Chapter Text
Another knock at the door. Fang ignored it like he had the others, he had his patient, his world, to care for. Kara had cried herself into a fitful slumber while he held her and he wasn't going to move unless -
'This is Commander Lefu! Open this door immediately!'
Well, unless that. He leaned forwards to rest Kara against his pillows, relieved to see that the bruising on her cheek had already slightly diminished. He pulled the covers up to her chin and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead before slipping quietly from the room.
Upon opening the door he realised his state of undress, he'd stayed in his trousers all night, having given Kara his coat, and his shirt, which he'd hurriedly thrown on, was unbuttoned.
'Ah, Doctor Fang, yes?' The commander asked, Fang nodded, gesturing for the man to enter, and nodded a greeting to Stev, who followed. The man returned his nod, his mouth set in a thin line.
The commander was walking about the Clinic, peering behind the privacy screen that blocked the view of one of the beds.
'Where is the Builder, Doctor?'
Fang closed the door, before gesturing upwards.
'She is sleeping.' He said, hoping that would be enough to send the man away.
'In your private quarters?' The commander queried.
'If I may, Commander,' Stev offered, 'I thought it best to keep her out of the more public area, the Doctor here offered a solution and since it kept her within reach of medical care, I okayed it.'
The Commander nodded his understanding and Fang made a mental note to actually thank Stev for all he'd done for them.
'I wish to speak with her.'
Fang shook his head, he hated repeating himself.
'She is sleeping.'
'I heard you the first time, Doctor, it does not change that I wish to speak with her. If you are concerned that she may become distressed, you may join us.'
'Mental... and emotional health... affect the physical.' Fang answered. Not moving.
'Doctor, am I to understand that you are attempting to obstruct an ongoing investigation? Shall I have you arrested and transfer the stewardship of this Clinic to one of my soldiers? I believe I know of potentially two educated in some rudimentary form of first aid.'
Fang bristled at the threat. He refused to risk Kara's care being at the hands of more of these soldiers.
'Allow me... wake her... assess condition.' The Commander nodded, watching Fang as he made his way up the stairs.
Fang entered the room, a heavy weight in his chest as he reached Kara's sleeping form.
'I am sorry, my love, I must wake you.' She mumbled in her sleep, and he reached a hand to her shoulder, squeezing gently, 'Kara, you're safe, please wake up.'
Her eyes flitted open and he watched her carefully, worried that he may have disturbed her too abruptly.
'Commander Lefu is here. He wants to speak to you. He... insisted.' She blinked in response and he embraced her, his lips next to her ear.
'I will be here. I love you. I'm sorry.'
'Fang...'
'I'm sorry.'
He stood and walked to the door, opening it to stand on the small platform, he beckoned to the men below to join them.
***
Kara allowed Fang to help her sit up, though the pain in her ribs had subsided somewhat, she was grateful for his closeness. She eyed the Commander warily, wishing the man would remove his helmet and at least give himself the semblance of humanity.
Stev stood at the door, and she nodded to him, receiving a small nod in response, before she redirected her attention to Fang, who had sat on the chair next to the bed. She reached for him, and he took her hand in his, squeezing.
'I understand you were attacked during the night. I understand this will have been upsetting for you. The three men responsible for this have already received their punishment, and I believe you are aware that they shall not be present in Sandrock again.'
She nodded, sure that this was not why he had encroached on her rest.
He seemed to have been waiting for something more of a response, but a nod was all she could offer him. Words weren't coming nearly as easily as they used to. Silence hung in the air, the Commander clearly expectant, and she resolutely silent. Fang squeezed her hand.
'I understand that your warden was absent for part of the incident, and therefore unable to furnish me with the full details. I would like you to fill in the gaps, so to speak.'
She blinked at him, amazed that he could expect this of her so soon, wondering exactly why it mattered. It seemed she was not the only one of that opinion, Stev cleared his throat from the doorway and Fang was looking away from her, she assumed he was staring at the Commander, and hoped it was one of his sterner looks.
'Mute... since she came here.' Fang said, 'Trauma response... requires treatment.'
'I see. What is the treatment?'
'Extensive... one on one interaction... someone she knows... trusts.' Kara felt a small spark of warmth in her chest, as she remembered when Fang had read to her, when he'd asked her to help him.
'How long will it take?'
'Depends... many factors.'
'How long before she can return to her duties?'
Kara wanted nothing more in that moment than a pistol in her hand. Fang had turned to study her face, his brow creased, and she silently pleaded with him.
'Six weeks.' He said, and she exhaled shakily, 'Ribs fractured... internal bruising... Six weeks is minimum...'
She glanced over at the Commander, if only he'd take that helmet off, she might have some clue as to what on earth he was thinking, if he was buying the lie.
'You will report to Stev with her progress. He will remain as her warden. I want her back in her workshop focusing on my jacuzzi the moment she is recovered.' He turned to Stev, 'You will finish your report and rest. Come back here tomorrow to resume your duties.'
Stev nodded, the Commander swept over to him and paused at the doorway.
'She is your top priority. You will not be disturbed unless it is an emergency. See if you can fix her speech, Doctor, it wouldn't do to have her raising suspicions once she is back in public.'
