[ Earth - London ]
It was a gloomy day in the countryside near London, with thin rain falling softly from the grey skies. Natalia and Fr'r'n sat next to each other on a window seat in the Cranfield Center's large sitting room, watching the drizzle on the glass pane. This was her third and last visit with him and she'd hoped they could spend some time outside, but the weather wouldn't allow it. He'd improved much in the last few days and was now able to walk slowly with the help of hydraulic crutches.
Fr'r'n's doctors had told her that if his current improvement was anything to go by, he should be fully mobile within the next six weeks. It was good news and gave her hope that he would fully recover. But more so than his physical improvement, it seemed his faculties were strengthening just as well. His speech was normal again and, although there were still a few blurry patches, his memory was returning and he remembered most things except the few weeks that led up to his injuries. In fact, he hadn't been aware of the war with the Romulans at all until Natalia had mentioned it.
When she told him the Chimera-B had been destroyed in the Battle of Aeran, he seemed to get somewhat uncomfortable and shifted on the seat. "We have a brand new ship now," Natalia continued. "Century class, state of the art. It's much smaller than the Chimera class, but more suitable for battle. The Task Force HQ has also moved to Starbase Unity."
Fr'r'n nodded slowly as he listened. "That's the old Starbase 234?"
"Yes," Natalia smiled, glad that he remembered the small details. "It's been almost completely refitted and is now an important strategic center."
"That's good," he replied and then glanced back outside the window.
Since she wasn't going to see him again for a while, Natalia decided to seize the moment to talk to him about his future. "The doctors say you're recovering very well, and might even be released in as early as two months."
"Good news," Fr'r'n said, though he didn't look particularly happy about it. "I asked them when I'd be able to return to duty, but they can't give me a concrete answer."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," she continued. "When you're released... I assume you're not planning on going back to Xenex?"
He shook his head firmly. "No. I haven't been back there for a long time. In fact I don't really plan on going back."
"Starfleet has many rehabilitation programs, and I'm sure there's one that will be suitable for you, that you'll feel comfortable with," she said. "But, if you want, you can come to Unity when you're released. There are many capable doctors there who can help in your recovery, Aeran III is a beautiful planet with lots of fresh air... and maybe you'd like having some familiar faces around?"
Fr'r'n nodded. What she said made sense. His sense of pride didn't particularly want the people he used to work with to see him like this, but by the time he was released he would hopefully be in much better condition. Besides, what was the alternative? He looked at Natalia and knew she cared for him. The words had never been spoken out loud, but her actions said more than enough. Why else would she come all this way to see him?
"I think I'd like that," he finally answered.
Happy with his answer, Natalia sat with him a while longer until finally she had to force herself to leave. "It's time for me to go," she said as he stood up. Fr'r'n nodded and used his crutches to help himself up and they walked slowly towards the entrance of the center. "I'll keep in touch and come visit as soon as I can, but I'm sure you'll be out of this place before then."
"I can dream," he grinned as they came to the door. Out of his own he leaned forward to give her a hug, which she didn't expect. It was a feeble gesture of thanks for all she'd done, he felt, but he hoped that one day he could give her something more in return.
"Goodbye, Fr'r'n," Natalia said as she finally pulled back from his embrace. "I'll see you again soon. Promise."
[ End Log ]
Commander Natalia Trzetrzelewska
Executive Officer
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C
Executive Officer
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C
