<USS Avalon> Dignity Restored (Cazook/Erridim)

"Dignity Restored"
by
Doctor Alexis Cazook, doctor on "loan" from SB12, /USS Avalon/
Ensign Talea Genot Erridim, Ops, /USS Avalon/

Time: Eight hours after "Visiting a Lady" ends

Location: Duty-Officer's office, Sickbay
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Alexis knew she shouldn't have taken what Talea had said personally. Unfortunately, she had been tired and had taken it in such a way. She had done everything she could to make the woman comfortable. She didn't know what else she was supposed to do.

Getting up from her desk, she took a deep breath and made her way over to Talea's room. Stopping outside the door, she hesitated. '/This is stupid! You are a doctor and shouldn't take things of this nature personally. Just knock on the door and do your job!/' Taking her own advice, Alexis knocked on the door.

"Ensign, it's Dr. Cazook. May I come in? I am sure you are in a hurry to be discharged from /this/ place." She hadn't meant to put extra emphasis on /this place/, but it had just come out that way. She felt bad about it, but it was too late to take it back.

Talea winced, but called out, "Come in, Doctor. Please." There was distress clear in her tone. She'd not meant to offend earlier, but had.

Slowly opening the door, Alexis walked in. "I have come to see how you are doing and to see if you have thought any more about having those scars removed? As I said before, it won't take that long, nor is it painful."

Talea blinked. She'd never really thought about the implications of removing the scars, even as horrible as some of them were, before. It could help her self-esteem, at that. "Forgive me, Doctor, for my harsh words earlier. They were unwise and very rude of me, born, I fear, of frustration."

She shifted slightly, and her side twinged her hard as if to remind her of the next question. "Scars can be removed, yes, and that seems a good idea. However, can nerve damage caused by the devices that caused the scars be corrected properly?" She was devoutly hoping for a truthful and unequivocal "Yes, of course!" but feared that it would not be possible, and that the doctor, still irritated at her, would lie and say that it was, when it wasn't. She tried not to let the doubt show, but wasn't sure she'd managed it. "In addition, do you have any suggestions for helping me stay safe during what is basically going to be the psionic equivalent of an avalanche of sound when my psionic abilities rebound from whatever is suppressing them?"

Alexis looked at the woman lying before her. "There is really no need for you to apologize. I have no doubt you didn't mean it and I shouldn't have taken it personally. You are, after all, in a new environment, and not used to the way we do things, much as I am not used to your ways. As for your question regarding the nerve damage, yes, it too can be repaired. As long as there are viable nerve pathways on either side of the damage, repairing it should be no problem. As I said before, the choice is yours."

Taking out her tricorder, Alexis quickly scanned Talea, noting to herself that there was indeed some nerve damage. However, she honestly felt that it could be repaired. "What do you require to be "safe" during this period? I know that we have at least two Betazoids on board, if that would be of any help. I am sure either of them, one of whom is the Captain, would be willing to assist you. All you need to do is ask."

Her eyes shining with unshed tears, Talea said quietly, "Please do correct what is correctable. Be aware of our differences, however." She smiled. "Orderly T'Ling was rather, um..." She frowned. "Can't figure out exactly how to describe this, she being Vulcan and all, but if she weren't one, I'd say she had surprise, disgust and amazement on her face last I saw her. She's obviously paid attention to the physical segment of my medical record. I've had a rough life, but I've tried not to allow it to make me bitter. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble with trusting men after the childhood I had, and recognize that it needs to be corrected, yet," she paused, struggling for control, "I don't know what to do. I know that not trusting people of the other gender can endanger my career, though." She smiled warmly, despite her holding the tears back. "I truly do apologize for my snapping at you. Wasn't your fault things didn't go as planned for the meal. Haven knows that accidents and snafus happen."

The fact was that she really didn't want any more pain. The damage caused by the arrow had defied most of her people's attempts at correction, but then, the medical knowledge of the Exiled Clans wasn't exactly top-notch, especially as applied to and for "mere" women! Maybe this vessel could do what her Clan's best medics had failed to do in the years since the injuries. She certainly hoped this to be the case.

"My dear... if you feel the need to shed tears, don't be afraid to do so in front of me. It is only natural to be scared or wary after the ordeals you have suffered. As for T'Ling, she can be rather abrupt. That is part of her nature as a Vulcan. They don't show their emotions, which can come across as harsh and judgmental at times. Mind you, this is from personal experience. I am sure there is always an exception to the rule." Putting the tricorder down, Alexis moved closer to the bed, "May I sit?"

Talea smiled. "Go right ahead, doctor. Unlike an Ops officer, you likely don't get much chance to sit."

Sitting on the side of the bed, Alexis sighed a heavy sigh of relief. She looked at Talea with a warm smile. "You are correct. Sitting is not a luxury, and let me tell you, these old feet of mine are starting to ache a bit. It is a relief to sit."

"Now as for removing your scars and repairing any neuropathic damage, I am going to assume that you would prefer that I do it, as opposed to a male doctor. Am I correct? I have no problem with that at all. The procedure itself won't take long and I shouldn't even need to give you any medication of any kind. It is a simple matter of running a dermal regenerator over your skin to remove the scars. Once that is done, we can do essentially the same with the neuropathic damage."

Talea smiled. "That sounds..." She paused for several moments, closing her eyes, trying to envision herself with no scars and, more importantly, no pain. "It sounds like a slice of the Havens, doctor."

Alexis looked deep in thought and closed her eyes before speaking again. "As for your distrust of men, I am sure the counselor would be willing to talk to you, or if you are more comfortable with me, I would be more than willing to help you through this. You are correct that your distrust of men could hamper your career. I can assure you that you have nothing to fear from Admiral Ketchum or anyone else that I am aware of. I know of the comment made while you were in the shuttlebay and you can rest assured that Captain Skyler has taken care of that situation and it won't happen again. You let me know when you want to have the procedures done."

Talea wanted to say, "Right now! Immediately!" but knew that was the wrong answer somehow, so said, "If it is not inconvenient for you, doctor, how about Beta shift two days from now?"

"Beta shift two days from now is fine with me, but wouldn't you rather have it done sooner? I don't want you to have to suffer any longer than you already have. However, the choice is up to you. Would you like me to speak to Captain Skyler about the other issue...the psionic thing?"

Talea thought for a moment, then sighed in relief. "I was going to say, "Now, immediately!" in regard to the procedure, but my early training insists that this would have been rude and beyond what is acceptable behavior for a young lady. Admittedly, my Clan is one of the more backward and obstinately repressive ones, but I had thought I had come past that part of my training." Her face showed her chagrin. "I was obviously wrong." Her control broke then, and she began crying softly, her relief at the ease with which the procedure was stated to be doable was beyond her wildest dreams, and it simply overwhelmed her control. To not be in constant pain after over a decade? The thought was unbelievably sweet.

Without thinking, Alexis wrapped her arms around the young ensign and allowed her to cry. Everyone needed to feel free to release his or her emotions without fear of feeling less superior or shallow. "It's okay to cry, Talea. It really is. It may take you some time, but you will come to realize that we are not like your clan. I can't imagine the hell you went through. I will do all in my power to reverse the damage and help you in any way I can. I hope you believe me."

Talea got herself under control again, but the control was tenuous. She was afraid, and yet, happy. The combination made for a potent mix that made control nearly impossible. "One thing I do know: In order for the dermal regenerator to work at its best, nothing can be in its way. Working through cloth is actually a little hazardous, according to what little I know." She began trying to get out of what Walker had said was probably a hospital gown, which she realized wasn't purely natural fibers. She didn't know what it was, but she could tell by the deep itching she could now detect in several places on her body that it had to /go/. Otherwise, her allergy to manufactured fibers may make the entire procedure impossible! She explained while she continued to struggle with the thing, "One of my allergies is to manufactured fibers, and it's beginning to rear its ugly head!" She stopped suddenly and stiffened as the reaction hit three of the scars on her back simultaneously, and the itch became intense pain as they all flared to malevolent life. A strangled cry of pain was wrested from her before she could control it, and she blushed furiously.

Without even thinking, Alexis took the gown off of Talea and covered her with a sheet that was made from natural fibers. She had read about the allergies and had come prepared. "I think it is high time we got rid of those scars. I am going to go get my dermal regenerator and I shall be right back." Before leaving Alexis made sure her patient was well covered and shut the door behind her. She didn't want anyone invading Talea's privacy.

Talea was now shivering, but it was more from reaction than cold. '/She didn't even think to punish me for losing control and crying out. Astonishing./'

A few short minutes later, Alexis returned with a glass of nutritional supplement that had been recommended for Talea and a dermal regenerator. Placing the glass on the bedside table she looked at the young woman. "Are you ready? I will have to have you roll on your side so that I may uncover your back and use the dermal regenerator. Once I have removed the scars and repaired the nerve damage, I will be happy to give you your uniform, and if you feel up to it, you will be free to go."

Talea nodded, then rolled over onto her stomach, the better for the doctor to do the procedure. Besides, it got the pressure off the now-angry scars, which was all-important. She noticed the glass of nutritional supplement and sipped it carefully, knowing it would help her heal faster.

Not letting the exposed skin, or what was passing for skin, shock her, Alexis gently ran the dermal regenerator slowly across Talea's back. Bit by bit the scars began to disappear. "Are you okay, dear? The scars are leaving no trace of their existence at all. It should only be a few more minutes." Continuing what she was doing, Alexis was pleased to note how good Talea's skin looked without the scars. She was a very beautiful woman indeed.

As she finished up, she stated simply, "I have removed the scars and there is no trace of them at all." She handed Talea a mirror so that she could see for herself. "Let me know if you want a break, or if I should work on the nerve damage?" Alexis smiled as Talea looked in the mirror.

Talea blinked. While the scar removal had itched like the furies, she supposed that was normal. She regarded her back for several long moments before commenting offhandedly, "I never expected to ever see my back that clear ever again." In a very sincere voice, she stated, "Thank you so much." She grinned over at the doctor. "My uniform has been hung up properly; Walker found it all but wadded in the press, with the combadge thrown into the wadded up pants. Thank the Creator for anti-wrinkle treatments that are hypoallergenic!" She grinned, then mentioned, "As for scars, doc? You've missed one, you know. The one in my right side, between the sixth and seventh rib?" She was somewhat teasing the doctor, to her amazement.

She then recalled the doctor's earlier question about the Captain and what was needed to keep her safe, and sighed at her forgetfulness. "Forgive me, doctor. The question you asked about what would keep me safe the next few days until control of my psionic abilities unblocks utterly escaped me for a bit."

She grinned. "I need to be psionically shielded while off-duty, which is fairly simple; I understand my quarters, apparently thanks to Walker, have been psionically shielded, so I'm safe there. As for on-shift duty?" She sighed. "That's the bugaboo. Not many telepaths know how to extend their shields to protect another. Just hope the Captain and this other both do, because it can be tiring." She frowned as she remembered the Captain's frustration and puzzlement. "The Captain was very puzzled earlier, you know? She couldn't sense me at all, and even after I explained why, she apparently didn't believe me." Talea's expression was one of hurt now. "We Regellians never lie. To some, it's a vice, to others, virtue. And to still others, a royal pain in the wazoo."

She was, frankly, a little apprehensive about the nerve-damage corrections still to come. Lords knew the nerve damage loved to bite her. Sometimes quite hard, especially during the usually abortive healing sessions she'd experienced!

Alexis attempted to reassure her with, "I doubt it very much if the Captain is doubting you. She has seen quite a bit in her life and I know for a fact that she would be quite willing to help you in any way possible. She would consider it repayment for help another gave her when she was on the brink of death due to a Betazoid self-induced coma. If it hadn't been for the other person offering to share her abilities, Skyler might not be with us today. I was, in fact, assigned by Starfleet to monitor her condition. That is actually how I came to be on this magnificent ship. Now, if you will roll on your side so I can take care of that one last scar, I would be most grateful."

As Talea rolled onto her side, Alexis resumed using the dermal regenerator and as before, she used the device gently and with precision. After a few moments, the final scar was gone. Putting the dermal regenerator down, Alexis picked up the neurological regenerator. After inputting some information, she went through the procedures she had just completed again, except far more carefully. This time, she double checked her work several times with a tricorder. She didn't want to cause more damage than was already done.

After what she was sure Talea thought was forever, she was done. One last scan showed that the nerves were regenerated and in time, everything would be working as it should be. "You may feel a little tingling as the nerves become adjusted to their new pathways. Let me know if you have any problems, and we can redo the procedure until everything is repaired. Now I will leave you to put on your uniform. When you are ready to leave, please let me know." With that, Alexis left Talea to get dressed and she walked to her office to make notations in Talea's medical file.

Talea blinked. She certainly didn't know where her underwear was, and wearing a uniform without it was at best a disturbing thought. Making certain the door was barricaded, in absence of a locking mechanism, although the motion made her feel a little sore, she hunted around, finally locating her underthings in the small chest to one side of the press. Sighing in relief, she put those things on. She then progressively worked her way into the uniform, the top first, mainly to make it easier to tuck the blouse. She was a little sad that this would be the last time she'd be wearing her true rank for a while, but she sternly put that regret behind her.

Presently, after nearly ten minutes, she removed the barricading of the door and sat on the chair to finish fastening up her boots. She was very aware she did not have a Starfleet combadge yet, and the RSDF unit she wore would take work to tune it into the system. Even then, she'd not have the beacon the Starfleet badges contained. Well, she reflected, that wasn't entirely true, but the beacon in the RSDF unit wasn't compatible and could not be made so. It was a fundamental design difference between the two systems and was basically irreconcilable.

She stood and made the bed more out of reflex than actual thoughtfulness, then located her on-duty cover and put it on, as odd as the black beret would look to Starfleet personnel, before leaving the room behind. Locating the doctor, she smiled, stating with assurance and quiet emphasis, "Ensign Talea Genot Erridim, reporting as requested, ma'am!" She nearly saluted, but held back, as her brief on Starfleet indicated saluting wasn't typical. She knew the rank insignia was actually that for her true, RSDF rank, but didn't let that bother her as she told the truth according to Starfleet.

Hearing a strong-sounding voice, Alexis turned to see her patient dressed and appearing to feel fairly well. "At ease, Ensign. You look much better. I hope you feel better. I am going to assign you to rest in your quarters until your next shift, just to give your nerves and body a chance to finish healing. Oh, and before you leave, I believe you will be needing this." She handed Talea a Starfleet combadge. "If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know. Also, if you want me to, I can speak to Captain Skyler for you. For now you are dismissed. In other words, I believe it is time for you to leave "this place." Alexis was smiling when she made her last statement.

Talea bowed. "You speaking with the Captain would be a great help, aye, ma'am. And to whomever else you feel may be able to help me stay safe. I confess to a fair amount of trepidation in reference to my abilities coming back; during the first few seconds, I'll have no shields at all, and I assure you, that is quite sobering. It could be like," she paused, trying to word it correctly where a non-telepath and non-empath could understand, "like trying to survive getting hit by a tsunami." She then mentioned, "Also, Walker believes that if he is on the Bridge during the critical period, that he can help buffer me from the explosion of input that the return will cause, but this will require coordination with his boss, the Chief of Security." She bowed again, this time in a very Oriental fashion. "I appreciate all you have done for me this day. May the Lords of Light guide your steps and guard your way." She then pivoted on her left foot, executing a perfect left-face, and proceeded out of Sickbay.

Alexis smiled as she watched the proud woman leave her sickbay, knowing she had done her little bit to help this person regain some self-esteem. It made her long day worthwhile.

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