Captain's Log, Stardate 66452.1, or June 11, 2389 by the Earth calendar: The Order of Kodar is no longer a threat to the Federation. With their leader dead, and most of their ships destroyed, the remaining terrorists have surrendered, and will stand trial for their crimes. As the Dynasty heads back to Earth, I turn my attention to Commander Lorza, who is in a coma after sustaining serious injuries on the recent mission.
Captain Jack Thomas is now in his quarters, with his daughters Zala and Zyri.
"Mom's hurt pretty bad, isn't she?" Zala asks.
"They won't let us see her!" Zyri says.
"Doctor T'Leth and her staff are performing surgery. They don't need anyone else in there right now. You can go see your mother when the doctor allows visitors. Until then, we wait." Jack says.
"So, is it true? Did she kill Zarayn?" Zala asks.
"Actually, it was his own bomb that killed him." Jack answers.
"Well, I'm glad he's dead. Son of a bitch got what he deserved." Zala says.
"Language." Jack says.
"Sorry, dad." Zala says.
"You've been around your mother too much. You're picking up her bad habits." Jack says.
"And now, mom almost got herself killed trying to save us! Mom always has to be the hero, doesn't she?" Zyri asks.
"Yeah, she does. And I don't think she'll ever stop. That's just who she is. She'll be a damn good captain some day." Jack says.
Let's hope she gets the chance. Jack thinks.
"Yeah, and I'll be her first officer!" Zyri says.
"No! I'm gonna be the first officer!" Zala says.
"I guess you can do it after I make captain!" Zyri says.
"Girls…" Jack says.
"Sorry, dad." Zala and Zyri say in unison.
"I know that you both want to be in Starfleet someday. But that's someday. For now, just… enjoy life. Once you grow up, it gets harder. You'll be expected to take responsibility for your own actions. If you choose a Starfleet career, you'll also be responsible for those under your command." Jack says.
"Like you are. You're responsible for everyone on this ship." Zyri says.
"That's right. I've had to make some hard choices. Ones I don't like. Suspending your mother… is at the top of the list." Jack says.
"Mom's going to be in a lot of trouble, isn't she?" Zala asks.
"Honestly… I don't know. She saved the away team. That's got to count for something, even if Starfleet decides to discipline her. For now, I just want her to get better. We can worry about the rest later." Jack says.
A few hours later, Jack is in sickbay, talking to his Chief Medical Officer, Dr. T'Leth. They are standing near a biobed, where an unconscious Lorza now lays.
"We have successfully removed all of the shrapnel, and I have treated her wounds. Injuries of this nature would have been fatal to most other races. However, her Kasari physiology ensured that there was no damage to any vital organs. Based on my observations, I believe that the most likely outcome will be full recovery. As for an exact timetable, I cannot give you that at this time, captain." T'Leth says.
"Very well. Thank you, doctor." Jack says.
"The rest of the healing process will be up to Commander Lorza. There is little more I can do. I do not know how long it will be before she awakens, and it would be illogical for me to guess without sufficient information. I will continue to monitor her condition, and I will update you if there are any changes." T'Leth says.
"Would it be alright if the girls came to see her?" Jack asks.
"I will allow it, as long as they are accompanied by you, or another officer. Leaving them unattended… would be unwise. As you may recall, their last visit to sickbay was quite… disruptive." T'Leth says.
"They'll be on their best behavior, or they'll be answering to me." Jack says.
"Your disciplinary efforts have often met with limited success." T'Leth says.
"They're kids, T'Leth. Making trouble… is just what they do. They don't yet fully understand the consequences of their actions. Eventually, they'll learn. It just takes time and patience." Jack says.
"Vulcan children do not behave in such a way." T'Leth says.
I see why Lorza doesn't like her. Questioning our parenting methods, and comparing our girls to Vulcans. Still… T'Leth is Vulcan. In her eyes, she is doing nothing wrong. As a Starfleet captain, part of my job is accepting different cultures. That includes "Green Blooded Calculators" as Lorza calls them. Jack thinks.
"My children… aren't Vulcans. Different culture. Different rules." Jack says.
"Indeed. Regardless, there must be reasonable boundaries. Surely you see that?" T'Leth asks.
"I am aware of what is reasonable, doctor. Besides, the girls are pretty shaken up after what they've been through. I don't think they're in the mood for pranks right now." Jack says.
"Perhaps. Predicting the actions of your children is… difficult." T'Leth says.
"Yeah, I noticed that." Jack says.
A few hours later, Jack takes Zala and Zyri to sickbay. They approach Lorza's bed, where she remains unconscious. Her longtime friend, Vezzi, sits at her bedside.
"Hi, kids." Vezzi says.
"Are you okay? We heard you were hurt!" Zyri says.
"I'm fine. I've had worse." Vezzi says.
"Have you been here all night?" Jack asks.
"I've already turned in my report… and I'm not a permanent part of this crew, so… I have nothing else to do at the moment. And no reason to leave." Vezzi says.
"You were poisoned. Shouldn't you be resting?" Jack asks.
"I can rest right here. Besides, your doctor already treated me. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not going anywhere. Not until she wakes up." Vezzi answers.
"Any change?" Jack asks.
"No. She could be like this for hours. Even days. It all depends on her." Vezzi answers.
"She's been critically injured before. She told me about that one time spent four days in hibernation." Jack says.
"Oh, yes. Back when we were in the Kasari Army. It was very difficult for me to see my friend injured like that. This… reminds me of that. But, she's one of the toughest I know. I'd say her chances are very good." Vezzi says.
Zyri takes Lorza's hand.
"Mom! Wake up!" Zyri says.
"She can't hear you!" Zala says.
"Actually, there's a very good chance she can." Vezzi says.
"What?" Zala asks.
"When we are in hibernation, we still have a telepathic connection to those around us. So, those in hibernation may be able to perceive what's going on around them." Vezzi answers.
"That right, so… you girls talk to your mom as much as you like. She'll hear you." Jack says.
"And… when she wakes up, she's probably headed for a court martial! After everything she's done, they should be giving her a medal!" Vezzi says.
"I've given the c-in-c a full briefing. There will be a hearing at Starfleet Command once Lorza's fit for duty. As for what happens… we'll just have to see." Jack says.
"If Starfleet throws her out, I'll resign." Vezzi says.
"Get in line." Jack says.
"You, 'Captain Hero', would… walk away from Starfleet?" Vezzi asks.
"If I had to choose between Lorza and Starfleet, I'd choose Lorza. Every time. If she's thrown out of the service, I think me and most of the senior staff would probably follow her out the door." Jack says.
"Then, she has chosen her friends wisely. As for you… I remember I was once against your marriage. I didn't know you. I didn't know your people, and I didn't trust them. But, since I've come to know you, I realize I was wrong. You stand by Lorza, no matter what. You give her strength and wisdom. I'm grateful for that." Vezzi says.
"I've been married to Lorza for nine years, and I've known her for thirteen. Even to this day, I still don't fully understand the kasari people." Jack says.
"Our ways are very different from yours. When the survivors of my people were taken in by the Federation, adapting to your culture was… challenging. Starfleet is much more restrained than the Kasari Army. There are many things I did in the past that would be considered crimes by the Federation. Working within this bureaucracy can sometimes be… frustrating." Vezzi says.
"You aren't the only one who has issues with Federation and Starfleet rules. That being said… the rules are there for a reason. Without rules, there would be anarchy." Jack says.
"I know. Regardless of what the rulebook says, Lorza didn't do anything wrong. You should have let her kill that son of a bitch." Vezzi says.
"If I had done that, I would be the one in trouble. I would very likely lose my command. Me allowing Lorza to kill an unarmed prisoner would not only be against Starfleet regulations, it would also be against Federation law, which means… I'd probably go to prison. I wouldn't be able to do anyone any good if I get myself thrown out of Starfleet or end up in prison. In that moment, I knew that the best course of action was to stop Lorza from killing that man, so that's what I did." Jack says.
"You're thinking long term, and you're looking out for your family. You're a lot better at seeing the big picture than I am. I guess that's why you're a captain, while I'm just an intelligence officer. I don't see myself ever going into command division. I wouldn't be very good at it. I'm no leader." Vezzi says.
"Your job is important too. There are always threats out there. We don't just need explorers and captains. We need soldiers too." Jack says.
"Lorza… she'll be a captain someday. I know she has it in her. I just hope Starfleet gives her a chance." Vezzi says.
So do I. Jack thinks.
I had hoped to have this chapter up a month ago, but... real life things to deal with. I am aware that this story has been progressing very slowly. Unfortunately, that's probably going to be the case for a while. Good news is... the next chapter is almost done, and I hope to have it up later this month. Thanks, everyone.