Lowering the lights as they went, Beverly and Jean-Luc crossed sickbay and entered Lynnah’s room. In the silence, the soft whispering of the life support equipment was loud, Lynnah’s breathing artificially rhythmic. Beverly drew up a chair for the Captain and said, “I’ll be in my office. Call me if you need to.” Jean-Luc nodded and sat down, his mind already constructing his words. Taking her hand, he began by speaking her name. “Lynnah, it’s Jean-Luc. Lynnah, Beverly tells me you’re very tired and that you want to give up. She told me that you know about my assimilation by the Borg and that we share the experience of violation and it’s true...both of us were violated, we had no control over what happened to us...that others did what they liked and we were powerless to stop it, and when they were finished, we were cast adrift....floundering in a sea of misery and shock and fear....I know what that feels like Lynnah. I know what it feels like to court death as an alternative to the pain and anguish of life...you’re not alone Lynnah...I understand. If you choose to live, it will be hard. It’s a long and difficult road you must travel Lynnah, but there are people here who will help you, as they helped me. They wouldn’t give up....no matter how bad it became and ultimately they convinced me to keep trying. I have my moments...you saw that at your cabin...and that will happen for the rest of my life, but it doesn’t rule me Lynnah, it doesn’t define who I am....it no longer overwhelms me. If I have to have ongoing therapy for the remainder of my life, it’s still better than the alternative. Giving up is the easy option, I know, I contemplated it many times, but isn’t something earned of greater value? Lynnah, no one but you can make this choice.....live, Lynnah, if only to prove to the universe that you matter, that you’re bowed, but not broken.” Giving her hand a final squeeze, he left her room and walked slowly to Beverly’s office. He sat heavily in the chair and ran his hands over his pate. “Hard work?” “Yes, it was actually. Those recent nightmares are still fresh.....I didn’t really want to have to remember them. “I know Jean-Luc, but if it saves her....” “Hmmm. Beverly, I’m tired. I think I’ll have a nap.” “Ok. I’ll walk you to your room.” “No, it’s alright; I’d rather be alone, if you don’t mind.” Beverly frowned in thought as she watched Jean-Luc walk away. She noted the sag in his shoulders and his lowered head. “Damn!”
Three hours later he was woken by Beverly. “Sorry to wake you Jean-Luc, but I wanted to show you something.” Rising quickly, Jean-Luc followed Beverly into Lynnah’s room. Jean-Luc could feel the change. This time the room felt...occupied. “She’s breathing on her own and brain activity has increased enormously. If she continues at this rate, she may well wake in a few short hours.” Beverly was beaming and Jean-Luc surreptitiously drew her joy into himself, repairing his own damage with her elation. “You did it Jean-Luc! Whatever you said worked...feel better now?” “Yes Beverly, it is gratifying. She even has some colour.”
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