The Unthinkable

Posted on Mon Dec 29th, 2025 @ 12:42am by Lieutenant Commander Sabastian Walker & Commander Kelly Kerrigan

1,233 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shore Leave - Starbase 1
Location: ShiKar City Hospital | Vulcan
Timeline: 5 Days before Current day

ON:

No hope. That was what the Doctor had said. Sabastian had yelled a blue streak up and down the halls until they said another expert would examine Zai. The Vulcans were more worried that he, a half Vulcan, was showing so much emotional....issues. He knew that this bond that they shared meant that if Zai died so would he but what he didn't know was that because of his Betazoid physiology that rule wouldn't hold true. His Betazoid side made it impossible for that bond to fully form properly or so the Doctor's had said.

"Where the hell is this new specialist?" Sabastian paced in the room. His siblings and parents and step parents were there as well. They sat quietly having seen that nothing they said would calm Sabastian.

Doctor L'Nel stepped into the room and observed the man who had been pacing. Her Vulcan ears were still as sharp as could be despite her advanced age. Still, she was not quite fossilized yet. "She's here," commented Doctor L'Nel. She had been practicing medicine on Vulcan and colony worlds for decades, and her specialist was neurology. Situations like this were often difficult on the patients' loved ones.

"Need I remind you that you are in a medical facility? I ask that you refrain from excessive language" stated L'Nel. She picked up a PADD and read through the latest brain scans from the patient. "You are Lieutenant Zai Walker's adun?" asked the woman.

"I am his husband yes. We've been waiting for three days. I need you to tell these leeches that Zai will be fine." Sabastian walked over to the bed taking Zai's hand in his. He leaned down. "I need you to open your eyes Zai. This doctor needs to see you're okay." He kissed Zai's forehead. "Please open those beautiful eyes."

L'Nel joined Sebastian at Zai's bedside, opting to stand opposite of Sebastian. "Commander Walker," the medical specialist addressed him. "Whether your bond mate opens his eyes or not does not change the test results. It will not change the prognosis either. We may review the results when you are prepared."

"I've heard the results. You're here to tell me that he's fine, that he's just resting. That's your job!" Sabastian's father stepped up and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you let the doctor examine him son. Please. Go get a coffee we're all there."

Sabastian looked at the doctor and narrowed his eyes. "He's going to be awake when I come back! Make it happen!" He stormed out. His father shook his head. "I am sorry doctor he..." He sighed. "He is hoping for a miracle that I don't think you're about to give us."

"Correct," L'Nel replied. "I am a neurologist, not a spiritualist. Whatever Lieutenant Commander Walker is searching for, that is not what I have to offer. I have studied medicine, the brain, and provide my expertise in treatment. Though I can respect the beliefs of others, the only miracle I can see it that we've been able to keep Lieutenant Walker...Zai alive."

Gelton gave a nod. "What are your recommendations doctor?" He sighed. "Also my son is half Betazoid and half Vulcan so...how will Zai's death affect him physically with the bond. I understand that Zai's ... race...their bond could not be properly done due to the Betazoid side but the Vulcan like bond is there....Will Sabastian be alright?"

"Zai Walker is dying," replied L'Nel. "Moreover, the lieutenant is dead. His brain activity is enough to keep him 'alive' through the advancements of medical technology, but without it, he would not live much longer. The neuro scans are not showing any likelihood of Zai returning. I have no concerns about your son's physical wellbeing, but psychologically? I have my concerns."

"Indeed." His mother stepped forward. "Our son is too attached."

Gelton rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Give it a rest! Of course he's attached. They just got married not too long ago. He's been in love with Zai since the Academy, he's been through hell and he finally gets the man of his dreams and this happens. Don't you Vulcan's have any compassion!"

Sabastian's mother raised and eyebrow. "Logic is the key here."

Gelton ignored his ex wife. "How long does Zai have?"

"If we take him off all of this?" The doctor gestured. "Days. If we keep him hooked up to all of this, months maybe more than a year if we need be, but there's no logic in prolonging this. It would simply be... emotionally driven."

The door opened. Sabastian stepped inside. "What's going on here?"

Gelton sighed feeling old. "Son...the doctor was just saying that maybe it's time to let go."

"No! I will be doing no such thing. If she can't do anything I want someone else."

Gelton. "Sabastian! Listen to the doctor." He turned to the doctor. "Should the bond be severed before..."

"I'm right here! I..."

A weakened voice rose through the room. "Sab..."

"Zai! I'm here." He pushed through his parents and the doctor to reach Zai's bedside. "Baby it's me." He turned to the doctor. "I told you! I told you he'll be fine. Help him!"

"Commander," Doctor L'Nel said calmly. "Control yourself and assess the room, you can have a look at these results. There is nothing more that we can do for your husband."

Sabastian shook his head. "No! I can't accept that! This isn't the middle ages! Help him!" Sabastian stalked over to the doctor dropping to his knees. "Please. I'm begging you. Please help him. Please!"

"You are correct, Commander, in one thing and one thing only," prefaced the physician. "These are not the middle ages. That is why your husband is lying there for you to utilize the rights he gave to you, to perform your duties as his spouse. Your bond mate is alive by machine only. His brain functions are nominal. He has no higher cognitive function. Once we take him off these machines, everything will decline sharply. I can prolong this process if need be, but I cannot postpone it forever. You have to embrace the logic of the situation at hand."

Sabastian stood and shook his head. "He can't go..."

Sabastian's father came to his side. "Alright. Everyone out. Sab why don't you sit with Zai and think about what the doctor said. It's your decision."

Gelton herded everyone out. He placed a hand on the doctor's arm. "Doctor...is there some here from the temples to sever the bond when Zai finally does..." He chocked up a bit and cleared his throat. "When Zai finally passes?"

"The bond will not kill Sebastian when Zai passes, the genetic differences, the brain chemistry... it has not connected them in a way that would be physically concerning. Yes, we can have someone from the temples 'sever the bond,' but I do not believe it necessary."

"Can you give us some time to speak with him?"

She nodded. "I am not going anywhere and Zai will remain as he is. You may have time to speak with Sebastian."

Gelton sighed and turned to his family. “Let’s leave for tonight. Let Sabastian spend time with Zai.”

They all agreed and headed out for the night not knowing that this night would be the last time they saw Zai.

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