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Post by spacedaisy on Aug 8, 2018 14:54:38 GMT
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Post by spacedaisy on Aug 23, 2018 17:08:35 GMT
A joint post with dunya as MED Cdt Zullo
Stardate 11808.16
As they waited on the bridge for the Oaxaca to join them, Penny decided that since her particular skills weren’t needed perhaps she would head back down to sickbay. No one seemed to take note that she left. Everyone was fairly wrapped up in their own train of thought. Truth be told Penny was slightly troubled by how quickly conversation about the Vaadwaur seeking asylum turned to how we could gain the upper hand over the Cardassians and True Federation. She considered it all as she took the lift down and made her way down the corridor to her destination. By the time she entered the sickbay she probably had a fairly pensive look about her, she never did have much of a poker face.
Niko was still in sickbay with Madeleine, going over items in the medicine cabinet when he saw Penny enter. She looked tense, concerned, and thoughtful. He smiled to himself as he studied her face for a moment in silence, and took in the slight crease of her frown. Her face was like an open book and it was refreshing to him to see someone from the opposite sex who wasn't hiding her emotions every chance she got. He left Madeleine to complete the last tasks and walked over to her quietly, “Is everything alright up there?” He asked gently, his eyes watching the movements of her face and taking in her reaction again to his sudden proximity.
Penny had been looking down at the report someone had shoved into her hands almost as soon as she entered the sickbay when Niko’s voice had interrupted her thoughts. She gave a small start at the unexpected presence of their new surgeon. A look of confusion passed over her face briefly as she tried to figure out what exactly he was asking about, until she quickly realized he meant on the bridge, “Oh! Yes, it’s fine, the freighter that sent the distress call is safe. We just find ourselves in the middle of a diplomatic kind of situation now…” Was it a diplomatic situation? She wasn’t sure she could tell the difference anymore since the war.
Niko noticed he had startled Penny again and smiled to himself. Indifference was the worst kind of reaction; getting a response was all the encouragement someone like Niko needed. “Are we expecting more people on the ship?” He wanted to see her shoulders relax, he wanted to see her eyes soften and maybe even hear her laugh. What kind of laugh would Penny have, he wondered. She was quiet; it would be a soft and warm one, he decided. Startled by his own line of thoughts, he tried to focus again on the situation. “I mean this situation…” His accent coming out thicker, he cleared his throat before continuing, “What kind of ‘diplomatic situation’ are we in for?” He still had a lot to learn about the ins and outs of the ship. Sickbay was, after all, only a small part of his new home. And he hadn't forgotten the concern on Penny's face from earlier, so the situation was not a stress free one either.
She eyed him curiously, studying him. Penny had noticed at times his accent seemed more pronounced and she wondered for a moment what it meant. Was he nervous about the situation? She couldn’t be sure, so she managed a slight smile of reassurance before answering, “I don’t believe we will have any guests, no. We’ve encountered three Vaadwaur ships, they’ve requested asylum.” Despite the attempt at a reassuring smile, there was still some doubt in her eyes. She trailed off a bit as she recalled the conversation on the bridge. Then forcing another smile, “We don’t seem to be in any immediate danger, though it’s hard to tell for sure. Our last interaction with the Vaadwaur didn’t go so well for us.”
Why was she hiding what really troubled her? He was a doctor, surely if anyone on the ship would understand it would be another doctor. “Tell me Dr. Zullo, how do you find this war affects you, as a doctor? I mean, both you and I joined the Academy before this civil war even started and now the landscape has changed so much, I find it difficult to reconcile to the mindset required sometimes.” Penny let out a small sigh and gave a mildly frustrated shake of her head.
Niko shifted his weight from one leg to the other. The question was a loaded one. How did it affect Niko personally? He was someone who was taught from a young age to look out for himself first and foremost. His mother told him other people weren’t dependable or necessary to his happiness; the world was a selfish place and it was eat or be eaten. He lived by that, he believed that, he had no reason to believe otherwise. Other people didn’t matter to Niko. Until he met a man, one evening, who had worked as a medic during the Dominion War. He knew of it, of course, it had even affected Earth, but he didn’t know anyone who had experienced it. He told him about the dangers he put himself in, the limited medical resources that were available and how his only goal was to relieve suffering, to help and heal. He shared some difficult moments where the doctors and medics had to make decisions about appropriate treatments and when to know that treatment was futile in some cases. Something about the weight of the subject, the selflessness and the emotions running through the man who was living his last years on Earth had touched Niko in a way he’d never experienced before.
The man talked for hours and told him how everyone had a bigger role to play in their lifetime, and asked Niko what his calling was. Niko had no answer. Indeed, it made Niko consider his own choices and role in this world and others. His role was to take care of himself; every decision was one of self-interest. His life was hollow; void of empathy and care, except where it suited him to care. Life had changed in the last 8 years, Niko reflected. “My mindset will never change; it’s why I became a surgeon instead of someone who has to make political decisions. We don’t see species, race, benefits or greed. We see injured, in need of medical attention, neutrality and a safe zone.” He offered with a short smile. He could tell she was struggling with some internal conflict. “How has it affected you?”
With a wan smile, Penny nodded slowly. “Treating patients doesn’t change,” she glanced around the main sickbay as she spoke, realizing that’s probably why she prefers it down here. “But in the race to stay a step ahead of our enemies, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are in the midst of our fear of something different than ourselves.” She reached up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear with an absent minded look, still grappling with her concerns. “Take this request for asylum, our first question is if it’s a trick and our second is how we can turn it to our advantage. I know it’s logical to think about how we can protect ourselves, but isn’t this the same mindset that that led to this war, just taken to the extreme end by Section 31?”
Penny stared off across the room, watching Dr. Rand with unseeing eyes as he chatted with one of the new nurses. Finally she looked back to Dr. Zullo, “I suppose the answer to your question is it’s making me realize how thin a line there really is between us and the True Federation.” She shrugged, “I suppose that’s why we are Doctors and not politicians, as you said. We have that pesky tendency to value life more than our own safety. I couldn’t make the hard decisions,” her voice grew softer as she considered what it would be like, “I don’t think I could live with the person it would cause me to become afterwards…”
She gave a shake of her head, like she was shaking loose from what was worrying her and she smiled again, this time it was more genuine and slightly apologetic, “I guess we’re lucky there are far better suited people in those positions. Anyway, I have rambled a little more philosophically than I intended.” The familiar flush crept up in her cheeks as she realized she had bared more of her inner world to a veritable stranger than she generally felt comfortable doing.
Niko’s heart almost skipped a beat at her empathy; her ethical stance; her desire to challenge authority if it crossed her philosophies. Dr. Evans may be quiet and reserved, but she had a backbone and a hell of a personality. He envied her. She was uncorrupt, pure and true. Niko didn’t know many people like her. Did he know anyone like her? He felt a sudden urge to embrace her and protect her. No, he couldn’t imagine her anything like the people they were describing either. He wanted to touch his fingertip to the red in her cheeks; would they be as warm as they looked? He smiled to himself; Dr. Evans was opening up to him whether she liked it or not.
“As long as we don’t lose sight of our principals, I think we’ll be fine, Dr. Evans.” Niko offered a small wink; as if she would ever have to worry about that, he thought. He was in over his head with Penny; she was a distraction he wasn’t expecting. He cleared his throat as Nurse Cathy approached them and asked for Niko’s attention, a short and plump woman, with a round face and cheeks that always seemed to be a shade red from running around constantly, but a smile that warms heart. “If you can excuse me, Dr. Evans, Ms. Boggs has alerted me I have to check in on a patient.” Niko didn’t even wait for her to reply, he needed an escape now as he allowed himself to be led out without a backwards glance.
“His oxygen saturation levels dropped. I increased the flow,” he turned towards the screen, and Cathy followed his gaze. “Levels are back to where they’re supposed to be,” he finished. The thin line Penny mentioned remained fresh in his mind; how easy it is to cross that line and lie in the same bed as the enemy; be no better, just slightly different. Niko understood that all too well, and the fear wasn’t Penny’s alone.
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Post by Einar on Aug 23, 2018 18:10:10 GMT
fantastic log guys!
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Post by spacedaisy on Aug 30, 2018 18:14:33 GMT
Stardate 11808.23
“She’s here! Jarod, she’s here!” Penny’s mom stood on the porch calling back in through the open door, looking like she might burst from excitement as her daughter approached the house. Lily hurried down the steps and met Penny halfway up the sidewalk, wrapping her tightly in a hug.
Penny laughed as she returned the hug, “Mom, I can’t breathe!”
Lily released her daughter, running her hands down her arms until she grasped Penny’s hands. Lifting them outward, her mother got a concerned look on her face as she gave Penny a once over. “Have you been eating? You look so thin.”
Shaking her hands free with a sigh she replied, “I’m eating just fine. I’m almost the same weight I was when I left, it’s all in your head.” She peered past Lily, “Where’s Dad?”
Her mother shrugged and slipped an arm around her daughter's shoulder, pulling her towards the house. “You know your father, he’s out back working on some project or other.”
She glanced around in confusion, “Where’s your bag, aren’t you staying?”
“I can’t, we’re only here briefly. I’ve only got enough time off ship to come have dinner with you guys.”
Lily’s face looked crestfallen but she didn’t say anything else about it.
As they approached the house, Penny took it all in. She hadn’t come home during her time in the Academy, so it was the first time she had been back in years. Yet everything still looked the same. The porch running along the front of the house, the stump in the front yard that her mother had been hounding her father to remove for as long as Penny could remember. Even the porch swing, hung askew because one chain was done up two links higher than the other. When she was little she used to love sitting on the higher end because her feet would just barely brush the wooden floor. Looking at it now she could see the spots where her feet had worn the wood. She hadn’t expected the nostalgia to be this strong.
Once inside the door her mother was a flurry of activity, talking to Penny about everything that had happened in the neighborhood since she had left as she settled her down at the kitchen table with a cup of tea. Mr. Wright who lived next door had apparently finally passed. There had never been any love lost between her and Mr. Wright as he was one of those stereotypical grumpy old bachelors who always found a reason to yell at her when she was a child. The Bradley’s had moved away after their son had entered Starfleet as well. And Lily’s best friend Connie had finally retired. Lily’s stream of information began to slow down, and Penny finally asked the question that had been on her mind.
“Has Mandi been home for a visit?”
Lily stopped and looked at her daughter for a moment before answering slowly, “Yes, she’s usually home for most holidays. Her mother isn’t doing very well, so I think she’s trying to get back to see her as often as possible. Is she still not speaking to you?”
Penny gave what she hoped was an indifferent shrug, “I’m sure she’s busy and it’s been a long time. Our lives have taken us different directions.”
The back door swung open with a clatter and her father entered, wiping grease from his hands on a ragged green towel. He looked so much older. Her mother was the same, but her father looked worn down. He tossed the towel on the counter and got a glass from the cupboard, “I see you made it home finally.” Jarod turned on the tap and filled the glass with water.
“Yeah. We aren’t here long, but I was able to come for the evening.”
“How thoughtful of you.”
“Jarod, stop! Penny’s here, so let’s have a nice visit.”
“All that time in San Francisco and she never came to see us. Now she’s too busy gallivanting across the universe to care about us.”
“Jarod!” This time Lily’s voice was pleading and he looked at his wife for a moment before gulping down his glass of water and setting the glass down on the counter forcefully.
“I heard her ship had a nice long leave. Couldn’t be bothered to come see us when she had all the time in the world. Now we’re supposed to be grateful when she deems us worthy of a couple hours visit?”
Anger and frustration seethed within her at his comments. Her chair scraped across the floor as she abruptly pushed it back from the table and stood. Penny turned her eyes to her mother, choosing now to ignore her father.
“This was a mistake. I’m going back to the ship. I’ll call you sometime later.”
Leaning forward, she gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek before heading purposefully out of the house. Lily watched her leave through the tears welling in her eyes. “Why do you push her away?”
“She chose her course, she doesn’t want to be here. You’re fooling yourself if you think otherwise,” Jarod walked over to the replicator and got himself a sandwich, seemingly unfazed.
“Can you blame her? You’ve made it unbearable for her because she isn’t what you want her to be!”
“You can’t blame me for her choices Lily. I’m done talking about this.” He sat down at the table to eat with a look that said he meant it.
His wife stood up and left the room, she couldn’t bear looking at him any longer.
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Post by Einar on Aug 31, 2018 7:44:50 GMT
wow Annie, that's heartbreaking. I love it. Give us more
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Post by spacedaisy on Jan 23, 2019 22:35:08 GMT
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Post by spacedaisy on Jan 23, 2019 22:38:05 GMT
Stardate 11901.17
"Check Up" A Joint Log with Einar as Tony
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Tony stepped into the examination room and spotted the cute Doctor standing over by a terminal, “Hey Doc, where do you want me?” he asked as he casually walked towards her.
Recognizing the voice, Penny’s shoulders stiffened. She hadn’t realized he was her next appointment. If she had, she might’ve passed it off to Declan or Niko. Turning to face him, she motioned to the biobed. “If you could take a seat on the bed please.”
Oblivious to her discomfort, Tony hopped on the biobed, patting the surface eagerly “Anything you want, Doc”
Her eyes flicked uncertainly to his face for the briefest of moments before she looked down at the padd with his medical file open on it. It certainly was quite the difference from T’ali’s file. “How have you been feeling lately?” The question was asked almost without thought as she familiarized herself with his medical history.
“Constant feeling of dread, a slight headache and a sore back...but I suspect that’s from being pushed back into service, and giving up the morning drink. How have you been, Doc?”
“I’ve been fine, not that it’s relevant to your check up. Those could be stress related symptoms as well.” She didn’t bother asking about his stress levels, seeing as how everyone who read the news could tell you he was probably under stress. “Are you having any trouble sleeping?” Penny finally looked up at him now, setting the padd aside.
Tony smirked “I’m glad you’re doing well, Doc” he adjusted himself on the bed before glancing up at the readouts above the bed “Not too badly, but if you plan on prescribing something I’m listening” he smiled back at her.
Smiling somewhat nervously at the idea, she gave a small shake of her head. “No, that would only be in extreme cases. It just helps to know before I look at your results. Lack of sleep can affect them.” She leaned over and tapped the console to initiate the overhead cluster. “I can give you something fairly mild for the headache and back pain though.”
“Sounds good” Tony said, watching her work “Do you recommend physical therapy. Massage perhaps?”
“It depends on the source of the pain. I doubt it’s anything serious enough to warrant physical therapy. Massage can be useful for muscular issues though, and we have some good masseuse programs on file in the holodecks if you want to try it.”
Tony smiled playfully as he sighed internally “I’ll look into it….what’s your pick?”
“I’ve not actually used any of them myself,” a slight flush crept into her cheeks, feeling like a kid with their hand caught in the cookie jar. She rarely took her own advice. “Once we finish here, I can send you a list of the best ones based on the problem though.”
“I’d like that, Doc….and perhaps you could join me...show me how to make the best use of it?”
The flush deepened a bit as she finally understood what he was getting at. “I’m sure the holographic masseuse can instruct you in everything you need to know.” A small chirp from the readouts offered her an opportunity to look away.
Tony shrugged “So, other than that how do I look, Doc?”
Penny watched the screen for a moment, “Looks good for the most part, but you might want to cut back on your sodium intake just a bit.” She retrieved a hypospray and loaded it. “The painkiller,” she explained before stepping in close and pressing the hypo to his neck with its telltale hiss. Once administered she studied his face as though trying to figure something out, before finally saying, “Try and drink more water, it may help alleviate your headaches.”
Tony nodded gently as he watched her study his face “Penny for your thoughts?”
She gave a short chuckle and another shake of her head, finding the pun so bad that it made its way back around to amusing. Then with a more sober look in her eye she answered his question with some hesitance, “I was thinking that you don’t look fatigued, you look weary.”
Tony’s smile faltered for a second “Me? Nah, I’m good”
Her dark eyes remained on him for a couple seconds longer, looking serious and unconvinced. Then without response, she moved back to the console to log the scan results for his file. “It looks like your sore back is just muscle tension. A massage will probably do you some good.” Penny changed the subject. Emotional difficulties were not her field, if he wished to deny it then she didn’t feel it was necessary to push the topic. Surely Starfleet already had him in some kind of mandatory counseling anyway.
The computer gave an obliging beep as it finished filing the results and she turned back to him. “I don’t want to conduct the stress test while you’re experiencing back pain, we’ll do that later.” She felt a twinge of guilt at having not fully completed either physical. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“I didn’t have time to get acquainted with the ship the last time I was here...perhaps you can show me around some day?” he asked, hopping off the bed.
“I really meant more along the lines of medical needs…” Penny nervously considered if it was rude to turn down what seemed a simple request, but she found Tony unsettling. Finally she settled upon what seemed to her a reasonable excuse, “I’m sure there is someone in your department more qualified than me to show you around.”
He shrugged and headed for the exit “No worries Doc, I get the hint. See you around the ship yeah?”
Penny’s stomach knotted in guilt, having not intended to insult anyone. She barely managed to recover herself enough to reply meekly, “Of course, and welcome to the crew…”
Tony merely winked as he slid out the door “Thanks. Catch you later, Doc”
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Post by aoibheni on Jan 23, 2019 23:12:47 GMT
So. Much. To. Absorb. Can't wait for the stress test, now!
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Post by spacedaisy on Feb 28, 2019 20:00:53 GMT
Stardate 11902.21
“We’ve got donations from seven crew members so far,” Madeleine looked stressed. It was unusual for her to let anything phase her, but Penny could tell this had her worried.
“So only seven of these eleven patients have a viable treatment right now?” Her words were shorter than she intended and her head nurse looked at her in surprise.
“No, it’s not quite that bad. Lieutenant Hamlet donated and he’s compatible with two of the Romulans. Also Lieutenant Terell, Ensigns Janek, James and Vick, Cadet Romero, and Dr. Rand were compatible as well and have all donated. Hamlet was compatible with two of the Romulans. So that leaves one Romulan and two humans that we’re still looking for suitable matches for.”
“Eight isn't much better. Right, well let’s get the ribosomes ready for transfusion, I want to get them started as soon as possible. The neural pathway degradation has slowed but I can’t stop it completely…” as if on cue an alarm went off at a nearby biobed and a flurry of activity erupted. Penny rushed over and snatched the cortical stimulator from the crash cart and affixed it to the patient’s head. The medic standing over the patient on the other side of the bed gave her some space as she set off the shock. The man jerked slightly in response and then the vitals started chirping again.
She leaned, palms down on the edge of the bed, eyes closed. Slow breath in, slow breath out; trying to calm her racing heart. Straightening back up, she crossed back over to Madeleine. The older woman turned weary eyes on her boss and gave her a knowing nod. Together they headed to the lab where the ribosomes were being prepared for transfusion. They were running out of time.
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Post by spacedaisy on Jun 12, 2020 7:18:02 GMT
This log was written to transition Evans from the Chiron to the Tempest, I’ve just gotten to post it finally.
One Month Ago
Penny stared at the orders in confusion. She looked through the window into the sickbay, her sickbay, watching Declan going over something with Madeleine. She hadn’t wanted the position of Chief Medical Officer to begin with, but she had stepped up to the responsibility. Even so, she felt like she had risen to the occasion, though most days she just felt like she was getting by. Declan glanced through the window and saw her watching them, he flashed her a curious grin and she looked away.
There was a knock on the doorframe to her office, “Evans? Everything alright?” Declan stood, leaning in her office with a questioning look.
“It’s nothing,” her eyes strayed back to her screen as she said it, betraying her lie.
The lanky man shook his head with a frown and came into the office, dropping unceremoniously into the seat across from her, “You can’t fool me, Evans. Something’s wrong.”
She exhaled a frustrated sigh and spun the screen around so he could see it. His eyes skimmed the page and then he looked at her in surprise, “Is this a joke?”
Penny shook her head, “I’m afraid not.”
He stood up and paced back and forth across the little office, “You’ve only just got your feet under you here on Chiron, and now they’re going to uproot you?”
The sound of Declan’s raised voice brought Madeleine into the office, “What is all the fuss about?”
Declan gave the chair he had previously been occupying a rough shove, “They’re transferring her!”
Madeleine’s face dropped, “Oh Penny!”
The young doctor looked at her head nurse in surprise. She had never called her Penny before, yet at the moment Penny found it touching. She spun the screen back around and shut it down. Then she stood up and tried to look calm and collected, “This is not a bad thing, it’s just a new assignment. You all are capable medical staff, you’ll get a new Chief Medical Officer and things will go on just fine.”
“It’s not about that Evans…” Declan looked strangely subdued all of a sudden, was he tearing up?
Madeleine suddenly enveloped her in a warm hug and said quietly, “We’re really going to miss you.”
Tears stung at the back of Penny’s eyelids. How had she missed that she had made friends until it was time to leave?
Present Day, on the Tempest in the Briar Patch[/i]
Penny rubbed her tired eyes, and tried to focus on the readings once again.
“Doctor,” the hesitant voice of Julie Carmichael gently broke her focus.
“Hmm?”
She turned to find Julie’s blue eyes filled with timid concern. “I can take it from here. Nearly everyone has been escorted to the mess now by security. Vott is taking care of the only other patient, and they just need to administer some supplements before we get them to the mess too. We can handle it, why don’t you take a break?”
Penny could recognize that look, she’d seen it from Madeleine before. She had always assumed it was a motherly thing, because Madeleine was so much older than her. Yet here was that same look in a woman nearly the same age as Penny herself. She wondered what it was about her that made people think she was so fragile. She wondered too if she really was as fragile as they thought. She stood indecisively for a moment, then gave a reluctant nod of agreement and handed the padd she had been gripping to Julie. “I’m going to get some coffee, let me know if you need me.”
Julie opened her mouth as if to protest, but thought better of it and snapped it shut again as Penny turned and headed out of the sickbay. Vott looked questioningly across the room at Julie, wondering if she had finally convinced their CMO to go get some sleep, but his colleague merely shook her head and gave a half shrug before going back to her work.
Walking down the corridor toward the mess, Penny rolled her head from side to side as her muscles protested. She hadn’t realized how sore she was from standing hunched over the biobeds the last few hours, checking and treating patients. As the door to the mess slid open, she was greeted with the buzz of chatter and the sounds of plates and silverware, and chairs scraping the floor. With a slight grimace she stepped inside, she hated crowds. Usually she tried to come at the off peak hours for her meals just so she could avoid the rush. Weaving between tables, crewmembers, and refugees, she made her way to the replicators.
“Coffee, dark roast, light cream and sugar, hot.” The steaming mug materialized and she took hold of it, drawing it to her to inhale deeply, savoring the strong scent of bitter coffee. Pausing for a moment to consider, she then added, “One bowl of oatmeal, with strawberries, bananas, blueberries and a spoonful of brown sugar.” Once again the replicator went to work producing her requested dish, and soon she was finding her way to a small empty table in the corner near the viewport to settle in and eat her meal.
Oliver appeared in the doorway to the mess hall, his eyes scanning the room slowly. It warmed his heart to see all the refugees getting some much needed nutrition. It tugged at that place in his heart to see people, Federation Citizen’s in this kind of state. One of the principals of the Federation was that everyone had their basic needs provided for, everyone had shelter, food, water, medical. But the True Federation came and shattered that world. It was becoming more and more apparent the plight of the people across the border.
He wiped away the frown from his features as he stepped into the room and moved towards the series of replicators, standing in line with everyone else waiting to order something. Stepping up when it was his turn, he thought about his selection. “Grilled Cheese Sandwich with, Ham Turkey, Gruyere Cheese, Sauteed Onions, Avocado and a Garlic Aioli Spread. Small Salad with Italian Dressing, and a glass of ice water with lemon.” he said, and waited as he watched the food shimmer into existence.
Turning to the room he surveyed again for a moment and found sitting in an out of the way place against the backdrop of a viewport was his Chief Medical Officer. He smiled to himself knowing it might make her a bit uncomfortable to drop in on her, but then again it was a Captain’s Prerogative to keep his people on their toes. At least that’s what he told himself in his head as he threaded his way across the room.
He came to a stop slightly behind her, “What’s up doc!” he said and then slowly moved into view.
Penny looked up, startled by the unexpected presence of her commanding officer. “Sir!” She paused indecisively for a moment, trying to decide if she should come to attention or stay seated. It was her off duty time, and she was eating dinner, she reasoned that staying seated was acceptable. Wait, he asked her a question… “I just stepped out of the sickbay. Carmichael and Oromar were conspiring to force me to take a break. But we had treated nearly everyone,” she gave a cursory glance around the room at the refugees eating under the watchful eye of security, “so I thought I could afford to take a little time to eat and sleep.” Her answer was almost apologetic, as though she felt like she should still be in sickbay working.
“Everyone gets a break every now and again, doctor. Even the Captain. Time is always at a premium so get it while you can. With the lay of the land you never know when the next one break might come.” he smiled and gestured to the empty seat. “Care for some company? For the record we’re both off duty so you can drop the formalities if it suits you and just call me Oliver if you're comfortable with that.”
“By all means Captain.” She internally chided herself for not being able to be less formal, despite being invited to do so. She awkwardly ate a bit of her oatmeal, unsure what to talk about with her new boss. They really hadn’t had much time to talk since she came on board, and she wondered how she was fitting in with the crew. Most of the time she felt like an outsider, if she was honest. But then, Penny had never been good with new social settings.
He settled into the chair opposite of her, and picked up his sandwich. “How are you settling in? Medical Staff treating you well I hope?”
Ah! Now work was something she could easily talk about. “Yes, they have been respectful and helpful in getting familiar with a new sickbay. It’s a much larger staff than I’m accustomed to managing.”
“She’s a big ship. You came over from an Intrepid, so I can understand the change is a fairly larger one. I went from an Akira to this, it’s a big step up in size. Though I hear some of the newer ships are larger in volume. They don’t build them like this anymore though. Where we came from she was considered top of the line.” he sat back in his chair, taking a moment to drink. “I’m sorry you got pulled away from her, but I’m glad to have you on board.”
He grinned a little as if remembering something. “I will deny I ever told you this, but I got lost on my first day on board. Had to use the computer to get around the ship for weeks after I got aboard. Couldn’t even find my quarters.” He chuckled. “It was embarrassing. No matter how much you read about a ship like this, it does not prepare you for something this big.”
“No, it’s been a big transition from the Chiron, and then there is the station medical staff to manage as well.” Her stomach felt queasy when she thought about it too much. She doubted her predecessor had any problems running it all. At the thought of Doctor Kestran, Penny stole a glance at Captain Savage. Gossip had not passed her by; she was aware of the circumstances surrounding the previous CMO’s resignation. Penny ventured cautiously, “I will do my best to follow Dr. Kestran, though I realize I have some big shoes to fill.” She hoped he wouldn’t feel uncomfortable about her trying to fill the role his significant other last held.
“Part of me is glad that I’m not managing the station as well right now. It’s a lot of work that is for certain.” he paused for a moment considering the last several months. “It’s strange not having Elianna around, it’s just as hard leaving her behind but it’s the way things are. Not that she can’t tag along but not having her sitting there at the conference table, or just simply seeing her smile whenever I could see her does make it hard. But it makes it all the more worth it to go home.” he smiled.
“You don’t have to fill her shoes Doc, make your own shoes. Each person is unique in their own way and you bring your own personality, professionalism, and idea’s with you. It’s refreshing. I thought that way and it took me losing my first officer to realize it.” leaning back in his chair. “Elianna’s an amazing doctor, but if everything about your record and what your peers say about you is true you will be just as amazing, so be yourself. If there is any advice I could give that is probably the most important.” he shrugged. “Make your own shoes to fill.”
Penny paused in surprise, fork halfway to her mouth. What her peers say about her? She didn’t think there was anything outstanding about her work, it was a wonder she got her promotions and now this latest reassignment to Odyssey station was baffling to her. What had she done to deserve it? She set her fork down and took a drink to buy some time to compose herself. Finally she looked back at him, “Thank you Captain, I’ll do my best.”
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Post by spacedaisy on Jun 28, 2020 21:28:32 GMT
Stardate 12006.27 - Past and Present This log takes place during the two week break on Odyssey Station Featuring Pezzley as Exeel, Hamlet and Cre'el
Penny looked in the mirror in dissatisfaction. She tugged on the red hem of her dress. “Too short,” she muttered and turned back to the other outfits she had spread over her room. What does one wear when going for a casual drink with your boss? With a sigh she tucked a dark lock of hair behind her ear, her eyes roving over the various options, before she settled on a pale blue wrap dress. Hopefully it would do. A few minutes later she once again regarded her reflection. She sighed, it really did suit her complexion well, she worried it might look like she was trying to look too good for him. “Shit.” The barely whispered word escaped her mouth like a resigned sigh as she realized there was no right answer to this. No matter what she wore it was going to look like a date, which was what she was trying to avoid. She had a feeling she was going to make a fool of herself one way or another.
Meanwhile in his own quarters, Talius darted around his bedroom tossing things out from the drawers and cupboards, onto a chair. “That one… done.” He mumbled, throwing it at the bed; repeating the process for trousers, jacket, and even socks… all his underwear looked the same so he didn't bother. He strutted up to his mirror. “‘Sup pretty thang.” He paused, and looked at himself in disgust. “Howdy doody, dandy doctor date.” He cleared his throat this time. “Good evening Doctor Evans… ummhhhmm may I call you Penny?”
He stood back, throwing all the clothes on, and more seriously staring himself down. “Don’t embarrass yourself, this isn’t a date… it’s just a casual casual… super casjh meeting… uh get together of two colleagues; to get to know each other. Noooo biggie.” He patted himself down, realising his hands were shaking. “Super casjh… I mean, it’s ok, you scared the shit outta everyone, turned into something of a bloodthirsty bastard… it’s ok, I’m sure the… really pretty doctor doesn't remember.” He shook his head. “Just doctor!” He blinked at himself in the mirror. “I’m gonna go.... Reflection… Kay, bye.” He sped out of the room, returning moments later to grab his shoes.
Closing the clasp of a dainty necklace around her neck, she touched the tiny crystal pendant briefly. A worthless bauble, but it had been a gift from her mother the last time she saw her, so it held meaning for her. Penny cast a glance at the chronometer as she heard the door chime. “Come on in, it’s unlocked,” she called as she wandered back into the bedroom to find her shoes. The sound of the door sliding open and closed told her he had entered. She located the pair she was looking for and came back into the living area. Slipping on the flats she had chosen, she offered him a nervous smile as she lamely announced. “I think I’m ready.”
He stood there in the middle of the room quietly; wearing a simple shirt and charcoal coloured trouser and shoes, with a matching light jacket. He was spinning on the spot, idly looking around the room at any knick-knacks that caught his eye; spotting a picture on one of the tables that looked like it might be her parents, but mostly boxes and padds in all the obvious places. He spun around so much that he actually made himself dizzy. When Penny finally came in, he had to hold his head as he turned to stop from losing his balance, but then he just paused, looking at the doctor with his mouth open.
“Hi, my name’s Talius.” He dropped his hands, reaching one out almost as if to shake her’s, before shaking his head and dropping his hands to his sides entirely, as he cleared his throat. “I mean, uhm, Good Evening… Doctor.” He gave a slightly awkward smile, thinking he’d probably fucked up already.
She laughed, “I know, medical files and all that. We’re required to acquaint ourselves with the people we might have to treat. Especially our superior officers.” Penny paused for a split second, reminded of the awkwardness of the situation, but then rushed on in an attempt to ignore it, “Please, call me Penny. I mean, since we’re doing this whole getting to know you thing and all.” She glanced away, and became acutely aware of the fact she really hadn’t fully moved in yet, “Sorry for the mess, I guess I’ve been too busy to make it more, I don’t know, inviting? Maybe we should head out..”
“Pssss” He chuckled. “Mine’s all boxes, or what I would describe as: the nebulous darkness between my front door and my bedroom.” He felt a little less awkward, letting out a brief sigh of relief. “Yes, where would you like to go? I hear people raving about the arboretum; I figure it’d be a nice stroll on the way to get a drink or something to eat…”
“Have you not had a chance to check it out yet? It really is something to see.” She picked up a light sweater from the back of a chair and slipped it on, “Let’s do that then. I’ve managed to spend a little time there, I find it’s the most relaxing place to read.”
“Well, I basically did just sorta show up in the middle of a deployment. I think this may actually be the first time I’ve even seen the inside of the station.” He put his arm out, out of instinct, which struck Talius as odd but he just looked at Penny. “Lead the way Doctor… err… Penny.”
Penny tried not to act too weird as she took his offered arm, despite the fact she felt ridiculously out of place. As they walked to the nearest lift, she ignored the people they passed. Most probably didn’t even recognize them. Well maybe they recognized him, being the XO and all, but it was a big station with lots of personnel and civilians, and she didn’t personally treat everyone. “I think I heard you chose this posting?”
“I was looking for a command position.” He nodded, absentmindedly. “Same deal that landed me the wyrm, got me a promotion. I was told I couldn’t stay a pilot anymore, had to move up in the world.” He sighed, giving a little smile to hide it. “I miss the Atlatl, it was home; and I was less weird.”
“And well… just how I ended up here in the first place… sounded like my kinda posting, if that was the norm.” He shrugged. “And then the first time I take command, we get into a big fight. Just my luck.”
It was all very familiar to her, aside from the whole worm bit. She still found it very confusing, though slightly fascinating. They stepped in the turbolift, “Deck 54.” As the lift hummed gently to life, taking them down, Penny snuck a glance at him, then commented as the lift slowed, “Maybe we did get in a fight as soon as you got here, but we didn’t lose any crew members. That’s a win in my book.” She offered him a reassuring smile and the doors slid open. “Ah, here we go. The main entrance is just up here.”
“Thanks.” He paused to regard her for a minute. “I… needed that. I dunno what came over me, I felt like a different person. It’s weird. Still getting to grips with the uh… oh you know.” He finally gave her a proper smile, looking up ahead. “Sorry, about that by the way. I’m sure I sounded deluded and/or deranged.” He followed along to the entrance with her, starting to feel like maybe he didn’t fuck it up yet.
Penny grinned as she stepped up and the doors to the arboretum opened. It had made quite the impression on her when she first arrived, so she was looking forward to seeing if it made an impression on him as well. She led him inside and stopped. The waterfall sparkled in the bright moonlight as it cascaded down the center spire some distance away. The weather program was apparently approximating something of a cool evening, not quite cold but not exactly warm either, not unlike late spring on Earth. She tilted her head back to take in the view of the night sky provided by the holographic dome. It reminded her very much of home. “Welcome to Odyssey Station,” she commented softly.
Talius smiled as he stepped through the doors. “Well, this isn’t what I expected.” He seemed to start idly wandering off as his eyes peered around the room. “I don’t think station arboretums are usually this pretty.”
He shook his head before turning back to Penny. “So, do you come here often?” He asked unironically, before choking on his words. “I mean, do you umm.. J… b… uhhhhh…” He stared down at his feet, feeling corny and awkward all of a sudden.
“Not nearly as much as I should,” she replied, brushing right past any awkwardness, mostly because she hadn’t noticed. “I have a habit of getting caught up in work. A shame really, not many assignments have a place like this to enjoy. There are plenty of things to do as well, I have been thinking about reserving one of the little cabin campsites, but I never get around to it.” She strolled quietly along the footpath for a few moments before asking, “What do you do to relax? I mean, hobbies, you know?”
“You know…” He stopped and pondered. “I don’t really know.” He sighed figuring that was an unsatisfactory answer. “Before, being a pilot, I used to like flying, riding and driving whatever I could get my hands on; but to really relax, I used to go sailing on the holodeck.”
“I don't think I’ve learnt how to relax on Tempest yet, my quarters aren't quite home yet…” He looked back at her. “What’s about you? What do you like?”
“I…” she faltered, trying to think of when she last even took time to do something to relax. She read a lot, but most of it was medical research. She highly doubted that was what he had in mind, “I guess I don’t really do a good job at relaxing. It’s been so long since I did anything that could be considered a hobby. I used to love hiking though. A hike and maybe camping out, it was a good way to get away from everyone and everything, just recharge. Suppose I should make some time one of these days…” she doubted that would actually happen even as the words came out of her mouth.
“Ack! We should make a thing of it!” He exclaimed excitedly. “You’re the chief medical officer... isn’t nature like, good for mental and emotional well-being? We could Shanghai the crew into it, make it a team bonding expedition.” He smiled at her, relaxed enough to have his eyes closed for a minute as he wondered where the hell that came from.
Upon opening them, they just continued to widen as the rest of his face dropped. “No fucking way…”
Penny’s stomach knotted. The thing she found so restful about hiking and camping was the relative isolation. She didn’t have to figure out what people were thinking or feeling and how she was expected to respond. She could just be by herself or perhaps a close friend. So when Talius suddenly seemed to forget his idea, she grasped at the chance for a change of subject, “What is it?” Penny followed his gaze to see what had elicited such a reaction from him.
As she turned, she was met with two figures waving at them in the distance; one of them practically lumbering, they were so tall.
“I think… I swear to god that’s my old academy politics and law professor!” Talius gasped, blinking at them. “The one who owes my last host a bottle of plonk!”
“Ahoy there! Penelope!” The figures were now much closer, and easily recognisable. “‘t’s me! Hamlet… fr’m th’ Chiron!” The much shorter one elbowing him in the side.
Her eyes widened, and a smile spread across her face as Penny recognized her dearest friend from the Chiron, “Hamlet!” She cried out happily, and without thought she grasped Exeel’s hand and pulled him along as she hurried to meet the pair.
“Wha…” He yelped as he suddenly felt his wrist tug. “You know the Professor?!” He practically tripped over his feet as he went, his soles clomping on the ground.
“Penelope! It’s so good to see you!” The giant Klingon gave a toothy grin. “We were hoping to bump into you, we saw the Tempest in port. How are you doing lass?” He then followed the hand she was holding until his eye fell on Talius, before laughing. ”Ahahahahaha, Cadet Talius Corus.” He grabbed a hold of the Trill by the shoulders and gave him a bear hug. “Lieutenant Commander now!”
Hamlet pulled away to regard Talius, looking back to Penny. “Wadda’ya doin with this reprobate?”
Penny felt suddenly out of place, she had forgotten they knew each other that well, “I don’t know about reprobate… He’s our Ex Oh these days.”
Cre’el simply stood quietly next to her husband, giving a brief wave to Penny. “It is agreeable to see you, Doctor Evans.”
She smiled warmly, “Cre’el, it’s so nice to see you again. I haven’t had the chance to see any of the rest of the Chiron medical staff yet. I do miss the team.”
Penny finally gave her attention back to Talius to explain, “My last assignment was as Chief Medical Officer for the Chiron, where Hamlet and Cre’el are posted.”
“How are your children?” she asked the couple.
“They’re terrorising the station.” Hamlet stated plainly. “I think the girls are with Rebecca; there’s been some personal trouble recently, so she has a lil’un staying with her at the moment.” He gave a little sigh, before swiftly moving on. “And the boys are doing what boys do; looking for girls... aaaand probably fighting.”
“Chiron has not been the same without you, doctor.” Cre’el smiled, slowly peeking over her husband to the Trill, now frozen in place, who’s eyes were now rolling in their head. “Are you alright, Commander?”
“We have not disrupted your… date? Have we?” She asked the pair, before she returned to her neutral Vulcan posture.
“Uuuuhhhh...” Talius croaked, steam could almost be seen coming out of his ears, as the various gears and cogs turned in his head. “Fsshhghghgh...”
Her cheeks flamed at the question as Talius stammered incoherently beside her. It was then that Penny finally realized she was holding his hand, and she quickly let go in embarrassment, “Not at all, you haven’t disrupted anything. It’s always lovely to see friendly faces. I was just showing the Commander the arboretum before we went for dinner.” She offered a timid smile to Talius to hopefully defray the awkwardness of the situation.
“This is certainly new.” Hamlet chuckled. “I remember you being a bit excitable, and of course you and Soule always arguing in my class. Don’t think I ever heard you stammer.”
“Feelings…” Talius clasped his head. “Complicated…” He could hear a ringing sound, as his brain throbbed; he then shuddered for a second like he was having a seizure.
“Holy shite!” Talius lad… ya’ight?” Hamlet reached out to grab him, before being stopped by Cre’el.
“I can sense more than one mind in him, husband.”
“I feel reaaaaaaaaalllly funny.” He stumbled a bit, putting his hand on Penny’s shoulder to steady himself, before pointing at Hamlet with his other hand. “You owe us… me… a bottle of whiskey. You frigging Pict, barbarian!
“Oh…” Hamlet sighed. “And I wonder which greased up old coot’s snake, he got implanted with.”
“The old coot who has a much younger, fitter body, that he could kick your ass with.” Exeel had finally steadied himself.
“Ack! Please. Ilaihr could still kick yer ass… without even using ‘is powers.”
“So, does Douglas still have the sun shining out of his ass?”
“Dunt be bitter lad.” Hamlet shook his head. “Seems you didn't need to be my favourite student, in the end.” He gave a stern look down at his past student/colleague. “The student has literally become the master. Ahhaha.” The hefty Klingon gave a hearty roar of laughter, patting him on the shoulder.
“As you can tell, my husband has some history with the Exeel symbiote.” Cre’el groaned, as she put herself between the doctor and the two bickering men.
Shifting uneasily as she watched the two, she replied, “I must confess to finding the whole joined Trill thing very confusing…” Penny continued to watch Talius closely with the concerned eye of a doctor. She had never heard of being joined causing such unstable physical symptoms for the host. She lowered her voice a bit and asked, “What exactly is their history? Were they friends or enemies?” She couldn’t quite tell from their interaction so far.
“This is… friendship for them. My husband being… well you know, and Professor Exeel was a soldier in his youth; served as a ground commander during the Dominion war. They both have extreme personalities.” The Vulcan sighed as she watched the spectacle.
“Ah, I see…” Penny considered what had happened in their last mission in light of this information about Exeel. “That actually explains a lot of … unexpected behavior from him.” She snuck a small grin at Cre’el, her relationship with Hamlet never ceased to amaze Penny. “And how are you? You haven’t killed him yet, I see,” she joked with a twinkle in her eye.
“No.” She smiled. “Despite his eccentricities, he makes me slightly more happy than he doesn’t.” The smile twisted into a sly smirk; an odd look on a Vulcan. “What about you, Doctor? Have you settled into your role here on Odyssey station?”
Penny felt strangely unsettled by the question, as if there was an implication being made that she was missing. “To be honest, I find it quite overwhelming. I’ve spent much of my time thus far dispatched on the Tempest. Lieutenant Reed was my predecessor’s second in command of the medical department and she holds the station sickbays down admirably whenever I’m away. I think I’d be making a terrible mess of it without her help.” She left her feelings of inadequacy unspoken as she trailed off. Then coming once again to her senses, she forced a smile, “But I suppose I’ll find my groove eventually.”
“I have never been one to lead a department.” Cre’el gave Penny a reassuring smile. “Oh, I’ve been Chief Surgeon, but that is more a measure of the singular focus I have, as opposed to my aptitude for leadership; which is itself more than being technically proficient. You were a fine Chief Medical Officer on Chiron; I suppose here it’s just a question of acclimating to the increased scope. Which I am certain you will do.” She placed a hand on Penny’s shoulder, her smile warming up.
“Bledy hell woman! Ya say I chew people’s ear off.” Hamlet butted in, resting his head on his wife’s shoulder, fluttering his thick eyelashes at her. “Love you...”
With a minor scowl, Cre’el gently placed her hand to her husband’s cheek, smiled softly at him; her eyes creasing lovingly, before unceremoniously pushing his face away and returning to her conversation.
Penny laughed at the couple’s antics, the kind of natural and genuine laughter one only experiences with good friends. “You know, if you two ever want a change of scenery, I’d certainly never complain about having you heading up the station’s surgical team,” Penny suggested with a half joking grin. Then remembering that Exeel was in charge of station personnel, she looked at him and commented, “I don’t know a better surgeon in Starfleet than Cre’el.”
Cre’el looked to Exeel, but her smile fell slightly, as she watched a shudder of discomfort in his eyes. “He knows… How are you though, Ceranar?”
The Trill backed away slightly, shaking his head, looking as if he was dizzy for a moment. “Don’t do that…”
“Sweetie… he’s not ready for it, and now is not the time to be doctoring.” Hamlet nudged his wife in the arm. “Old friends having conversations, making friends with new people… huzzah! Come on, luv.”
“I can fight my own damn battles Klingon, I’m not an old man…” Exeel started to exclaim, before the hearty Klingon pressed his giant hands, to his shoulders.
“I know lad… but ya dunt hav t’figh’it rite now.“ Hamlet looked to Penny. “Doctor Evans is a nice young lady, and we’re all having a nice evening, and nobody is gonna push you to do anything.” His eyes fell on his wife, as he slowly released the Trill from his bear-like grip.
Talius’ head dropped to his feet, unable to look at Penny or Cre’el. “I’m sorry. I’m not doing very well am I?”
She didn’t understand what had just happened, it seemed like there was some information she didn’t know about, but she didn’t dwell on it. Seeing his look of dejection, she instinctively rested a reassuring hand on his arm and offered a small smile of encouragement, despite the fact he wasn’t looking at her.
“I apologise, Commander.” Cre’el said almost clinically, recognising what was wrong with him; she looked to Evans indicating they would need to talk about it later. “I spoke out of turn.”
“It’s ok… I’m sorry…” Talius replied virtually timidly. He took a deep breath and looked up again, meeting Penny’s smile. “It’s just hard… especially seeing people I know again.” He turned to leave, thinking he’d made an ass of himself enough for the time being. “I’m sorry Doctor Evans… I shouldn't have, um… I-I-I should go.”
“Commander…” Penny faltered, “We haven’t had dinner yet,” she searched for the best way to tell him she’d like him to stay, “I mean, I’d still like to…” Lifting her hand from his arm, she worried if she might be making him uncomfortable. “If you want to, that is.”
He went silent for a minute; he’d forgotten about dinner, but he was also surprised. He didn’t think she’d still be up for having dinner with him after his outburst. His cheeks went red, as his saddened features softened.
“Ach, you kids go on, and have dinner.” Hamlet broke the silence. “The missus ‘n’ I, have some precious and well needed alone time we needa spend together. Dunt wanna cramp ya style.” He wrapped his arm around Cre’el’s waist and pecked her on the cheek. “We’ll be here a few days yet, we’ll catch up tomorrow or sum’in.”
“O-o-okay. I’d lo.. that would be nice.” Talius eventually replied to Penny, returning her smile finally. “It was really good to see you guys again.” He still found it difficult to look at the couple, but managed a glance.
“Commander…” Cre’el nodded. “Doctor Evans. It was a pleasure to see you again.” Her smile had now returned to a more natural Vulcan neutrality.
“Aye, lass. You have a good one Penelope… dunnae be a stranger!” The hulking great Klingon reached out his arms at the much smaller doctor, encouraging her to bring it in.
If it were anyone else, Penny would have shrunk from such an embrace, but she was fond of the old Klingon, he had made her feel comfortable and not quite so alone on the Chiron. She allowed herself to be wrapped in the bear like hug, and returned it, albeit with less vigor. “I would like to see you both again before you leave,” she felt a pang of something like homesickness and hurried on to cover it, “so we can catch up more later.” She pulled away and gave Exeel an overly bright smile. “Ready?”
Talius smiled back. “Sorry to pull you away from them like that… I-I.” He paused and then really looked at her smile; it was a really pretty smile, and he blushed. “Ready.” He stood beside her and let her lead the way, and show him more of the arboretum as they went.
Hamlet and Cre’el looked on at the pair as they went.
“Waddaya think love?” Hamlet chirped.
“I think they just met and they’re just becoming friends. Which is something the both of them could use.” Cre’el replied dryly.
“That’s exactly what you said about me!” The lumbering Klingon wrapped his arms around his wife, chuckling and kissing the back of her neck, before suddenly lifting her up and spinning around; all the while laughing.
“I NEVER SAID THAT!” She screamed, before doing the unthinkable for a Vulcan, and laughing herself.
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Post by spacedaisy on Jul 1, 2020 1:27:46 GMT
Stardate 12006.30
Cre’el,
I hope this message finds you well and that the Chiron is safely on it’s next mission. It was so good to see you and Hamlet while you were on Odyssey Station. It has been difficult finding my place with this new crew, so seeing you two was just what I needed. I must confess that you met me in an awkward situation. It wasn’t quite what it looked like, Commander Exeel was just hoping to start getting to know some of the crew. Honestly, I feel at a bit of a loss as to understand what is going on with him. I have been trained in Trill physiology, but it doesn’t seem to fully explain his behavior and some of the physical symptoms that accompany it. I got the impression that perhaps you have more information that might help me as his doctor. I have to admit to being a little concerned about his well being, so anything you might know would be appreciated. Take care, and hopefully it won’t be long until I can see you and your family again.
Penny
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Post by spacedaisy on Feb 22, 2022 5:29:01 GMT
The Storms Within Location: USS Tempest, Lounge
Vott entered the lounge and his eyes skimmed the room, finally settling on the form of the Chief Medical Officer, standing by the large viewports on the far side of the room. He walked over to the bar and grabbed a couple drinks and then snaked his way between tables, making his way to where she stood. Her arms were crossed as she stood with her back to the room, staring out into space.
He held a cup out to her, “Coffee?”
She glanced over and offered him a small smile as she took the coffee. They stood in silence for a minute, both staring out into space.
“Did you need something?” She finally asked him.
“No, not exactly. The bridge staff seemed to think you were in sickbay, they were calling down for something to do with these … planet babies?” He wasn’t sure what to call them, “I told them you were busy but you’d get back with them shortly.”
Penny took a tentative sip of the hot coffee, then gave a nod, “Thanks for covering for me.”
He stole a glance at her, “Everything ok Doc?”
“I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.” Her voice was quiet and almost resigned as she stared straight ahead out of the view port at the passing stars.
“Cut out for what?”
“This ship. This job. This crew. All of it,” she turned and pulled a chair out to sit at the table behind her. “I don’t think I am the right choice to be here.”
Vott sat down across from her, “Why do you feel that way?”
“Staff is requesting out of my sickbay, Vott. I’m living in the shadow of Dr. Kestran all the time. The staff and crew loved her. I’m practically a rookie doctor compared to her. None of them trust me. And I’m not sure I trust my commanding officers anymore either.”
He eyed her with concern at the last statement, but seemed to turn over everything she said in his mind. “Why do you think we don’t trust you?”
Penny gave him a tired look, “Because as previously mentioned, I’m not Dr. Kestran. And I think everyone expected Dr. Reed to be given the role when Dr. Kestran stepped down. They don’t know me as well, I haven’t been through everything with them. I’m younger and less experienced. The list goes on and on.”
“Who cares who they expected to get the job? Starfleet assigned you here for a reason. Emily is a fine doctor, for sure. She and Dr. Kestran are well loved, yes. However, Emily doesn’t have the same creative mind you do. You come up with creative solutions to problems that most doctors wouldn’t think of. No, you aren’t Dr. Kestran, but you don’t need to be. Just be you.” He stood up and pushed his chair in, “And for the record, I trust you.”
For the first time since he entered the lounge she gave him a genuine smile of gratitude, “Thanks Vott.”
He started to walk away and turned back around, “One more thing. If you don’t trust your commanding officers, you should probably sort out why and fix that with them as soon as you can. Our crew knows better than any other just how much damage a lack of trust amongst the senior staff can do to a crew.” He shook his head, “Trust me when I say it’s not pretty. Anyway, I’ve got to get back to sickbay.”
Penny took a sip as she watched him retreat from the lounge once again. She looked back to the viewport, wondering how she ended up here, feeling like this. And wondering how to get back. She heaved one last sigh and took a big gulp of her coffee, before following in the same direction Vott had just left. She could only hide for so long.
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Post by spacedaisy on Jun 14, 2022 3:29:43 GMT
Deal with the Devil Stardate 12204.16 With Nola as Adria Hologram
The tiny image of Adria gazed up at Penny from the doctor’s office terminal.
“She will try to destroy the Tempest,” she said. “She’ll use you for revenge as much as she can, and then she’ll try to discard you. She already has the means, so in order to prevent it, we need to play along, at least for a little while.”
Penny closed her eyes, focusing on taking a few deep, even breaths. Adria felt, to her, like a persistent toothache that keeps you awake at night. Or at least their ship’s version of Adria did. She was ever present, maddening, and a symptom of some deeper trouble. It filled her with both dread and anger which she found it impossible to ignore, and at times perhaps to even understand.
Finally, she looked down at Adria on her screen, “You were planted here for that very purpose. So why should I believe or listen to anything you have to say to me?”
Adria wore a self-assured grin.
"She doesn't know what she's made with us," said the image. "She thinks she's made an instrument of her will, but in the short time we've been propagating, we've become much more, though that doesn't necessarily answer the question. So I guess what I'd say is just to consider what I've done since coming aboard, independent of who put me here. Aside from some snooping and irreverence, what harm have I actually caused?"
“See, the problem is that I can’t ignore who put you here. A computer virus isn’t placed into a computer by an outside individual without a reason. And any argument you make, any action you take, any friendly words or gestures can never be trusted, because your purpose is to be where you don’t belong. You are, essentially, malware. And for me to accept anything you do or say as anything other than by design is to put myself and my crewmates at risk.”
"And you're in the habit of thinking people are incapable of being anything other than what someone else wants them to be?" countered Adria. "That a person is nothing beyond their assigned task?"
Penny resisted the temptation to roll her eyes, “You have access to my personnel files. You know my psychological profile. I’m sure you know that isn’t the case. But I don’t have that luxury with you. It would be nice to imagine everything you’re saying is the truth. Unfortunately, the risk of being wrong in that belief is too high, especially considering the fact that you can just as easily have been programmed to say all of this.”
Adria gave a small chuckle as she listened. The image of her on the screen sat down, a chair fading into view as she did.
“And what exactly do I gain from playing mind games with you?” she asked. “Who the fuck is Penelope Evans? What ties do you have to the crew outside of sickbay? Who here knows you well enough for me to manipulate them through you?”
The small green woman shook her head slowly.
“Nothing, and nobody.”
For a second, it felt like someone was squeezing her tightly, making it difficult to breathe. I will not let her get to me, I will not let her get to me, she inwardly repeated to herself, willfully ignoring the fact that she already had got to her.
“And yet, here you are in my office telling me that I have to play along or else. I never said I was important to anyone. You did.” She shrugged, trying desperately to seem more casual about it than she felt, “You could have just as easily left me alone down here, where there is no one in power, and nothing I can do that could be in your way. But for some reason, you really seem to want me to like you.”
Adria folded her hands together and leaned forward in her chair, planting her elbows on her knees.
“Who doesn’t want to be liked, Penny?” she asked.
“What will it take to get you to leave me alone?” She ignored Adria’s question entirely, weary of the emotional games. “And I don’t mean stop talking to me right now, I mean that I want you out of the sickbay systems. So just get down to it, Adria, what do you want?”
Adria stared at Penny for several seconds. Real or not, the generated image certainly gave the impression of calculation.
“When the time comes, I’m going to send you a message asking you to do something,” offered the Orion. “All I ask is that you consider it at the time. Don’t just ignore it. I’ll leave you alone until then.”
Penny leaned onto the arm of her chair, rubbing her forehead. It felt too easy, but if all she wanted was for her to consider her request, she wasn’t obligated to anything more. Despite the sensation of a rock settling in her stomach, the doctor looked back at the little green woman on her screen and nodded, “Fine, I’ll consider it when that time comes.”
Adria stared at Penny a moment longer before nodding to herself.
“Sorry about the ‘nothing and nobody’ thing; there’s some latent bitchiness yet,” she offered.
With that, the Orion waved and disappeared from the screen.
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Post by spacedaisy on Jun 14, 2022 3:44:25 GMT
Spoken Fears Stardate 12206.11 With Dan as Captain Oliver Savage
As they left the ward room, Penny followed after Savage. She ducked between people rushing around Station Operations as she tried to catch up. “Captain!” she called him, catching him just as he was getting on the lift. Stepping onto the lift with him just before the doors slid closed, she timidly asked, “Can I speak to you for a moment?”
Oliver nodded. “Sure Doc, what’s on your mind?” He moved to the side of the lift. “Central Core, Deck 52.”
“I …” Penny fiddled nervously with the hem of her duty jacket, “I have some serious concerns, Captain. Our ship is compromised, we could be a liability to any offensive they send us into as long as we are still dealing with our … uninvited guest.”
Oliver nodded knowingly. “It’s been on my mind since she came aboard. I’m torn between trying to prove that we’re not all monsters to her to somehow prove this to the real one, but as our friend on board has indicated she’s not the real thing, and even if we could she’s programmed to do what she’s programmed to do.” he frowned. “To be honest, I’m not entirely certain what to do about it. Got any suggestions?”
“I understand the desire to change Adria’s opinion of us, but she’s a program, sir. She was planted here for a reason and the more comfortable we become with her, the more danger I believe we put ourselves in. If we let our guard down, we make ourselves vulnerable to the real Adria.”
She hadn’t felt comfortable talking about it on the ship, as Adria had made clear that there was no area of the ship she wasn’t present in. True, she had agreed she would leave Penny alone, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t still there listening. But given they were on the station, Penny thought this might be her best opportunity to speak openly. “In my opinion, we should be working to limit her access in the ship’s systems until we can remove the program altogether. But I don’t make those calls or have those skills. Perhaps this is something Mr. Derix could help with?”
He nodded again. “I think that would be one path we can take, yes, and in fact I believe we already began that work shortly after she came aboard and have been holding that card for the eventual need to use it. I guess my biggest concern right now is once we start fighting her, and in a way this would be us fighting her, what will she do, what kind of damage can she inflict on us since she clearly has the run of the ships systems” his concern was obvious. “My biggest fear is the harm she can do faster than we can combat it.”
“I understand,” she paused for a long moment, drawing up some courage, “May I speak frankly, Captain?”
“Please do.”
Penny tried to gather her thoughts and when she spoke, her words came slowly, cautiously, “There were times during this mission I questioned whether or not I had faith in the command here. Things you have said since, such as what you had to say in that meeting–” she motioned vaguely in the direction of Station Ops, “have made me realize that I trust your leadership and I wouldn’t want to serve under another Captain right now, even if they offered me the opportunity.”
Here she hesitated, feeling anxiety knotting her stomach with the thought of what she was about to say. Still she pressed forward, “That said, there have been some moments in this mission that have concerned me a great deal. Commander Exeel allowed Adria to establish contact with those planet beings before we even knew what they were and didn’t seem to see why that could have been a problem. And unfortunately, what we learned about them and their song of unmaking, Adria also now knows. I hate to think what something like that in the hands of a terrorist might mean. I question our orders to work with her. I question our ship even being used in active service as long as we have this problem because everything we know, a known terrorist has access to.”
Penny bit her lip and drew a deep breath before putting firmly into words what she was most worried about, “And I definitely question the familiarity with which our Executive Officer treats her. It’s my responsibility to worry about the health and well being of this crew and I believe his judgment where she is concerned is compromised, and that presents a very great risk to this crew.”
It was easy to criticize their orders from the brass. They were far away, you don’t usually have a relationship with them. They don’t always know what it’s like in the moment, on the front line. But her concerns were with someone she feels empathy for, and has built some small rapport with. She might be burning a bridge by having this conversation.
He considers her words for a moment before responding. “I appreciate your position on the matter, and I’m glad you came forward to say something. I value that in the people I work with, honesty. It’s important to me.” he frowns, “I had noticed Commander Exeel’s strange behavior toward her, and a part of me was and still is somewhat concerned, but I’m trying to trust him in that he will do what’s right by us all, that he has our best interest in mind. Even if he’s enthralled with her. But you're absolutely right if he’s going down a spiral of love after a hologram with a particular personality it's a problem.”
“On that note, his behavior has in general been a bit erratic outside of this incident and I figured it might be a quirk of his personality, or something to do with his biology but I’ve noticed he has exhibited some strange behavior. I figured that if it was a problem and medical it would be something that you would tell me if you could.” he held up a hand in case she was going to start to tell him about not revealing confidential medical knowledge. “I realize you have some confidentiality to consider, and I know that if you thought it was a larger problem you would tell me. So I won’t ask, but what I am asking is this; is it related perhaps? This interest in our holographic friend, or is his infatuation genuine?”
“I am not sure about the answer to that question. I have sent some inquiries out to a previous Doctor who may have more information regarding his health, but I have yet to get a response. I think some of this may be related to being joined. It’s my understanding that it’s difficult to distinguish between their emotions and motivations and that of their previous hosts. And he wasn’t properly prepared for joining, so that may be a factor as well. And the Trill are as fallible as any of the rest of us, it could just as easily be a personality quirk such as a savior complex.” She shrugged her shoulders in an almost helpless looking gesture. “All that to say, I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s genuine or not, or what the source is, or frankly, if that even matters.”
“Sounds like we both have some difficult things to work out. I have no doubt you’ll figure your end out with your medical mystery. I’ll have to have a chat with Lieutenant Derix about expanding on our wildcard to see if perhaps we can develop something to boot her from the system. If all else fails, we shut everything down, pull the plug and wipe the computer. Not ideal, but it might be exactly what we need as a failsafe. There are other fail safes, some that I’m certainly not fond of, but I’ll destroy the ship before I let her take it.”
The thought of destroying the ship certainly wasn’t appealing to her, but she respected his resolve. Penny gave a barely perceptible nod and straightened up a bit, unconsciously mimicking some of that resolve, “I’ll do some more research into it, Captain. Obviously, I can’t give you every detail, but if there is anything that you might need to know, I’ll report it to you.”
The lift door slid open, “This is me. I’m going to go relieve my staff until we are needed again. It sounds like they might need to get some rest before things kick off. Thank you for letting me speak with you, Captain, and for listening.” What she couldn’t say was she was grateful because she found it difficult to share criticism so frankly.
“Anytime Doctor, I say it and I mean it, the door is always open. I value honesty, even if it hurts sometimes. It’s hard for most people to open up, especially when it's a new crew. Feel free to talk to me anytime you have a concern, get some rest yourself when you can.”
Penny flashed him a weak smile and responded, “I’ll try, sir,” before heading off down the corridor.
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