Life for Kamala had devolved into a cycle of unending, burning pain. She still remembered well the sizzling sound of wires shorting out when she had gone to the engine room to assist in repairs just moments before everything flouresced into a white hell. Time had also lost all meaning for her, other than coming back to consciousness every now and again, and knowing all that was waiting for her was the burnt sensation of raw nerves. She would feel a hand descend on her face and experience a calming effect for a moment before she would descend into blessed darkness. It was a limbo that she had no idea how long she had been in. Only to wake up in a room with a Vulcan sub commander and a healer along with a human naval officer. They didn't speak with her directly. The human now addressed the sub commander obviously going over her medical status. While the healer stood by silently dividing his attention between the two military officers and her. He had just turned his attention back to her and realized that she had awakened. And quickly alerted the other two to this fact. The human turned and faced her and asked her.
" Miss? I have to ask are you feeling well?"
"It's even better being awake sir. I don't know how long I've been out or where I am. All I know is it has been painful. I trust that you will tell me honestly?"
He nodded and turned towards the sub commander and indicated for him to speak.
"T'Sai. You are aboard the Vulkhansu cruiser T'Kahl. The very ship that retrieved you from the Litchfield. You were kept in a healing trance for the entirety of the cruise to our destination. The system of Kitittan. I apologize that we were not able to repair all your injuries. However, from what our healer has been able to determine, in time you shall be back almost to the condition you were before your unfortunate incident with the Lichfields warp core. Your injuries are still quite severe so though you will be somewhat ambulatory. But limited in what you can do. In time we shall be able to have you fully restored. But I would suggest you choose a different profession from what you formerly did. The very reason you were taken had been your targeting by a subversive group. we will send for the individuals who had recommended your retrieval they should be here early in the evening. One of who has a lot of explaining to do to the eldership and it would be beneficial for you to be aware of this."
"Should this be a matter for OSU Soval to address?"
The human officer inquired. The Vulcan gave a short nod but continued.
"Indeed so Admiral. However matters must be ascertained before it is brought before Soval and his A'duna." Addressing Kamila, he continued. "What we need to ascertain from you Ms. Hyder, we're you at any time before your unfortunate -termination, by a Vulcan male for the purposes of a bonding?"
"I interacted with Vulcans on a daily basis in my former job. I had a few that I considered friends. And I was particularly close with one of them, but at no time was I seriously contemplating a more intimate relationship. What's going on OSU?"
The healer then spoke up.
"This is a matter that you might need to take quite seriously T'Sai. On the subject we are addressing it appears that steps had been put in place for your retrieval that were seriously binding and very nearly compromised your life. You have in your possession a journal. It is understandable that you would've been a unable to read Vulkhansu script. In fact there are exactly 12 pages of this writing after the note in Federation standard at the front of the book. What that script does entail is nothing short of a betrothal contract which I may add is very restrictive in regards to escorting a bride to the appointed place."
The human Admiral finally spoke up.
"Basically what that said was that you were to be handled with kid gloves. You were not to even be melded which would've made a very big difference in your medical treatment. From what I have been given to understand of this. This type of betrothal contract has not been used or enforced in centuries. do you know of an intern by the name of Sarda?"
Kami was shocked. And nodded. Not taking her eyes off the healer, she threw out a question?
" So there was an ulterior motive? From what the note said I was told that this was to get me out of harms way and back with a team that I had worked very well with. As for Sarda. He was very attentive, very thoughtful. But I had no idea he had any intentions towards me. You make it sound like he was wanting to possess me."
At the healers nod. She then turned her attention to the human.
" So after my injuries are healed, I am to be wed to this individual? Why?"
"That is what we're trying to figure out ma'am. When he was confronted by this information. He informed us that he was using the best means necessary to get you out of there quicker. The Litchfield incident pretty much threw a monkey wrench into his little plan. Believe me he is definitely on the carpet for this but we are sincerely hoping that that's what all his intentions were. The problem with it is that it has violated Vulcan laws of propriety and that is the only detail that he has run afoul of. We can respect his intentions of what he was attempting. In a situation involving a betrothed under this contract. All means necessary are to be employed to remove her from danger. No Vulcan male worth his salt would allow a lady to be allowed to remain in such a dangerous situation. I apologize that this is a matter that you shouldn't of ever have to face first thing after waking up from a painful incident. But we felt you needed to know as soon as possible. As for your injuries we will be keeping you here aboard ship for just a little bit longer. Provisions are going to be made prior your arrival at Kitittan. You will not be going to work anytime soon."
Now Kamala was really shocked. Then a thought crossed her mind.
" I wonder if Jeb suggested this?" At the Admirals questioning look. She added.
"Jeb Michaels was my foreman. Both me and Sarda worked under him. Also we were a tight bunch. And after my firing it would not have surprised me if he suggested to Sarda to pull something like this off."
The Admiral and Sub-Commander traded looks before looking back at her.
"We will most definitely look into it. It is worth considering. It's still reeks of desperation and ownership. So until it's cleared up we cannot allow Sarda to be near you. I hope that is not a disappointment. However this is a matter that must be deferred to the Vulkhansu."
The Admiral's tone brooked no argument. Though both he and the Vulcan sub-commander appeared saddened. There was a hardened serious about them. Behind them, the healer stood ram rod straight, his face blank. No emotion or expression in his eyes. He appeared to rouse himself to make a comment to the Sub commander. Both officers turned to face him. And appeared to come to a silent consensus. The human admiral turned back to Kami, his face a bit more contrite than she expected.
"I have to apologize young lady. It is just that the parameters behind your final disposition here are very irregular. Even for a Vulcan attempting to prioritize retrieving a close colleague."
"And you know this how? Are you an expert on Vulcan culture? If it was heavy handed, please know that it got me away from an abduction. That is very heartbreaking to have your own mother give a send off just before my abductors were to take me. I can be great full for that. And if it was heavy handed, I trust there was a good reason. And I myself would have every right to an honest explanation. It will come out in the wash. And Admiral. Thanx for standing up with this."
"Your welcome. I think. And to answer your question. I am familiar with a respectable knowledge of Vulkhansu cultural nuances. My daughter is married to Ambassador Soval, my grand daughter is part Vulkhansu. You will be meeting her shortly with her half brother this evening when we convene. And they will be staying with you until you are healed enough to go dirt side. We will be moving you to a state room where you will at least have a view."
"Thank you Sir. But why your grand daughter?" Kami was very intrigued.
"How about we let that question answer itself when they arrive."
She giggled at his reply, but almost instantly felt seized with pain, hard enough for her to jack knife over. Instantly the healer was beside her. She felt a prick against her neck and heard the faint hiss of a hypo as he supported her. She instantly felt muzzy and felt her self fade off into darkness.
The two officers stood and watched as the healer worked. He passed a scan over the affected area of her abdomen and despite his stoicism could tell his concern.
"I believe she may be more fragile than I originally surmised. She started hemorrhaging when she tried to respond."
He reported as he worked. A few minutes more before he was able to straighten up and turn to the two.
"It is always very difficult to determine the extent of electrical burns, particularly at the levels of voltage she and her cohort had sustained when the core shorted. I can only recommend keeping her not less than another week. She is healing too slowly for a human her age. Just move her to the room you suggested and not allow very many people to visit until her constitution is more stable." The two nodded in agreement then the Vulcan Subcommander moved to leave. The StarFleet Admiral watched him go for a moment. Then came to a decision. He pulled out his communicator and spoke briefly into it, then with a final glance at the patient. Left himself. The healer remained for a while longer until a young couple arrived. He arose from his chair and moved to the foot of the bed. Ramrod straight with hands folded in front of him. He addressed the new arrivals.
"T'Sai Forrest, Osu Sevrin? I was told to expect you."
They acknowledged him by a nod, they together regarded their patient.
"Honored Elder, we request a clarification on why we are here. I am afraid my Sah-Mehk-Al did not inform me of much."
The young lady with the Vulcan ears and human mannerisms asked. To which he nodded.
"It would appear that you are to ensure our guest is not alone for now. She has experienced major trauma to her person and it would be beneficial if she has someone to be with her."
"That was what I was able to surmise OSU. I am aware of the discrepancy presented in that journal. It is going to be addressed?"
" Soon. The offending party is to arrive later on this day with the eldest of his clan. However, the young T'Sai may require more time to heal before facing them."
" Regrettable." Sevrin said to Katherine. She quietly assented before standing straighter then moving closer to the bed.
They remained with the sleeping patient well into the night and into morning. Kami would stir occasionally, usually with a painful moan as the internal burns would be disturbed. Katherine's heart ached for the young lady. Sevrin as he had done from when they had met would be absorbed in watching Katherine's interactions. Something that Katherine had begun to find amusing, but she had never commented on it. Focusing back on Scrappy. She had heard the prognosis and it wasn't good. The massive, short that burned Scrappy, had used her body as a conduit. Arcing through her across the access way to another massive machine. Several other crew were killed in the event. Amazingly. Scrappy had survived because the heavy vest she had donned had deflected the worst around her body. But there had been enough of a wallop to stop her heart. Initially. Surviving crew had thought she was dead until she had moved her arms. Getting her back to quarters. The bunks had already been taken, so she'd been placed back in the ancient recliner, melded into a healing trance. Then left there. The only reason she'd been found had been the rescue crews from Taggedon had gone through the rooms until it was ensured no one was left before they started beaming in the unconscious StarFleet crew who had been crewing the Terra Prime influenced ships.
Katherine let the tears fall. Scrappy's life would not be hers if that betrothal was upheld. And she was already in an untenable position with her physical debilitation. She would not be able to do what she had been doing at ECS/Everett North in assembling cargo for a lift. She almost wanted to yell at her grandfather for putting her in this position but had also realized why he did. She would eventually find herself in a position of leadership. He was treating her education like a cadet, and this was one of those times. She knew Sevrin understood and this time she appreciated his silent support.
On a whim, she reached out and touched Scrappy's face. And felt her reach out to her. She closed her eyes, opening them to look out into the white space and into the deep green eyes of the woman who was burned.
"As much as I appreciate the company. Who are you and how long am I going to remain here?"
Katherine was surprised.
"You are aware? I thought you were in a healing trance."
"I don't know. I remember the explosions, the shock and pain. Then waking up to talk to a StarFleet officer and a Vulcan. Then descending into pain again. Then nothing until I became aware of you. You don't act like a Vulcan despite the ears."
Katherine giggled at that.
"That's because I am part Vulcan. I am Admiral Forrest's granddaughter. And I was sent here to ensure you wouldn't be alone."
"That's a relief. I thought I might become stir crazy in here. I think I understand the why, but how does one keep from losing one's mind in here? When am I going to be back to myself?"
Kamila stopped talking and looked at her surprise guest. Katherine noticed the tears threatening to form. Impulsively she stepped forward and hugged her.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. "
Was all she could think of saying. For a long while. They stood there and held each other.
Not saying a word.
Beside Katherine, Sevrin stood there and watched as Katherine melded with the patient then remained in that position for a very long time. Up to now he had not known that his half-sister could meld so it had surprised him when she had reached out to the patients face and melded with her. They were joined by both Soval and Genie who regarded Katherine with no small amount of concern. Genie finally spoke up.
"I did not know she was able to meld Ashaya. How long?"
"She has been able to accomplish this for quite some time. Her logic master. Had been training her up until after the embassy bombing. It does appear your father's instincts were accurate. We need someone with a deep sense of empathy to work with this patient. She may be a human in a healing trance, but she is in reality trapped in her own body until healing can restore her. And shes conscious."
Genie actually shuddered at that. Catching Soval's attention. He knew that not much would scare his A'duna. But apparently one of her worst fears made itself known with her observation of the burn patient in front of them. Turning Soval gazed thoughtfully out the window of the stateroom, observing the traffic of ships stacked above their new home. Glancing back at his daughter who appeared serene as she continued the meld. He knew Katherine's life was to change very soon and in taking this direction in life where he had bonded with a human had introduced him to the expression of uncertainty.
As he watched his son and daughter interacting with Kamila, he sensed Genies overwhelming need to be held. He quietly took her hand and held it. Finding it slightly disconcerting that his normally strong A'duna needed such support. Together, they watched Sevrin gently emulate Katherine as he reached his hand out and gently touched Kamila's cheek on the opposite side from Katherine.
Inside the meld, both ladies sensed the touch and allowing it, Sevrin appeared to them. Sevrin looked at Kamila apologetically then faced Katherine.
"Both Sah-mehk and Ko-mehk are here my sister. And I would be re-miss to not inform you that it cannot continue in such a long interval. She needs to rest and you would tire yourself."
He turned to Kamila who was starting to look distressed.
"However. We would be neglectful in leaving you indisposed in a featureless place."
Closing his eyes a moment. The white back ground faded into a scene where to Katherines point of view it had changed to a view of the plaza outside the command building.
" I have gifted you my memory of the main community of where we reside. You may enjoy the sights so to speak for a while. While you rest. But understand that we will not leave you alone unintentionally. I have to present Lady Katherine to our parents. We will have someone meld with you again. But you need to rest."
Kamilla looked around fascinated for a moment, then looking at Sevrin and Katherine. Reluctantly nodded. "Thank you." She said as she turned to Katherine and hugged her. Stepping back, she sadly watched them fade from her awareness. Then turned her attention back to Sevrin's gift. "I could like it here . She thought.
By her bedside. Soval, Genevieve, Katherine and Sevrin watched her intently yet Soval stood ready as Kamila visibly relaxed and settled. Shortly, then life signs monitors settled into a sleep pattern.
"My daughter and son I have to commend you for properly executing a meld and settling a patient, however, we will from this moment on, have someone meld with her on a regular basis. You both have surprised us with your ability. Even I was unaware of the extent of your capability."
Katherine blushed and looked down, trying to hide a smile while Sevrin simply bowed his head. "Thank you." They both said in unison while Genie looked on in amusement. Then Katherine's expression turned somber and with a gesture she turned and headed for the door. They ventured into the hallway outside Kamala's state room when she made a small keening cry and turned and folded herself into her Sah-mehk's embrace. Her Ko-mehk came from behind and wrapped her self around her daughter. While she stood gift wrapped by her parents. The captain of the T'kahl and Admiral Forrest had come hurrying down the hall. Sevrin noticed them approaching and had moved to place himself between his family and the two officers.
"Admiral, may I prevail upon thee to be at ease. She will be all right. She had melted with the burn patient and has been overcome. She will be well."
Maxwell had stopped right in front of Sevrin, conflicting emotions on his face Warring between understanding and a hard line unspoken demand to get the hell out of the way. He had relax his stance and put a a hand on Sevrin's shoulder and said well done.
The Vulcan captain had appeared to be ready to rebuke the young man, but had relaxed after hearing Admiral Forrest answer. Together with Sevrin they stood and watched Kathrine be held by her parents as she fell apart. Sevrin himself had felt very shaken by the complete despair he'd experienced himself during his brief meld with both Katherine and Kamila.
he glanced briefly over at his grandfather and the captain but did not detect any indication of disappointment in their demeanor. Only concern.
Katherine stayed between her parents for a very long time. Her body being wracked with heavy sobs. Max himself considered what he was seeing with a particular sadness. It was a sobering realization when you understand your granddaughter who'd been especially sheltered from the ugliness of the world, became faced with the results or consequences of this world's ugliness showing itself. It was a very long time before she felt herself put together enough to stand on her own. Disengaging from her parents and hugging each of them. Turning to face Max she found herself enveloped in his arms and very visibly relaxed.
"You find things a little overpowering, Sidekick?" He'd asked softly. She nodded into his chest as her held her snugly. She remained in his embrace as he raised his gaze to meet Soval's and Genies. He could not mistake the sadness that Soval exuded, while Genie had appeared quite shaken. Sighing he gave Katherine another squeeze and released her. Katherine had gathered self and made to stand apart when both Soval and Max reached out and kept her standing between them. She was surprised for a moment, then relaxed as he stroke her cheek. He regarding her fondly before raising his gaze to her father.
"Was this her choice Soval?"
"She was already engaged when I and her mother arrived. She is very much as stubborn as her mother when she has her mind made up. Fortunately she was not alone this time when she affected this. We will also ensure Miss Hyder will not be alone on behalf of this over sight."
Max found himself intrigued, but still felt affirmed his granddaughter was safe. He pulled Katherine into another hug then faced Soval.
"Now that my sidekick is settled, I am here to report that our improprietas offender has arrived. Along with the complainant and his supervisor. Plus witnesses. Other than the section lead and a handful of character witnesses being human. I have no other choice but to defer this to the Vulcan side of handling business. I will not be reporting this to the court until you have rendered a decision. Soval however the court is aware of this incident, and have charges considered. Aforementioned will be trafficking, gross negligence and malicious intent. So in all honesty. I ask your due diligence and that of the other proctors. Captain V'Tal will be sitting in as a witness observer on behalf of clan Schl Ve'Teigahn. I hope I said that right…."
He finished with an apologetic glance at the Captain. Soval stood regally as he listened to Max's report. Genie had stepped closer to Soval. His arm reaching out, drawing her closer against him. When Max finished. He gave a slight nod to Max as he turned to the Vulcan Captain.
"Your service will be very much be appreciated Captain. I sincerely hope this has been affected to secure the safety of a colleague with the unfortunate circumstances leading up to the solar flare that compromised their efforts. However we will need to determine there has been no tampering. When we get this resolved then a young man will be free to live and work in peace. Until then, he will not be allowed near the patient."
Captain V'tal bowed his head in acknowledgment then turned to leave along with Admiral Forrest who had gestured for Katherine and Sevrin to follow.
Soval watched his children leave with their grand father as they made their way down the hall. Genie had sensed his somber mess through the bond and drew even closer to him.
"She attempted something she was not ready for Ashayam."-v
"Ha A'duna. While I have every reason to be proud of how she handled herself. It almost shattered her. Though it's to be admired, it was also foolish."-v
Genie had replied softly. Still holding her close. Soval bowed his head. Nuzzling her hair and breathed in her scent. Holding each other for a moment longer before Soval sensed someone approaching from down the hall. He raised his head to see the Healer who had stepped out of the hall to face them.