That Has to Be Enough
Posted on Tue Mar 24th, 2026 @ 12:31pm by Lieutenant JG Rowan Hale
358 words; about a 2 minute read
Mission:
Character Development
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: Following "To go Quietly into the Night"
After Marie Batel's death, Rowan didn't return to his office straight away, instead lingering in Sickbay longer than he needed to, moving through the same checks twice and adjusting things that didn't need adjusting. The routine held for awhile, giving him something to focus on, something to finish.
The space in Sickbay felt different. Quieter. Not because anything had changed but because something had stopped. He stood there for a moment, staring at the now empty biobed before finally forcing himself to look away.
When he finally retired to his office, the silence following him in.
"Computer, dim lights."
He didn't bother with anything else. He just stood there with his jacket still on staring at his desk longer that he realised. He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand across his jaw.
Marie had asked for a choice. He'd made sure she got one. And still... it didn't feel like he'd done anything right.
"Computer, begin Chief Medical Officers log.." he said, dropping his gaze slightly as he walked around his desk but didn't sit.
"Captain Marie Batel passed away in Sickbay at approximately 1635 hours following progressive systemic failure linked to her separation from the Skygowan-Vadia ley line.
No further intervention was undertaken, in accordance with her explicit wishes.
She was conscious prior to the final stage.
We discussed the prognosis in full. The limitations. The outcome. She understood what was coming and.. She accepted it.
...
Pain and discomfort were managed throughout. We maintained control of her symptoms. There was no acute complications in the final stage.
She was not in distress.
...
There are protocols for this.
You confirm capacity. You ensure informed consent. You document the refusal of further treatment... and you respect the patient's decision.
...
I did all of that.
...
There was still more I could have done. Not to save her. But to keep her here.. At least for a little longer.
...
I considered it.
...
She asked for the choice. Not for more time or for false hope. Just the choice.
...
I gave it to her - because it was hers.
...
She wasn't alone.
...
That has to be enough.
...
Computer end log.
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