Hayvna sat on the edge of her medical bed in the rehabilitation ward of Starfleet Medical, her heart racing as she processed the enormity of the moment. Today was the day she would undergo surgery to receive her new prosthetic arm, which would replace the one she lost and give her a chance to continue in Starfleet itself. Months of pain, uncertainty, and grueling rehabilitation have led to this day.
Dr. T'lirri stood beside the bed, her expression a mask of calm and certainty, a stark contrast between her composed demeanor and Hayvna's inner turmoil. T'lirri had been her anchor throughout all of this, having been reluctant to leave her side for very long. She was one of the few voices of reason that kept her calm.
"Hayvna," T'lirri began, her voice steady and soothing as she looked at her friend, "You have undergone the extensive physical and psychological evaluations required for you to receive this surgery. I can reassure you that this will be a success."
"I know, but I can't help it sometimes. I know what you have said. I know what Xavier and that French girl Bellatrix have said. I even know what Dr. McCoy has told me over comm calls." Hayvna began as she lifted her head to look at her friend. "But I still can't help feeling as though something is going to go wrong. What if the surgery changes me?"
Dr. T'lirri raised an eyebrow at her words, trying to convey an air of surprise and reassurance. "It is statistically improbable that you will not benefit from the prosthetic, just as we are certain that the surgery will go well. The technology was designed by two highly trained officers, one of whom is your academic mentor. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with your neural pathways through a port mechanism, which is being installed today and will allow you to regain full function."
"But it's still a machine," Hayvna replied, her voice tinged with frustration as she ran her right hand through her messy reddish-brown hair. "I'm going to have get used to something foreign. I mean, it's not like I can just...flick a switch and be whole again."
"Your apprehension is valid," T'lirri acknowledged as she set down the PADD she had in her hands. "However, do consider what the alternative would be. You have been able to endure pain and loss but look at how far you have been able to come. This surgery represents a significant step toward reclaiming your autonomy."
Hayvna looked down at her right arm, flexing the fingers as if willing the memories of her left to return. "I just wish I could have my arm back. I miss the way it felt, the way it moved with me. This prosthetic—will it ever feel like that?"
"Feelings are subjective," T'lirri replied, her tone unwavering. "What you will gain is functionality and the ability to engage physically with the world around you. In time, you may find that the prosthetic becomes an extension of yourself, much like your original arm was. Think of it as evolving rather than losing."
The words settled over Hayvna like a cool breeze, easing her tension, even if just a little. "You make it sound so easy, T'lirri."
"Easier than it is, perhaps," T'lirri said, her lips curling slightly in what Hayvna recognized as a Vulcan smile. "Yet, you have faced adversity before and emerged stronger. The spirit of a Starfleet officer is resilient."
Hayvna took a deep breath, reminding herself of the countless hours spent in physical therapy, working to regain the strength she thought she had lost forever. "You're right. I've come too far to turn back now. I need to do this not just for me, but for everyone who has supported me."
"Precisely," T'lirri affirmed. "And remember, you will not be alone in this journey. Commander Alegre and Cadet De la Rouche will be with you, ensuring the procedure is executed flawlessly."
"I can't believe they designed this prosthetic for me," Hayvna mused, the warmth of gratitude washing over her. "Commander Alegre is like a father to me, and Bellatrix…she's so bright and enthusiastic and her sarcasm is contagious. I owe them so much."
"Indeed," T'lirri replied, her tone shifting slightly to one of encouragement. "They have placed their trust in your strength and determination. The bond you share will only deepen through this experience."
With a nod, Hayvna felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. "Okay. I can do this. I just have to trust the process."
As she spoke, her own PADD chimed with the sound of an incoming transmission and Hayvna looked to T'lirri. "Can you pick it up and answer it for me? I can't do both."
The Vulcan doctor blinked at her for a small moment before picking it up and accepting the call before handing it over to Hayvna. "It appears to be from the Enterprise."
Hayvna gave her a confused look before looking down at the PADD, the face of the infamous Dr. McCoy showed on the screen. "Well, well, if it isn't Starfleet's most determined ensign," he said, placing his hands on his hips over the video call. "How are we feeling today, Hayvna?"
"Ready, Doctor...mostly anyway," Hayvna replied, a bit of relief passing over her at the sight of the southern doctor. "Part of me wishes you were doing the surgery."
"Sorry I couldn't be the one to do it. We've been shoved back out here into the black again." Dr. McCoy replied as his expression softened a bit. "You've been through a lot and that's something coming from me who has to take care of a tin can full of infants with one big one to lead us all. But I want you to know that this surgery is going to change your life for the better. You'll be out in disease-ridden space in another tin can in no time."
A soft laugh left her as she slumped a bit from where she was still seated on the bed. "I hope so. I just want to feel whole again."
"You will. The mind can be a powerful thing." He replied as he made a gesture towards T'lirri, who was still standing beside Hayvna. "Just ask that pointy-eared doctor right next to you. Vulcans have whacky mind voodoo so if something does go wrong, she can fix you."
Dr. T'lirri raised an eyebrow at his words. "Doctor McCoy, I am afraid I do not understand your meaning. We Vulcans do not have 'Voodoo'. We actually-"
"Easy, doctor! I was just messing with you." Dr. McCoy replied as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, muttering something about Vulcans under his breath. "Anyways, Ensign. Remember you're not just getting an arm; you're getting a second chance. And you're going to do just fine."
Hayvna looked between T'lirri and Dr. McCoy and felt a swell of gratitude towards both doctors. "Thank you, Dr. McCoy. For everything."
"Any time, kid. If you need anything during your recovery, you call me. I'll be just a comm call away." Dr. McCoy replied as he paused a moment to listen to the sound of him being called to the Bridge. "Well, duty calls. Let's hope the infant has done something stupid again. McCoy out."
As the PADD went dark, Hayvna let out a heavy breath and set the PADD to the side. As the moment settled, Hayvna felt the weight of her fears begin to lift. "I'm ready," she declared, a newfound determination solidifying within her. "I'm ready to move forward."
"I'll inform the surgical team immediately." Dr. T'lirri replied as she gave Hayvna a small nod.
"Thank you," Hayvna said, a wave of relief washing over her. "I can't believe it's really happening."
"It is indeed happening," T'lirri confirmed, standing up. "Remember, Hayvna, the mind is as important as the body in this process. Surround yourself with positive influences and allow yourself to feel the support of your friends and colleagues."
"I will," Hayvna promised, her heart swelling with gratitude for the people in her life. "I can't wait to see the look on Commander Alegre's face when he realizes his design is finally coming to life."
As T'lirri left the room to notify the surgical team, Hayvna took a deep breath, feeling a mix of hope and determination flooding through her. She looked out the window, where the stars twinkled like distant promises. This was just the beginning of a new chapter—a journey not just of recovery, but of rediscovery. She was ready to embrace whatever came next.