Act One, Scene One

[Akirapryde]

He listened to her as he watched Lylliana's roommate approach. He didn't find her company all that bad. she wasn't asking how he was doing or if everything was alright. No, she just stood there and seemed just content with silence. Which was all he was good for in this moment. He took another drink of his mixture and allowed the warmth of the drink to warm his throat. The nice think about being the form Acting XO was the access to certain things that were not normally allowed aboard starships. In this case Tennessee whiskey. While many might suspect what is in his flask, it was not that cheap artificial crap, synthehol.

He hated not being able to fly. Since the accident, he was relieved of duty pending Dr. McCoy's review. Then as a double punch to his gut, the Flight Surgeon pulled his flight status. While everyone had their duties to do, he was spinning his wheels lost between the worlds of the living and the dead. Sometimes he wondered what would have been better. To get back at the stick he knew he had to play nice with the two doctors. Just a few days ago, he was able to convince Dr. McCoy to allow him back to duty in a limited fashion. It was a painful negation, but she demanded that he spent time off the ship before allowing any type of return to duty. To appease her demands, he took a short trip to Bajor. The trip was meant to be pleasant but he hated every minute of it. He felt, useless.

Lost in his own world for the moment, he didn't even notice that Lylliana had returned to his side. He listened to what she said and watched her smacking her forehead as she spoke "Don't... just... " she rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Don't mind her... good intentions... just a little overbearing... be glad she isn't your roommate." she peeked over with a half smile.

'Maybe I just need to get laid' he thought as he listened to her. Even before the thought left his mind, he wondered where it came from. He shook his head, "I don't mind her" he said finally. He paused a moment before adding, "I am just so sick of people asking how the hell I am doing" he said with attitude dripping from his voice. He turned to face her and said, "I don't think anyone could possibly understand." He rubbed his forward and temple with his fingers, "Sometimes Ensign, the names seem to blend together." There was clear pain in his voice as he spoke. 'What the hell am I doing.....' he thought as he took in a deep breath.