Coming Home

Posted on Wed Jun 23rd, 2021 @ 12:07am by Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake & Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry 'Hank' Keitel & Lieutenant JG Samantha Blake, Ph.D & Nicholas 'Nick' DeMarco

Mission: The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Sheena's and Ryan's New Quarters
Timeline: TBD

[ON]

Ryan was quiet for most of the walk from Sickbay to the new quarters he would share with Sheena. He was thankful for the efforts of Doctor Hendon and Nurse Peeters in healing all the physical wounds inflicted upon him by the Orions. However, he knew there was still a few checks to mark off with the Counseling Services Division before he would be reinstated to full duty status. Hopefully it would be a small formality to get signed off.

Sheena was also quiet as she walked her Imzadi to their new quarters. The medical staff did an outstanding job on healing his outer wounds, however the internal memories will take much longer to accept and ease the fear and pain. That was up to her and the Counselor and it would be a long process. Stopping just outside their new quarter's, Sheena spoke finally, "Here we are my love. Our new quarter's. I hope it will be a prosperous one, and a calm one as well," she said kissing him lightly on the cheek.

Ryan smiled at Sheena. He was extraordinarily lucky to have her in his life. The events of the last few day may not have been what they had wanted, leading into this next chapter of their relationship. He knew it would be all right as long as they were together. He gestured at the door. "Shall we?"

Smiling, Sheena hit the door open control and walked in first leading Ryan inside carefully.

Samantha rose from her seat on the easy chair and rushed forward to hug Ryan. Tears of relief streamed down her cheeks. "Welcome home little brother."

Ryan hugged Samantha back. He was pleased to see family friends and shipmates here to welcome him home.

Nick rose from his place on the couch and nodded at Ryan. "Glad to see you up and about Lieutenant."

Maia was relieved to see Mr. Blake up and functional again.

"Welcome back to the land of the living Mr. Blake, I am glad to have you back." Maia said.

Ryan glanced at Maia and acknowledged her with a nod. "Pleasure to be back Captain."

Hank was already standing behind the couch where Nick and Maia had been sitting. He gave Ryan a nod. "Sir."

Ryan took a deep breath. "Um, I don't know what to say. Thank you all for being here."

"How are you feeling Ryan and when will you be getting back to work." The Captain asked.

Ryan stood up straight and tall. "Feeling one hundred percent Captain. I have my mandatory psych eval tomorrow with Counselor Coleman and should be back to duty pending the results."

"With a bit of good luck, he will be back in the saddle very soon" Sheena said smiling.

"Excellent I look forward to reading your report on what happened." Maia said.

Ryan nodded. "I will have it ready prior to tomorrow mornings staff call sir."

Nick nudged Maia. "I was wondering my dear. Do you think it's time we did the thing...with the thing...Hank has his PADD already queued up.

Sheena looked at Nick and Maia with a puzzled look. "Thing?".

"Yes, I think now would be as good a time as any." Maia said. Pulling a box out of her her pocket.

"Lieutenant Ryan Blake by order of Star Fleet Command this date. You are hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander with all the rights and privileges of that rank. Congratulations! Maia said pinning the pip onto Ryan's collar.

"Well done Commander!" She continued.

Ryan's mind went blank. A phaser set to maximum stun could not have had such a profound effect on him. His mouth opened, but no sound came forth. A moment later his mouth simply closed.

Samantha stepped forward, concerned about Ryan's well being. She wasn't aware of the pending promotion order.

Hank stood still, ever the observant one. He was proud of Ryan and his accomplishments over the last few months. He had always seen the potential for an outstanding officer and Ryan had never disappointed.

Nick stepped forward and leaned in to speak softly in Maia's ear. "Sweetheart, I think you broke your second officer."

Ryan blinked and looked at Nick. A small chuckle emanated from him at first which grew into a laugh for a ten count. Ryan finally spoke. "Broke...no...I think I just needed a system reboot." He glanced at everyone in the room before settling his eyes on Maia. "Thank you Captain."

"I think we better get this man a drink." Maia said.

"Now I can take care of that." Nick reached into his jacket and produced a bottle of Dom Perignon 2372. He turned to Hank. "Senior Chief, six champagne glasses if you could."

Hank went to the replicator and returned a moment later with the glasses.

Samantha handed out the champagne to everyone as Nick finished pouring and put the empty bottle on the coffee table. He looked at Sheena. "Care to make the first toast Sheena?"

Maia took her flute and looked at Sheena expectantly.

Sheena had a golden moment! She drew a blank for a split second before she spoke. "Here is to being alive and home among family and friends. May we all stay together for as long as the heavens allow!", she said, looking at everyone one at a time and finally resting on Ryan.

Ryan leaned in and gave Sheena a brief kiss. "Thank you Imzadi." He turned to the others. "Thanks to you all for being here to welcome me home." He settled his gaze on Maia, his expression one of the deepest respect. "I shall do my best to make you proud Captain."

"You always have Mr. Blake." Maia said.

[OFF]

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