Ash'n by Wavy Martin

Author:Wavy Martin [Wavy Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vivian M. Lumbard
Published: 2023-04-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Lin met with the other women in Rachel’s quarters. She was glad to hear Talia had been rescued, but she became worried and sad again when Rachel told them Talia had been in a Zuvgran lab and was now too fearful to be near anyone but the commander. Poor Talia just can’t catch a break. It was bad enough she was in a coma, then poisoned. Her kidnapping must’ve been the last straw. I can’t blame her for being too afraid to be around others.

Rachel said the Invictus was towing the shuttle where Talia and Durek were now. Ava suggested she could make them some food, while Lin thought she could find Talia a nice plant in the aquiponics area to cheer her up. Plants always cheer me up. Maybe Talia will feel the same. The women decided to let Talia rest for a few hours before they tried to get in touch with her.

When they did comm Talia, they couldn’t see her. Talia said she preferred voice only. The women chatted, offered their support to Talia, and asked if she needed or wanted anything. Talia requested they coordinate with Tolvex if they were going to port anything to her shuttle. Talia sounded tired and ended the conversation fairly quickly.

“What did they do to her where she doesn’t want us to see her?” Lin’s lips trembled. Did they hurt her?

“Try not to let your imagination run away with you,” Natasha said as she hugged Lin.

“I agree,” said Rachel. “We know she was hit and drugged on Theron. I’m assuming that they restrained her or had her in a cell of some sort. Anything beyond that is speculation until Talia chooses to share.”

Ava said, “She may never choose to share. We have to respect that.”

“I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Natasha said. “Let’s allow Talia to lead her recovery.”

“Yes,” agreed Emmy. She looked around Rachel’s quarters. “Are we ready to go eat?”

Everyone nodded and headed to the dining area.

The women were finishing up their evening meal when Jevax approached them.

“Ladies. I understand Commander Durek rescued Lady Talia earlier.” Jevax looked at their group. “How is she feeling? Is she resting in her quarters?”

“Jevax,” Rachel said. “Sit with us.”

“Talia isn’t on board,” said Lin with a quivering lip. “She’s recuperating on a shuttle with the commander.”

“Recuperating?” Jevax’s brown eyes were concerned. “Was she hurt?”

“We’re not sure what happened,” Emmy said. “I think she’s suffering from PTSD.”

“PTSD?”

“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said Natasha. “It’s common for humans to suffer heightened stress responses after traumatic events. Nightmares, anxiety, moodiness, depression, and an inability to sleep are only several possible symptoms.”

Rachel looked at Jevax. “Right now, it sounds like Talia is experiencing increased anxiety about crowds, especially after previously being poisoned on the ship.”

Jevax growled. “Is there anything we can do to help her?”

Ava shook her head. “She needs to cope in her own way for now. Everyone deals with trauma differently.”

“Would you pass along my well wishes for her recovery?”

“Of course,” said Lin with a small smile.

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