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Post by spacedaisy on Mar 3, 2017 19:08:50 GMT
Elianna paced the length of her quarters in frustration. She shouldn't be here, she should be in sickbay caring for Sully and all her other patients! The sight of Oliver, looking defeated as he left the bridge was fresh in her mind. They had served together for a long time, she considered him a close friend. She had never seen him like that before and it left her with an odd mixture of disappointment, sympathy and anger. Dropping heavily into the seat at her desk, she tapped the console and began a log.
"Stardate... oh I don't even know anymore!"
She ran a hand through her hair wearily, and there were dark circles under her eyes as she went on, "We've all been going through interviews with the Temporal Agents, which have been a minor nuisance in the midst of the chaos on Pacifica after the quake. But everyone is so on edge at this point. What happened on the bridge shouldn't be that surprising to any of us. I'm worried about Johnny, his paranoia used to be just a quirk. But now... he doesn't trust anyone and pushed Sully until he cracked."
Elianna stood again and resumed her pacing, her blue medical coat swishing softly as she walked. It was the only thing remotely calm about her in this moment.
"And now here I am locked in my quarters, when I should be doing my job!"
If she had a clearer head she might have recognized the signs of severe fatigue and stress. Her ability to keep her walls up was wearing down. Even now her own feelings were being heightened exponentially by the emotions of the rest of the crew. Yet she wasn't aware of her own fragile state, she simply hadn't stopped to consider it.
"Why are we dealing with Temporal Agents anyway? If we were some kind of disruption of the timeline I could understand that, but the proof shows we didn't travel through time, we were held in stasis. This is so infuriating! And now I have to trust them to treat Sully? After they shot him?! I need to be able to do my job!"
As she forcefully exclaimed these last words she grabbed the small vase of flowers sitting on her desk and threw them against the wall, shattering the vase. Without pausing her hands fell to a photo of Ezron and it quickly followed the vase. Outside the room a security officer heard the loud sounds of breaking glass and thrown items as she continued to destroy her own quarters and he quickly entered the room. Rushing over he grabbed her, "Dr. Kestran, you must stop this immediately or you'll hurt yourself!"
She struggled against him as hot tears pricked behind her eyelids and began to find their way down her cheeks, "This is all wrong! I shouldn't be locked up! We shouldn't even be here!"
He saw then that her hand was cut deeply from some shard of glass, probably in the midst of her fit. Tapping his comm badge he called the sickbay, "I need a medic to Dr. Kestran's room!"
He held her tightly, and despite her struggle to escape him he was much stronger than her and so when the medic arrived she quickly took in the scene. The room was in disarray and the blood from Elianna's hand had gotten on her and the security officer, making things look worse than they probably were. She quickly loaded a hypospray and administered a sedative to Dr. Kestran.
As Elianna slipped into unconsciousness, the medic asked the security officer, "What happened here?"
He shook his head, "I was outside, I heard a disruption inside and when I came in," his voice trailed off as he motioned to the room.
"Did she hurt you?"
"No, it's all her blood."
"Well, I don't think it's a serious cut, just a lot of blood. Help me take her to the bed and I'll get her fixed up easily enough."
"I think she had a log recording..."
The log cut off at that point.
----------------------------------------------------
Images swirled in front of her, it was confusing and ethereal. There was a woman. She looked like Emily but her eyes, they were wrong. Why were they wrong? Oh! They glowed, this was all wrong... The woman was talking to her but she couldn't hear the words. No, wait. She wasn't talking to her. Elianna wasn't herself. Who was she? Nothing made any sense.
With a groan, Elianna turned her head and opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry for a moment and then came into focus. She was in her quarters. Sitting up she looked around and it was clear that all the small personal items had been cleared from her room. The memory of her recent actions came rushing back to her. Pain throbbed in her temples and she pressed her hand to her forehead. A quick inspection of her hand told her they had treated her, she assumed they had sedated her as well. Just as well, now after getting rest she could tell she had pushed herself too far. Her emotions had gotten out of her control, but the sleep had righted her a bit. She lay back down and closed her eyes again. As she drifted off, her last thought was that if she was going to be confined here at least she would get some much needed rest.
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Post by spacedaisy on Mar 8, 2017 7:19:50 GMT
Stardate: 73932.43
Her finger tapped idly on the desktop as she skimmed through the various logs from those posted after they awoke from their time lapse. "This isn't what I want," she pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear in frustration, "Computer display all logs by Commander Derringer beginning after the mission to the Paris." The computer gave an obliging chirp and a list of logs scrolled onto her screen. "Stop! Play first entry."
The screen came to life and she listened to Sully describe the mission on which they discovered the Paris. A small cringe passed over her as she listened to him describe her own actions on that mission. She had no idea how deeply her following Johnny into the Paris against his orders had affected him. With a sigh, she ran her hand over her eyes. She could recall the mission so clearly. That moment she was faced with Johnny rushing headlong into danger yet again, and Sully retreating to come at the problem more strategically. She had a split second to decide, and her instinct led her to follow Johnny. She was afraid of what predicament he might find himself in next if left alone. If only she could do that moment over again, but would she do it differently? She couldn't say.
The log was clearly edited. Elianna wondered what he had taken out. What did Sully decide he had better not say? She turned off the computer and leaned back in her chair, as she thought over everything. Her gaze swept over her now barren room, searching for the photo of Ezron until she recalled what she had done earlier. How she wished she could see his face again; speak to him again. But that could never be.
Her bare feet padded silently across the floor as she went to the replicator, "Computer, iced tea with mint please." The glass materialized and she picked it up and took a long drink. Walking over to the view port, she looked out longingly at the stars. They hung still in space. How she wished they would be past all this. That they could be allowed back to active duty, out there among the stars instead of held captive here.
She settled back in at her desk and began pulling up information on the advancements in her field. If she was going to have to wait around here she would at least make herself productive. The ony way to keep sane right now would be to stay positive and immerse herself in her work. Since she wasn't allowed in sickbay, she would busy herself in learning what she had missed.
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Post by spacedaisy on Mar 29, 2017 11:06:42 GMT
Joint Post by spacedaisy (CMO Elianna Kestran) & CO_Captain_Savage (CO Oliver Savage)
Elianna stood leaning against the wall outside the conference room. Johnny and Sully were deep in conversation down by the turbolift. In any other situation she might find that encouraging after all they had gone through recently. However, the tone of the meeting they had just left changed all that and she felt her stomach tie itself in a knot as she watched them now.
Oliver took a moment and watched as Corky departed. He truly felt badly at the position this young officer had been put in. A near impossible one. Much like the rest of the crew he was displaced in time and though he seemed to be handling it well Oliver had his suspicions that he was bottling some of those feelings up. Probably much like the majority of the crew trying to find ways to cope with what had happened. Nearly twenty five years gone, people moved on and grown older. It was an impossible situation to be in. That struck a chord with him, he turned and glanced back out at the stars. Had this been worth it. Joining Starfleet to be an explorer, and yet it was starting to feel as if everything continued to try and push him out, it was starting to feel as if his life was cursed for some unexplainable reason.
The conference room doors slid open and Corky came through the open doorway. He glanced at Elianna in surprise and she nodded and forced a smile before explaining, “I was waiting to have a word with the Captain as well.” He gave a small nod and his eyes told her he understood perfectly. Stepping aside he motioned to allow her through but before he walked off she said, “Cam, I would like very much if we could get to know each other better, perhaps we can get a cup of coffee in the lounge sometime?” A wide smile broke across his face, and she thought she detected even a sense of relief, though she wasn’t sure.
“I would really enjoy that Dr. Kestran! Just let me know when.” He dipped his head a bit before walking off.
She watched with a smile as he retreated to the turbolift. He was a good kid, she was glad he was on board and believed they could become good friends. Something told her they would all need strong bonds of friendship to get through the days ahead. She could only hope Sully and Johnny figured this out too. With a small sigh, she dismissed thoughts of Johnny and Sully before she stepped into the still open doors of the conference room.
Oliver stood staring out into space, he was lost in his own thoughts his cheeks still bore a rosey hue, he was clearly agitated but focused. He didn’t hear Elianna enter the lounge at first but as she moved deeper into the room he flinched as the sound of her footsteps pulled him back to the moment, he turned to greet her. “Doctor? Didn’t hear you come in.. sorry.” he turned his attention back to the stars for a moment longer then smiled as he turned back to her.
She crossed the room and stopped next to him at the window. “I apologize for being curt and possibly too frank during the meeting. It wasn’t you or your news that was bothering me,” her words trailed off as she looked out to the view he had just been taking in. It was good to be in motion again, even if she knew they were just on their way to more psychological evaluations and tests and counseling and who knows what other hoops Starfleet was going to make them jump through. Drawing a deep breath she looked again at Oliver, “You owe me dinner. Before all of this,” she motioned towards the conference table, “we were going to get some food. So, shall we go?”
He shook his head. “You don’t have to be sorry Elianna, this has not entirely been the most pleasant experience. We just went from one emotional high right into another one potentially. So there is no need to apologize, though I do appreciate the thought.” he took another glance out the long windows before gesturing towards the door. “Food sounds good. I need to get my mind off some things.” he said as he began to follow her toward the door.
A few minutes later, they made their way into the lounge. Elianna got herself a grilled chicken salad and some iced tea and looked around to find a table. She settled down at an empty one and looked up as Oliver joined her. “How long until we get to the starbase?”
He shrugged at her question. “Shouldn’t be too terribly long a transit, though we are at the edge of Federation space.” he offered a half smile at that. “Price of exploration I suppose.”
“I’m ready to get on with everything. This transition is…” she searched for the right word as she pushed her salad around in the bowl, “I don’t even know.” Elianna eyed him for a moment and asked, “How are you doing? I suppose that none of us have made it much easier on you to lead us. Especially given everything with Johnny and Sully.”
“I think Starfleet needs us to be better more than ever with a Civil war on their hands. So I’m also certain they are ready for us to get on with it too. But we need to make sure everyone is good first, I honestly think we got lucky with that situation on Pacifica. Things could have gone much worse if we had collapsed in on ourselves in the middle of trying to negotiate with the Naradra.” He stared down at his caesar salad himself poking at a piece of lettuce with his fork. “I think the best term I could use right now to describe how I’m doing is...stabilizing…” he blinked looking up from his Salad. “Those two confuse me. I gave them every chance to work it out themselves and that maybe was the mistake. But my predecessor…” he took in and let out a deep breath. “I’m starting to sound like a broken record.” he shook his head. “Needless to say those two are not helping. But right now I’m not sure how to help them, or work this issue out other than to let time take its course.”
Elianna’s gaze fell to the salad once again as she thought about the meeting, the idea that had been presented. She felt the knot tighten in her stomach again. “Oliver… I need you to know,” she paused, struggling how to put her inward battle into the right words. “We have served together, and more than that, we have been friends for a very long time. When everything happened at Lyshan…” At the mention of the ill-fated mission, memories came flooding back to her. The friends and colleagues they had lost. She shook her head a bit, as if it would somehow shake loose the overwhelming feeling of loss that had become a constant part of their lives, “They gave me the option to transfer. I was offered a great position actually. But I couldn’t imagine serving under another commanding officer. I believe in you and I consider it an honor to serve as your Chief Medical Officer. All that said, if the brass decide to endorse this idea; send us deep undercover, I will of course give 100% to the mission.”
She paused again as an engineering ensign passed nearby their table waiting for him to get out of earshot before continuing, “But what Sully was saying sounded an awful lot like he wants us to go no matter what. If you choose to follow that suggestion,” she nervously tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, “That’s a path I don’t think I can follow you down. I just need to know that you realize that.”
Setting down his fork and leaning back in his chair he takes a deep breath. “That means a lot to me Elianna. It wouldn’t be the same without you. I’m not sure how I would feel about continuing on without something helping keep me grounded and you do that. It may not seem like it but it is something that helps knowing you're around.” he smiled.
“It means a lot that I have your support. But with Johnny and Sully trying to force this, it’s not something that is going to fly. Starfleet in its state probably wouldn’t consider this type of mission at this time. Not to mention with the state of the crew. It would be a bad decision all around. For them to try to force the issue in some hair brained scheme to avoid their… it’s not really punishment, but treatment maybe. Is also disturbing.” he paused a moment to consider his words.
“While part of me agrees with Sully that this would be an opportunity, it’s not right. It’s not something that I’m entirely supportive of. If Starfleet by some right decides this is the direction we should go then obviously I will follow my orders. I just don’t think this crew is ready for that kind of mission yet. We do not have cohesion yet, and it seems very clear to Starfleet that this is the case.” he scooped up his glass of water to take a drink.
“But it’s no surprise to me that Sully and Johnny want out of this so badly. I can’t blame them for it. They have become too comfortable with the way they are toward one another. I don’t think they honestly see how detrimental it is to the cohesion of those around them. And they are both going to be in for a very quick wake up call.” he settled back in his chair after setting the glass back down. “Sully wants to see what it's like for me to come down on them, and take a more active role in what’s happening, so that’s what I’m going to do.” he shifts in the chair uneasy. “The most frustrating thing is he’s basically doing exactly what Johnny has been doing to make a point. It’s not lost on me. But it’s also not the right way he should be approaching this, but he clearly does not see that. It’s somewhat infuriating.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I think everyone aside from Johnny and Sully have felt acute discomfort with their flagrant insubordination. And you’re right, I wish they would see how their behavior is affecting the entire crew, not just them. After all, if that little scene hadn’t occurred on the bridge, our transition might not have been dealt with quite so rigidly by Starfleet.” Pushing her plate away from her, she leaned back and looked around at the others there eating, drinking, visiting. At a table across the room a young couple were sitting, sharing dinner. Elianna recognized the woman as Ensign Julie Carmichael, she was actually a medic on the night shift. She wasn’t sure who the man was, he looked familiar though. Julie laughed at something he said and brushed his arm. “A budding romance,” Elianna thought to herself and felt a pang of grief.
Still watching the flirtatious couple, she commented softly to Oliver, “We’re an emotional disaster right now, aren’t we?” A small chuckle slipped out, incongruent to the tone of their conversation no doubt, but she couldn’t help it when she considered the absurdity of all they had gone through in such a short time. The chuckle was followed immediately by a slight sigh, “We’ve all lost so much, practically all we have anymore is each other.” She looked at him resolutely, “I’ll always be here to ground you. But if I could offer some advice? Don’t try to be the captain your predecessor was. He was my captain too, and he was a good one, but he wasn’t perfect either. Don’t you remember the time he came down hard on Lieutenant Diel over what he considered to be gross negligence, only to find out later that what happened wasn’t even Diel’s fault, but he was unwilling to tattle on the Chief?” Elianna gave a shrug, “No one’s perfect, but you’re trying to measure up to a phantom. And Sully is not you, everyone deals with things differently, learns differently, even leads differently.”
He nodded. “Yeah that was a bit of a disaster in itself. Had to admire Diel’s loyalty.” his brow furrowed. “You’re right of course. I have been trying to be Captain Phillips in a way.” he nodded. “Phantoms…” he considered that word and what it meant. So much loss between the disaster at Lyshan III and now this. “I’ve got a lot to learn, and I certainly need to find my rhythm in this position.”
He let out a sigh. “I was taught to do things a certain way, and though I did find my own way I had to learn his way first. It’s pretty clear that Sully isn’t me, and I certainly cannot approach teaching him the same way that Greg taught me. I’m not sure how to get around Sully’s ego, I feel like he wants to be held up on a pedestal but does not want the responsibility that goes with that position. He also needs to realize that he’s not really on a pedestal” he lets out a half hearted chuckle. “I was that guy for a short time with Captain Phillips, and I learned some hard lessons when I started out. I honestly don’t want that for Sully, but he’s not making it easy.” he shifted in his chair. “It's going to be a long road even more now having to earn his trust again. But I don’t think it’s a lost cause. I still have faith in him and I still see greatness in him.”
He glanced to his side admiring the couple for a moment, and allowed a grin to slowly form. “Yeah, we are an emotional wreck. But it's nice to see that others are not stopping the normal progression of life.” he returned his attention to her. “How are you holding up?”
“I…” her voice faltered a bit, because she knew what he was actually asking, “I am as well as can be expected, I guess.” She pulled herself together and said more assertively, almost like she was willing it to be true, “I’ll be ok.”
He regarded her for a long moment. “I was almost convinced by that. You’ve been hanging out with too many Vulcan’s I think.” he grinned. “You’ve been there for me, if you need to talk you know I’m here for you too.”
Elianna smiled at the fact he had caught her out so completely, “Yes well, what’s there to say? Ezron’s gone and there is nothing to change that. So I don’t have much choice but to be ok. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll schedule a session with Eldrida when time allows.”
He nods. “It couldn’t hurt. You need to have time to take care of you too.” he picked up his glass and twirled the liquid inside. “I’m worried about Corky. This has been entirely unfair to him, a young officer like him shouldn’t be having to live this nightmare. I have to admire his resilience.”
“He’s young and idealistic, I’m not worried about him. He will be ok.” She grinned, “He really looks up to you, you know? I think the only reason he has seemed to struggle is because he is so appalled by everything that’s happened with… well, you know.” She didn’t feel like going around that mountain again.
Oliver nodded. “I had a feeling that would be the case. Or rather I suspected that was. I feel bad in a way because I don’t know that i’ve exactly set the right example but at the same time it gives me something to improve upon I guess and show that even when you get to where I am you still have room to learn and grow.” he took a drink from the glass he was still playing with in his hands. “I’m only hoping that it gets better from here.”
She laughed, a real laugh for once, “It can’t get much worse, Oliver. It’s got to get better!” She lifted her own glass of iced tea and offered a half joking toast, “To better things,” and winked.
Oliver’s mouth hung open in mock disbelief. “You laughed!” he held up his glass. “To better things!” he said much louder than he should have but he didn’t care. He laughed out loud, this time a hearty chuckle still holding his glass aloft. He was mildly amused as several others around the Soma Lounge likewise joined in.
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Post by spacedaisy on Mar 30, 2017 6:48:09 GMT
Stardate: 19612.10
Elianna stood in her quarters, looking out the viewport with unseeing eyes. She held a padd in her hand limply. Turning away from the window, she dropped down heavily onto the couch and looked down at the padd again. It contained a comprehensive history on the Battle of Betazed and all that had happened to her homeworld during the Dominion War. She hadn't heard from her parents yet, or her brother. Part of her had hoped it was because they just didn't know the communications blackout had been lifted, or that the news of their return hadn't reached them yet for some reason. Now she was afraid that there might be a much worse explanation. It was time for her to find out the truth.
She crossed the room and tapped the console, putting in a query for information on her family. The computer gave an obliging beep and information scrolled up the screen.
"Jeron Kestran: Deceased. Killed in the Battle of Betazed while working in a government building. Survived by wife Lanari Tryxt and daughter Melora.
Andren Kestran: Deceased. Killed by the Dominion forces occupying Betazed on suspicion of being part of an underground resistance movement. Survived by wife Jasse Kestran.
Jasse Kestran: Living on Betazed. Former Ambassador for UFP, retired."
Conflicting emotions swirled within her. Her father and brother were gone. It was hard for her to grasp. She tried to focus instead on the silver lining, her mother was alive and she had a niece. Tapping her console again she requested a transmission to Betazed and watched the logo spin lazily as she waited anxiously for it to connect. A moment later the picture shifted and her mother's face came into view. Elianna almost didn't recognize her. It wasn't just that she was older, it was that she looked worn and tired.
"Hello Elianna," her mother's greeting was calmer than one would expect from someone seeing their daughter for the first time in over a quarter century after she believed her to be dead.
"Hello Mother, I wasn't sure if you had heard the news," Elianna wasn't sure what to say. How do you pick up normal conversation after you've metaphorically come back from the dead?
"I heard."
"They had us on communications black out, so I'm sorry if you've tried to get in touch with me before this."
"I haven't actually."
"I see," she replied, but she didn't really see. She wasn't sure what she thought this conversation would be like. After all, Elianna had always been closer to her father than her mother. Still, she had thought her mother might be at least a little happy to hear from her.
"I saw that Jeron and Lanari had a daughter - "
Her mother cut her off, "Elianna, it would be best if you don't try to reach out to Lanari and Melora."
She made no attempt to hide the surprise from her face, "I don't understand. Why?"
"I'm sure you can understand how confusing it would be for a little girl to learn an aunt who supposedly died before you were born suddenly came back, but what about her daddy? It hardly seems fair."
"Fair? Mother, are you angry at me for not being dead?"
"No, I'm angry because you got to just skip it all. All the pain of the war and the Dominion occupation of Betazed. The death of your father and brother. And now you show up and it's just supposed to make me happy again?" Jasse shook her head, "I was broken hearted when you were presumed dead. Your father was never the same. I just need some time."
Elianna's eyes flooded with tears that threatened to spill out, "I understand. I'll leave you alone until you're ready," she paused, no longer able to hold back the tears and said, "I love you Mother," before she quickly cut the transmission.
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Post by spacedaisy on Apr 8, 2017 9:32:25 GMT
Stardate 11704.08
Slender fingers wrapped around the mug of hot coffee and Elianna breathed in the aroma. Coffee was one of the things about Earth that she had found to be very pleasing, much to the shock of most of her Betazoid friends and family. Though she never could drink it black, it was much too bitter. She liked it with some sugar and a bit of cream to take the edge off. Despite knowing that it was unwise to drink coffee this late at night, Elianna couldn't help herself. She rocked back in the chair in her office and smiled with contentment. She loved the sickbay at night. There were so few people there, so there was a hush that hung over it that made it seem so peaceful. The lighting was always dimmed except in case of emergency. At this particular moment there were no patients, and while there was a night shift on staff, they kept it sparse, so aside from a nurse who seemed to be cataloging something in the far corner and the junior medical officer who was working on some files at one of the consoles, she mostly had the place to herself.
She tapped the console and began recording a personal log.
"It's been a quiet couple weeks since they sent us off to Starbase 313. Well, fairly so anyway. there have been lots of talks and thinking and introspection on the part of the majority of the crew I think. I know there has been for me. Oliver pushed me to see Eldrida. Being a man, it's hard for him to I think to know how to handle the emotional bits very well. Then again, it's hard for me to deal with the emotional bits and I don't have the excuse of being a man. What's more, I'm supposed to be good at them if you are to believe the stereotypes about Betazoids."
With a rueful shake of her head she continued, "Thankfully, Eldrida lives up to the stereotypes. I followed my Captain's orders like a good little officer, and I'm very glad that I did. Our session was so helpful. I've already committed to going back to see her again, though we haven't set an official appointment. Hard telling what I will have time for it yet though. We don't know what kind of schedule we're going to be looking at for the evaluations. I'll just be glad to get them over with and get on with our lives."
She stood up and crossed the small office to the window that looked out over main sickbay. Taking a slow sip of her coffee, she watched the medical officer shuffling through file after file on the console. "I keep thinking about that dream I had. I've gone over it again and again in my mind, and I'm certain it must have been from Sully's point of view. I saw myself and Johnny and even Eldrida, but I never saw Sully. I can't hear the words being spoken, but I can feel all these intense emotions... dread, grief, and a terrible sense of desperation. I can't get a handle on it all, but I am sure Sully must be dealing with something very difficult. I wish he would let us in, but you can't force someone to let down their walls."
"Anyway," she said as she turned back to her desk and settled down in her chair once again, "we're all going to have to find our place in this new universe we've found ourselves in." A mildly amused look crossed her face and she clarified, "I guess what I mean is, while it is technically the same place, it has changed vastly. Now we are in the midst of a civil war we know very little about. I wonder if everyone on the crew will choose to remain with us or will they defect to this True Federation? Never in my life have I felt like everything I knew was called into question and the future has never been more uncertain."
"Computer, end log."
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Post by spacedaisy on Sept 9, 2017 0:05:38 GMT
Elianna let out a sigh and pushed her hair out of her face. It was a bit of a mess; the chaos of bringing in patients from the Vonnegut had kept her very busy. She gathered her thoughts for a moment and began, "Currently we have nine patients we brought over from the Vonnegut. Lt. Reed has taken lead on the patients in the operating room, and I find myself more and more grateful for her assistance everyday." She shakes her head with a half laugh, "I never would have thought I'd be grateful for that considering how rescuing her cost us so much. But she lost a great deal too, and she has become an indispensable part of my team. I should talk to Oliver about giving her some kind of recognition."
She cast a glance out through the window in her office to the main sickbay before continuing, "We brought over a total of nine patients, one has finished in the OR and is in recovery. Reed tells me he is stable. I've been overseeing the care of the other six. Four have so far been stabilized and two are still touch and go. Most of these are the kinds of wounds we would expect to see with an explosion." She rubbed her forehead as though pondering whether she should even say what was on her mind. Finally she loked back up and went on, "Johnny seems convinced this is a trap. And unsurprisingly Sully agrees. I swear these two are going to be the death of me... But just to be safe, I'm going to run every test I can on these people. If there is anything out of the ordinary here, we'll find it. Computer, end log."
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Post by spacedaisy on Sept 12, 2017 16:43:18 GMT
Stardate 11709.09
"Who's got the files for the surgical patients?" Elianna called across the sickbay. Ensign Carmichael looked up, lifted a padd in the air and waved it to get her attention and show that she was the one with them.
Elianna made her way over to where Julie was bent over a console. "Has all the information been downloaded for the Vonnegut?"
"Yes ma'am. I was just updating the most recent orders so that the Vonnegut's medical team can follow up and be sure they complete their treatment. Lt. Reed just ordered a follow up course of medicine for Lt. Cmdr. Lewis. And I was told you ordered a neural scan to be done within five days for Ens. Dubois?"
The CMO gave a quick nod, "She was exhibiting what I believe to be possible signs of neural damage, but it's hard to tell right off the bat with the kind of head trauma she suffered. It's a miracle that bulkhead didn't kill her."
Julie straightened up and held the padd out to Dr. Kestran, "It's done. All the most current information for the Vonnegut's medical team."
Taking the padd, the doctor gave her a grateful smile and moved off to do another check on all the vitals. A stop at each bed allowed her to read the scan results from each biobed's overhead cluster. Everyone seemed stable, which was good since they were being prepped to be returned to the Vonnegut. Last thing they needed was someone crashing. As she approached the final bed of a patient who had been treated in main sickbay, she found Emily standing there with her arms crossed, frowning.
"Something wrong Emily?"
The other woman shook her head thoughtfully, "I'm not sure. Watch this heart rhythm," she tapped the screen, indicating what she wanted Elianna to watch. Trning her attention to the particular result Emily pointed out, they fell silent. It seemed fine for a few minutes and just when Elianna was about to say as much, a small blip, an irregular beat. It was such a small arrhythmia that it might have gone unnoticed. Emily looked at Elianna, "Did you see that?"
"Huh. Yes."
There was a padd lying on a crash cart next to the biobed and Elianna picked it up to begin looking at the medical history of this particular patient. "No prior mention of arrhythmia. Also none in the family history."
The man in the biobed was wrapped in a lot of gauze. He had been caught in the brunt of the explosion and very badly burned by venting plasma over the majority of his body. "Let's check his CPK levels."
"You think there was cardiac damage?"
"It could be that we just couldn't see the symptoms because of how badly burned he was when he came in. It would have made any bruising impossible for us to see. It's possible he was thrown against a console or something in the blast. A blunt force trauma to the chest could produce an arrhythmia. Let's do a deep tissue scan as well."
Lt. Reed shot the CMO a very surprised look, "A deep tissue scan ma'am? Don't we normally just do them post mortem?"
Elianna nodded, "Generally we don't need a deep tissue scan for a living patient because we use other methods of diagnosing active problems. Once they're dead we use the deep tissue scan to identify what might have gone wrong. Unfortunately, I think Mr..." she looked down at the padd again for a moment, "Mr. Schulz's most obvious wounds are obscuring what's happening underneath. If we do a deep tissue scan, I suspect we will find bruising on the heart."
Emily departed after this explanation and Elianna set the padd back down. This patient would not be returning home with his friends it seemed. She couldn't risk transporting a patient with an arrhythmia. Making her way into her office, Elianna dropped down into the seat behind her desk and requested contact with the Vonnegut sickbay. It only took a moment for the CMO's face to appear on the screen. "Dr. Kestran! We are just finishing the last minute preparations for the transfer. I trust everything is going well there?"
Behind him, Elianna could see medical officers rushing around, carrying out their various tasks to be ready for the critical patients to return. She didn't know what it was about Kor Ch'kiarhan, but the Andorian doctor always left her feeling uncomfortable. It wasn't that she felt like he was hiding something, it was that he felt a bit blank for a lack of a better word. She supposed if she really wanted to, should could probe a little deeper, but she really didn't feel comfortable invading someone's privacy. So she just assumed that it was probably all in her head and moved on. "Well, we have a bit of a problem with Lieutenant Karl Schulz. We're going to be keeping him here a little longer because we detected a very slight arrhythmia."
Dr. Ch'kiarhan's eyes widened a bit, "That doesn't sound good. Just keep me updated. Otherwise are we a go to transport the rest of the patients?"
She gave a nod, "We'll intitate transport in fifteen minutes. I'll be sending you all the relevant information on their treatments as well."
He smiled broadly, "Thank you Dr. Kestran, I appreciate all your help!"
The comm cut and Elianna leaned back in her chair, looking out at the biobed where Schulz was laying. She was almost done dealing with the Vonnegut and she honestly couldn't wait.
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Post by spacedaisy on Sept 30, 2017 15:40:06 GMT
Joint log with Oliver Savage
Stardate 11709.23
Elianna strode purposefully into the sickbay and Emily looked up in surprise. “So no wounded incoming?” she asked the Chief Medical Officer.
With a rueful shake of her head, Elianna replied, “There are no wounded left it seems.”
She crossed over and retrieved a field medic kit and slung it over her shoulder, then she tied back her long auburn locks and looked resolutely at Emily once again, “I’m going with the away team to the planet. I need you to take charge here in sickbay.”
The other woman’s face looked concerned, but she didn’t ask questions. Instead she simply said, “Stay safe.”
A quick nod and Elianna was gone again, off to the armory this time. Oliver had told her to arm herself so she would, even if she was just a doctor. Truth be told, while she knew that some of the people they were going to try and save might need medical attention, that wasn’t her primary reason for requesting to be on the away team. They needed to locate their lost people, perhaps her Betazoid abilities would be able to assist to that end.
She headed down the corridor and got into the turbolift, “Deck 15.” She stood and waited for the doors to open. Once they did she stepped out and made her way quickly to the armory. She went inside and noted that some of the others were there. She figured Johnny was probably already suited up and waiting for them impatiently in Transporter Room 2. Looking forward to shooting something or someone and probably set them at war with another new species, no doubt. She chuckled to herself as she thought back to Oliver shooting Johnny on Lyshan III. It was probably a poor time to chuckle, what with a tense away mission coming up. One of the guys Johnny was bringing along gave her a sidelong glance, probably wondering if the good doctor hadn’t cracked.
She located a phaser rifle and then turned to the wall where the armor was hanging. Her eyes widened a bit and she muttered under her breath, “Oh boy…”
Oliver passed through the doors to his quarters at a hurried pace, turning to head towards the turbolift still zipping up his black uniform jacket. He quickly weaved his way through the crew moving about the corridor making his way to the lift. “Deck 15!” he said as he stepped into the lift. His mind was racing with the possibilities of the coming confrontation. The lift ride was short, he didn’t miss a beat heading down the hall and turning into the Armory. He stopped taking a look around at those assembled. “Fashionably Late! I swear.” he offered a sheepish smiled.
He stepped over to the shelving unit stopping and staring dubiously at the chest plate, and other armor that adorned the wall. “Huh...that’s…” he pondered trying to think of the right word. “Functional?” he took the chest piece off and glanced over at Elianna and the others assembled. “They really wear this stuff?”
She shrugged a bit and grabbed the chest/torso armor piece, eyeing it for a moment. “This is the first time since we got here that I feel all of my sixty plus years old…” She put it on and looked at the other varieties of pieces assembled and looked over at Oliver, “Do I need to wear all of that?”
He glanced over the armor. “No… I don’t think it’s necessary, were not going to war. Just hunting down some wayward politicians.” he said slipping the chest piece over his head and strapping it on. He took a moment to grab and holster a Type II Phaser, and then slung a Compression Rifle over his shoulder.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she commented, “Thank goodness for that. In that case shall we?” She tipped her head in the direction of the door to ask if he was ready to head for the transporter room.
He took a deep breath in, and let it out slowly and gave her a quick nod and started for the door.
As she followed him, she could only hope that he was right about the kind of situation they were walking into.
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Post by spacedaisy on Oct 14, 2017 5:04:09 GMT
Stardate 11710.07
“Oh god…” Emily stared in shock at the biobed where Tahir had just been transported in. He was in very bad shape. She waved Ensign Carmichael over to help her. Julie looked at Emily with wide eyes, “His vitals are crashing Lieutenant Reed!”
Emily grabbed a crash cart and pulled it over. She picked up the cardio-stimulator and switched it on. As it charged she spoke without looking at Carmichael, “Administer 2ccs of Cordrazine.” She waited until Julie had administered the hypo’s contents into the agent before putting the flat paddle down over the heart, “Charge set at 3 millijoules, clear.”
The sound of an electric discharge could be heard and Agent Tahir’s body jerked, but the medical readings showed no change. “Charging to 5 millijoules,” she triggered the shock yet again and Tahir’s body stiffened in a stronger response to the electricity.
Carmichael shook her head, “Still no change Doctor…”
“Give him another 2ccs of Cordrazine.”
The other medical officer looked at Emily in concern, “That’s a large dosage for a human…”
“Do it, Ensign.”
Carmichael did as instructed and Lt. Reed charged the cardio-stimulator once more, and this time the sensors returned vitals! Emily snatched the device off his chest and tossed it back onto the crash cart without even looking. Her attention was instead on his wounds, “There’s some significant wounds from shrapnel,” she commented, “Let’s see if there’s internal bleeding.”
They closed the medical diagnostic hood over his body and watched as the readings began to scroll across the the built in console. “That’s what I thought. Let’s get a plasma infusion kit and an autosuture.” Ensign Carmichael turned and headed off to retrieve the requested items and Emily called after her, “bring something we can drain some of this blood into as well please!”
Dr. Reed moved the hood out of the way once more and carefully inspected the largest wound which still had a shard of metal sticking out of it. She placed her hand on his abdomen and applied the gentlest of pressure to get a gauge of how much he had bled out inside already and the stiffness of the abdomen concerned her. Julie returned with an armful of equipment, depositing most of it on the cart and then standing there awkwardly with a large silver bowl, “I wasn’t really sure what to get for draining blood, we don’t usually just drain someone out…” she looked somewhat flustered about the request.
Emily looked at her oddly, “Well how do you deal with someone who’s abdominal cavity has filled with blood these days then?”
Julie pointed at another bag and some tubing connected to a block-like device, “We have an enclosed system for suctioning out the blood into vacuum sealed bags, it helps keep the system as sterile as possible.”
Finally it hit Emily that Julie was flustered because she was embarrassed at having to tell her superior something that seemed so basic to her. She nodded slowly, “My apologies Ensign, I still fall into old habits and overlook the advancements that are now available to me. I would ask that you please help me in those moments, I need someone with more familiar knowledge at times like this. Thank you.”
Relief broke over Carmichael’s face and Emily went on, “Ok, so we need to remove this shrapnel first, then once we stop the bleeding we can insert the suctioning system and clear the blood.”
Julie took hold of the shrapnel and carefully pulled it out, trying not to cause further injury to the man as she did so. Meanwhile Emily began to go in the with the autosuture, carefully closing up the internal wounds, “Looks like he got lucky, it just missed his liver.”
She finished up and then moved out of the way for Julie to get in and begin to clear the pent up blood out of his abdominal cavity. Then once that was done she closed up the wound in his side. Finally they finished and stood there over him. “Will he recover?” Julie asked softly.
Emily shrugged slightly, “Hard to say. But whatever happens, you can rest assured that you and I did all we could.”
The door to sickbay slid open and the Chief Medical Officer strode in, still wearing her black jumpsuit and armored chest/torso piece. “Doctor Kestran!” Emily exclaimed in surprise, “Are you ok?”
Elianna nodded, but she was looking at Agent Tahir, “Report?”
Dr. Reed gave her a quick rundown, including commending Ensign Carmichael for her performance during the procedure. As she wrapped up, Elianna gave her a tight lipped smile and a curt nod, “Thank you Lt. Reed. It seems you have things under control here, so I am going to go get changed. Call me if anything changes.”
Emily watched her leave, with a distinct feeling that something was wrong. But she couldn’t say what.
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Post by spacedaisy on Oct 31, 2017 3:57:03 GMT
Stardate: 11710.28
In her personal quarters, Elianna hung up her medical jacket and crossed the replicator for a glass of jestral tea. Mug in hand, she sat down at her desk and said, "computer begin recording personal log. The computer chirped and once recording she began, "Today was interesting to say the least. I swear, the men in this ship will run headlong into danger, but just the idea of walking into sickbay makes them a bunch of cowards! After reminding Johnny time and again that I wanted to see him for a checkup, I finally had to resort to getting Sully to order him there. Of course, Sully took the utmost delight in doing so. If I didn't know better, I would think these guys can't stand the sight of me the way they avoid appointments!"
She laughed and shook her head before taking a sip of her tea. "The good news is Johnny is physically in pretty good shape. I'm glad he has given up drinking. It's a wonder he hadn't been drummed out of Starfleet already with the amount of alcohol he was previously consuming. Perhaps this will even bring a bit more stability to his behavior as he improves. Time will tell I guess. I am really proud of him though, it's not easy."
A pensive look settled on her face and she grew quiet for a moment. "Speaking of not easy, I have still been somewhat troubled by my conversation with Oliver in the arboretum. Two ships orbiting a planet..." she sighed, "he wants me to put my cargo down, so to speak, but I don't know where to even begin. I mean, I could keep going over all the things that I'm missing. But in truth, I have come to accept all that. One never really is happy about such significant loss, obviously. My problems is that I lost all the touch points in my life. What I mean is that sometimes the relationships we have with others, our lovers, family and friends help to guide us. They help us to keep a sense of self and direction. Even now, Oliver has built this amazing arboretum and named it for his sister. Even in her death, she is a touch point for him. So why do I feel so lost? He believes I ground him, but I don't feel grounded myself. What grounds me?"
She stood up and walked over to the viewport and stared out absently at the stars. "I don't know how to find myself again, but I want to. Computer, end log."
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Post by spacedaisy on Jan 14, 2018 2:25:18 GMT
Stardate 11801.07
“How are the chroniton radiation levels in his scans?” Elianna didn‘t even look up from the medical tricorder as she asked this.
Ensign Carmichael was scanning a member of the security team that had gone with Lt. Idaris and she replied, “Nominal, there shouldn’t be any residual effects.”
Elianna nodded, “Good, clear him and go on to the next one.” She looked up and smiled at Noemi, “You’re good to go as well.”
As Noemi headed off, Elianna looked across the cargo bay that was acting as a quarantine where the people from the station were being settled on cots and some of her med staff were already looking after them. “Julie, finish up with the away team, would you? I want to get a feel for what our game plan should be with them.”
With just a brief glance over in their direction before going back to the next security officer, Julie nodded at the request. Elianna made her way across the room and picked up a padd with some initial scans of one of their patients and gave it a cursory skim. “Vott, I need some more detailed scans to be run and compiled on all the ones who came over from the station. The team so far have all been clear, but I want to know if prolonged exposure has had any effect on the survivors.”
“We’ll get it done right away Dr. Kestran.”
“Can you also run some more in depth brain scans, I don’t know what that thing was over there, but it was trippy to say the least, maybe we can see if it had some kind of effect on their minds as well. I mean they were all laying around unconscious when we found them, it was -"
“Elianna, after you’ve cleared the away team, report to me on the bridge,” Oliver’s voice cut her off.
Vott grinned, “No worries Doc, I can take care of it.”
“Thanks,” she replied as she headed back over to where the last of the away team was being checked out.
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Post by spacedaisy on Feb 6, 2018 6:51:28 GMT
Stardate 11802.04
“By the way the Space Goddess you released a while ago, she saved us from that Paris explosion and told me she loved you and wanted me to watch your back.”
Sully said all this so nonchalantly that Elianna looked at him in surprise. Judging by the looks on both Oliver’s and Johnny’s faces, she wasn’t the only one caught off guard by this unexpected announcement.
A vague memory surfaced.
Emily with glowing silver eyes.
Unheard words whispered.
To her? No, to Sully.
It wasn’t just a dream, she was sure of that now.
It was a stolen memory.
She felt a sharp stab of guilt as she recalled her intoxicated behavior on Pacifica. It was not her finest moment.
Johnny was talking, but she didn’t hear his words. He sounded angry, and this time she knew it was directed at her too. She was beginning to feel like she would spend the rest of her time apologizing to either Sully or Johnny, maybe both. It was a tiresome prospect. For once it would be nice to feel like they were one crew, instead of a collection of constantly shifting enemies and allies.
Would she ever be able to gain Johnny's trust again after today?
She could only hope.
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Post by spacedaisy on Feb 18, 2018 2:08:59 GMT
Stardate 11802.10
Elianna scrolled down the screen of her padd until she found the name she was looking for and then she looked up at the Medical Officer standing in front of her. “He goes to Auxiliary sickbay 3.” The man nodded and wheeled him off. Emily stood across from her and she gave a location to a woman who was leading three patients, all headed for another Auxiliary sickbay with minor injuries.
Emily crossed over to where Elianna was standing, still looking over her list, “I think that’s the last of them.”
WIth a nod the CMO replied, “Now I can go and check in on the most critical patients in the Main Sickbay.”
Emily crossed her arms and gave her boss a stern look, “You really should take some time off, you’ve got a capable staff, take a breather. You know, more than a three hour nap. Go get coffee with someone or something.”
“Like who?” Elianna asked with a touch of sarcasm, she didn’t exactly have a bustling social life since she spent most of her time working.
“I don’t know, maybe Johnny?”
Elianna just shook her head in irritation at Emily’s attempt at humor. “After his little tantrum on the bridge, I would rather have a big bowl of Gagh with a Ferengi than have coffee with Johnny.”
Laughing, Emily held up her hands as if in surrender, “Alright, alright, I’m just kidding about Johnny! But I mean it about taking a break, go get a little down time. Don’t hide in your quarters, do something out and about. Like around other people.”
“Are you angling for Trost’s position or what?”
Emily just rolled her eyes and snatched the padd from Elianna’s hands. Turning on her heel she headed off into the station and called back, “Go have some fun!”
Elianna watched her leave and wondered to herself, “Have fun doing what…?”
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An hour later she stepped somewhat uncomfortably into the popular little coffee shop on the station. It wasn’t that she hadn’t been there before or didn’t like the place. She just always felt awkward going to restaurants and such alone, like that should be something you do with friends. Nervously smoothing her sea green blouse, she stepped up to the counter, “I’d like a mocha latte, extra whip cream.”
The young Bajoran behind the corner grinned at her, “Sure you don’t want to try something more adventurous?”
Elianna lifted an eyebrow in curiosity, “Such as?”
He winked, “Just trust me.”
She gave a hesitant nod and a few minutes later he was sliding a martini glass containing a frothy drink across the counter to her. He saw her surprised and confused look and chuckled, “It’s a Shakerato, and believe me, you’ll love it.”
A sip of the liquid gave her a unique blend of the bitter taste of the espresso mingling with the sweet taste of sugar and just a hint of alcohol. She grinned in satisfaction, “Guess it’s a good thing I’m off duty!”
Turning around she nearly ran into the woman in line behind.her. She was fairly short so Elianna hadn’t seen her right away in her search for an empty table. Barely keeping her drink from spilling, she offered the woman an apologetic smile and murmured, “Excuse me,” before sliding past her and snagging an empty seat at a table near the wall. She leaned back in her chair and sipped contentedly at her drink while she opened the book she had brought along and began reading. It wasn’t exactly the social outing Emily had hoped she would do, but at least she was out among others even if they were strangers.
A loud crash and the sound of breaking glasses drew her attention to the coffee prep area as a couple baristas scurried to clean up the mess. It was a very busy little shop, and judging by her own drink she could see why. As she turned back to her book she caught sight of the woman she had nearly run over sitting at a table near the door. This in and of itself would not have been all that strange except Elianna was almost certain the woman had looked away quickly when Elianna looked at her. It was almost a guilty motion, one which implied she had been caught at something she was trying to hide.
Her brow furrowed as studied the stranger. The woman had very light blonde hair, almost white, but not quite a true white like an Andorian. Her skin looked fair in complexion and unless Elianna was mistaken, there was a shine reflecting from the lights above her. She couldn’t immediately identify the woman’s species, but she was clearly not human. The whole time Elianna studied her, she acted nervous, stealing surreptitious glances back at the doctor.
“Dr. Kestran?”
Jumping at the sudden sound of a voice right beside her, she glanced over in surprise at the Bajoran man who had made her drink. He was smiling and holding a mug out to her, “I thought just in case I would bring you what you ordered too. On the house.”
“Oh!” She took it in confusion, “You didn’t have to do that!”
His smile grew wider and she thought she detected some kind of nervousness from him, “I know, I just… well I mean you took a chance on my order and I was worried if you didn’t like it… I don’t know.”
“No, no! It was really good, but I appreciate this as well. It’s been a long day and I can use the added caffeine,” she gave him a grateful smile.
Surprisingly, at her reassurance the nervousness she felt from him previously seemed to increase, but then so did a feeling of confidence. “Listen, you probably don’t even know me, but I’ve seen you come and get your coffee every morning to start your workday and I was hoping maybe I could take you to dinner sometime?”
She blinked in surprise, so totally caught off guard by this question. A lump seemed to have formed in her throat and she glanced down at the mug in her hands trying to figure out what to say. Finally she looked back up at him, “I really am flattered by the invitation, but I am just not in the right place to start seeing anyone.”
He flushed in embarrassment and waved a hand as if to dismiss any idea he minded being rejected, “It’s ok, I understand. Enjoy the latte!”
Shoulders slumped a bit, he walked briskly back to the prep area and Elianna watched his retreating form with some guilt. Looking back, she saw the table where the woman had been sitting was now empty. Drawing a long sip of the hot latte, Elianna pondered who the strange woman might be.
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Post by spacedaisy on Mar 28, 2018 3:34:11 GMT
Guest appearance by Dan as Faith
Stardate 11803.25
“He did not!!”
Emily laughed and nodded, “My hand to god, the man streaked out of the sickbay! He tossed his robe on the way out the door and he just kept on going!”
Wiping tears from her eyes as she laughed, Elianna asked, “What did you do?”
“What could I do besides call security?” Emily replied with shrug as they entered The Cosmic String and looked around for an open table.
“I assume once security brought him back you ordered a psych eval?” Elianna asked as they settled at a corner table toward the back of the bar.
“Of course boss,” Emily had a jovial twinkle in her eyes that told Elianna she needed to stop thinking about it as work and instead regard it as just a friend’s funny story.
“Sorry,” Elianna replied with a sheepish grin, “It's hard to turn it off sometimes.”
A waiter swung by their table and Emily said, “I'll have a White Russian.”
“Whiskey sour for me please.”
As the waiter briskly retreated to get their drinks Emily leaned in and went on, “The best part of the whole thing was seeing Yeoman Franklin’s face when he brought him back in. He's got his arms cuffed behind him and he has the old guy by the arm, right at the elbow you know? And the guy is struggling so he’s you know, flailing a bit and Franklin is desperately trying to look anywhere else but at… IT,” here Emily dissolved into an uncontrollable fit of laughter as she recalled the moment.
“Somehow I doubt he'll be writing home to tell his mother about that proud moment!” Elianna managed to say between laughs.
Emily sighed as she finally got herself a bit more composed, “He looked like he was questioning his decision to join Security right about then, I don't think that was quite what he thought it would be like!”
The drinks were delivered to the table and after taking a sip Elianna changed the subject, “Speaking of psych patients, I heard Counselor Trost finally convinced them to send her someone to help carry the workload.”
“Mm, yeah! The guy they actually sent to deal with all that was one of two new Counselors I think.”
“What's his name? I haven't had a chance to look them up yet…”
“I want to say Morales or Martinez, something Spanish. I can't remember.”
“How do you not remember? You just met him like forty five minutes ago!” Elianna exclaimed with a chuckle.
“No, you don't understand Doc, he has these dark brown eyes you could get lost in forever! I'm lucky I even remembered my name, let alone his!” She took a long sip of her White Russian as she thought about the apparently very dreamy new Counselor.
Her comm badge chirped, bringing her out of her reverie, “Ancillary sickbay 3 to Lieutenant Reed, Mr. Bennet just went into grand mal seizures!”
Emily cast a forlorn look at her still nearly full drink and heaved a sigh before tapping her comm badge to reply, “I'm on my way.”
She gave Elianna an apologetic look but the other woman waved her off before she could say anything, “Go, see to your patient, I'll read your report in the morning.”
Sneaking a last quick sip, Emily then hopped up and made her way quickly out of the bar. Elianna watched her go and then waved to her waiter, holding up her glass to indicate she wanted another. Emily may have things to still take care of, but Elianna wanted to unwind a bit. Even if she had to do so alone.
Faith strolled into the pub glancing around for only a moment before heading to the bar, she settled for a spot that gave her a good view of what was happening in the establishment, and waited for the bartender to make his rounds. She slowly surveyed the guests stopping on one in particular for only a moment as the bartender came into view.
“What will it be miss.” she asked, cleaning a glass with a rag in a sort of cliche way.
“Something sweet, surprise me!” she said with a smile.
“Adventurous. Alright, something sweet.” she said, then started pondering the various bottles behind her. It only took her a moment and she began collecting bottles, and pouring them, finally slowly placing a tall glass with a blue icy liquid in it that gradually got darker as it got deeper in the glass.
“Oh, that’s beautiful.” she said with a smile.
“A small taste of home. Try it and let me know what you think!” the bartender said pushing it gently toward her.
She took a sip from the straw, and her smile broadened. “That's amazing.”
The bartender nodded, “That is a Blue Hawaiian, a drink from Earth. Shall I start you a tab?”
She nodded taking another drink, and glanced down at her wrist and the invisible display, then back across the room noting that the other woman was leaving. She nodded to the bartender once more and slowly started making her way around the bar. She smiled politely to Emily as they crossed paths. She continued her path bringing her around the bar and over towards the table. “Looks like you’ve lost your wing mate.”
Lifting her eyes from her drink, Elianna found a woman she didn't recognize standing before her. An expression of curiosity mingled with confusion crossed her face and she quirked an eyebrow, “Wing mate?”
“You know someone to drink with, pick up guys, keep you company.” Faith smiled and took another sip from her drink. “Want some company?” she gestured to an empty seat. “I’ve just arrived on the Station a few days back and I’ve been trying to make some friends.”
“Ah!” Elianna studied the woman for another brief moment, wondering about her. Athletic frame and short blonde hair cut communicated a certain self confidence, which was no surprise since she so boldly approached her in overture of friendship. Oddly, she didn’t feel the normal emotions coming from her that Elianna would usually associate with initiating a conversation with a stranger; confident indeed. She should have no trouble making new friends. Nodding to the chair she simply replied, “Sure.”
As the blonde settled down into the other chair, Elianna noted the fancy looking blue cocktail in her hand and smiled slightly, “That thing looks like something you might find on Risa.”
Faith looked down at the drink, “I suppose so, its actually from earth. Called a Blue Hawaiian. It's very good.” she settled back into her chair. “This place is mad.” she said gesturing outside at the steady stream of people passing by the open doors. “So many people coming and going, it’s a wonder anyone can keep track of it. Stations gotten very popular it would seem.”
Taking a sip of her drink, she nodded a bit, “A lot of ship traffic coming and going here lately, so that probably contributes. And we have a pretty nice place here, with the arboretum and the number of things to do. You said you just got here, so what brings you to Odyssey Station?”
“Business mostly, I work in Commodities trading. Looking to set up an office maybe here on the station.” she took another drink. “What about you, what has you here on this little gem of the quadrant?”
“Stationed here, same as most. If you're looking for an office, they have a fair amount of space available still since the station was renovated. There may even be some pretty prime spots available so this is a good time to be looking.”
Her next drink was delivered and she thanked the waiter who dipped his head in response, saying, “Anytime Dr. Kestran.”
She turned the glass thoughtfully in her hand as she watched him leave and then looked back over at the woman across from her, “Well I suppose he took care of introducing me, so what should I call you?”
“I suppose that would make things a bit more formal, Faith. A doctor, now that’s got to be a full time job and a half. If anyone sees what crazy things happen on a Station it’s gotta be you. I bet you're full of stories!” Faith shifted in her chair getting more comfortable. She waved at a passing waiter and pointed to her drink and gave him a thumbs up as she drained the last of the contents.
“Nice to meet you Faith. You can call me Elianna. I suppose doctors and security see the craziest things that go on. I think it's been strange adjusting to a station with a civilian presence. That's where the truly weird cases crop up. On a ship with limited civilian presence things tend to be a little more normal but the trade off is when it gets crazy, it's usually serious business.” Here she gave a small shrug.
She studied the woman a little more now. There was something here that seemed odd, but Elianna couldn't quite put her finger on what. Commodities seemed like a fitting business for the woman, there was a sharp look in her blue eyes. Something that seemed ever watching, like she was constantly taking it all in without letting anything get by her. That and the fact she felt nothing in particular from the woman, no nervousness or even curiosity. That was it! Despite her questions that seemed to be intended to get to know her, Elianna felt no accompanying curiosity from the woman. It was a little unsettling to her.
“How long have you been in commodities, and what appeals to you about Odyssey Station for an office? I mean, there is the big drawback of there being a tremendous amount of red tape to deal with when working here since we have such a strong Starfleet presence. And the location of the station is in a little more heated area, with the war and all…”
Faith leaned in, and pointed and snapped her finger. “That is exactly what I told my boss. That station is smack dab in the middle of something, and when people need things outside of what Starfleet can offer who will be there to save them!” she jerked a thumb back at her chest. “Me of course.” she gave a confident nod. “It took some convincing, putting together a business in the midst of where a potential war zone is, it was certainly a daunting task but I feel like great things are going to happen here.” she said glancing back out at the people passing by the doors. “So much potential.” she said as she graciously accepted her new drink and took a sip savoring the tropical flavor.
“I suppose the challenge of it all was the biggest draw for me, and also the biggest push for me to get the old moneybags to agree to it all.” she looked down at her glass, fidgeting with the straw. “But you're right it does have inherent danger, and of course I would be putting myself right into the middle of the thing I avoided joining the fleet for.” she shrugged, and glanced back up at Elianna. “Why Starfleet?”
Elianna was a bit taken aback by the question. It had been a lifetime ago since she joined, literally. And now all anyone wanted to ask her about was their disappearance and subsequent reappearance a quarter century later. So now she found herself a little surprised by what everyone else would probably consider a normal question. She took another drink, this time to allow herself time to consider her answer.
“I… joined Starfleet quite a while ago, actually. Before the war with the True Federation. Back when exploration was still the driving force.”
Her mouth curled in a fond smile as she remembered what it was like in her early days in Starfleet, “Call me a sentimental but I still believe in those things. So now you know why I joined, what made you avoid joining?”
“It just felt wrong. I went to recruitment and even did the tour, but I had friends who were already off doing the adventure thing, and after hearing their stories and watching the Federation bounce in and out of War, and narrowly avoid it too many times I decided I didn’t want to be a part of the problem.” she said still fidgeting with her drink. “In hindsight I’m glad I made that decision.”
“Well, everyone has their own journey I suppose. I take it you aren’t a fan of the approach Starfleet and the Federation has had in handling threats?” She knew it was a loaded question, but she couldn’t help but ask it.
Faith’s brow wrinkled as she cringed at the question. “Politics. My least favorite subject. To say that I disagree with them would be an understatement. But what can you do when your not part of the problem or the solution but ride things out and hope for the best and vote for the best when it comes time to get your voice heard.” she paused a moment as if reflecting on something.
It was a sudden and yet subtle flare of frustration, with a hint of anger in her emotion as she spoke, like a small crack had opened in her emotional armor. “I’m not sure how I feel honestly about the current status of things.” While the feeling was still subtle it was clear that she did know how she felt, but was truly trying to hide it.
Faith took a moment to take a drink before she continued, “This True Federation seems a bit out of hand but they do have some valid points.” There was a tinge of sympathy. “Makes them somewhat provocative, and gives people something to romanticize about. You know, the…” she paused thinking about it again. “It makes you think.” she shrugged.
“Starfleet isn’t the problem, but it is. We’ve been sitting on ideals that were established hundreds of years ago when the Galaxy was a much smaller place, things have changed and the Federation and Starfleet are starting to feel old hat.” she let out a deep sigh, the feeling of frustration had radiated much more powerfully as she spoke those words, it was very clear that she was not trying to hide how she felt about that statement..
“So I’m probably about as conflicted as most non Starfleet on how I feel about it.” it was subtle but she seemed to stare down at her arm for a moment, then shook her head and drained the rest of her glass of the slushy blue liquid. “It’s getting late, and I have a ton of business meetings tomorrow. It was lovely getting the chance to chat with you, we should do this again sometime soon.” Faith said slipping off her chair and to her feet, and very slowly that glimmer of emotion stitched itself shut again.
Elianna took another drink and tried to process the sudden, intense and brief flash of frustration that she felt from Faith. It was all strange and out of place to go from nothing to something and then back to nothing in a matter of moments. Nodding her head slightly, she offered a terse smile, “Pleasure to meet you as well, and I’m not too difficult to find should you feel the urge to drink with a… winged mate, was it?”
Faith smiled broadly. “Yes, well close enough. Wingmate.” She turned and started to walk away, a sly grin slowly spread across her lips, there was a hint of satisfaction. “Until then.” she said with a wave over her shoulder, and continued off into the crowd. “Oh and say Hi to Oliver for me.” she said just audible over the crowd as she disappeared from sight.
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Post by spacedaisy on Apr 8, 2018 3:28:47 GMT
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