01-20-2026, 01:14 AM
Cassidy tried to smile, but his eyes were worried. He studied her for a moment, seeing her as a patient rather than as the crew member and teammate who he’d come to rely on throughout this chaotic mission. Papaver wasn’t showing signs of traumatic brain injury. He’d been watching her closely while they worked. He could still order her to remain overnight for observation, but any potential benefit couldn't outweigh the emotional distress that she was already exhibiting.
“Light duty for the next three days,” he said, nodding. “And I need you back here if you have any nausea or disorientation. Thanks for your help today.”
He hesitated, a few words catching in his mouth before he found the ones he wanted.
“I’m also going to refer you to a counselor,” he added quietly. “It’s not mandatory, but I think it would be beneficial. Dismissed, lieutenant.”
With that, he turned to start a final round of check-ins with each of the remaining patients. He felt guilty, like he’d asked too much of Papaver. She seemed so eager to help, he’d almost forgotten that she was a patient first and foremost. He wouldn't lose sight of that again.
== Tag ==
“Light duty for the next three days,” he said, nodding. “And I need you back here if you have any nausea or disorientation. Thanks for your help today.”
He hesitated, a few words catching in his mouth before he found the ones he wanted.
“I’m also going to refer you to a counselor,” he added quietly. “It’s not mandatory, but I think it would be beneficial. Dismissed, lieutenant.”
With that, he turned to start a final round of check-ins with each of the remaining patients. He felt guilty, like he’d asked too much of Papaver. She seemed so eager to help, he’d almost forgotten that she was a patient first and foremost. He wouldn't lose sight of that again.
== Tag ==