Phase Eight: Recrimination

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's in the brig.

It's at her own insistence, as soon as she was awake enough to insist. Once the medics were okay with letting her out of their sight, she went in to a cell. She's staying there until as much has been done to confirm she doesn't have any more surprises buried in the back of her mind as was done for Cheng, and then some. And it's noticeable to anyone who's used to her appearance that her ever-present amplifier is not on her wrist.

If you want to talk to her, it might take a while. Aside from the exhaustion of the fight, she's spending some of her time awake curled up in tears or otherwise unresponsive. Still - if you're patient, or time your visit right, she'll be able to speak, if you have something to say.]

Comments

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

Sometimes the hardest part is feeling like you let people down.

Back a few days ago, when we returned, I had just sent off Hana to the infirmary before you welcomed us back. She had gotten injured during the walkabout, but it was worth every moment for her because she did her best. She was able to make sure someone was safe, even when it cost her some pain.

I think Frank would want you to do your best too. He's a good man, and while we have to say goodbye, I think he would want you to continue to live in his stead.

[emorangerpink]

I know.

I know.

They all wanted that. Frank. Adam. Alice. Jake. Jun. Yelena.

...I know you're right. I know what I should be doing. But... I don't know if I can.

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

[Reaching over, she placed her hand on her own.]

Then we'll be here with you. No one's going to go at this alone.

[emorangerpink]

[Laura squeezes the hand on her shoulder.]

Can you...

They've checked. As far as they can tell I don't have any more... surprises. But... if you can... I'd trust that more.

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

Of course. Just relax.

[Closing her eyes, Dita started to search. There was no visible sign that she was doing anything except a expression of concentration on her face...]

[emorangerpink]

[Relaxing is a pretty steep request for Laura under the circumstances, but she does her best. Dita can feel a little of the tension ebb out of her, her breathing steady. She's still facing away... a little afraid, truth be told, at what might show on Dita's face.]

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

[After a long moment, Dita came to, and smiled.] You're clean. I don't sense anything at all. Only your usual emotions.

[emorangerpink]

[A slow, relieved release of breath.]

Good. Those give me trouble enough.

[Laura turns.]

...Thank you.

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

Anytime. I'm sure you need some rest too, so if you need me, you know where to find me. [And she moves down and gives Laura a hug.]

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's trembling, with fatigue and everything else, but she returns the hug tightly.]

I do. And... thank you. For what you did. And what you said.

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

[She smiles and rubs Laura's shoulders a little.] Of course. I'll come get you tomorrow, okay?

[emorangerpink]

...I'd like that.

[chases-aliens.livejournal.com]

All right. Sleep well.