Friends Like Family

[Commander Christina Rivers]

This is a SL thread for Christina and Regal to post in. Should anyone wish to participate in this please contact either one before posting in the thread.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

Conner basically collapsed at the doorframe of his quarters by the time he got there. He pushed himself far too hard once again. He did this inside his quarters so no one would be the wiser that he spent a few hours napping on the floor instead of in his bed. Or so he thought no one would be the wiser of it unless Christina came around to check on him. In that case he would be in big trouble.

Christina just got off rotation and heard that Conner was back in sickbay again causing far too much trouble to be in there only a few hours. She decided to check in on him. He was so often prone to doing too much that she figured he would be passed out somewhere were he wasn’t suppose to be. And just like his wife use to do have to haul him off to bed so he wasn’t sore in the morning.

She rang the chime to his quarters and he didn’t answer. She rang it again…still nothing. She did it a few more times before finally she just walked in. Sure enough he was passed out right on the floor. Face first into the carpet. She had to suppress a laugh before bending down and scooping him up off the floor. Thankfully no one else had come by to see his lovely showing of grace.

When he felt himself moving but wasn’t walking he stirred a little. That was when he realized he was being carried. The soft beating of her heart rang in his ear as she carried him. The content smile spread across his face to the sweet music of her heart. For he knew that it was Christina because he memorized the pattern of her heart beat and could hear it in a quite room if he really focused on finding the melody; the melody that soothed him when nothing else would and focused him when he was at his end. For her heart beated similar to his wife; both women he owed so much too.

When he stirred she didn’t stop just kept caring him. He was heavy and it seams getting more so by the minute. Finally she reached his bed, just when she thought she was going to drop him, and set him down in it. Carefully and gently she pulled the covers from under him and laid them on the bed. She didn’t want to wake him the peace that was on his face made her heart so content that the day’s stresses melted away. She then put each cover folded over onto itself at the foot of the bed before going to the closet where he kept all his cloths to find something to change him into to sleep.

Conner didn’t move much playing the sleeping man role for his friend. He didn’t want her to feel any different then she did now. He could tell just by her breathing that she was content to look after him this way. He finally got a little sore feeling in his back when she turned to go get cloths for him so he rolled on his side carefully so not to make too much noise. He then sighed content that he pulled off his plan and drifted back into nothing.

When she looked back at the bed with a silk pare of dark blue pants and a button up silk shirt that matched the pants she couldn’t believe he rolled and she didn’t hear it. That made her laugh because she knew now he was just pretending to sleep so she wouldn’t feel so bad for moving him. Always the gentlemen even when he was sick or in pain.

She moved to the side of his bed and gently touched the side of his face that was not on the bed he moved to cuddle her hand with his face and rolled back onto his back. She knew this trick well for she had practice taking care of him. She did this for a year after his wife passed when no one else would be around him. The look on his face this time wasn’t so pained…so worn. This time he seamed to have a lighter tone to his suffering. She shook that thought from her mind she had a task to do. Get Conner to bed.

She carefully began to undress him from his cloths for the day, but as she did she slipped him into the night cloths she picked out for him. She remembered to start at the top and work her way down. He seamed more compliant with being dressed that way then any other way. It didn’t take long he before he was ready. She then touched the cheek that he had been sleeping on before she moved him to his back again and he rolled back to his side. That made her laugh because she thought of a trained dog doing such a thing.

Conner couldn’t help but come back to consciousness hearing Christina laugh so close by. He knew he must have done the rolling thing one too many times and it amused her like it always did. He fluttered his eyes open and saw her laughing and looking at him. That was when he said something in his half awake voice.

I did it again didn’t I?

Christina stopted laughing and looked at him the laughter still dancing away in her eyes.

Yes, you did actually. Do you want to sit for a while or would you like me to finish what I was doing?

Conner blinked a few times yawned and then stretched a little.

I should continue lying down, so my lady…please continue what you were doing.

She smiled some.

Alright, and just for the record I didn’t see anything.

I’m sure you didn’t. You are always careful to preserve my dignity. Even when I am a total mess and not much to look after…or is it for…

She glared at him a little before getting up from sitting on his bed to continue to tuck him in. She grabbed the blankets one by one and lifted them to the proper length to cover Conner before smoothing them all out and then crawling under them to lie beside him.

Conner could tell by the way she was moving that she had something on her mind and wanted to talk so he made room for her to lie beside him when she was done. He was pleased that she took him up on the invitation rather then just sitting in a chair. He felt he could read her so much more clearly when they were face to face laying down then any other way. In some ways he felt like her older brother and in others like her father. That’s how much she came to mean to him over the years and when something was on her mind he wanted her to spill the truth and not protect him from anything. He spoke softly after a while of her troubled eyes looking at him.

What’s on your mind? You know we can always talk.

I know…and that’s what scares me. Because what is on my mind I have been keeping from you for so long. I’m scared…scared that this could make me loose you.

His mind was racing now but he didn’t let that show in his eyes or in his body.

Tell me what needs to be said, and we will work from there. You know I love you like family, and I will not judge you…ever. No matter how bad it may seam.

Her body was tense and that same tension was in her eyes she didn’t know she wasn’t breathing until she saw the concern in Conner’s eyes because she must have been turning white. She then took a deep breath to calm herself down before she spoke.

I have been caring this for four years Regal. To spare you the knowledge of knowing that you lost more then your wife that day and now you are so weak I don’t know if I can tell you what I know.

His brow furrowed with thought as his mind went from racing now to wonder. Wondering what else he lost that day besides the love of his life, his heart, his sanity and just about lost everything. It took him a moment before he spoke in his calm soothing voice.

Tell me Christina, who I lost that day besides my wife…please.

She sighed and then looked him dead in the eyes her own eyes full of tears she fought to hold back. Her own voice shook just a little as she told him what she knew. It came out almost a whisper.

You lost…you lost a son.

His eyes grew wide with disbelief. He felt himself stiffen with fear…with realization. That their dream of a family did come true, but at far too late of a time to actually see it come fully in their life. Once he got over the shock and saw the tears in Christina’s eyes he reached out to her. Wrapping his warm arms around her and pulling her close to him. Hugging her tightly to him in silence for a while before he found his voice to tell her what was on his mind.

Oh, Christina…don’t ever keep something like that from me again.

He squezzed his eyes shut letting the tears out that were in his own eyes.

Don’t ever feel like you can’t talk to me about something that important. For my dream now of having a family with my wife came true. Not only did we have a son…even if it was just for a day. We also, now have a daughter.

As he wrapped his war arms around her and hugged her closely to him. So tight that she was scared she would break. The silence killed her almost. Her mind screamed for him to talk. Then when he did the words he spoke. The emotion in his voice broke something deep inside of her and her own emotions just flowed out. She wrapped her arms around him and she was sure she was shaking as she let the tears fall and cried. Both out of relief and out of realization that he felt the connection too; that they were not only each other’s friend but family. The answer to his statement was a whisper between the sobs.

Yes…I know.

[Commander Christina Rivers]

Regal held onto her tightly as she shook beneath his arms. He was desperately hiding his own sobs as he finally realized why so much of him hurt. He knew that his wife had something to tell him but what, until now he did know. Now that he knew he was relieved that it wasn’t a divorce she was trying to talk to him about but their family. Christina was in his arms now and that was all that mattered to him. The family that he had left in this world and it hurt him to see her hurt this much.

Christina hadn’t felt this much emotion since her parents passed away so long ago. She felt Regal’s arms tighten at points and knew he was trying not to show that he was crying too. That made her melt all the more to him. To comfort him and to let him know that he suffered not alone in this.

Finally he broke the silence no longer able to stand it.

Christina, you need to get rest. We can talk about this later.

It took her a while to calm but she responded.

I will rest when you are resting Regal. I need to know that you are alright. I need to know that you can still recover after all this.

You know I can. I have survived worse in my time. When you lost your parents that tore me up inside. I survived it though just to see you smile again. I can do the same here. I can do more then just survive this I can celebrate. For now I know what my wife had to say to me that day and I can no longer wonder. I know now our marriage to each other was faithful to the end. I can not ask for a greater gift then that.

Christina sighed

You’re right I need to sleep. Can I crash here? If I can I’ll be on the couch.

You know you are welcomed here. Just don’t sleep in your uniform, and you are not sleeping on the couch. Not in my house you aren’t anways. You come back to me when you’re ready for bed.

She nodded once and rolled out from Conner’s arms. She knew full well that it was no use fighting with him. He always won. She then dragged across the room to the closet got something out of there and went to the other room to change.

While she changed Regal shifted in his bed so he was close to the wall and so there was enough space for Christina to lay down with him. To him it just didn’t feel right for family to be alone tonight. That and he knew full well she would sleep better knowing that he would be watching out for her.

She came back out into the bedroom saw where he was at and just growled a little putting her uniform neatly folded on top of his dresser. She then climbed back into bed to face Regal’s face. She knew that he would have some sort of parting words before he shut his eyes. Even though she could tell he was fighting sleep.

The event of the night just took it all out of him and he was fighting but he had something to say to her, and when she came into bed that is when he said it.

You know that family is important to me. That is why I am keeping you close right now. You need me as much as I need you and together we will get past everything and make this work.

She sighed some and then responded.

You are a stubborn old mule of course we are going to get through this one.

We always do lovely dove. Now get some sleep.

She yawned not really realizing how tired she was and then rolled closer to Regal before closing her eyes and falling into a dreamless sleep.

Regal wrapped his arm around her and snuggled in close to her as she rolled to him. He held her like she was his birth daughter and then when he knew that she was well into sleeping he closed his eyes in defeat. The alarm was set to wake Christina in time to get something to eat and then go to duty. Somehow he knew that day that she would be with him this night. With that thought of satisfaction he then drifted into a peaceful sleep.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

He retired to his quarters for a few hours knowing full well that he would have his hands full when he got back into sickbay. He was counting on Christina to come in once she got done with talking to the crew. He knew that she still didn't like sleeping in her own quarters. That she felt somehow responsible for him. Even though he had told her repeatedly that he is a big guy and can take care of himself.

Still just about every night she was in there with him making sure he was breathing at the very least before going to her own quarters. He had gotten use to that idea. Of someone checking in on him. That is why this night when he entered alone he felt a bit aquard about it. It wasn't the fact that the place was empty but that he was really extremely tired as soon as his feet hit the front door. He entertained the idea of sleeping on the floor for a bit but then decided against it knowing full well that he would get chewed out for it later.

That is when he drug himself to the bed room over to the closet and got out his sleeping cloths. Since no one was around he just took his cloths off right there and changed for the night. He then drug himself to bed and flipped the covers over himself. He was feeling his age, but at the same time he felt safe. Knowing that Christina would be in and check on him at the very least during the night. That he had that type of family on board still alive and with him.

Since his parents' death he didn't really open up much to anyone and the death of his wife made it worse. Now he was open to Christina and that scared him most of all. Because he didn't want to lose her. Didn't want to lose the person that kept him sain when he felt like a mad man. She may not be his daughter by birth but still that's how he thought of her. His daughter, who took time to care for him as he would take time to care for her. Perhaps two broken doves can learn to fly again. With that thought he smiled a bit coughed and then rolled so his back faced the door to the room and drifted off to sleep. Dreaming about the family which could be.

[Commander Christina Rivers]

She walks into Conner’s quarters and hears him resting peacefully. But it wasn’t enough for her tired mind to wrap around so she steps in further allowing the door to close behind her. She hears the peaceful breaths of Conner and is almost lulled to sleep on the spot. She feels her eyes get heavy and the next thing she feels is the soft carpet under her face.

Conner was peacefully sleeping in the other room. He was in the process of turning over on his other side to face the door when he heard a thud. He wasn’t quite awake so he moaned a bit as he opened his eyes. He didn’t know what was going on. But something told him he needed to check in the other room to see what was what. Rubbing sleep out of his eyes he went to the door and his eyes widened at what he saw. Quickly he wrapped the robe he grabbed around him and went to Christina on the floor. He rolled her over gently so she was face up and began checking her over.

Christina moaned a bit still tried. She could feel the touch of a skilled doctor checking her over for anything medically wrong. She knew he would find nothing and opened her eyes. She didn’t remember landing this way. She waited for him to say the first word not wanting to interrupt him.

He looked Christina over with his hands. He wasn’t thinking about the medical triquarter. Feeling for broken bones or anything else and he could find nothing wrong. Then when he looked up he saw her eyes open and knew what she was waiting for. You know how to wake a man up. Are you alright Christina?

She spoke softly. I’m fine just was checking on the old man decided to drop in. She had a smile on her face as she was slowly pulling herself out of the dream world she collapsed into.

Don’t move around. Since I am up I’ll just carry you to the bed and take care of you for a change. He smiled and then picked her up off the floor into his arms. He was much stronger now that he was back to doing his normal routine and it was easy for him to lift her. He talked to her as he carried her into the bedroom. Don’t worry little dove I’ll take care of you.

She smiled and her eyes started closing again. She was drifting when she heard him talk and pick her up. She moaned a little just exhausted from the day and was all she could manage. His arms felt strong and safe. She cuddled in next to his chest as he carried her.

He took the moan as a yes and laid her down on the bed. He went over to the relpicator and replicated something that he knew she would like sleeping in. Then he went back to her somewhat sleeping form on the bed. Carefully he got her out of her uniform and when it came down to times to switch the final peaces of the uniform with the night cloths he did so very quickly so not to get her cold. When he did this he made sure to check for bruising and found a few that were on her arms. He covered her gently before going to get something to fix the burses.

She felt herself being moved about and her cloths begin to lighten. She could only roll with the movement and to help the best she could. She was tired and content in knowing that Regal was moving around with such ease. Her arm hurt a bit when Conner touched her in certain areas. She knew that she was bruised a bit from the fall. She lay there silently so not to make him feel bad for waking her up all the way.

He came back and touched the area on her arm where it was bruised again. He noticed Christina react to that in a painful expression. He kissed her forehead before speaking softly. Soon lovely dove you won’t be in that type of pain. He gently ran the device over her arm healing the burse. Once he saw the color disappear he touched her arm again and when he saw her reach her hand up to him to brush him away he knew that she wasn’t in anymore pain.

She was half asleep when he pushed on her arm again. The humming of the device and of him while he worked lulled her there. She then opened her eyes to look at him before rolling so he could get into bed.

He quietly set the alarm and took his house robe off climbing in next to Christina. He lifted the blankets up over them both and matches her body formation with his so that they are close together. He wrapped his arms around her to hug her and he brushed the hair away from her face so that she could breathe without eating her own hair before. Closing his eyes in sleep content to know that she was safe and that she would be sleeping tonight.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

When they woke up in the morning Christina was still kind of out of it but Regal helped her figure out where she was before she went about doing what she needed to get to duty. Conner was still not ready to get up so he laid in the bed curling up on himself in the covers keeping one eye open and the other one closed, so he knew that Christina was getting around for the day.

She was trying not to wake Conner even though she had to roll him off of her during the night because of his nature to cuddle anything living while he slept. He seamed to grow attached to her presence and knew that she had grown attached to his. She was disorientated more so the most mornings and Conner got up to help before going back and laying down on his bed. She knew that he was still watching her so she went in the other room to change and to shower for the day. Hoping that by the time she would come out he would be back to sleep.

He knew that she was taking a long time and after a while he drifted back to sleep. Coughing a little he still was trying to break himself from clearing his lungs but after doing it for such a long time it was his nature to do that when he was relaxing. He remembered hearing the shower shut off before there was nothing.

When she came back out her was sound asleep on the bed. The cover wasn’t on him and he was grabbing for something to cuddle. She found the body pillow that he cuddled when he couldn’t cuddle her and then gave that to him. She was dressed in her duty uniform and her hair was back up in the tight regulation style. She watched him tumble a bit in the bed before she left to go to duty. She had a surprise for him but that would have to wait for a few hours.

He felt the pillow in his arms and knew Christian was alright so he fell deeper into sleep. He would report in shortly but for now he was sleeping again. He needed this resting time sometimes in the morning to allow himself time to adjust to having a life of solitude mostly. He remembered having a dog at one time with his wife how that brought him comfort when she went off to work or when he came home from his work. Now he was on a starship and the dog was only the gods know where. He fell asleep dreaming of the dog and how he would look today if he was still around.

[Commander Christina Rivers]

Chaz knew his way around the ship better then his brother Rocky so he lead the way. That and he picked up the master's sent a few meters after they got lose from the guy who was walking them. He couldn't contain his excitment. Everyone was looking at him funny and then when he came to the door he sat there and barked waiting for Rocky to join him. He was the slower one after all.

Rocky just was following his brother and smelt his master's sent and knew where they were going. Finally when they got to rest in front of the door he barked his silly dog head off. Waiting either for someone that was passing in the coorador to let them in or for his best friend to answer the door.

Chrstina heard all the racket and then a tud on the door and knew what that was. Chaz and Rocky you two can't stay out of truble for one second. Get your butts in here before you end up spoiling the supprise.

Chaz and Rocky both came in wagging happy to see her. Chaz knew that he was going to be with his master soon. He was just happy to find Rocky's at the moment. Rocky was so excited he got ahead of himself and jumpted all over her giving her kisses.

Christina was getting kissed, Now easy there Rocky you know ma ma no like that. Let's go get Chaz home before we settle down.

Rocky couldn't help it he barked his silly head off and jumpted up and down all excited and then waited for Chrstina to take their leads. Chaz just sat there the picture of calm waiting.

Christina got dressed and then walked the two over to Regal's place ringing the chimes hoping that he was still awake.

Regal blinked a few times having fallen asleep reading a medical journal on the couch again. He cleared his throat and spoke. Come the door is open.

As soon as the door opened Chaz went barrling through the door. He jumpted up on the couch and layed his head on Regal's lap panting and wagging his tail waiting to be peted.

Regal was kind of half out of it but when he felt the head of a syberian husky on his lap he on impuls just reached down and pet it. Sure enough it flet like Chaz to him. Then he heard another dog bark and knew it was Chaz because Rocky was barking his silly dog head off next to Christina. That is when he took Chaz's head and just kissed the top of it locking him in a hug for a while. Mummbling in his fur. Chaz it's good to see you boy. What are you doing out here?

Christina smiled and told Rocky to knock of the noise. Sure enough he did. I thought I would bring him in here since you are feeling alot better. Called in a favor from an old friend in the area that knew these two.

Regal looked at Christina. You didn't need to do that, but thank you. Now I got someone to look after. Right old boy?

Chaz barked and licked Regal's face with kisses. Getting up on all fours on the couch. Before sitting back down.

I think he agrees Regal. I need to get Rocky settled in. I'll leave you two boys to bond.

Will be just like the old days. Only this time no dipars. He laughted a little and then looked at Chrstina again. Please do. Sooner we get these two raskles settled in the sooner we can get back to training with them.

I know and that will be lots of fun I promass now that I know the old man is back up and running.

Hey, I'm not that old yet.

She laughted and then left his room to go back to hers. Knowing full well that once training started he would be feeling his age.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

Conner sat in silence in his room after all the excitement of a few days worth of work he was in pure shock when he got the news. The padd still in his hand he just sat there staring off into space for the longest time. He knew that he had friends in the medical community but still -- how? More importantly -- why? He looked at Chaz blinked a few times and then shook his head leaning back into the couch before sighing and speaking.

Well old boy looks like I got commission back. So no more civilian attire for me around work…He then trialed off into his own thoughts before speaking again softly …if only she was here to see me get back my pipes…she would be, so proud.

Chaz got up on the couch and laid his head on Regal’s lap sensing his dismay at the situation. He just wanted to be there for support as his master sorted out the thoughts that were going through his head. Conner couldn’t believe it. His mind reeled at this and at the same time he was grateful to be cleared back for active service. If he had his old heart he would be on the floor but now that he had a more stable one he was just sitting back in wonderment and in shock. Finally he had to read the letter again.

Doctor Regal Conner we are writing from Starfleet medical in concerns to your discharge papers from the service. After reviewing your work over the past few years it is our privilege to restore your service rank of Lieutenant with all the rights and privileges that come with that rank. Your current assignment to the USS Polaris is now the listed place of officer service you are currently in. Serving the capacity of Chief Medical Officer on the ship and therefore taking into your hands the lives of the crew on that ship. God speed to you all…

He talked to Christina and showed her the letter she didn’t know what to say either, so he knew that she wasn’t the one who did this. The question now was who and why. He knew that wouldn’t be forthcoming on a ship this big, so he just closed his eyes to fall asleep and to think about what would be his next movements now that he was a full officer again.

[Commander Christina Rivers]

She hadn't been feeling good for several days. Didn't even have a chance to take Rocky out to see Chaz. She felt sorry for the poor guy but couldn't do much about it. She was stuck in bed and her body didn't allow her to move very much. She had many thoughts as to why she was feeling so tired but none of them made any since to her. She didn't feel the need to get checked out because to her this type of a thing was dealt with personally. She still held onto the value that if it were something serious then she would have been unresponsive and someone would have checked in on her. Since neither one was the case then maybe the passage of time wasn't as grand as she was thinking it was.

She didn't know. All she knew is that missing duty shifts at this critical time with the ship wasn't helping matters. She needed to find a way to get back on her feet in a presentable manner before duty. She didn't know how she was going to do it but she was going to do it all the same. The Captain she knew would understand her being a bit out of it at times but she didn't want to be incompetent and show up for shift. So she just lay ed there and after a few moments her eyes closed again as the beads of sweat started falling. She slipped into an unconscious state.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

Conner came with Chaz in hand to try and get togeather with Christina. He hadn't seen her around for a few days and was woundering here she was at. He rang the chimes like he normally would and Chaz paced scratching at the door. Conner gently reminded Chaz not to do that. But then when he heard pawing on the other side of the door he knew something was up. He told the computer to unlock the door medical over ride.

Rocky was going nuts and he checked the food and water. Didn't see any out and got him some the dog wouldn't take to it. Just went into the bedroom almost telling Regal to go in there. Conner didn't understand the behavior until he walked in and saw Christina in her bed. It was noon and he knew that she should be at work by now so he told the computer to raise the lights up to half illumination. That is when he saw the beeds of sweat rolling down her and how pail she was. He ran the triquater over her and he found a virus of some sort in her system. He went from relaxed to tence in a matter of seconds. Telling Chaz to get Rocky to eat and to stay out of the room.

The dogs seamed to understand and leave. Conner went to the replicator and got a hypo full of medication and relpicated a nutritional suploment for her as well. He could tell she had been like this for days. He got the wet blankets up off of her and got her into the shower calling down to sickbay for a nurse to help out. He switched the shower from sonic to water and hold her in there to get the cloths soaked in her sweat off from sticking to her. He cleans her up a bit and the nurse comes in to assist him with changing her cloths. The nurse then disapears when that is done to change the bed. Conner holds Christina up the best he can and only gently strokes her face letting her know that he was there for her.

The nurse came back helping Conner get Christina back into bed and covered up. The nurse then starts the IV and gives Christina a mild sedative to rest a little before they would try and feed her anything or to wake her up. The medication seamed to be working and the feaver was going down. Still Conner was concerned as to what caused Christina to fall into this state so suddenly and for so long. He would have to talk to her when she woke up.

He thanked the nurse after a while and went to the other room to check on the dogs. Sure enough Rocky was eating Chaz was drinking a bit and they seamed to be communicating with each other on ways to make Conner and Christina feel better. Conner went to the couch and sat there rubbing his head. He wasn't going to go back to his quaters. He had to make sure that Chirstina was going to be alright.

[Commander Christina Rivers]

Christian woke up after a few hours of sleeping she felt like she had been sleeping for days and then she looked down. Her sleeping cloths were changed into something lighter then what she remembered putting on. She just remembered going to bed wanting to sleep off a bug that she got. She moaned a bit when she saw the IV in her arm and called out to the other room. Conner...

Conner fell asleep in the other room Chaz and Rocky were sleeping in the dog beds and when he heard the moaning in the other room he got up off the couch and went in to see how she was doing. That is when he heard her voice no more then a whisper speak. He went to her side and spoke. It's alright Christina. I'm here. He ran the triquater over her before holding her hand.

She held onto his hand and spoke somemore. What happened? How long was I out for? Where is Rocky?

You got a virus and where out for very long time. Rocky is taken care of he's resting with Chaz out in the other room. You were pritty bad off when I found you. Just am supprised that you got so sick so fast.

I worked a few days from my quaters that's why the computer didn't alert the sickbay. I didn't think this was anything other then me being tired...I need to sit up so can get back to work.

You are on medical leave right now so I'll sit you up so you can have something to eat, but other then that got to give yourself time to recover.

Ok, just don't you stop taking care of yourself...your and officer now. You need to take care of yourself for the crew's sake.

I know and I will once my angle is better. He smiled a bit at her before heling her sit up in her bed. He adjusted the covers around her and got her comfortable before going and getting some food to eat. The replicator is not much of a cook but it is what I can do on short notice like this. He put the tray in front of her on a stand and then watched her eat.

It's alright Conner. I think that's my down fall. I didn't eat for a while and got sick. She then started eating the food. She was leaning on the wall for support. I'm glad to see you eating.

He yawned. Just got to get you back on your feet so Rocky and Chaz can go out and play again. Alright, I think I am done eating and you need to sleep too. Can't have you falling apart either.

She slid back down in the bed and patted the empty space by her.

Conner rolled over to the other side of the bed and put his arm around her to help her lay back down before laying down himself. Alright you win this time.

She watched him fall asleep before sleeping herself hoping that this would be the last time he would have to worry about her like this.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

He came to her quarters after getting off his duty shift and notice that they were a mess. That she had been trying to rearrange the living space in the main area somewhat. There was boxes everywhere and he had to carefully plot his way though the mess to the sleeping area to see if she was around.

She had been working for most of the day in her quarters between the computer consul and also rearranging the space. She was now lying out on the bed in one of her light weight night gowns and was trying to rest. She was finding it exceedingly hard to do so without Regal sleeping next to her. She rolled to see him come into the room and smiled a bit. “What do you think?”

He had to catch himself from staring at her. The gown she had on made her look even more radiant then what she already was to him. “I think that you should have waited for me so you aren’t exhausting yourself. You are after all with child and all.” His voice had the warm tenors of a concerned husband not the ones of a physician consulting a patent.

She laughed lightly at him and then responded. “Really now when have you known me to be like that?” She then looked at him seeing that look on his face and the tension there she added. “Don’t start with the whole hiding business I can read you like a book.”

He shook his head, “Alright, I’ll just indulge then that is if you stop doing things that you know very well I can help out with when I get here off duty.”

“If that is your condition then consider it done. I want you to feel comfortable here. As this will be where the majority of your off duty time will be spent from here on out. Since we were so foolish as to not think of these things before they happened.” She patted the bed in front of her as if to signal him to do something.

He moved to where he was out of sight of her and striped out of his duty uniform. “I know, I know we were both living in a dream it appears. However, since it did happen shouldn’t we at least explore this a little, and say…I don’t know try to roll with the punches from here on out?” He was changed into his night cloths and making his way towards her again when he got done speaking.

“I think that would be wise considering.” She couldn’t help but stair at him for a little while when he got back into her view. He was wearing just the bottoms tonight and his chest was quite eye catching to her. “You’re teaching me how to be human again.”

“Well then maybe when a true match comes around you will be ready for him if this is all just learning for you.” He kind of had a laugh in his voice when he spoke that and was smiling at her staring. “I know that look and its ok you can touch me tonight like you always do. Just don’t be surprised if we wake up in a different state of dress.” He grinned at her that charming grin and got into the bed with her.

She let him slip into bed with her and wrapped her arms around him like she normally did smiling and having her eyes half closed she rested her head on his chest. “Since I know we both have such vivid imaginations nothing will surprise me now.” She kind of laughed and then yawned.

He yawned as well taking her into his arms and getting comfortable in the bed. “Who would have thought it?” He felt his eyes begin to close he sighed and then closed them he could still hear her voice if she responded to him.

She was kind of half out of it and then softly spoke a response. “The Vulcans” She then laughed a little before turning her mind to sleep.

He laughed with her and then felt himself drift to sleep his mind truly at peace. He hadn’t felt this content in a long while.

She fell asleep in his arms feeling safe for the first time in a long while and hopeful of what could become.

[Commander Christina Rivers]

Conner watched Christina sleep on her bed knowing full well what happened in the night. What caused them to need to be in sickbay suddenly and how the contractions wouldn’t stop no matter what they did…she wasn’t far enough along to deliver but her body rejected the pregnancy despite their best efforts. Now she was sleeping and Conner was up with much on his mind.

He held his head in his hands and blamed himself for this whole mess. He couldn’t believe he allowed himself to do such a thing to his best friend. Now he was going to have to tell her that they lost the fight to keep the little one. That broke his heart in so many peaces and made his mind spin that he just passed out in the chair.

Christina woke up sensing something not right she looked at Conner in the chair and saw how distressed he was before he passed out there. She knew that she was pregnant but still she felt the need to try and get him into bed, so at least he wasn’t sleeping at such an odd angel. She lifted him despite the pain and laid him in bed before she returned there herself. She gently strokes his face and calmly hummed to him to see if that would bring him around.

He heard the humming and almost broke down in tears but instead calmly woke up out of his state to see her staring right at him. Lovingly and caringly trying to make him feel like the world was all right. He couldn’t find his voice for a while but when he did it just came out in a blurb. “I’m so sorry Christina. I tried everything but couldn’t save the child. You delivered but it was too soon. We lost the child. The pregnancy is over.”

She could tell why now he was so distressed her heart sank and she was upset but she didn’t shed a tear just gently stroke his face. “It’s alright Regal. The child was not meant to be. I did everything I could but still genetics over ruled percussion. You knew that I could miscarry it was genetic for me to do that. I did too. That’s why I wasn’t holding my breath for this. I was merely hoping to be able to deliver when he or she was able to stand on her own. Now that I know that I now know why I was in so much pain caring you to the bed and now I must recover so to be able to be back on duty.”

“ I know and if they would have made it I believe that we wouldn’t have made it. Now we got a second chance at our friendship and I don’t want to screw it up this time. That’s why I’ll try and sleep in my own quarters now more and if I sleep here I’ll sleep on the couch so not to have that ever happen again.”

“That is not necessary but if you feel it so then I will understand. Just know that no matter what would have happened I sill would have loved your just like I always have.” She then felt herself get very tired and she fell back asleep.

He knew that she was recovering still that her body was resting in order to repair the damage that was done. He just hoped that the emotional damage that was done to her as well wouldn’t upset all the progress that had happened in the four years that they have been working together to reverse the Vulcan training she endured in order to fit in on that Vulcan science ship she worked on for that tour.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

Regal had spent a long while mulling over the events of what has happened to Christnia and him how they have drifted back to the friend level. He was glad for that. That despight all the hardships they have both been throught that they still could bond over it all and train togeather. He knew that the dogs would not be much use as there was no need for serach and rescue dogs on a starship but only the stars knew what possible uses they could have later on down the road. That's why they both kept curent on their training. Even when they were out socializing with other crew members.

Neither one really had blended well with a crew before to have both doing so now put him at ease. He was watching their friend Le mull over in his mind something of importance. He knew that Lee would come out of his trance when the time was right and the decsion made in his mind. For now Le sat on the floor of Regal's quarters just in a peaceful state.

Regal for lack of better judgement desided to join him down there. Not remembering his age and how hard it would be for him to get up he took up beside Le and started to meditate. To reflect on his own person and what desicion had to be made. Weather or not he wanted to stay on Polaris or if he wanted to go back into privet pratice. The answers would come to him soon, but for now it was time for the boys to bond and to discover perhaps in each other the answers that they saught.

[Doctor (Lt.) Regal Conner]

Lee got out of his trance and saw that Regal was on the floor with him. He heard the gental snoring and figured that Regal had fallen asleep meditating. He left Regal there for a moment to go and feed Chase. Chase was waiting in the corner and Lee knew what he wanted. He replicated food for Chase and then some water. Setting both down for the dog to have. Lee then returned his attention to Regal who was deep asleep on the floor.

Contimplating for a moment Lee gently picked Regal up off the floor and carried him to the bedroom. Lee's mind was made up he had alot of work to do before he would leave to take back up his command, but for now he was taking care of a friend that has taken care of him. He got Regal dressed for bed and in bed.

Regal woke up feeling the softness of his bed around him and just looked at Lee with an weary glance before speaking, "So, made your mind up?"

"Yes, I have. I will return to my ship in a few days. Until then I will be making sure that you are both well before I leave."

Regal just smiled at him," You probally saw the scar on my chest where they popted me open to pop the new ticker in me. I'm fine. Better then I have been for years. And Christina is fine. She's socializing with crew and healthy."

Lee sighed, "Yes but you are not aware of her not eating that lead her to a few days off duty. Dr. McCoy took care of her. He felt you were too close to her to take care of her properly. That is why you were not informed."

Regal kind of jumpted, " What?...Why the Vulcan's did it again. She didn't eat for a while the last time that she was told to supress her emotions. I keep telling her we are not build like them."

Lee noded, "I think she knows now and is going to embrasse her humanity. But I want to make sure before I leave."

Regal noded and yawned, " I understand, but she is her own women. She'll need us both to support her."

Lee patted Reagal on the shoulder, "Get some rest old man. I'll be out in the living room if you need me. I plan on getting some myself."

Regal rolled on his side, "How many times do I have to tell you no sleeping on the couch?"

Lee just smiled, "I'll be back shortly get some rest."

Regal then just currled up into a ball and fell asleep letting Lee go about his busness. Lee went into the other room grabing a blanket from the couch to keep himself warm he fell asleep.