Counseling the Hard Way (4.21.20)
Apr 28, 2020 0:33:38 GMT
Post by Admin on Apr 28, 2020 0:33:38 GMT
((Sadly, the beginning of the thread was accidentally erased (by me)... synopses is best I could do))
Sha gets a call on her comm about a week after Royal tells her he will find her a Counselor. She is told to show up on the holodeck and assumes it's for a spar session with Royal. She arrives in a blank holo deck to find a man there who's only words are "I came to fix you" and then begins to fight with her.
Micah isn't much stronger, but his skill is more combat honed than Sha. He quickly gets her on the ground and nearly dislocates her knee just before using his metallic right arm to sucker punch her in the hip. Things aren't going well. And while he isn't asking if she is done... she isn't calling for mercy. At least... not yet.
********
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The cry for the computer was cut short at the punch to her side. Her back bowed as the shot of pain traveled across her hips and up her spine. She let go of her attackers arm and tried to protect the hip from a potential second blow. Even as she grasped at the smooth floor to try and scramble away. Pain now hazing her mind and causing her to fight to keep from passing out from the attack.
Panting and gasping for air, trying to calm herself as to why the computer hadn't stopped, she barely has time to think of an escape before she screamed once more when her knee was popped from it's place and no longer useful as a point of pressure to help in her escape. She fell still in defeat even as the man released her. One hand pressed to the throttled hip, her other hand pressed to the floor half under her chest, she couldn't bring herself to rise. “Stop... please... stop...” The words were two fold as she pressed her forehead to the mat, trying to cool herself on its surface and keep from crying for help.
Part of her was asking the attacker to stop... but her mind was also asking the vision to stop. She was helpless, left for dead, on the cabin floor again. Remaining still in hopes that the two left standing wouldn't sense her breathing and come to finish her off. Even when the water bottle rolled to a stop against her arm, she didn't look up. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"DRINK. NOW." came a barked order that demanded no hesitation or back-talk. The man leaned against the wall, watching her with steely eyes... no remorse, so shame, no pity. Just annoyance and irritation. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The barked command elicited a slight jump from Sha as if she had been hit once more. She winced in pain as arms moved with difficulty to open the bottle and take a sip. She hadn't meant to do more than that, but her body wanted more and it was nearly a third drained when she coughed and recapped the bottle to keep it from spilling. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
The man said "Can you stand?" in his harsh, commanding tone and; not receiving an absolutely immediate answer yelled "I SAID CAN YOU STAND, MAGGOT!!!" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Sha panted as she tried to calm herself. Her fist balled up under her cutting crimson crescents in her skin from the pressure. When the yell to stand came, her initial instinct was to remain on the floor. If she did that, maybe he would go away.
But the warrior in her wouldn't accept that. With a bite to her lip that threatened to split her skin, she got her good leg under her and started to rise. The pain caused an unwanted cry, but it was swiftly snapped short as she managed to stand. The loss of her knee meant she balanced on one leg. And the hip of that leg had been compromised as well. Her half stand, half crouch was steadied just enough for her to look up in defiance and manage a single word...
“Yes...”
The pain was already taking its toll as sweat beaded on her forhead, rivulets threatening to roll down her Klingon ridges. But she was more than half up. To her, it was a defiant victory. Even if was bitter sweet. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
The man's jaw clenched tight and he pushed himself off the wall and walked towards her. As he got close, he stopped and glared at her. No movement, no sound, nothing.
Then, without warning, he brought his forehead down on the bridge of her nose... hard. Driving through the blow, he threw a punch at her solar plexus, aiming to go in and up to drive the air out of her lungs. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The free hand, not pressed to her thigh to brace her, raised up to grab he face. Unfortunately, it opened her torso up and the blow met no resistance. A grunt expelled with the lung compression of released air. For a moment, unable to inhale or exhale, her eyes went wide.
She went down to all fours and the abused knee gave out landing her on her side. With a bloody nose and every part of her body proclaiming it's pain, stars filled her vision and it took concentrated effort not pass out.
One word was all she managed. The choking sob of defeat finally in Sha's voice.
"Why....?"
Unable to move, hardly able to breathe, she wasn't even capable of looking at him above her. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
He bent low over her and grabbed her chin, roughly forcing her face to his only inches away.
"Because now you know what it feels like to be broken. Defeated. Best down so bad you cant move." and then, as if a switch had been flipped, he released her and stood up straight and looked at her with less hostility and more... compassion? Familiarity? It was hard to tell on the man's stone carved face. But there was definately something more warm than before.
"Any time you feel like you are back in that cabin... like the world has had it's way with you and chewed up and spit you out, you remember this. How you feel right this very minute. Because right now, you lost. You have no power, no escape, nothing. Hell, I could kill you right now and no one other than that big-ass Scot would even know I was here. That's lesson one: You cant control everything, so stop fuckin' tryin'. Control yourself, the rest is gravy." The man had a distinctive accent... one referred to in vids as 'hillbilly'.
He let his words sink in a bit and then he walked over to the same corner the water bottles came from and he lifted a jet-black bag from the floor. Coming back over, he dropped it with a hard bang that echoed in the empty space. Sitting down on the floor next to her , he said "All right, roll over. I got some repairs to do. You ain't gonna like it, but we cant have you walking out of here looking like you got your ass kicked by an old man." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Her left eye was already starting to bruise from the face butt as he lifted her chin. He had beaten her. Beaten her and won. And it had been done a way that would burn in her mind forever.
But as the warmth seeped back, in its own way, into his gaze, and the tension on her jaw was eased slightly, he imparted the part she would also remember forever. Sometimes things happened you couldn't control. It wasn't anyone's fault... “Yes, Sir..” she managed as he let go.
When he released her and walked away, she had assumed it was to leave the room with a summons to return after seeing medical. Her mind had time to wonder if Royal would still consider her worthy of him if he saw her this way.
When the bag landed at her side, she jumped, once more startled like a new Cadet on a weapons range. At the order to roll over, she complied. But she closed her eyes as once more she fought to remain conscious from the pain. The moan wasn't able to be stopped as she moved the battered body to its back for him to see to. A mixture of relief and fear in her face when her eyes opened once more. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Okay. Leg first. Hood thing for you I served with the best Doc in the history of the Corps..." and he gently lifted the dislocated leg, supporting the knee with one strong hand.
"Okay, on three. One..." and he pulled and twisted and the knee slid back into place with a much louder pop than when it had been moved the first time.
Without waiting, he then said "Face, then hip." and he reached in the bag and brought out a oddly shaped device. "Osteogenic stimulator recalibrated for cartilage and bone. Hold still." and he placed the device on her bruised face and tapped a few commands. "Now hip. Dont move. And don't flatter yourself." he added as he grabbed the waist of her blue leggings and yanked them down just past her pelvis. He glanced at the bruised and swollen flesh of her hip and chuckled. "Gretchen is not a kind mistress, let me tell you..." and he reached into the bag and drew out a clear jar with a black lid. Inside was a slightly glowing blue substance. Pikelsimer shook the jar vigorously for a few seconds, then opened it and dipped three fingers into it and began spreading over her hip. It was ice cold and stung more than a little, but the pain in her hip began to subside almost immediately. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The pop and subsequent pain pushed her over the edge and her cry ended with her half passing out. Darkness swam and she had to cover her eyes to try and press the spots away. As her hand came down, the command to hold still was proceeded by a slight pain as her nose was settled back in place.
When it came to her hip, it was another matter. The easy part was not flattening her hips to the floor. The hard part was not jerking away from his touch. The cold made her slam a fist into the mat with a growl, having at least enough clearness of mind not to strike the man crouched beside her.
When it was done, her heart was racing and her breathing was quick and shallow. But the pain, for the most part, had receded to dull aches. When she could speak again, she looked at him. “Why are you here? I have had my butt whooping lessons to last me a while, thank you very much. I didn't need to be disassembled like a weapon being scrapped to be lectured.” The venom in her voice was obvious and she didn't hold back the malice she felt for the man. Two minutes of compassionate medical attention didn't warrant a hug and 'it's all right' in her book.
Not even close. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
The man settled down next to her and said "Name's Pikelsimer. Micah Pikelsimer. Star Fleet Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, retired." and he gave her a two finger salute. "And I am here to beat your ass. And now that that is done, I'm here to help you get your head on straight." and he looked down at her. "And yes, you actually are a weapon being disassembled. You are in pieces, L-T, whether you know it or not. You are, and I know because I've been there. And that's why your boyfriend called me and asked me to come out and give you a hand sorting stuff out." and he stretched as if he were on a sunny beach on Risa and closed his eyes and pointed his face at the ceiling.
"So... I read your debrief. Watched the vid. Oh, and I went over the after action report. Nasty stuff, that. Veeerrryyyy nasty. No doubt." and he then just sat in silence. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
She stayed on her back because it meant she was stable and no longer about to pass out. But she watched him as he moved. With the mention of her being a broken weapon, her heart clenched. It that what she had come back as?
While her heart and breathing were starting to steady, they still affected her voice, as did the bit of anger still sitting in the pit of her stomach. “Sinclair knew you were going to do this to me?” The fact she had known he was going to get someone for her to 'talk to' never crossed her mind into this.
The comment about reading the report, and apparently not the redacted version, didn't even register. “Yes... it was. I got us all killed.” She didn't realize, either, that she had included herself in the body count. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Sinclair asked for my help. My methods are my own. So put that right outta your damn head right now." and he flicked her closest ear with his finger. "And hold the hell still, dumbass. Your nose'll be crookeder than a broke back ratllesnake." and he settled back down.
"Yeah... I imagine I got a whoopin' comin' from that tall drink'a water. But it is what it is." and he looked down at her, his voice like a blade in its sudden intensity. "And no the fuck it did NOT get you all killed. You're still here, ain't ya, dipshit?" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
"OWwww...." a growl followed the expletive as he flicked her ear. The fact that the Marine knew Sinclair wouldn't be happy about his methods made her feel a little better.
The edge of his voice as he dropped it to the point where even his screaming would have been preferred, made her look out the corner of her eyes at him. She barely turned her head, knowing another reprimand would come from moving if she did. "Yes.. but they aren't ! Are they, dipshit?" Her own voice edged on its own. The low growl not as intimidating as his stoicism had been. Her rage still burning despite the lessons learned. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
He locked her with a glare that would have melted the deuterium hull of a Romulan juggernaut. His voice a low growl, more terrifyingthan him yelling. "No, they aren't! And there is exactly fuck AND all you can do about that! YOU DONT CONTROL WHO LIVES AND DIES. You ain't that fucking special! And the sooner you learn that, the better!" and he flicked her ear again even harder. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Her hand reflexively reached out in an attempt to punch him. But his proximity and her condition, culminated in no more than her backhanding his thigh. “STOP!”
She growled at him and debated leaving her face messed up just to move out of this room with him. “So fine. I can't do anything about it. That doesn't make the nightmares stop, the guilt any less or better my temper. The last was lower in dept of voice to convey that no matter how many more times he said it, she wasn't going to stop being mad. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Nope. The nightmares will lessen over time. Long time, but they will" Pikelsimer said in an even tone, as if the previous 30 seconds had never happened. "Guilt? Hell, woman. Guilt is a choice. You choose to be guilty. And you choose to stop being guilty. Hell, it ain't like you got anything to be guilty of, anyhow. Those folks in that cabin? They were bait. And bait dont usually make it through the fishin'." and he looked down at her.
"Any of those numbnuts in Intel tell you about those folks? About the adhesive used on them? The staging? The glue holding their lips closed so they couldnt talk? They tell you any of that? Or did they just leave you to wallow in your own private prison?" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Sha listened. To her surprise she listened more than she meant to. His words about guilt, and his calmer demeanor. Helped her sift thru the memories and just exactly what she es feeling guilty about. A bit of tension slowly started to ease, deep in the pit of her stomach, when he admitted the nightmares while continue. He was being honest. And she'd never have said it, but she was thankful.
"Bit of both." She sighed when questioned about details. "When I was on the floor after the... after I was taken down. I saw the adhesive and guessed at the rest." Every time she'd asked about the mission details, she'd been brushed off and dismissed. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Guessed? Holy hell... no wonder you're all tied up. Tell me... in your infinate wisdom and decades of experienece... what do you guess happened?" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
His surprise actually shocked her. Her head shook, though minutely, “When I was on the floor, after my back was burned and I was left for dead, there was a hostage beside me. One I had cut down. Their lips were sealed with.... something...” Even now her face screwed up with confusion. “I realized if their lips had been sealed, then maybe other things had happened. A week later, I caught a glimpse of a medical report from one of the hostages. They had chemical burns of 'unknown origin' on their hands and bottom. I figured whatever was used, the simple clothes they had on hadn't kept it off their skin.” She closed her eyes as she remembered. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer laughed out loud. "And you keep beating yourself up? Even knowing that?" He then moved so she could see him without moving. And there was a malicious grin on his face... a smile that said part of this man enjoyed inflicting pain on people... but on people deserving of such punishment. And it didnt seem that the grin was for Sha, but for someone else.
"You know, I shouldn't tell you this, but fuck it. You were right when you thought the hostages had been drugged. They were. Combination of sedative and psychotropic compounds. Meant to keep them docile and complacent no matter what. So when you all busted in and started doing what you were told to do, they let you. Hell, those poor bastards probably never even knew what was going on." and he got close to her... very close. "Dont you see, dumbass? You are out here torturing yourself and holding yourself responsible... but you got set up, bitch!" He used the derivative as a familiar term, not an insult. "You and your team got played. All you's poor sonsabitches were supposed to die. ALL of you." and he moved back and laughed hard. "Ooo-eee what I would give to have seen the look on whoever put this together's face when they got told you made it. Man... I bet they absolutely shit!" and he laughed again. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
His face, that close to his, let him see her start to process what he was told. She was hand picked for this operation. That meant... No... her brain wouldn't accept that. Surely he didn't mean what she initially thought.
“Of course we were supposed to die. That's what the enemy counts on. But now we know their tactics. Right? So the next team won't be so quick to shoot first.” They had lost their edge that had probably served for years. But she had brushed aside the idea that her own had been behind it all. After all, the Federation wouldn't do that. And there had been some top people with her including a couple officers.
“So I'm glad they lost their edge. Next time I'll be sure to have face profile information available. And I'll recommend it with every other dealing with them, if the Federation continues to deal with them, that is.” Her brain was already planning her next foray against them. Despite the fact it probably wouldn't happen. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer sighed heavily and said "You really are dense, aren't you. And here I thought Sinclair like them brainy, not just busty." and sat up and started jabbing his finger into her forehead as he spoke. "THE. FEDERATION. SET. YOU. UP." and he emphasized each word with a poke. "Dont you get it? If the actual organization who planned this didnt sett up, then they have a major security leak and someone sold you out to the bad guys. Good lord! Are you meaning to be stupid, or is it a natural talent?!" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
“No...” the word came out but it was almost as if, in voicing it, she was trying to convince herself of the lie she wanted it to be.
As he started to tap her forehead, she reached up and swatted his hand away. “No... I've been in deep space for four years. I haven't been part of that world in 5... why would they think I had anything to do with it? I had never heard of the planet or the people till they pulled me out for the mission.” Her anger was evident and in that rage, she moved to tear the machine from her face that was working on her nose and sinus area.
“GET IT OFF!” While rage was the motivator, fear had seeped into the words. She was panicking now and her first concern was Sinclair. If they thought way out here she had been a liability, would they think Sinclair was aware? Would he be targetted? He was the new Security Chief. An odd promotion for a Counselor... experience or not. She hollered again as the sudden move of knees and hips also shot a soft pain up her side. It wasn't sharp, but reminded her deep in her mind, that she had recently been hurt. “GET IT OFF!!” She hollered once more when shaking hands couldn't figure out how to break the seal. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
The man's voice filled the room in an instant. "STAND DOWN LIEUTENANT!! AT EASE!" he commanded. and he stood up and straddled her, his legs on either side of her shoulders. "NOW GET A GRIP. YOU AINT DOIN' NOBODY ANY GOOD RIGHT NOW." and he looked down at her and pointed a finger.
"You need to take minute, lady. Breath. Think before you act. You obviously have a brain in your head. Fucking use it." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
The order calmed her instantly, reflex and training not letting her disobey. But as he stopped her hands, she looked up at him. Her body still struggling slightly though it wasn't with any real strength.
Her eyes were still in panic mode, but her mind started to calculate it out. “We have to warn Sinclair. If this promotion came from anyone other than the Captain...” she let the thought trail off.
Her breathing was heavy like the fight with him was still going on. “What threat, out here, could I have been to them?” Then something made her almost go deathlike still.
“Sinclair knew... or suspected. Because of my night terrors. Didn't he? That's why he chose you and not a regular station shrink. Because you can find out things he couldn't...” Little things started to make sense. Sinclair's insistence at her getting help... the immediate arrival of Piklesimon as if he had been waiting in the wings... “That's how you got here so easily.”
She looked up at him and her eyes refocused from wherever she had been, back to the present. “You're here for us both... aren't you?” <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer looked at her and then shook his head and chuckled. "Damn, but you're thick." he said. He then looked down at her and said "We arent warning anybody about anything. Because there ain't nothing to warn them about!" and he moved from over her to her side again and sat.
"Neither you or Sinclair, or anyone on this ship, is in any danger... far as I can tell anyway." and he grunted and shoved his legs out straight and leaned back on his arms.
"Let me give you a lesson or three in Clandestine Operations That Go Awry. Lesson one: Normal people live their lives thinking the Federation is above getting its hands dirty. A good ideal, but wholly impractical. We do just as much shady shit as the damn Rommies, if not more. Lesson two: When a plan requires the sacrifice of lives of personnel, those selected are usually so far removed from the agency and people planning said operation that in the very rare occasion things go sideways... like you living, for example... there are layers upon layers of insulation keeping the mistakes from blowing back on the people responsible. Lesson three: If you were seen as a liability, you'd have never been extracted in the first place. Or if you were, you would have -" and made air quotes with his fingers, "- 'died from wounds incurred while serving with honor and dedication' or some shit. So the fact that you are here means the powers that be know you cant be traced back to them. So you and your boy-toy are safe... well.. at least safe from them. And his promotion was your Captain's idea. In fact, Fleet pushed back on it. But that is irrelevant here."
He looked directly at her and said "Remember a few minutes ago? When I told you you ain't that fucking special? Welll... you ain't. So dont start looking for shadows in the sun, dummy." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
From one extreme to the other and she had 'still' missed the mark. But it still didn't sit well that she had been picked as a lamb to slaughter who just managed to escape the butcher's axe. “So just a name pulled from a list...” she said as her body calmed and he slid off her. It did make her feel better that Sinclair wasn't a target. It also pleased her that the Captain had picked him and done it without the blessing of the Fleet. She had been relieved it was him watching the CO's back when she had come back. Her recommendation had been because of experience and longevity, but only as it pertained to others in security. That the CO had chosen Sinclair meant he had been thinking about more than merely a stand in.
The word 'boy-toy' struck a nerve, but she had decided to give up on commenting, having learned with him to pick her battles. Royal's nicknames or Piklesimon's view of him wasn't worth the anxiety of going toe to toe with him.
“So basically you came here to kick my ass, tell me I'm not responsible, and reassure me the nightmares will continue for a gods length of time....” She looked back up at the ceiling and closed her eyes. “You should have let the holo program kick my ass and saved yourself the trip.
Her head was aching as the adrenaline crash from the fight started to hit her and she was tired to the very center of her being. “They were chemically restrained in all ways, I didn't have a chance, and no one gives a targ's backside because it's over. That about the gist of it... Sir?” Her eyes opened to glance at him, her hand poised to swat him away if he flicked her ear once more. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
"Boss. I told you... you call me Boss. I work for a living, dammit." and he grinned at her.
Taking a moment, he leaned over and squinted at the device on her face and nodded. "You'll be sore for a few days. I'd refrain from too much exertion or else your nose'll bleed like a overflowing creek." he said as he removed the device and looked at her. "Yep. Still ugly." he said with a grin and he shoved the device in the bag. He then looked at her bare hip. "Couple more minutes, and those critters'll be done." and he stood up and moved to the wall, sitting and putting his back against it.
"I told you I came here to kick your ass when you walked in. You know why?" and he fixed her with a look that was two parts drill instructor and one part sympathetic. "Because no one did me that favor when I got back from having to get this." and he rapped the artificial arm with his knuckles. "And as far as you being responsible... well, shouldn't no one be made to carry that sorta weight unless they earned it. So when 'ol Royal asked me to look into what happened to you, I did. And what I found... well... let's just say I'm not the kinda fella to let something like that slide. And lucky for you, I'm in a position to do something about it, where you are not. And as far as the nightmares go? They'll always be there, girl. Just gotta learn to treat them for what they are... dreams. Memories. Shadows of the past, nothing more. Those things only have power if we give them power." His head cocked to side slightly and a quizzical expression came onto his face. "You now know what it's like to be really powerless. And you lived. So... next time you feel really powerless, just know that you'll live through that, too. That's the sweet spot, L-T. Knowing that no matter what those fucks throw at you, you will make it. Understand now?"<e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
She smiled at his 'boss' comment remembering how non officers hated the 'sir' word. She took it with a sip of wine cause it never bothered her one way or another unless she was dressing someone down and she knew 'sir' meant they were listening... and understood.
“Yes... boss,” she smiled lightly at him.
She winced slightly as the device came off and laughed. “If I wasn't ugly still, the ridges would look out of place. Don't you think?” When he scooted back to settle against the wall she shifted slightly to rise up on her elbows, careful not to roll her hip.
“Well, if you ever want that ass whooping, you come see me.” She laughed and added before he could insult her. “I promise to program a nice butt thumping holo program for you. Deal?”
His admired his devotion to Sinclair enough to come to her aide without even knowing her, victim of circumstances or not. He, in all reality, could have just passed the info on to Sinclair and that would have been that. She nodded as he finished and looked at him. “How much does Royal know? I don't imagine he would be satisfied with a simple 'I've got it covered' from you.” She knew Sinclair well enough to know that a statement like that would made him dig deeper. Perhaps even to his detriment. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
"He knows what he needs to. No more, no less." and he paused and took a long hard look at her. "Your head on straight, now? Or do we need another 'therapy session'?" he asked pointedly. " Think before you answer. Remember... use your head before anything else." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
She nodded at his comment about Sinclair. She would share more, in time, she was sure. For now, she would let it be. “As to being straight. It wasn't exactly straight before all this. So all I can admit is I will cope better. That's the best I can give without lieing.” She hoped it was enough. “But in answer... no. I don't need another lesson. Though I would like to learn that take down. I admit my brain couldn't think of a way to escape it, even in hindsight.”
She looked at him a moment. It put a knot in her chest, but she had to ask. “Did Sinclair need a lesson like this one at some point? Is that how you got to know him? Either from being the lesson, or going thru the ordeal with him?” This wasn't the kind of man she had expected Royal to be friends with. But on the other hand, it didn't surprise her, either. Which made no sense, if she really thought on it. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer laughed. "Oh hell no. Royal didnt need the lesson... I did. After the Cardassians had their way with me and my team and I lost the 'ol wank-stick here..." and he waved the metal arm about, " ... I musta' seen twenty or thirty shrinks. All of them shit. And I kept having to see them or they yank my clearance. So I was stuck. Then one day,here comes this big 'ol bull of a kid. All smiles and friendly and wanting to help. Going through school to be a head shrinker instead of a head stomper. 'What a waste.' I say. Well, we chat a few times, go over the time... and then one day he looks at me and says 'Do me a favor, Gunny... and he was the only one to call me that... prolly on account of his granddad and all... anyways he says 'Stand up a sec.' So I do and so does he. He puts his big 'ol mitts on my shoulders and I think 'What kinda touchy feeling bullshit we gonna do now?' ya know? And he gives me that look that says 'Trust me.'... I'm sure you know it... so I relax a bit... "
"And that son of a bitch punched me square in the face!" he says as he sat straight up, obviously still surprised and more than amused at the memory. "Knocked me right off my feet, over the couch... broke my damn nose!" and he laughed some more. "I tell ya, I was so pissed, so shocked... I didn't know what to do. And he just looks at me and says... I'll never forget it... he just says 'You good?'... And I just looked at him and went 'No, you dumb sunavabitch! You broke my nose!' And 'ol Royal just says 'Yep. You worried about your arm now?'" and I tell you... my jaw hit the floor. I wasnt . First time in years I didnt even think about it. That big ox just basically rebooted my brain. Dunno how he did it, didnt ask. But I tell ya... I left feeling better than I had in years. First and only Counselor to actually listen to me and then speak in a language I could understand. He is one hell of a guy..."
His gaze move directly to Sha and his face went stone blank. When he spoke, his words were that of a man of conviction who did not make idle threats.
"Speaking of... I know you two are a thing. That's good. He deserves to have someone. Bit I will tell you right now.... you hurt that boy and I will kill you." and he leaned forward. "Kill you dead. And I'll sleep like a baby that night, too. Got it.?" <e>
Sha listened and understanding and compassion lit her face. “That sounds like something he would do. Though I admit he wasn't that way with me.” She blushed and moved on quickly remembering he had certainly kicked her backside, but it wasn't in counseling sessions.
“He 'does' have a way of making you forget your troubles. He helped me before we were a 'thing' when I first came here, and angry and postured young new L-T with a chip on my shoulder.” He had reminded her that posturing was great for the parade route but didn't do squat for the men under you when shit hit the fan.
When he moved to stare right at her, a slight shiver went down her spine like a seer had stepped over her skin. Ignoring her hip, despite the stiffnes settling in from not moving, she sat straight up, legs still outstretched and looked him dead in the eyes. “He fought to claim me.” She let the comment and its weight sink in wondering if he understood just what that meant. “I was willing to keep it casual. He wanted this as much as I did. The fact he did what he did earned him a place that some family members haven't earned. I give you my word, Gunny, that if I ever betray him, I will hand you the bat'leth for the job. Deal?”
Other phrases and promises had been given with looks of sincerity. This time her gaze bordered on the cusp of a verbal blood oath. And she knew he would comprehend exactly what it meant, and cost, her to say it. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
The wicked smile returned, but this time she was most certainly the target. "Oh... little girl... what makes you think I'd give you a warrior's death, huh? You hurt that boy, and you'll be disintegrated. No body for the fire, no remains for anyone. Just... gone..." and his held a fire that said he knew exactly what that meant.
Then the switch flipped again and he stood up. He walked over to her and motioned for her to lay down. He straddled her thighs and reached in the bag and pulled out the glowing blue goo. Instead of shaking it, he swirled it around in lazy circles for a few seconds and then unscrewed the lid. Holding the jar next to the hip covered in the blue slime, he gently pushed the lip under the edge of the goo on her skin. As he did, the substance began undulating and slowly moved back into the jar. Underneath, the skin was wrinkled slightly and a few shades more pale than the rest of her, but the swelling and bruising were completely gone.
"That'll fade in a few hours. Now, before folks start talking..." and he stood up and stepped to the side. "Try standing up. Go slow." and he put the jar in the bag. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
She gave an equal look and smiled. He hadn't said anything about her making a sim to kick his backside. But she also knew when it came to Royal, he meant every word. A minute nod of her head was all he got.
She laid down as ordered and his body pinning her down was anything but erotic. She knew what he was capable of and knew a tussle with him would have ended up with her being claimed, and not in a way she likely would have been able to choose as Sinclair had given her.
She released her torso from where it was propped up and laid on her back, watching in fascination as the 'creature' or 'creatures', for lack of a better term, crawled back into the jar. His quip about people talking made her laugh. “Somehow I doubt tongues wag loosely about you more than once.”
At his order, she sat up once more and rocked her hips slightly. Then she bent her knees and felt the stiffness without the sharp pain of earlier. It was a vast improvement. Slowly she rolled and stood up, cautious not to put herself on her knees first. She may be in once piece, but she certainly wasn't healed completely.
A head rush made her close her eyes a moment when she was finally up. But then she looked at him with another nod. “I doubt I'll be sparring the next day or two, but thank you. It does feel better than the last time you asked if I could stand.” <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer just nodded his head in approval. He finished gathering up the remaining few items and storing them away. He then lifted the bag off the floor and looked at her, as if appraising her..
"You'll be ok. You just have to let it go. Hope this little exercise helped." and he turned to face her fully.
"Those that did this... to you and the rest of your team? They'll get theirs. And when that happens, you'll know. That help get it out of your head?" <e>
She laughed softly. “I will make sure it helped.”
When he gave the warning and retribution was flying in the darkness to those who had done this, it eased a knot in her chest in a place she hadn't even realized was there. A single slightly nod was all she gave him, along with a look that lasted long enough to convey that she knew better than to ask, but was extremely appreciative.
Then her smile, which had started to slide, brightened once more as she fixed the edges of her leggings around her hips. “Come to dinner, please? I would say 'cooked' is a stretch, but I can replicate a mean dinner. Join Royal and I this evening. I know he would like to have the three of us together. If for no other reason than to be sure both of us are still alive and kicking.” She laughed slightly. “The 'us' being me...”
She took a step towards the door. “And it would please me for you to know, then you leave, that he is truly happy. It would mean a lot to me.” She admitted that his opinion, in regards to Royal, was something she wanted. <e>
Rhino04/23/2020
Pikelsimer looked at her and hard for a moment, as if weighing something inside him. "Fine. That's... fine. You clear that with Sinclair, and let me know. I'm on board for another twenty-four hours. Just let me know where and when." and he hefted the bag and walked to the door. As the doors opened, he turned left and simply walked down the passageway. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/23/2020
She wondered for a moment on the hesitation, but she took the acceptance and let it go. After he departed, she went back Royal's room to shower. She was limping, but not horribly so and there was still slight bruising on her lower ridges where the head butt had done its job. <e>
Sha gets a call on her comm about a week after Royal tells her he will find her a Counselor. She is told to show up on the holodeck and assumes it's for a spar session with Royal. She arrives in a blank holo deck to find a man there who's only words are "I came to fix you" and then begins to fight with her.
Micah isn't much stronger, but his skill is more combat honed than Sha. He quickly gets her on the ground and nearly dislocates her knee just before using his metallic right arm to sucker punch her in the hip. Things aren't going well. And while he isn't asking if she is done... she isn't calling for mercy. At least... not yet.
********
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The cry for the computer was cut short at the punch to her side. Her back bowed as the shot of pain traveled across her hips and up her spine. She let go of her attackers arm and tried to protect the hip from a potential second blow. Even as she grasped at the smooth floor to try and scramble away. Pain now hazing her mind and causing her to fight to keep from passing out from the attack.
Panting and gasping for air, trying to calm herself as to why the computer hadn't stopped, she barely has time to think of an escape before she screamed once more when her knee was popped from it's place and no longer useful as a point of pressure to help in her escape. She fell still in defeat even as the man released her. One hand pressed to the throttled hip, her other hand pressed to the floor half under her chest, she couldn't bring herself to rise. “Stop... please... stop...” The words were two fold as she pressed her forehead to the mat, trying to cool herself on its surface and keep from crying for help.
Part of her was asking the attacker to stop... but her mind was also asking the vision to stop. She was helpless, left for dead, on the cabin floor again. Remaining still in hopes that the two left standing wouldn't sense her breathing and come to finish her off. Even when the water bottle rolled to a stop against her arm, she didn't look up. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"DRINK. NOW." came a barked order that demanded no hesitation or back-talk. The man leaned against the wall, watching her with steely eyes... no remorse, so shame, no pity. Just annoyance and irritation. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The barked command elicited a slight jump from Sha as if she had been hit once more. She winced in pain as arms moved with difficulty to open the bottle and take a sip. She hadn't meant to do more than that, but her body wanted more and it was nearly a third drained when she coughed and recapped the bottle to keep it from spilling. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
The man said "Can you stand?" in his harsh, commanding tone and; not receiving an absolutely immediate answer yelled "I SAID CAN YOU STAND, MAGGOT!!!" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Sha panted as she tried to calm herself. Her fist balled up under her cutting crimson crescents in her skin from the pressure. When the yell to stand came, her initial instinct was to remain on the floor. If she did that, maybe he would go away.
But the warrior in her wouldn't accept that. With a bite to her lip that threatened to split her skin, she got her good leg under her and started to rise. The pain caused an unwanted cry, but it was swiftly snapped short as she managed to stand. The loss of her knee meant she balanced on one leg. And the hip of that leg had been compromised as well. Her half stand, half crouch was steadied just enough for her to look up in defiance and manage a single word...
“Yes...”
The pain was already taking its toll as sweat beaded on her forhead, rivulets threatening to roll down her Klingon ridges. But she was more than half up. To her, it was a defiant victory. Even if was bitter sweet. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
The man's jaw clenched tight and he pushed himself off the wall and walked towards her. As he got close, he stopped and glared at her. No movement, no sound, nothing.
Then, without warning, he brought his forehead down on the bridge of her nose... hard. Driving through the blow, he threw a punch at her solar plexus, aiming to go in and up to drive the air out of her lungs. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The free hand, not pressed to her thigh to brace her, raised up to grab he face. Unfortunately, it opened her torso up and the blow met no resistance. A grunt expelled with the lung compression of released air. For a moment, unable to inhale or exhale, her eyes went wide.
She went down to all fours and the abused knee gave out landing her on her side. With a bloody nose and every part of her body proclaiming it's pain, stars filled her vision and it took concentrated effort not pass out.
One word was all she managed. The choking sob of defeat finally in Sha's voice.
"Why....?"
Unable to move, hardly able to breathe, she wasn't even capable of looking at him above her. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
He bent low over her and grabbed her chin, roughly forcing her face to his only inches away.
"Because now you know what it feels like to be broken. Defeated. Best down so bad you cant move." and then, as if a switch had been flipped, he released her and stood up straight and looked at her with less hostility and more... compassion? Familiarity? It was hard to tell on the man's stone carved face. But there was definately something more warm than before.
"Any time you feel like you are back in that cabin... like the world has had it's way with you and chewed up and spit you out, you remember this. How you feel right this very minute. Because right now, you lost. You have no power, no escape, nothing. Hell, I could kill you right now and no one other than that big-ass Scot would even know I was here. That's lesson one: You cant control everything, so stop fuckin' tryin'. Control yourself, the rest is gravy." The man had a distinctive accent... one referred to in vids as 'hillbilly'.
He let his words sink in a bit and then he walked over to the same corner the water bottles came from and he lifted a jet-black bag from the floor. Coming back over, he dropped it with a hard bang that echoed in the empty space. Sitting down on the floor next to her , he said "All right, roll over. I got some repairs to do. You ain't gonna like it, but we cant have you walking out of here looking like you got your ass kicked by an old man." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Her left eye was already starting to bruise from the face butt as he lifted her chin. He had beaten her. Beaten her and won. And it had been done a way that would burn in her mind forever.
But as the warmth seeped back, in its own way, into his gaze, and the tension on her jaw was eased slightly, he imparted the part she would also remember forever. Sometimes things happened you couldn't control. It wasn't anyone's fault... “Yes, Sir..” she managed as he let go.
When he released her and walked away, she had assumed it was to leave the room with a summons to return after seeing medical. Her mind had time to wonder if Royal would still consider her worthy of him if he saw her this way.
When the bag landed at her side, she jumped, once more startled like a new Cadet on a weapons range. At the order to roll over, she complied. But she closed her eyes as once more she fought to remain conscious from the pain. The moan wasn't able to be stopped as she moved the battered body to its back for him to see to. A mixture of relief and fear in her face when her eyes opened once more. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Okay. Leg first. Hood thing for you I served with the best Doc in the history of the Corps..." and he gently lifted the dislocated leg, supporting the knee with one strong hand.
"Okay, on three. One..." and he pulled and twisted and the knee slid back into place with a much louder pop than when it had been moved the first time.
Without waiting, he then said "Face, then hip." and he reached in the bag and brought out a oddly shaped device. "Osteogenic stimulator recalibrated for cartilage and bone. Hold still." and he placed the device on her bruised face and tapped a few commands. "Now hip. Dont move. And don't flatter yourself." he added as he grabbed the waist of her blue leggings and yanked them down just past her pelvis. He glanced at the bruised and swollen flesh of her hip and chuckled. "Gretchen is not a kind mistress, let me tell you..." and he reached into the bag and drew out a clear jar with a black lid. Inside was a slightly glowing blue substance. Pikelsimer shook the jar vigorously for a few seconds, then opened it and dipped three fingers into it and began spreading over her hip. It was ice cold and stung more than a little, but the pain in her hip began to subside almost immediately. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
The pop and subsequent pain pushed her over the edge and her cry ended with her half passing out. Darkness swam and she had to cover her eyes to try and press the spots away. As her hand came down, the command to hold still was proceeded by a slight pain as her nose was settled back in place.
When it came to her hip, it was another matter. The easy part was not flattening her hips to the floor. The hard part was not jerking away from his touch. The cold made her slam a fist into the mat with a growl, having at least enough clearness of mind not to strike the man crouched beside her.
When it was done, her heart was racing and her breathing was quick and shallow. But the pain, for the most part, had receded to dull aches. When she could speak again, she looked at him. “Why are you here? I have had my butt whooping lessons to last me a while, thank you very much. I didn't need to be disassembled like a weapon being scrapped to be lectured.” The venom in her voice was obvious and she didn't hold back the malice she felt for the man. Two minutes of compassionate medical attention didn't warrant a hug and 'it's all right' in her book.
Not even close. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
The man settled down next to her and said "Name's Pikelsimer. Micah Pikelsimer. Star Fleet Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, retired." and he gave her a two finger salute. "And I am here to beat your ass. And now that that is done, I'm here to help you get your head on straight." and he looked down at her. "And yes, you actually are a weapon being disassembled. You are in pieces, L-T, whether you know it or not. You are, and I know because I've been there. And that's why your boyfriend called me and asked me to come out and give you a hand sorting stuff out." and he stretched as if he were on a sunny beach on Risa and closed his eyes and pointed his face at the ceiling.
"So... I read your debrief. Watched the vid. Oh, and I went over the after action report. Nasty stuff, that. Veeerrryyyy nasty. No doubt." and he then just sat in silence. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
She stayed on her back because it meant she was stable and no longer about to pass out. But she watched him as he moved. With the mention of her being a broken weapon, her heart clenched. It that what she had come back as?
While her heart and breathing were starting to steady, they still affected her voice, as did the bit of anger still sitting in the pit of her stomach. “Sinclair knew you were going to do this to me?” The fact she had known he was going to get someone for her to 'talk to' never crossed her mind into this.
The comment about reading the report, and apparently not the redacted version, didn't even register. “Yes... it was. I got us all killed.” She didn't realize, either, that she had included herself in the body count. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Sinclair asked for my help. My methods are my own. So put that right outta your damn head right now." and he flicked her closest ear with his finger. "And hold the hell still, dumbass. Your nose'll be crookeder than a broke back ratllesnake." and he settled back down.
"Yeah... I imagine I got a whoopin' comin' from that tall drink'a water. But it is what it is." and he looked down at her, his voice like a blade in its sudden intensity. "And no the fuck it did NOT get you all killed. You're still here, ain't ya, dipshit?" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
"OWwww...." a growl followed the expletive as he flicked her ear. The fact that the Marine knew Sinclair wouldn't be happy about his methods made her feel a little better.
The edge of his voice as he dropped it to the point where even his screaming would have been preferred, made her look out the corner of her eyes at him. She barely turned her head, knowing another reprimand would come from moving if she did. "Yes.. but they aren't ! Are they, dipshit?" Her own voice edged on its own. The low growl not as intimidating as his stoicism had been. Her rage still burning despite the lessons learned. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
He locked her with a glare that would have melted the deuterium hull of a Romulan juggernaut. His voice a low growl, more terrifyingthan him yelling. "No, they aren't! And there is exactly fuck AND all you can do about that! YOU DONT CONTROL WHO LIVES AND DIES. You ain't that fucking special! And the sooner you learn that, the better!" and he flicked her ear again even harder. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Her hand reflexively reached out in an attempt to punch him. But his proximity and her condition, culminated in no more than her backhanding his thigh. “STOP!”
She growled at him and debated leaving her face messed up just to move out of this room with him. “So fine. I can't do anything about it. That doesn't make the nightmares stop, the guilt any less or better my temper. The last was lower in dept of voice to convey that no matter how many more times he said it, she wasn't going to stop being mad. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Nope. The nightmares will lessen over time. Long time, but they will" Pikelsimer said in an even tone, as if the previous 30 seconds had never happened. "Guilt? Hell, woman. Guilt is a choice. You choose to be guilty. And you choose to stop being guilty. Hell, it ain't like you got anything to be guilty of, anyhow. Those folks in that cabin? They were bait. And bait dont usually make it through the fishin'." and he looked down at her.
"Any of those numbnuts in Intel tell you about those folks? About the adhesive used on them? The staging? The glue holding their lips closed so they couldnt talk? They tell you any of that? Or did they just leave you to wallow in your own private prison?" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
Sha listened. To her surprise she listened more than she meant to. His words about guilt, and his calmer demeanor. Helped her sift thru the memories and just exactly what she es feeling guilty about. A bit of tension slowly started to ease, deep in the pit of her stomach, when he admitted the nightmares while continue. He was being honest. And she'd never have said it, but she was thankful.
"Bit of both." She sighed when questioned about details. "When I was on the floor after the... after I was taken down. I saw the adhesive and guessed at the rest." Every time she'd asked about the mission details, she'd been brushed off and dismissed. <e>
Rhino04/21/2020
"Guessed? Holy hell... no wonder you're all tied up. Tell me... in your infinate wisdom and decades of experienece... what do you guess happened?" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/21/2020
His surprise actually shocked her. Her head shook, though minutely, “When I was on the floor, after my back was burned and I was left for dead, there was a hostage beside me. One I had cut down. Their lips were sealed with.... something...” Even now her face screwed up with confusion. “I realized if their lips had been sealed, then maybe other things had happened. A week later, I caught a glimpse of a medical report from one of the hostages. They had chemical burns of 'unknown origin' on their hands and bottom. I figured whatever was used, the simple clothes they had on hadn't kept it off their skin.” She closed her eyes as she remembered. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer laughed out loud. "And you keep beating yourself up? Even knowing that?" He then moved so she could see him without moving. And there was a malicious grin on his face... a smile that said part of this man enjoyed inflicting pain on people... but on people deserving of such punishment. And it didnt seem that the grin was for Sha, but for someone else.
"You know, I shouldn't tell you this, but fuck it. You were right when you thought the hostages had been drugged. They were. Combination of sedative and psychotropic compounds. Meant to keep them docile and complacent no matter what. So when you all busted in and started doing what you were told to do, they let you. Hell, those poor bastards probably never even knew what was going on." and he got close to her... very close. "Dont you see, dumbass? You are out here torturing yourself and holding yourself responsible... but you got set up, bitch!" He used the derivative as a familiar term, not an insult. "You and your team got played. All you's poor sonsabitches were supposed to die. ALL of you." and he moved back and laughed hard. "Ooo-eee what I would give to have seen the look on whoever put this together's face when they got told you made it. Man... I bet they absolutely shit!" and he laughed again. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
His face, that close to his, let him see her start to process what he was told. She was hand picked for this operation. That meant... No... her brain wouldn't accept that. Surely he didn't mean what she initially thought.
“Of course we were supposed to die. That's what the enemy counts on. But now we know their tactics. Right? So the next team won't be so quick to shoot first.” They had lost their edge that had probably served for years. But she had brushed aside the idea that her own had been behind it all. After all, the Federation wouldn't do that. And there had been some top people with her including a couple officers.
“So I'm glad they lost their edge. Next time I'll be sure to have face profile information available. And I'll recommend it with every other dealing with them, if the Federation continues to deal with them, that is.” Her brain was already planning her next foray against them. Despite the fact it probably wouldn't happen. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer sighed heavily and said "You really are dense, aren't you. And here I thought Sinclair like them brainy, not just busty." and sat up and started jabbing his finger into her forehead as he spoke. "THE. FEDERATION. SET. YOU. UP." and he emphasized each word with a poke. "Dont you get it? If the actual organization who planned this didnt sett up, then they have a major security leak and someone sold you out to the bad guys. Good lord! Are you meaning to be stupid, or is it a natural talent?!" <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
“No...” the word came out but it was almost as if, in voicing it, she was trying to convince herself of the lie she wanted it to be.
As he started to tap her forehead, she reached up and swatted his hand away. “No... I've been in deep space for four years. I haven't been part of that world in 5... why would they think I had anything to do with it? I had never heard of the planet or the people till they pulled me out for the mission.” Her anger was evident and in that rage, she moved to tear the machine from her face that was working on her nose and sinus area.
“GET IT OFF!” While rage was the motivator, fear had seeped into the words. She was panicking now and her first concern was Sinclair. If they thought way out here she had been a liability, would they think Sinclair was aware? Would he be targetted? He was the new Security Chief. An odd promotion for a Counselor... experience or not. She hollered again as the sudden move of knees and hips also shot a soft pain up her side. It wasn't sharp, but reminded her deep in her mind, that she had recently been hurt. “GET IT OFF!!” She hollered once more when shaking hands couldn't figure out how to break the seal. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
The man's voice filled the room in an instant. "STAND DOWN LIEUTENANT!! AT EASE!" he commanded. and he stood up and straddled her, his legs on either side of her shoulders. "NOW GET A GRIP. YOU AINT DOIN' NOBODY ANY GOOD RIGHT NOW." and he looked down at her and pointed a finger.
"You need to take minute, lady. Breath. Think before you act. You obviously have a brain in your head. Fucking use it." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
The order calmed her instantly, reflex and training not letting her disobey. But as he stopped her hands, she looked up at him. Her body still struggling slightly though it wasn't with any real strength.
Her eyes were still in panic mode, but her mind started to calculate it out. “We have to warn Sinclair. If this promotion came from anyone other than the Captain...” she let the thought trail off.
Her breathing was heavy like the fight with him was still going on. “What threat, out here, could I have been to them?” Then something made her almost go deathlike still.
“Sinclair knew... or suspected. Because of my night terrors. Didn't he? That's why he chose you and not a regular station shrink. Because you can find out things he couldn't...” Little things started to make sense. Sinclair's insistence at her getting help... the immediate arrival of Piklesimon as if he had been waiting in the wings... “That's how you got here so easily.”
She looked up at him and her eyes refocused from wherever she had been, back to the present. “You're here for us both... aren't you?” <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer looked at her and then shook his head and chuckled. "Damn, but you're thick." he said. He then looked down at her and said "We arent warning anybody about anything. Because there ain't nothing to warn them about!" and he moved from over her to her side again and sat.
"Neither you or Sinclair, or anyone on this ship, is in any danger... far as I can tell anyway." and he grunted and shoved his legs out straight and leaned back on his arms.
"Let me give you a lesson or three in Clandestine Operations That Go Awry. Lesson one: Normal people live their lives thinking the Federation is above getting its hands dirty. A good ideal, but wholly impractical. We do just as much shady shit as the damn Rommies, if not more. Lesson two: When a plan requires the sacrifice of lives of personnel, those selected are usually so far removed from the agency and people planning said operation that in the very rare occasion things go sideways... like you living, for example... there are layers upon layers of insulation keeping the mistakes from blowing back on the people responsible. Lesson three: If you were seen as a liability, you'd have never been extracted in the first place. Or if you were, you would have -" and made air quotes with his fingers, "- 'died from wounds incurred while serving with honor and dedication' or some shit. So the fact that you are here means the powers that be know you cant be traced back to them. So you and your boy-toy are safe... well.. at least safe from them. And his promotion was your Captain's idea. In fact, Fleet pushed back on it. But that is irrelevant here."
He looked directly at her and said "Remember a few minutes ago? When I told you you ain't that fucking special? Welll... you ain't. So dont start looking for shadows in the sun, dummy." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
From one extreme to the other and she had 'still' missed the mark. But it still didn't sit well that she had been picked as a lamb to slaughter who just managed to escape the butcher's axe. “So just a name pulled from a list...” she said as her body calmed and he slid off her. It did make her feel better that Sinclair wasn't a target. It also pleased her that the Captain had picked him and done it without the blessing of the Fleet. She had been relieved it was him watching the CO's back when she had come back. Her recommendation had been because of experience and longevity, but only as it pertained to others in security. That the CO had chosen Sinclair meant he had been thinking about more than merely a stand in.
The word 'boy-toy' struck a nerve, but she had decided to give up on commenting, having learned with him to pick her battles. Royal's nicknames or Piklesimon's view of him wasn't worth the anxiety of going toe to toe with him.
“So basically you came here to kick my ass, tell me I'm not responsible, and reassure me the nightmares will continue for a gods length of time....” She looked back up at the ceiling and closed her eyes. “You should have let the holo program kick my ass and saved yourself the trip.
Her head was aching as the adrenaline crash from the fight started to hit her and she was tired to the very center of her being. “They were chemically restrained in all ways, I didn't have a chance, and no one gives a targ's backside because it's over. That about the gist of it... Sir?” Her eyes opened to glance at him, her hand poised to swat him away if he flicked her ear once more. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
"Boss. I told you... you call me Boss. I work for a living, dammit." and he grinned at her.
Taking a moment, he leaned over and squinted at the device on her face and nodded. "You'll be sore for a few days. I'd refrain from too much exertion or else your nose'll bleed like a overflowing creek." he said as he removed the device and looked at her. "Yep. Still ugly." he said with a grin and he shoved the device in the bag. He then looked at her bare hip. "Couple more minutes, and those critters'll be done." and he stood up and moved to the wall, sitting and putting his back against it.
"I told you I came here to kick your ass when you walked in. You know why?" and he fixed her with a look that was two parts drill instructor and one part sympathetic. "Because no one did me that favor when I got back from having to get this." and he rapped the artificial arm with his knuckles. "And as far as you being responsible... well, shouldn't no one be made to carry that sorta weight unless they earned it. So when 'ol Royal asked me to look into what happened to you, I did. And what I found... well... let's just say I'm not the kinda fella to let something like that slide. And lucky for you, I'm in a position to do something about it, where you are not. And as far as the nightmares go? They'll always be there, girl. Just gotta learn to treat them for what they are... dreams. Memories. Shadows of the past, nothing more. Those things only have power if we give them power." His head cocked to side slightly and a quizzical expression came onto his face. "You now know what it's like to be really powerless. And you lived. So... next time you feel really powerless, just know that you'll live through that, too. That's the sweet spot, L-T. Knowing that no matter what those fucks throw at you, you will make it. Understand now?"<e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
She smiled at his 'boss' comment remembering how non officers hated the 'sir' word. She took it with a sip of wine cause it never bothered her one way or another unless she was dressing someone down and she knew 'sir' meant they were listening... and understood.
“Yes... boss,” she smiled lightly at him.
She winced slightly as the device came off and laughed. “If I wasn't ugly still, the ridges would look out of place. Don't you think?” When he scooted back to settle against the wall she shifted slightly to rise up on her elbows, careful not to roll her hip.
“Well, if you ever want that ass whooping, you come see me.” She laughed and added before he could insult her. “I promise to program a nice butt thumping holo program for you. Deal?”
His admired his devotion to Sinclair enough to come to her aide without even knowing her, victim of circumstances or not. He, in all reality, could have just passed the info on to Sinclair and that would have been that. She nodded as he finished and looked at him. “How much does Royal know? I don't imagine he would be satisfied with a simple 'I've got it covered' from you.” She knew Sinclair well enough to know that a statement like that would made him dig deeper. Perhaps even to his detriment. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
"He knows what he needs to. No more, no less." and he paused and took a long hard look at her. "Your head on straight, now? Or do we need another 'therapy session'?" he asked pointedly. " Think before you answer. Remember... use your head before anything else." <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
She nodded at his comment about Sinclair. She would share more, in time, she was sure. For now, she would let it be. “As to being straight. It wasn't exactly straight before all this. So all I can admit is I will cope better. That's the best I can give without lieing.” She hoped it was enough. “But in answer... no. I don't need another lesson. Though I would like to learn that take down. I admit my brain couldn't think of a way to escape it, even in hindsight.”
She looked at him a moment. It put a knot in her chest, but she had to ask. “Did Sinclair need a lesson like this one at some point? Is that how you got to know him? Either from being the lesson, or going thru the ordeal with him?” This wasn't the kind of man she had expected Royal to be friends with. But on the other hand, it didn't surprise her, either. Which made no sense, if she really thought on it. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer laughed. "Oh hell no. Royal didnt need the lesson... I did. After the Cardassians had their way with me and my team and I lost the 'ol wank-stick here..." and he waved the metal arm about, " ... I musta' seen twenty or thirty shrinks. All of them shit. And I kept having to see them or they yank my clearance. So I was stuck. Then one day,here comes this big 'ol bull of a kid. All smiles and friendly and wanting to help. Going through school to be a head shrinker instead of a head stomper. 'What a waste.' I say. Well, we chat a few times, go over the time... and then one day he looks at me and says 'Do me a favor, Gunny... and he was the only one to call me that... prolly on account of his granddad and all... anyways he says 'Stand up a sec.' So I do and so does he. He puts his big 'ol mitts on my shoulders and I think 'What kinda touchy feeling bullshit we gonna do now?' ya know? And he gives me that look that says 'Trust me.'... I'm sure you know it... so I relax a bit... "
"And that son of a bitch punched me square in the face!" he says as he sat straight up, obviously still surprised and more than amused at the memory. "Knocked me right off my feet, over the couch... broke my damn nose!" and he laughed some more. "I tell ya, I was so pissed, so shocked... I didn't know what to do. And he just looks at me and says... I'll never forget it... he just says 'You good?'... And I just looked at him and went 'No, you dumb sunavabitch! You broke my nose!' And 'ol Royal just says 'Yep. You worried about your arm now?'" and I tell you... my jaw hit the floor. I wasnt . First time in years I didnt even think about it. That big ox just basically rebooted my brain. Dunno how he did it, didnt ask. But I tell ya... I left feeling better than I had in years. First and only Counselor to actually listen to me and then speak in a language I could understand. He is one hell of a guy..."
His gaze move directly to Sha and his face went stone blank. When he spoke, his words were that of a man of conviction who did not make idle threats.
"Speaking of... I know you two are a thing. That's good. He deserves to have someone. Bit I will tell you right now.... you hurt that boy and I will kill you." and he leaned forward. "Kill you dead. And I'll sleep like a baby that night, too. Got it.?" <e>
Sha listened and understanding and compassion lit her face. “That sounds like something he would do. Though I admit he wasn't that way with me.” She blushed and moved on quickly remembering he had certainly kicked her backside, but it wasn't in counseling sessions.
“He 'does' have a way of making you forget your troubles. He helped me before we were a 'thing' when I first came here, and angry and postured young new L-T with a chip on my shoulder.” He had reminded her that posturing was great for the parade route but didn't do squat for the men under you when shit hit the fan.
When he moved to stare right at her, a slight shiver went down her spine like a seer had stepped over her skin. Ignoring her hip, despite the stiffnes settling in from not moving, she sat straight up, legs still outstretched and looked him dead in the eyes. “He fought to claim me.” She let the comment and its weight sink in wondering if he understood just what that meant. “I was willing to keep it casual. He wanted this as much as I did. The fact he did what he did earned him a place that some family members haven't earned. I give you my word, Gunny, that if I ever betray him, I will hand you the bat'leth for the job. Deal?”
Other phrases and promises had been given with looks of sincerity. This time her gaze bordered on the cusp of a verbal blood oath. And she knew he would comprehend exactly what it meant, and cost, her to say it. <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
The wicked smile returned, but this time she was most certainly the target. "Oh... little girl... what makes you think I'd give you a warrior's death, huh? You hurt that boy, and you'll be disintegrated. No body for the fire, no remains for anyone. Just... gone..." and his held a fire that said he knew exactly what that meant.
Then the switch flipped again and he stood up. He walked over to her and motioned for her to lay down. He straddled her thighs and reached in the bag and pulled out the glowing blue goo. Instead of shaking it, he swirled it around in lazy circles for a few seconds and then unscrewed the lid. Holding the jar next to the hip covered in the blue slime, he gently pushed the lip under the edge of the goo on her skin. As he did, the substance began undulating and slowly moved back into the jar. Underneath, the skin was wrinkled slightly and a few shades more pale than the rest of her, but the swelling and bruising were completely gone.
"That'll fade in a few hours. Now, before folks start talking..." and he stood up and stepped to the side. "Try standing up. Go slow." and he put the jar in the bag. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/22/2020
She gave an equal look and smiled. He hadn't said anything about her making a sim to kick his backside. But she also knew when it came to Royal, he meant every word. A minute nod of her head was all he got.
She laid down as ordered and his body pinning her down was anything but erotic. She knew what he was capable of and knew a tussle with him would have ended up with her being claimed, and not in a way she likely would have been able to choose as Sinclair had given her.
She released her torso from where it was propped up and laid on her back, watching in fascination as the 'creature' or 'creatures', for lack of a better term, crawled back into the jar. His quip about people talking made her laugh. “Somehow I doubt tongues wag loosely about you more than once.”
At his order, she sat up once more and rocked her hips slightly. Then she bent her knees and felt the stiffness without the sharp pain of earlier. It was a vast improvement. Slowly she rolled and stood up, cautious not to put herself on her knees first. She may be in once piece, but she certainly wasn't healed completely.
A head rush made her close her eyes a moment when she was finally up. But then she looked at him with another nod. “I doubt I'll be sparring the next day or two, but thank you. It does feel better than the last time you asked if I could stand.” <e>
Rhino04/22/2020
Pikelsimer just nodded his head in approval. He finished gathering up the remaining few items and storing them away. He then lifted the bag off the floor and looked at her, as if appraising her..
"You'll be ok. You just have to let it go. Hope this little exercise helped." and he turned to face her fully.
"Those that did this... to you and the rest of your team? They'll get theirs. And when that happens, you'll know. That help get it out of your head?" <e>
She laughed softly. “I will make sure it helped.”
When he gave the warning and retribution was flying in the darkness to those who had done this, it eased a knot in her chest in a place she hadn't even realized was there. A single slightly nod was all she gave him, along with a look that lasted long enough to convey that she knew better than to ask, but was extremely appreciative.
Then her smile, which had started to slide, brightened once more as she fixed the edges of her leggings around her hips. “Come to dinner, please? I would say 'cooked' is a stretch, but I can replicate a mean dinner. Join Royal and I this evening. I know he would like to have the three of us together. If for no other reason than to be sure both of us are still alive and kicking.” She laughed slightly. “The 'us' being me...”
She took a step towards the door. “And it would please me for you to know, then you leave, that he is truly happy. It would mean a lot to me.” She admitted that his opinion, in regards to Royal, was something she wanted. <e>
Rhino04/23/2020
Pikelsimer looked at her and hard for a moment, as if weighing something inside him. "Fine. That's... fine. You clear that with Sinclair, and let me know. I'm on board for another twenty-four hours. Just let me know where and when." and he hefted the bag and walked to the door. As the doors opened, he turned left and simply walked down the passageway. <e>
LlewelPendragon04/23/2020
She wondered for a moment on the hesitation, but she took the acceptance and let it go. After he departed, she went back Royal's room to shower. She was limping, but not horribly so and there was still slight bruising on her lower ridges where the head butt had done its job. <e>