Posted April 21, 2019, 6:35 a.m. by Ensign Kier Steward (Science) (Tim Olivieri)
Posted by Ensign Jessica Lemann (Doctor) in Sickbay - Ensign Steward Boarding Physical
Posted by Ensign Kier Steward (Science) in Sickbay - Ensign Steward Boarding Physical
Posted by Ensign Jessica Lemann (Doctor) in Sickbay - Ensign Steward Boarding Physical
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Kier entered sickbay feeling like he had a block of stone situated right in the center of his stomach. Change was hard for him. Arriving at new places could be a challenge. Meeting new people was certainly not his favorite thing. It had caused a fair bit of struggle at the academy. There was, of course, a baseline of social interaction that was expected of a cadet and then later of a Starfleet Officer. For many, it came so naturally that it was never given a second thought. For Kier, it was his studies that he never had to give a second thought to. It was the non-academic aspects of Starfleet that caused him the most anxiety.Upon arrival he looked around for a doctor or nurse to do his boarding physical. He hated approaching strangers and starting conversations. Yet, here again, this was what he needed to do and so he was determined to do it. His palms were sweaty, his heart rate was slightly elevated and yet he gestured for a passing enlisted medic to stop.
“Excuse me, Petty Officer. I’m Ensign Steward. I’m here for my boarding physical. Can you point me in the right direction?”
The words, surprisingly, came out in the tone and tempo expected of an officer. Kier’s will, once again, had overcome the physiological responses that came with these interactions. Five years ago, those sweaty palms would have been accompanied by red blotches on his face and neck. He was getting better. He was getting stronger. Though he was also aware that some of these physical manifestations may skew his physical slightly.
Ensign Kier Steward, Scientist
The Petty Officer grunted and pointed at a doctor in the corner who was busy organizing some equipment. Upon hearing the voice and the follow up grunt, she quickly replaced the equipment she had taken out and turned around. She wore a medical uniform on her slight frame and her blonde hair was twisted up on top of her head in a professional manner.
“Oh, hello,” Jessica greeted the newcomer with a beaming smile. “I’m Dr. Lemann. How can I help you today?”
Ensign Lemann
Kier grimaced slightly at the terse response of the passing Petty Officer. Turning to the doctor, he found his awkwardness offset by the kind smile of his shipmate.
“Hello, I’m Ensign Steward, neurobiology,” he said simply. “I just reported about the Atlantis and wanted to check in for my boarding physical.”
At that he rubbed his palms together. The sweatiness had subsided somewhat as he acclimated to his new surroundings. The rub was a discreet attempt to purge any excess liquid from his palms before the physical would begin. Eye contact was brief and, when it did happen, somewhat forced. Otherwise his eyes were averted to the surroundings, his shoes and occasionally Dr. Lemann’s hands. It was also clear, however, that he was not nervous. He was not scared. He just wasn’t quite as socially adept as his shipmates.
Ensign Kier Steward, Scientist
“Welcome aboard, Ensign!” Jessica responded in a delightfully chipper tone. “Is this your first duty station?” she queried as she popped open a tricorder, hoping a little small talk would put the scientist at ease. “It’s mine and I’m loving it so far!” Without truly waiting for an answer, she continued on as the tricorder beeped and booped, “is there anything in your medical history that I should know about or that you want to discuss?”
Ensign Lemann
“Well, technically my second. I stayed on at Starfleet Academy after graduation to continue some research I had been working on with one of my instructors…”
He paused as he was asked about his medical history. Mentally recalling every bump and bruise incurred during his lifetime. Heart rate was slightly elevated. BP as well. He was otherwise healthy even though his profile was likely showing physiological signs of slight anxiety or agitation. As his medical record would show these readings, for him, were quite normal.
“Nothing noteworthy, Doctor” he said simply, lowering his head a bit as she scanned before looking back up. Kier quite enjoyed scanning other life forms. He wasn’t a fan, however, of being on the receiving end.
Ensign Kier Steward, Science Officer
“Oh, what a fun opportunity!” Jessica exclaimed in her bubbly manner as she completed her task. Noting Steward’s slightly raised vital signs, she placed a friendly hand on his shoulder as she gave him the good news, “well, you look to be in fine health and cleared for duty!” She paused for a moment and then continued, “perhaps we can figure out this ship together, as I’m pretty new here myself. I’d love to hear more about your research.” She finished with a friendly smile as she put the tricorder down.
Ensign Lemann
Kier’s heartrate noticeably jumped and he made a barely audible gasp as a hand was placed on his shoulder. His composure was just as quickly reclaimed as he smiled a bit, looking to briefly make eye contact with the doctor.
“Oh, good. I’m glad there were no surprises…”
As his vitals returned to normal he nodded a bit, adjusting his tunic briefly as he looked to Lemann. “Yes, that sounds nice. Being on a ship this size is a bit…intimidating, I’m finding. As for my research, I’m always happy to talk about it though I’m not sure how interesting you’ll find my insights into the nervous system of the targ…”
He trailed off a bit smiling weakly.
Ensign Kier Steward, Science Officer
Jessica’s trained eyes observed the reaction to the hand and filed away that information in the event that it might be helpful later. Perhaps some time socializing would allow this fellow young officer to relax a little and enjoy his new posting. While that wasn’t precisely in her job description as a doctor, she was always up for a challenge. She smiled again and replied, “I’m sure that it’s fascinating if you spent some extra time continuing that research!” Her smile grew larger and she continued, “feel free to contact me any time you’d like to have a drink and chat about neurons. Neurobiological differences have always intrigued me.” She would have to set a reminder to contact him if he didn’t reach out in a few days.
Ensign Lemann
Kier smiled a bit. He was certain that Jessica had picked up on that unfortunate involuntary response. He would have noted it as well. They were trained to notice things like this. Research was something Kier could handle. As was talking about work. His weakness, however, was in Dr. Lemann’s third proposal, that he contact her to have a drink and a chat. Though it sounded like fun, Kier knew right away that this was probably something that he wouldn’t do. Not because he was anti-social and not because he had not enjoyed interacting with his shipmate thus far but because, for all of his social progress, initiating conversation was quite a struggle. When forced to initiate a conversation for work he could pull it together. Just socially? Kier would unfortunately be unable to do so.
Here, he felt, his socialization would die as it had a hundred times before. Where all he had to do was reach out but that latent anxiety would convince him to do otherwise.
“Thank you. That…sounds nice,” he said, managing a bit more of a smile, trying his best to indicate that he wasn’t unwilling to socialize. “I look forward to seeing you around the ship.”
Kier was somewhat proud of himself for that last bit. That innocent phrase took almost every bit of his incredibly low reserves of gumption. He was committed to improving himself and he was, however small the increment.
Ensign Kier Steward, Science Officer
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