Helping Hands

[knlwtchr 0]

The USS Arcadia's ships counselor was exhausted. When she finally re-materialized onboard again with the last of the crew members, she was so relieved, she didnt know what to do first: kiss the bulkhead or hit it hard, passing out before making contact. It took nearly all of her effort to make her right knee bend and step off the padd.

 

With a glance and a long exhail, she took a mental note of those she recalled seeing beam out with her. They were all there. Good. Everyone had made it back. Another cause for relief.

 

Well, almost. Not everyone had made it back. Lt. Knlwtchr brought her hand to her forehead and massaged it gently. She knew what she was in for in the coming weeks, nay months, and she wasnt particularly looking forward to it.

 

Andrea stood watching the science officers that were still around her discussing the destinations of each science kit and case. He young crewmen were having a hard time finding enough hands amongst the five of them for the eleven cases that sat in waiting.

 

"Ill just try to carry two." One offered.

 

"Are you kidding? They each weight atleast a quarter ton." Another shot back.

 

"Guys, we can always come back..."

 

Andrea crossed the room towards the cases, evading detection from the team. With her right hand, she grasped a case by it's comfort-gripped handle and moved for the lift.

 

"Come along, gentlemen. Its on my way."

 

One officer smiled and watched as she almost struggled with the case, shifting all of her weight to her left. In a short time, they were all moving towards the lift.

 

The young men entered after Andrea, each setting down two cases behind them. The tired Lt. set hers down behind her, turned, and then sat on it, leaning against the lift wall. The first science officer keyed the console to order the lift into action.

 

The movement and hum of the lift resonated around Andrea as she could feel herself relaxing. It was not long before her brain had shut out all sounds and lights from inside the tiny room. Nor did she look up when the lift came to a stop.

 

And a hand was placed on her shoulder.

 

"Lt? Counselor? This is your stop." The voice broke into her sleepy haze and her eyes focused slowly onto the young science officer before her. A smile spread accross his face.

 

"Yes, of course. Thank you, Lt." Andrea stood and found she was being escorted down the corridor by two of them, the others holding the door and waiting for their return. They achieved entry to the Counselors quarters and waited in the doorway as she stepped inside.

 

'Sweet dreams' was the last thing she heard just before she fell over sideways after sitting on the bed.

 

Lt. Andrea Knlwtchr

Counselor

USS Arcadia 1742E