Lets look for an alternative

Posted on Sun Mar 23rd, 2025 @ 10:30am by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton & Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey & Ensign Larissa Milton

Mission: Those who are left behind
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: current

Xavier had heard about the doctors dilemma, the fact that there was no way to assist the Jem Hadar even though they were the enemy, meaning they were all going to die because of starvation from the white. They had some, but not enough for the amount that they had brought onboard.

Walking into sickbay, he looked around for the doctor. Hoping that the situation had subsided. Or at least to the point where they could determine the next course of action. Given the current situation, he had asked for Sky to come as well as Commander stoffels. As they both would be able to assist.

Sky was happy to be included in this latest development, it was proving harder than she expected being at home most of the time, even though it was purely for maternity leave. She was enjoying being a mother, but she missed her regular duties. “I hope we can find a way to help.”

Toni came in next. So far she had kept her opinions on the matter to herself and she hoped they would find a solution to this problem.

"Ensign Milton, are you guys here?" Xavier asked, as he looked around. He wanted to get an update from her first before him. Sure he could get it from him, who was third in command. But no one knew him more than she did.

Larissa quietly came from the Doctor's Office , smoothing her skirted uniform, looking to see the Captain standing there made her breathing hitch for a second until she noticed Sky and Toni.

"Um,,," She Blushed a bit. "I managed to get him to go to his office; he said something about being 'On Call' so he would not go to quarters." She told the Captain. "I-I am sorry Captain, he is out finally." She glanced over her shoulder for a second. "WE are here but I am afraid RJ is on his sofa finally sleeping though. Sir."

"I think for now it is best to let him sleep." Toni said quietly. "can you bring us up to speed Larissa?"

Xavier nodded, "Lets go to the office next door, so we don't disturb him."

"If you will follow me there is a small conference room that might be more comfortable rather than the cramped Office." Larissa suggested and grinned a little. "Bigger Replicator so keep everyone comforted while we talk."

Larissa moved to lead the group to the Conference Room, going to the Replicator.

"Anything while I am up?" She asked the group.

Xavier shook his head. "I know this is the part of the job, that is the hardest on the Doctors, they swore an oath, yet sometimes, there is nothing we can do."

"No thank you." Toni said to Larissa. "I am good."

“Just a chilled water please” Sky offered a warm smile as she looked towards Larissa. “I take it Milton is struggling with trying to find a way to help?”

Larissa ordered Chilled water and a Lavender Tea.

"I am not sure exactly." Larissa sighed. "I do know that having a cure he cannot use is bothering him and how many would die if he gives the victim back to the Dominion and those same Jem'Hadar kill Star Fleet personnel is weighing I think to complicate things." She looked over her shoulder at the people. "I only just met and married him; I-I am trying to help but don't really know him well enough to do any good I think."

"Yes you do." Toni said. "You love him and that is what he needs right now. Unconditional love. You and Pix are the ones that can give that. But you also have to insure that he rests when he needs it. He is no good to anyone if he doesn't." She smiled. "and I know I am one to talk, but I promise to try and do better myself."

"Toni is right... you are probably the only one that can get through to him." Xavier replied. "There is one other thing we haven't factored in. The Jem Hadar may not be willing to accept our help even if we were able to find the alternative. They may choose to... accept the fate that is coming without the white."

“How do we know their fate will be a life ending one?” Sky gave the others a curious look. “Just because the Jem Hadar believe that their lives will end without the white, what if they’re wrong? What if it’s just a case of bad withdrawal?”

"I am a Computer Analyst, biology other than basic is above me." Larissa commented. "But if it is really that weak don't you think the Dominion would have lost control by that method by Now." She shrugged. "I know RJ, he would have checked the lethal aspects of not having the drug on their biology."

Passing the water to Sky.

"RJ does not talk work at home; I just know from others how good he is at his job. And the way he freaked out about this means it is serious I think. It is tearing away at him I can say though."

"I can imagine." Toni said. She looked at the captain. "Maybe we can ask one of the prisoners if he can help?" She was sure Xavier knew who she meant.

Pix is helping with Jenny; I think even she knows this is my matter to solve." She forced a smile. "I will get him sleep I-I know how to get him to do that much for a while at least." She nod to the Captain; in his anger and pain he admitted they cannot be given back to the Dominion even if it means they die. He would not have the blood of Federation people on his mind if he did what is assured to give them this... 'White' stuff."

"We are all here should you need it, I will also have to talk with the leader of the Jem Hadar. Which i don't expect is going to be useful."

"THank you, I am aware you all know him more than I do. been around him longer and all, so thank you for any support." Larissa admitted. "I cannot expect much help from Pix, I get the feeling she is keeping distance from Are-Jay right now because of this."

Toni looked at Pix to see if this was true as it was hard to believe for her.

“Pix is very sensitive to emotions, more so than me” Sky offered an understanding smile. “It causes her great pain when emotions are high, plus now that you’re married, Pix may feel that she’s in the way.”

"Pix is never in the way." Toni walked towards her little friend and offered her a hug if she wanted it. "You can stay in your room with me for a while if you like." She said.

“You’re welcome at our home too Pix” Sky offered her little friend a warm smile. “As long as you don’t mind the twins of course.”

Pix moved to Toni and rested on her shoulder hugging her lightly at the neck. Seeming a bit relieved.

"Pix is a soothing Baby nightlight that glows softly in the colors of the Rainbow." Larissa admitted. Jenny is not much older than the twins and she zonks out when Pix does her radiant glow thing."

"But maybe Pix needs a break as well. She looks really tired." Toni said while holding her little friend.

Pix's glow brightened slightly into a soft pastel shade of pink.

"That's it. Pix is going home with me." Toni said firmly. "And I am going to pamper her."

“Sounds good to me” Sky offered both her friends a warm smile.

"Pix needs it." Larissa grinned. "Between Are-Jay and the baby that little one has been through the ringer I think.

Looking at the women.

"Once this is over and we can breathe again. Larissa began. "I am going to shut that man in and do much the same." She sighed. "I think having him coordinate with all the ships Staff might be good for him, sounds bad but being busy is actually healthy for him. He might be easier to take breaks if the other Doctors suggest it to him."

"Or his therapist." Toni murmurred.

"Or his CO. Whatever will help him, we we will get it. I know its difficult time for everyone, and I cannot imagine what hes going through." Xavier replied as he looked around. "Im security... I’ve put people in medical when needed, I can’t imagine anything else."

“Perhaps I should speak with Rutherford?” Sky looked towards Larissa. “If you think it would help any. He’s helped me through a lot before now, I’d like to return the favour.”

"Maybe he might listen to a friend over a new wife." Larissa forced the smile. "After he gets some rest I can guide him your way if that is okay?"

Sky offered an understanding gaze. “That’s fine, and Larissa… there is no way Rutherford would favour anyone over you. He loves you, perhaps he just doesn’t want to put his problems off on you.”

"I know that." Forcing the smile. "But a friend might remind him that is what a wife is here for?"

Sky nodded. "Of course, trust me I'd feel the same in your position." she offered Larissa an understanding smile.

"Oh, Are- Jay mentioned that there was some planet behind lines that had this element he needed for the formula; I thought if he knew that planet, then it is within our records." Larissa told. "If we knew what the enemy needed, maybe plan out a place to ambush or be ready for them?" She proposed?

"There is another thing we haven't thought of... what if they refuse our help. The Jem Hadar don't take captivity well, opting for suicide in most cases taking innocents if they can. If they refuse medical... thats within their right. The Vorta will succomb to captivity, but the Jem Hadar... I would rather give them... the death they feel they deserve rather than going insane..."

“You’d do that?” Sky looked at Xavier in surprise. “I can’t say I agree with watching them suffer, but at the same time we couldn’t just kill them.”

"It is not uncommon in some of our own earth cultures, look at the Japanese for instance." Toni said.

"Not something i would prefer to do. However, with no 'white' they will become even more hostile, more dangerous, and they will die just the same. We will give them the option to accept our help, or we will allow them to do what they deem necessary to die with honor in their own way. They are similar to klingons. In way of honor. In some ways." Xavier replied.

Sky nodded. “I understand.”

"When given a choice between life and Death, choose Death." Larissa said. "Or so says the Hagakre, Bible of the Earth Samauri." She turned a little red. Friend of mine was really into Bushido... Samauri die upon command without question; sound like someone else?" Larissa ended

"I don't think that would give Milton ease of mind however." Xavier replied, "They will die without it, unless we try and put them in cryo... but we know they will refuse help."

"I do not really care about those killers normally; but for my Husband." Larissa stated. "I will just be close to pick up the Pieces and support him no matter the outcome. Just make what you do quick so Are-Jay does not suffer with conflicted ideas and moral decisions please."

“I’ll be right there with you Larissa” Sky offered a warm smile. “Rutherford has done so much for me, I want to be there for him.”

"I would enjoy the help and company." Larissa replied while stealing a glance at where RJ slept. "I-I better get back with him." She explained. I am his sleep aid in a manner of speaking."

"I will take Pix with me for a sleep over." Toni said. She planned to pamper her little friend.

"Keep me apprised, I dont care if im sleeping or doing whatever. We need him in his tip top shape." Xavier replied as he sighed. "Ive got some Jen Hadar soldiers to talk to."

"I think I can assure a few hours of him sleeping." Larissa blush a bit. "He tends to sleep well with .. aid."

"Whatever works for him." Xavier replied as he turned. Seeing her blushed kinda hinted at how that was to be. "Thats a cue for us to leave guys."

"Yup. Do you need me to carry your suitcase, Pix?" she asked. "Or can you manage getting to my quarters alone?"

Pix winked and flew to an air vent to vanish.

"Don't worry about her she travels very light." Larissa snickered. "From what I have seen."

"She also has some stuff at my place." Toni had built her a little mini princess home. "I had better get over there."

"THanks Toni." Larissa smiled. "I had better get back in there with Are-Jay before he stirs. If I do it right he will not wake. If you will excuse me."