#horaeth fic

[yellowcakeuf6]

Hearing the sad news about Patti Yatusake yesterday, it compelled me to share the segment of the fic I'm working on where my OC meets her (I wrote it before finding out about her death)

>>Arriving in the medical centre Mabel was instantly greeted by the bright and cheerful countenance of Nurse Ogawa.

The trim and petite medical ensign in her green uniform engaged her immediately and she could not help warming to her pretty smiling face and sunny disposition. 

She asked Mabel to remove her uniform tunic and sit on a bio bed, which she obligingly complied. 

“So you come from Wales?” she asked in a curious but pleasant tone.

“Yes,” at first Mabel expected the usual cue to elaborate but Ogawa surprised her.

“From what I know it was once part of the old United Kingdom, and is a very beautiful and unspoilt place with its own language and identity?”

Mabel nodded, pleasantly impressed, “Indeed it is, though I have not been back there for a while,” she replied, mirroring the nurse's infectious smile.

“Is your family living there?” Ogawa asked with genuine interest as she ran a medical tricorder over Mabel’s physique and observed the data streaming across the LCARS console.

“No, not any more,” Mabel replied, “My father passed away 3 years ago and my mother moved to a sheltered complex for older people on a Federation colony, but I’m not close to her,” she added factually.

“Ah, I’m sorry,” Ogawa’s tone was sympathetic but not at all contrived.

Mabel decided she liked her.

“No worries,” she answered affably.

"Would you ever go back?“

"I don't know...maybe one day. It would be nice to walk in the mountains again. To feel the fresh clean air and enjoy the peace and tranquility. It’s a great de-stresser.”

"A lot like walking Mount Fuji,” Ogawa replied. 

“Ah - you are from Japan?”

“Yes,” Ogawa replied, her face beaming, “Have you ever visited?”

"No but I’ve seen lots of images - It has such history. I love the architecture of the ancient buildings and the cherry blossom. Is it all still there?”

"It is. Some of the old places survived the war and others were rebuilt and yes, the blossom is stunning when it’s in full bloom during spring.”

"We have daffodils in Wales, huge fields of them,” Mabel smiled, “It’s truly amazing.”

“Ooh I have never seen those flowers, you must show me sometime.” 

"Of course. I will find one of my old images and send it on to you,” Mabel promised with a grin.

Her being felt nourished by this tiny show of shared interest and it lifted her spirits knowing that at least one person here knew of her homeland.

"Well you’ll be pleased to hear everything is in order.” Ogawa said at length.

"Good to hear it. Thank you so much.” Mabel replied, reaching for her tunic.

"Maybe I will see you in Ten Forward?”

“What’s that?” Mabel asked curiously.

"It’s our main breakout and meeting centre, where most of the ship’s crew socialises.”

“Wow, it must be pretty crowded then? I mean there are so many people on here.”

“No, not at all.” Ogawa shook her head laughing. “Of course there’s other rest areas - lower decks mess hall, the sports bar, the senior officers club - but Ten Forward is the most popular. However while it gets busy it's never rammed because everyone is on different shifts.”

"Ah I may pay a visit then, thanks.”

"Any time, hope the rest of your day goes smoothly."<<