No. 3 Hair's breadth from death (impaled)
~
This planet was nothing like the ones they had visited before. Of course… they had been on planets that looked centuries old. But none of them had been quite like this.
It seemed like this planet was inspired by earth's medieval times. Or at least that's what the humans of the crew had told him. But the civilization was ready for first contact according to Star Fleet. Well, maybe it was just because of the dilithium hidden beneath the surface. Star Fleet could use it after all.
Keenser was working with a few other engineers. They had to find the perfect place for drilling. So they were searching the surface with some tricorders.
The Roylan wanted to check inside what looked like an old house made of wood, when suddenly there was an earthquake.
The planet was shaking violently and before Keenser could react, parts of the building crashed down on him.
Everything was dark around him. He couldn't see anything despite a few rays of light shining through cracks of the debris.
His body was aching. It must be because of all of the wood lying on top of him.
Keenser could hear voices. Crewmates were screaming out his name in shock. And suddenly the wood was being moved.
More and more light reached Keenser's eyes.
They'd get him out of here. The other engineers would help him.
It was a big relief when Keenser could see the sun again. He looked up at it, slightly blinded by the light but not too much.
"We found him! Get a doctor!"
Keenser looked at a familiar young man. The boy was working with him quite often.
"Lt. Keenser, don't worry. We'll get you out of here."
Why didn't they? Why didn't they just help him up and remove the last piece of wood?
He tried to move but suddenly there was an awful pain in his stomach.
"Don't!"
Keenser looked down to catch a glimpse of a horrifying sight.
There… was a long piece of wood stabbed right through his stomach. It was impaling him to the ground!
He blinked a few times, trying to comprehend what he was seeing.
Purple. There was so much purple. He knew that color… but he hadn't seen it in quite a long time.
"He's bleeding severely!" The young ensign screamed out for the medics to hear.
And suddenly there was yet another familiar face.
Dr. McCoy.
He looked worried. The wrinkles on his forehead seemed deeper than the usual.
"Dammit man! What are you doing?!"
Keenser grunted. He hadn't planned on getting impaled.
His vision was getting blurry. He was losing so much of his precious blood.
Keenser could barely make out the words McCoy was yelling. Orders. He was giving orders to his medical staff.
But the Roylan was feeling way too dizzy to understand any of it.
He felt his eyes closing. Someone was slapping his cheeks, telling him to stay awake.
But he wanted to sleep. Right there and then.
So he did.
-
When he woke up in sickbay the young ensign was at his side.
At Keenser's soft grunt the head of the boy went up and he looked at his superior officer.
"Lt. Keenser! You're awake!"
The blond engineer looked so relieved. As if he had feared that Keenser would die.
"Are you okay? I… I'll call the doctor."
Before Keenser could say or do anything the hand of the boy was already pressing the button to make the call.
Keenser sighed.
Maybe it would be good to see a doctor.
"He's awake," the ensign said when McCoy entered the room.
"Thanks to his regular blood donations. And your quick reaction to stop the bleeding."
McCoy glanced at the monitor before he looked at Keenser.
"It was a close call Keenser. You could have been dead."
Keenser swallowed. Then nodded.
"So you better stay the hell away from buildings when there are earthquakes around, got that?"
A soft smile sneaked onto the Roylan's lips. He knew that McCoy wasn't actually blaming him… but there had to be someone he could yell at. How else should he show his concern?
"Will do."
McCoy nodded satisfied.
"Good. Now rest. And drink enough."
Keenser gave the doctor a nod.
That sounded like a plan.
"And you get back to work."
The ensign straightened his back at McCoy's order.
"Aye sir! I will sir!"
Keenser smiled at the young boy who had saved his life. He wanted to thank him but he was just too tired.
So he'd thank him later. After a good amount of sleep.