Like a sponge (slight backpost)

Posted on Fri Oct 23rd, 2026 @ 9:12pm by Lieutenant Lanna Alexander & Lieutenant Delix

996 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Echoes in the Triangle
Location: Various
Timeline: Prior to Walking on Eggshells

Lanna had left hers and Jarin’s quarters feeling better than she had now her stomach had finally settled. Taking her usual morning walk to the arboretum she tried to ignore the emotions that were starting to pour through her mental barriers, this area of space was starting to be a problem.

She took a seat on the grass by the stream, trying to focus but she was struggling to say the least. “Focus Lanna” she muttered to herself. “Focus…” she sighed. “Stop…please stop!”

Del, who'd been waking and thinking saw the counselor. he saw the obvious distress and quickened his pace. "Counselor?"

Lanna heard Del’s voice and looked up putting on a brave face. “Hello Delix, what brings you here?”

"Just thinking." He paused. "What was that. You looked in pain."

“I…” Lanna paused there was little point in lying about it. “It’s this area of space we’re heading into, there’s so many emotions, they’re so strong and I’m struggling to block them out.” She massaged her temples. “There’s anger, fear, and loneliness….such terrible loneliness…”

He sat down by her side. "Have you tried an inhibitor. It can dial down the effect. Also are you sensing emotions or resonances of emotions?"

Lanna took a deep breath to reign in her senses. “I think it’s a mix of both, there’s residual and yet I feel there’s a whole lot more. This is so strong, and with my being mentally and physically down due to my morning sickness my control isn’t as strong as it could be. As for inhibitors I do have one, but if I use it I won’t be of any help on the bridge if I’m needed.”

Del thought. "Not necessarily. There maybe a way to tone down the strength without getting rid of it but...feeling all this it is not good for the child."

Lanna nodded. “I know it isn’t, and that is what is worrying me. If my blood pressure rises it could have medical implications as well.” She sighed.

"Well if you want I can work on an inhibitor to get it to have a control so you can change strength."

“It might be a good idea” Lanna added knowing full well she may need it. “I promised Jarin that if I wasn’t feeling well I’d pop by sickbay, but I’m due on the bridge soon so I’ll need to be there.”

"No, you need to go to sickbay. The doc needs to make sure the baby is fine." Del said. "Trust me the bridge can wait."

“Not right away, I need to understand this Del to see if I can understand it and adjust to it.” Lanna added her stubborn streak starting to shine through.

"Yes but the baby should be your primary. At least let the doc make sure the baby is okay."

“I will Delix I promise you that.” Lanna nodded. “I’m not letting anything happen to my baby besides can you see Sab letting me get too stressed out?”

"Well no he's a bit of a control freak." He shrugged. "I'd still feel better if you let me walk you to sickbay."

“I know you would, but I need to see if I can control this. If not I’ll be down in sickbay to see the doctor that’s a promise.” She offered Delix a smile.

"Inhibitor wise okay but just a quick scan? Look I know I'm annoying but before I left Denobula...my mother's third husband's second wife's daughter lost her baby because she was stubborn. I don't want to see that happen."

Lanna nodded. “Alright If it’ll keep you happy Del, but I really don’t have time to go to sickbay right now. Unless you have a tricorder handy?”

"Fraid not." He sighed. "I'll work on that inhibitor. It should take me a few hours but can I persuade you to wear one until then that blocks everything out?"

“I don’t know Del, the Captain is going to need me and with an inhibitor on full I’ll be useless to him.”
Lanna paused getting ready to stand up. “I should really be going or I’ll be late for shift.”

He sighed. "You are as stubborn as Sabastian."

“Maybe so” Lanna nodded. “I promise you I will not allow anything to happen to my baby. I maybe stubborn, but I’m not crazy.”

He snorted. "Well that's the difference between you and Sab. He's both." Del stood offering a hand to the counselor.

Lanna grinned as she accepted a hand up. “I am grateful for your help, talking helps keep my mind off things for a little while. Hopefully it’ll get better soon, then neither of us will have to worry.”

He gave a nod. "I wasn't worried. I just..." He shrugged.

“You just what?” Lanna asked curiously.

He shrugged. "Familes are a sore spot for me."

“Really? Are you another who thinks children shouldn’t be on a starship? Or is there another reason?” Lanna asked curiously.

He smiled, "No, nothing like that. I just mean it is not in the cards for me and it always brings up protective feelings in me."

“Ohh I see, I’m sorry.” Lanna offered an apologetic glance. “Well you’re always welcome to come spend time with Jayce, and with this little one in the future.” She smiled warmly. “I’m sure Jayce would love uncle Delix.”

He smiled. "Thank you." He sighed. "Now let's go get you to sickbay and then the bridge?" He asked hopeful.

“Just the bridge for now Delix, I’ll need to be there incase I’m needed.” Lanna offered an apologetic glance. “I promise you if I feel unwell I’ll go right there.”

He sighed. "Alright."

“Thank you for caring my friend, I appreciate it.” Lanna offered a smile.

{OFF}

 

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