<USS Avalon> "Professional Concern"

Professional Concern
Commander Skyler and
Lieutenant Commander Elissabeth Marksbury


Skyler was very sore to say the least. Yet she didn't care...that was the 
purpose of going to the holodeck. To hurt for a reason that made sense. This 
made sense. She managed to prepare for her meeting with Marksbury as much as 
she could, although there really wasn't anything she could do. She had made 
that very clear. Skyler sat at her desk waiting for Marksbury to make an 
appearance and tried to think of what she would say. 

Right on time, Elissabeth pressed the chime for Skyler's office. She 
straightened herself, unsure how she felt about still working with the woman. 
Elissabeth was still so angry with Skyler. Once she received permission, she 
entered, rather surprised at Skyler's appearance, but she refused to let it 
show on her face. Standing at attention, she spoke softly, "Lt. Commander 
Marksbury reports as ordered, sir." 

Well, nothing's changed, thought Skyler. "At ease Cmdr. and have a seat. If you 
would like a drink I can get you something." Skyler took a small sip of water 
and then put the glass down on the desk trying to hide the bruises on her hand. 

Marksbury missed nothing, however, and took note. What has she done? Got into a 
fight? With whom? Elissabeth relaxed and sat on the edge of the chair across 
from Skyler's desk. "There's nothing new to report at this time. We have 
decided to continue with the small eulogy for John Forester in the holodeck 
tomorrow."

"I think that is a good idea. Will all of your team be attending and is this 
open to the entire crew or just covert ops?" Skyler could tell that Elissabeth 
hadn't missed anything and, frankly, at this point it didn't matter. She made 
it clear the last time we talked, although I think if given a chance we could 
work it out but, it's her choice. 

"It's open to anyone who wants to attend, though there will be nothing fancy. 
Very simple and very truthful. It's general consensus not to glorify his life, 
but tell it as is."

"I'm sure it will be a suitable service. How are things with the Ferengi and 
the Romulan situation working out? I have heard that the Romulan is asking for 
asylum, is this true?" God, she hurt all over and with the cuts on her face and 
neck it was hard to talk without showing signs of pain. 

"Why don't you ask the Captain? I'm sure he's more informed than I." Elissabeth 
stood, wanting to ask what she'd done, but she had other ways to find out. She 
refused to show that she cared.

"How is your team adjusting to Forester's...uh, excuse me for a moment." Skyler 
got up and as quickly as she could, which wasn't all that quick, she ran to her 
bathroom, closed the door and began to vomit. When she was done retching her 
guts out, she cleaned her face and washed her mouth out and checked her uniform 
to make sure it was ok. She then returned to her desk and sat down. "Sorry for 
the interruption. Now back to what I was asking. How is your team adjusting to 
Forester's death?" 

Blinking, Elissabeth tried to remain focused on the question, but was too 
surprised. "What is wrong with you?" 

Skyler was taken completely by surprise by that question. It was the last thing 
she expected to come from Elissabeth's mouth. "What do you mean, what is wrong 
with me?" 

"Why are you vomiting in the bathroom and why are you covered with cuts and 
bruises and why are you in pain? I'm sorry I wasn't more clear," she spoke more 
sarcastically than Skyler had heard her speak in a long time.

Skyler looked Elissabeth square in the eyes. "I don't think you really want to 
know the answer to that question. However, since you have asked it I will 
answer it. I am this way because at least this way I know why I am hurting and 
understand it. This way makes sense to me and I have control over. I'm not 
hurting anyone else or anyone I care about. Is that good enough for you?" 



"You're being self-destructive again? This one going to put you in a coma too?" 

"Why do you care? The answer to both your questions is no." 

"I care because if the XO of this vessel is mentally unstable or physically 
incapacitated then it's my job to report it." Because I care about you, you 
foolish woman.

"You don't have to worry about the XO being mentally unstable or physically 
incapacitated because if that was the case I would not be sitting here doing my 
job. The least you could do is sit down so I don't have to stare up at you." I 
wish I knew what you were feeling Liss, but I'm not even going to open my 
thoughts to find out. 

Out of consideration, Elissabeth did sit down. "So what have you been doing? 
Holodeck programs?"

"Why all the questions? I thought you didn't care." Skyler tried to hold back a 
cough but couldn't, which caused the cut on her face to bleed a little. She 
hurriedly wiped it with her shirt sleeve. 

Elissabeth shook her head. "It's my job to know. I'll just go back to my office 
and find out, then inform Medical of your condition, if you don't want to talk 
to me." She stood once again and turned to leave. Stubborn. Both of you. 

"Elissabeth, please sit down. What do you want to know?" God you are stubborn. 
Can't we just get past this and be friends again? If only. 

Still standing, she turned and told her, "I already asked the questions. What 
has happened to put you in this condition physically?" 

"An old training program from the Avalon-A. Certain crew members were assigned 
to be trained to go on a special mission and I was one of them. I kept the 
program." 

"I see. You really should see a doctor." Pausing, she thought a moment before 
asking. "Could I see the program? Maybe use it for Covert Ops? I'm always 
looking for new ones." 

"I was a doctor when I was being trained with the program so I have been 
treating myself. I could possibly let you see the program as long as you keep 
the safeties on." 

"Only an idiot turns the safeties off in a holodeck program. If I'm going to 
risk dying, it's going to be a worthy cause." 

Skyler just looked at Elissabeth. "I guess I am and thought it was." 

Perking her eyebrow, Lissi said, "Then I suggest you talk to the counselor. Was 
there anything else to cover, Commander?" 

"You wanted answers, I gave them to you. No one said you had to like them. 
Apparently there is nothing else so you are free to leave." I imagine not a 
minute too soon for your pleasure. 

"Thank you," Marksbury said, turning to leave, knowing she'd been cold and 
cruel. It hurt just a little less each time.

Watching Elissabeth walk out the door was hard for Skyler. It made her realize 
that another trip to the holodeck was in order. The sooner the better. 


                
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