She sat at the helm, waiting for a ship to respond, there was nothing, looking around the bridge, which was now on lockdown with the exception of Senior Staff and the repair crews, it was pretty dreary. The doors swooshed open, Frances pointed at H’Lai.

“We need to talk now.” Frances said in a stern manner. 

“Alright, Kas take the helm,” she moved away, to the door of the ready room. The doors slid open with unison, a better sign from before. There was such urgency in Dr. Heron’s voice. “Everything okay Doctor?”

“No, I’ve been lingering in sickbay not sure who to tell and how to tell this…” Frances paused, he flipped the CO’s computer panel over and pressed a few buttons, “I am just going to blurt it out, you are Vulcan and emotionally stunted… Commander Andrew Morris has passed away. During surgery his body was rejecting the repairs, the tissue graphs, the stitches, the glue everything, I tried everything. He just didn’t wake up. The culmination of injuries from before, and well, these were too much.”

“Oh.” H’Lai paused. She didn’t know what to say, or what to respond too. The Emotionally Stunted comment was on the back burner, as of right now. “So is that the official determination for his cause of death?”

The doctor nodded, this was a tender time, eventhough he wasn’t well known, he was still the CO of the ship. He turned to leave when he heard a loud thud. He turned on his heels to see H’Lai’s fist on the desk. 

“Ma’am. Do you want to talk?” Frances asked. 

“No. I want to avenge Andrew. He didn’t deserve this. I will announce it to the Senior Staff and Crew. Thank you.” H’Lai looked around the office, at this pictures, personal affects. She regained her faculties and tapped her combadge. 

“Attention Crew, it is a sad day today. We have lost Commander Andrew Morris. Eventhough he was newer to the ship, he was still our Commanding Officer. When this is all over, I promise you all, we will hold a proper ‘goodbye’. Please reach out to Counselor Rea if there is need. Thank you.” she closed the channel and flopped in the chair. 

The Chime went off, “Come.” H’Lai said not facing the door.

“Commander, are you ok?” Rea asked. 

“Yes Counselor, how can I help you?” the Vulcan asked. 

“I was wondering if you needed help drafting a letter to Commander Morris’ family?” Rea asked. 

“No, it is my job. You concentrate on the crew. Any reports from the bridge?” H’Lai asked. 

“The USS Highlander is on the way to tug us back to 611. ETA is 30 minutes.” Rea reported. 

“Very well thank you…” she trailed off. 

“H’Lai, turn around.” Rea sat down across from her. 

She turned around visibly upset, which was not like her at all, “I am not sure why this is bothering me so.”

“It could be your mothering instincts coming out? Maybe even you are worried for Tm’pek?” Rea offered. 

“We will have plenty of time to develop and ransack my brain Counselor, right now, lets tend to the crew, and make sure they are okay.” H’Lai paused for a moment, “Start with Talat, she seemed particularly affected by all this.”