mimi slowly began to come through to a place of consciousness... She began to show signs of distress, her heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure all started to elevate.

Her nightmare continued...
Its other hand wrapped around her neck and pressed hard, she was suffocating, she couldn't breathe... The only comfort she could draw was that the nightmare would end soon. She would continue to fight until it did ...

Mimi's panic and distress elevated further, struggling against every step of the procedure. Sakht gently but swiftly removed the tube out of her throat and then administered another hypospray to alleviate any discomfort. He then attempted to insert a nasal cannula, Mimi fought against it, not wanting anything covering her nose and mouth. Not wanting to cause further distress he left it, for the moment.
Sakht spoke again, "Sordd, initiate the healing meld. I will continue to monitor her stats."

Sordd gently placed his fingers on her psi points and he brushed against the outskirts of her mind. There was still the wall of resistance there but not as strong as the previous day. (He could have forced his way in but that would have been a betrayal of trust.) He found the small crack and gently pushed against it.

Mimi was agitated by the nightmare, she needed to get home to a place of safety… She became aware of a presence on the outskirts of her mind, trying to push in. She held her defence, not sure if it was friend or foe… It was a familiar presence...

He pressed a little harder against the crack. And then waited patiently. There was no response. He spoke gently, "T'Sai Mimi."

Mimi paused for a moment, nervous. She wasn't sure she wanted Sordd in her mind, not at the moment anyway. She was scared he would see how messed up she really was…

He detected the hesitation, she was frightened. This was a logical response for someone who was not telepathic. He spoke softly to her, "I mean you no harm T'Sai, I'm here to aid you in healing."

The fact that Mimi was in need of healing came as a revelation to her. As far as she was concerned she was fit and healthy, she became distracted wondering what had happened… Maybe if she let him in he would tell her.

Still pushing against the crack, he endeavored to refocus her thoughts, "T'Sai Mimi. Please let me in." He was rewarded for his efforts, the crack in the wall opened ever so slightly, just enough to let him through.

"What has happened?" She asked. A look of confusion on her face.

He walked towards her, "You have been in an accident," he replied. "Ashayam, I am here to help you."

Mimi winced, out of nowhere a sharp pain travelled down her left hand side. She also became aware of a pounding headache; not an unusual occurrence.

Sordd carefully moved towards her, holding out his hand, "T'Sai Mimi, I am able to assist with the pain. All I need is your permission."

Mimi due to the immense confusion she was experiencing was about to refuse. Another wave of pain rolled over her. She winced again, if she was conscious it would have knocked her off her feet. Maybe she did need help...

Sordd tilted his head, continuing to walk toward her with an outstretched hand. "Let me control the pain." He replied gently. "Ashayam, please let me assist you…" He pushed a feeling of warmth and comfort towards her.

Where Mimi was standing she suddenly felt a warmth hit her, like what you might feel on a summer evening. Close behind it was a wave of comfort. She instinctively knew it was coming from him. She visibly relaxed, she knew she was safe, for the moment anyway...

She did not speak, but Sordd knew that she had given him permission. He stopped just in front of her and took her hands in his, she relaxed into his touch and closed her eyes. He began to gently probe further into her mind.

"No one is going to harm you Ashayam." he whispered, calming her agitated thoughts. He needed to go further in order to control the pain, she welcomed his presence, and as she did so the pain began to recede. A wave of peace then flowed over her. He wrapped her round in comfort and continued to probe deeper. "I'm going to place you in a healing trance Ashayam, you are safe..." She relaxed into his words, she was safe, he had said it. He placed one of his hands around her back, with the next push he gained her bio controls and Mimi fainted into his arms. Sordd laid her gently on the ground. He was taken aback, it was easier than he had anticipated, she was so trusting… He stablaised her pulse and breathing rate then placed her into a healing trance.

Sakht detected the change, Sordd had been successful in placing the young T'Sai into a healing trance. He carefully inserted the nasal cannula, checked her IV site was secure and then he began to run a number of scans.

Notes

Burunik hi Tihet Nosh - critical but stable

Tela'at - elder