Belated Check-In
Posted on 28 Mar 2021 @ 5:02pm by Commander Calliope Zahn & Lieutenant JG Rhiannon Hokir
Edited on on 28 Mar 2021 @ 5:06pm
Mission:
M2 - Sanctuary
Location: Recovery Ward - Medical
Timeline: MD 02 1642
1379 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure
Rhiannon wasn't the best baker in the universe, but she at least knew how to work a replicator to put together treats when needed. And right now, she felt they were very much in need. It had been a few weeks since the chaos surrounding the reclaiming of Obsidian Command, time spent up to her elbows in repairs, adjustments, onboarding new department members and coordinating what she could manage from an Assistant's clearance. It wasn't so much that she had forgotten about Commander Zahn, as she had been doing good to manage staggering to her bunk at the end of the day rather than curling up on the couch as soon as she came in the door.
Now, though ... Now, Rhian found herself wondering if maybe it would have been better to come earlier. She'd heard scattered bits of gossip here and there, but brushed most of it aside in favor of common sense. She'd known there was something off with the Rhiannon wasn't the best baker in the universe, but she at least knew how to work a replicator to put together treats when needed. And right now, she felt they were very much in need. It had been a few weeks since the chaos surrounding the reclaiming of Obsidian Command, time spent up to her elbows in repairs, adjustments, onboarding new department members and coordinating what she could manage from an Assistant's clearance. It wasn't so much that she had forgotten about Commander Zahn, as she had been doing good to manage staggering to her bunk at the end of the day rather than curling up on the couch as soon as she came in the door.
Checking the box of cupcakes , Rhian adjusted her grip as she made her way to the desk. "Ah ... I'm here to see Commander Zahn?"
"Just sign in here." The nurse pointed out the visitor log. "She's in room eight."
Marking her name down in the slot, Rhian thanked the woman before heading down the narrow corridor she indicated. An open community room gave an air of congeniality as other patients sat about watching holo-vids, or playing at game tables. Though she gave them passing smiles, Rhian's focus remained on her task at hand. Soon enough, she was past the room and headed down another passage, quietly counting doors to herself before coming to the number the nurse had given her. Taking a breath and praying for ... what, she wasn't exactly sure - that she would be a welcome guest? That she would find all of this was just a bit of extra precaution, Rhian pressed the chime. There was no answer, though the nurse had indicated the Commander was in her room, so Rhian tried again. Just when she was ready to give it up as lost - the lady was likely sleeping, after all, she heard a voice within before the door opened.
When the door opened, Commander Zahn was there at the panel in dimmed lighting, holding the rail built into the wall. Her face was sunken looking and her eyes red but dry. She was barefoot and wearing some designer looking slacks and a nice silk blouse, but it was very badly rumpled. Inside the room, the bedding was completely tossed and there were personal items and a vase and two limp sunflowers all on the floor beside the nightstand as if swept there in one push.
"Lt. Hokir." She said, drawing on some last vestige of decorum. But she ran out of it about there, unsure if she should ask her to go or to stay or if she needed something. "Lt. Hokir." She repeated.
Do not show pity Rhian cautioned herself as she took in the figure before her. It was difficult, as the woman was truly a sorrowful sight. In stead, Rhian smiled gently. "Good day, Commander. I hope I am not disturbing you? If you were resting, I can simply leave these and perhaps arrange a more comfortable time to visit?"
"No, I... I wasn't resting. You can come in, if you care to."
If she cared to? That struck Rhian as an odd response, but she complied all the same, stepping into the room and noting the modified surroundings. "I meant to come visit you sooner, but they've been running me and my team ragged trying to get the station up and going. I was worried for you, Commander, and I am only grateful the Marines were able to move you to safety." She glanced down before adding. "Oh, and I made you some chocolate and cherry muffins. They're a favorite of mine, and if they don't quite hit the spot, don't worry - I won't be offended. My grandam always said I had peculiar tastes."
"Um. Thank you." Calliope accepted the box kind of mechanically, and stared at it for uncomfortably long. She hadn't eaten anything for a while and still had no appetite. She walked along the wall and set the box on the empty stand. "Can I get you a drink, or..." she trailed off.
"Commander, I know they said you are in recovery, but ... may I ask what happened? You seem very lost right now, and if there is any way I can help, I would love to."
"What happened? I've been put on report. It's out there for anyone to see." Calliope dropped herself to sit on the edge of the bed and scratched her forehead in thought before letting her hand fall to her leg and staring at it like that grey dead thing in her dream. "I'm an addict, a liar, and a disgrace."
Watching her for a moment, Rhian measured her response. While what she said was true, it was a listing of symptoms, not the disease. As to that last ... "I'll admit it is shocking to learn some of the details, but in my opinion, the woman who was fighting to rescue this station does not strike me as a disgrace." She took a seat beside Zahn. "For one, you were at least honest with me that you were experiencing some symptoms at the time, and when you found yourself struggling, you turned over command rather than letting your pride take the reins and risk endangering everyone involved."
"Too little, too late. The damage was done. I'm... I'm glad you were there, to finish the work."
Rhian huffed. "And you're going to what? Just fade away into a diagnosis? Commander ..." She knew she was likely overstepping bounds, but something had to be done. "All of this sounds very condemning, I will admit, but Addictions are just that. Heinous circumstances that end up spawning tendrils into all directions. But any circumstance can be amended if there is time and effort to put to the task." She tilted her head, regarding the wan complexion that washed out the usual green hue of her skin. "If that is something you want, of course."
"I don't know right now. There are good officers..." she couldn't finish the thought, it was caught in her throat— Good officers who hadn't betrayed everyone they loved and respected. Good officers who hadn't broken their oaths. "Good officers, like yourself. The Fleet is... it's in good hands."
"The Fleet is in good hands because we don't put our own out to dry. I know it's ... well, you barely know me and I don't want to be too forward, but I am here, Commander, and I consider you one of those good officers as well. We all make mistakes - some less public than others - and we all deserve a chance to get back on our feet and try again. If you need anything - even just someone to check in on you - please don't hesitate to ask."
For a long, awkward pause, Calliope stared into the wall, considering. She certainly felt like she'd been put out to dry. "Thank you for the cakes."
There really wasn't much more to say; Rhian rested a hand on the slumped shoulder, offering an encouraging squeeze. She would leave for now, but that was only to try and sort out a better way to approach this newest challenge. "Take care of yourself, Commander. I'll be back to check on you."