Stockholm syndrome

Posted on 09 Mar 2020 @ 2:23am by Lieutenant Commander True Keading & Captain Jonathan Reynolds

Mission: Mission 3 - Whom gods destroy ...
Location: Counselling offices
Timeline: MD4 after Truth time
1018 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon quickly checked in on Sherlock who was as Syvar had indicated unconscious. As he walked down the short distance from sickbay to counselling he wondered when he had started being a “pets” person.

Ringing Trues office chime felt odd, and he could tell she could immediately tell how upset, angry and concerned he was about things as soon as they laid eyes on each other.

“Syvar,” he said simply.

True made sure that the doors were closed behind him before she walked over and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. She laid her head down on his shoulder. "I know. We'll get to the bottom of it. He'll be okay." She couldn't help but smile despite knowing he really was upset. She'd had no idea when she met him that he cared so much about his crew.

“I’ve got to the bottom of it. It’s not pretty. I’ve had to relieve him of duty,” he sighed. “Not just for not reporting what’s been happening but for his safety and sanity I fear too,”

"What's gone on exactly?" True asked, inviting him to sit down.

“Mu Fox planted an agoniser device in him, after drugging and seducing him. He’s been too frightened to report it and she’s been torturing him. She somehow got the drugs she tried to put in the environmental system via his medical authorisation which he doesn’t remember and she’s now apparently pregnant. Which resulted today in him beaming her to sickbay to check her and her forcing herself on him again.

And he’s still defending and wanting to please this woman,” Jon found a seat shaking his head. “I’ve ordered him to go nowhere near her but suspect he’s going to defy orders,” Jon said. “She’s done a right number on him True. He’s getting treated for bruises he couldn’t fix alone from the torture right now and then escorted to see you.”

"Wow, that's certainly a lot. You could lock him in the brig under heavy guard. I know it's not as comfortable as quarters but it sounds like it might be needed in this case. But of course I'll talk to him." True didn't think she'd ever discussed such a traumatic incident, although the Yorktown destruction had done a number on those that survived.

“I’m not sure locking him up in the brig would make things any better or he could cope with that. He’s all over the place. Ashamed, embarrassed, frightened. He’s a good doctor, and a good person,” Jon insisted. “Hes made some bad decisions but if we can find a way for this to not ruin his career ..... I mean he was tortured True.... we don’t know what any of the rest of us would have done I suppose.”

"I know that," True said sincerely. "I was thinking of more along the lines of keeping him safe from her. Keeping them apart." She shrugged. "Honestly this is not something I've dealt with before myself. I wish . . . well my former Commanding officer was Bajoran, I could probably use his advice in this moment."

Jon placed his hand over hers and squeezed it. “Can you get in touch? With him or anyone who can aid? I can talk to Liam too.”

"I should be able to," True nodded. She took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. She didn't know if Ryon would be able to help her but he might have an idea who could. She almost told him about pouring her heart out to Syvar one day when she was having difficulties with her last boyfriend but decided against it. She didn't want to make him think that she couldn't help Syvar, it was time to return the favor.

Jon could sense she was holding something back and nervous herself. This was big and there was just too much going on. He pulled her into a hug and closed his eyes for a moment.

Pulling back he tenderly pushed a strand of her hair. “I’m going to work on a way of getting that device out of him. That’s the first step I think. She’s convinced him if he try’s it will explode. I don’t believe that. Not for a second. I think if we can take the fear of more pain away. Make sure he knows he’s safe again. Then hopefully he will be thinking straighter and we can go from there.”

"Yes, of course that's where we should start." She was somewhat relieved that Jon seemed to be thinking more clearly than her. True loved having her hair played with and closed her eyes for a moment when she felt him touch her. "I'll do my best of course."

“I know,” he said gently. “That’s why I knew I had to get his body fixed and then get him to you. His mind ...... well you understand far more about that than I ever will but it will take time. Possibly lots and lots of time. But with calm and caring which you have in spades love ....” he smiled at her .... “I’m a lot calmer now too. Thank you.

I better go before he gets here. I’m sure my presence won’t be helpful. And I’m sure tonight’s going to be an all nighter,” he sighed.

He could see him in communications with Starfleet command briefing them of developments, trying to find a course of action now. What did he do with this prisoner? What were the next steps. What about this baby? There was another headache right there .... custody ..... how much could he get away with not mentioning and handling internally so to lessen the damage to Syvar’s career .....

He stood up and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you later love.”

OFF:

●●●● Captain Jonathan Reynolds
Captain
USS Andromeda


●● Lieutenant True Keading
Chief Counselor
USS Andromeda