*** Deck 5 USS Chimera *** Athena didn't know why they were taking Rob's body to sickbay; formality most likely. She knew the doctors couldn't do anything to help. She sensed the absenses what seemed like ages ago. She followed along slowly lost in her own world of thought. She was mad at Rob and herself. She sighed heavily as she took another step closer to sickbay. Wes snapped the padd off and pushed it aside in disgust.He had made a determined effort to concentrate on work but it was pointless.Since the moment he had heard of his daughters disappearance, that was all that was in his mind. He left his quarters without a clear destination in mind but his steps took him towards sickbay. As he neared the entrance doors he slowed to a stop as he recognised the counselor.Wondering why she seemed reluctant to go on, he walked towards her. "Counselor?" he asked uncertainly "Is there something wrong?" "No," she snapped and paused a second, "Yes," was added just as briskly and then finally, "I mean ..... sorry." She let her words stop and took a deep breath and looked at the man before her. "I'm sorry Mr. Summers. Its been a tough day so far." She gave him a pleasant smile that clearly was forced and asked, "You were saying?" Darting a glance towards the sickbay door and returning his attention to Athena, Wes replied: "I saw you...er...hesitating. I wondered if something was wrong." He took in the distress that was clearly visible on her face, try as she might to hide it. {Its one of the crew} he thought but dare not ask what he longed to know. She looked at the older man in front of her and sensed his distress. Trying better to hold in her own feelings she replied, "It's not Rangi don't worry." She realized his distress was caused by the expression on her face. She took the few remaining steps to the sickbay doors, but instead off entering she leant against the wall beside the door and closed her eyes for a moment. Concern for the counselor over rode the immediate wave of relief he felt.Wes stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Counselor..what is it? You look...terrible...come and sit down...we'll go to Rangis room, no one will mind." He looked at her closely. "Do you need a doctor?" he asked quietly. Her fist swung back into the wall making a deep thud sound. Calmly she said, "I don't need a doctor." She pushed off the wall and turned toward the doors and took a step in with a deep breath.Her gaze fell to the biobed where a white cloth laid over a motionless figure. She swung her gaze the other way and walked into Rangi's office where she slid into the chair in front of the desk. With a strong doubt that he was needed, nevertheless Wes followed Athena inside, glancing right and noticing a nurse and Steve, he thought,next to a biobed.He walked into Rangis office and stood for a moment observing the woman in front of him. Closing the door and quietly approaching her, he asked "Are you alright counselor? Is there anything I can do?" "I..." she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "I will be all right." She gave him a small smile and said, "No, there isn't anything you can do..... death is as natural progression that we all face many more times than we care to admit." She remained relaxed in the chair and closed her eyes as a melancholy feeling seeped into her. Wes crossed to the replicator, pushed the button and then remembered that the power was off.He sighed in annoyance, turning to look at the dejected figure. He sidled around to Rangis chair, sat down and waited for Athena to speak. He had an uncanny feeling he was being watched and looking to the side saw a holograph picture beaming up at him. He frowned and turned the XOs picture face down on the desk. Athena practically jumped from the chair and began to pace. "I should have just gone to my quarters," she said with agitation. Although the words were spoken aloud, she had forgotten about Rangi's father being there. Her outburst was followed by some more pacing. Very quietly she said to herself, "Its my fault he's dead ........ or is it?" She sighed deeply and sat back down. Wes got to his feet, startled at her sudden movement. He watched her in silence and when she was seated once more, moved towards the door. "I'll get someone to help you." he said. She looked up in surprise before saying, "I do NOT need any help." She rubbed her temples with her finger tips for a moment before getting up and moving toward the door herself. "I'll just be going," she said. She stopped at the door lookng out over the biobeds and a tear ran down her check as her gaze met the motionless figure. Seeing the shining tear, Wes was moved in compassion. " My dear counselor..." he said quietly, following her gaze."Who is it?" Pulling on her strength she took a deep breath and replied, "1Lt. Richards." "Richards!" Wes breathed the name in disbelief, shocked to hear the name of the last person he would have expected. Looking across to the pair beside the biobed, he saw Steve shake his head and Nurse Robinson reach up to switch off some equipment or other. Glancing to Athena, he remembered all he had heard about the relationship between her and Richards and disregarding the fact that he himself had despised the man, Wes said: "I'm sorry...but you mustnt blame yourself. He was a marine trained to face this." "I know," she said quietly. She wiped the tear from her cheek and stood watching Steve and some nurse for a few moments. After a moment or two, Wes took Athena by the arm and gently steered her outside."Why do you think it was your fault?" he asked. She remained silent for several minutes and then started, "I.... He..." She shook her head and said, "It doesn't matter." The shining glimmer of a tear waiting to fall told the truth of her last statement. "Yes it does." Wes replied, his tone one of quiet sympathy."Here." he handed her a folded handkerchief. "Lets walk for a while." She closed her eyes and wiped away the moisture that was gather in the corners. She nodded her head in agreement to walk for a bit and handed the handkerchief back. In a barely audible voice she admitted, "I guess it matters to me..." She fell silent again and continued to walk beside Wes. "Of course it does. Do you want to talk about it?" he looked at her a little doubtfully. "I've a good ear." he said forcing a small smile when she looked at him."...and its best not to keep things bottled up." Her gaze became cool as she contemplated talking to the elderly gentleman. She couldn't imagine why he would want to hear anything she might have to say about Rob. "Let's just say that what I sensed and how I know Rob to be, didn't exactly jive," she decided to say so Wes wouldn't have to hear a bunch of things he wouldn't believe any way or at least she didn't think Wes would believe them. Wes walked a few steps and stopped, turning to Athena and saying quietly. "You're angry. If its any consolation..I know how you feel." His gaze dropped to the floor and when he looked up he added."You might know how things were with Richards and me...but that was our business.You know where to find me....the offer is there for you." She nodded that she heard him as they reached the turbolift. "I just don't see how you'd really want to hear anything I might have to say on the topic considering how you feel," she replied as she called the lift. "A young man has died." Wes answered simply. "My feelings dont apply to this.You are face to face with grief...and I know what thats like." "Your feelings don't apply," she scoffed. "But how you listen to what you are hearing has everything to do with how you feel," she finished as she stepped onto the turbolift. Her eyes teared up again and she hoped the doors would close quickly. Placing his hand firmly on the door Wes replied."Some people hear and dont listen.I was fortunate enough to have someone listen to me once. I didnt realize at the time how important that was. But I can do the same for you. I can listen and it will go no further." Athena sighed and motioned for Wes to come along with her. "Its more that I expected to feel Rob's sense of duty..... and I did but..." She fell silent for a few moments before softly continuing, "But there was so much more that I didn't expect." Her next period of silence came with reflective thought. "I mean I knew he felt more than he lead most to believe........ I just didn't expect the intensity." She grew silent once more as tears began. Once again Wes handed her the white handkerchief. " Deck 4" he said quietly.The doors closed with a 'hiss' and the lift moved smoothly away.He kept his word and said nothing but his expression showed his concern for her unhappiness. "Thanks," she said in a barely audible whisper. She wiped at the tears and took several deep breaths. When the lift doors hissed open she stepped out into the hall and started toward her quarters. She handed the white cloth back and said, "I think I'll go and rest for a bit." "Very well." he replied. "that might be the best thing." He watched her walk away,a tall upright figure and moved back into the lift. As the doors closed he shook his head slowly. "Robert Richards." he whispered. *** End Log *** Lt Athena Wellington Counselor USS Chimera & Wes Summers Weapons Adviser (npc) Rangi