STF

Side sim: You again!

Posted Feb. 22, 2023, 8:48 p.m. by Lieutenant Tandra Mika (Counselor) (Lucas Foxley)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Side sim: You again!

Posted by Lieutenant Tandra Mika (Counselor) in Side sim: You again!

Posted by Lieutenant Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Side sim: You again!
Posted by… suppressed (55) by the Post Ghost! 👻
There was another mandatory medical appointment. The thought made Mika sigh. Normally she did not mind, but with all the transfers in her career, she’d had one every couple of months. All mandatory, one had to be cleared for duty before beginning work at a new post.

She had a doctor in mind, however she didn’t have access to the duty roster yet, so she had no way of guaranteeing she got who she wanted. She left it up to chance. Showing up at Starfleet’s medical, she waited patiently, peeking eagerly back to see if she spotted her friend.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

A nurse approached, “Hello Lt. Here for your check-in?” The look of new people to the colony was always the same. It took some getting used to. The size of it and trying to figure out if you were in the right place in the hospital that was both Star Fleet and civilian. Taking in the blue uniform she asked as they walked to a room, “Science or Medical?”

Nurse Nells

“Medical.” The response was automatic. Most of Mika’s positions were as the chief medical officer. This one was not, and she corrected herself. “Counseling, actually.” She smiled and nodded to the nurse’s question. “Yes. I’ve just arrived earlier this morning. I’m Lieutenant Mika.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Nells smiled, “Welcome to OED V. Things are crazy here. Don’t be afraid to ask for anything. You made it to the hospital from the complex, so you’ll be fine no doubt.” She opened the door to a room and reached over to turn on the biobed. “Oh we need counselors! Double welcome!” She tapped the PaDD in her hand, “Oh good, your records made it…Oh you’re the new Head counselor!” Nells smiled, “Well if you need anything from the nurses let us know. Head Fleet nurse is a woman by the name of Temple. I’ll go get the doc.”

Mika smiled a friendly smile. “Got it. Thanks.”

She bustled back down the corridor to the desk and hit the comm. “Dr. Fayth, the new head counselor is here, room 3.”

“I’ll be right there Nells.”

Mika silently cheered. Then she sat casually and waited, quietly excited.

Sharah had been on another floor and arrived a couple of minutes later, making her way straight to the room. She paused outside the door, Head tipped to the side. She knew that presence! No…the person probably just felt similar, but the feeling wouldn’t be dismissed. It was just wishful thinking on her part. She knocked and then entered the room. “Welcome to Oed, I’m D…MIKA!!!” The ebony haired doctor practically threw herself at the other woman and hugged her, even crying a bit.

Lt Fayth, SFCMO

Mika’s smile widened, she was very happy to see Fayth. “F-ooof!” She hugged Fayth back and then looked at her and smiled. “How have you been? Are you doing okay?” Then she grinned and chuckled, “Oops! This is my appointment. Take it away, Doctor!” Surprising Fayth had been totally worth it. Fayth had always been very enthusiastic and honestly, the warm welcome felt great. She had missed Fayth, too. It was always a pleasure to work with her, and they had been friends since their Cadet assignment.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Mika had only been serving a few months longer than Sharah, but the woman looked up to her. “Oh that’s a long answer. Not really, but I’m trying.” She hugged her friend tightly again. To see such a familiar and welcome face, here, now, made Sharah rather emotional. She was always so careful, a trait all good doctors needed. She stepped back with a disbelieving smile. “How…why? Another transfer?”

Mika sighed and nodded. “I go where I’m needed, I guess. The nurse said you need counselors, and my old ship finally found somebody to fill that position. I guess CMOs are easier to come by.”

Sharah nodded, “Counselors, doctors, nurses, medical techs. We need it all. But we definitely need you.” Sharah shrugged, “I don’t know about them being easier to come by, but I imagine you were picked for your duel training. We have a Fleet contingency of over 10,000, and it is never dull. Plus we help with the rest of the population.”

The biobed was already working and so Sharah didn’t need her tricorder. Mika knew the routine and so Sharah simply asked, “Anything you need to report? How was the transfer out?”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika shook her head. “I was sick a few months ago, but everything is in my file already.” Then she smiled and shrugged. “It was a transfer. Long ride. You guys are really out here, huh?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Fayth pulled the record up and read through it. “No lingering issues?”

“I get tired a little quicker than I used to. But it’s been checked out thoroughly.” The illness had been caught from the local population of an alien planet who was in about the equivalent of Earth’s seventeenth century. It had caused fatigue, body aches, pain, and psych symptoms, hallucinations and delusions and such. Not a fun time at all. She had been hospitalized in sickbay for three days and ill for over a week. There was no report of symptoms after that besides the occasional bout of fatigue.

“It can take time to fully recover. We both know that. Just let me know if it gets worse.” Sharah suddenly laughed being reminded quite clearly of Mika giving her a much sterner lecture about reporting odd symptoms and not assuming. “Look at that, getting your own advice back.”

Mika giggled and nodded. She had told Sharah the same thing in no uncertain terms when Sharah had been ill on the Challenger. “Sometimes, when it’s our own bodies, we need to hear our own advice. I won’t forget to tell you if there’s something wrong.” She gave a small, soft sigh, “I wished you were there. Or Aili.” And then she shook her head and smiled again, “But the important part was I was okay.”

“Very important. I am glad they took care of you and caught it early. How is Aili?” They had been cadets together as well. Though Sharah had had a hard time making friends that tour, she had fond memories of everyone.

Mika’s smile faded, slightly. “She’s good. We still exchange letters, but… Sharah, we broke up.” Then she shrugged. Mika and Aili McMorran had been together since their days on the Challenger. They’d broken up a few months ago, just before Mika had been ill. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault, or anything, it just… It wasn’t working long-distance. You know?”

She checked her vitals and nodded. “Healthy as always. So let’s sign you off and I’ll give you the tour.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika smiled again. “Alright.” She hopped off the biobed and waited for Fayth to finish the sign off. “It’s weird, not being on a ship.” She commented. “With real gravity and fresh air and… More than one to five hundred people.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah swiped her signature with a stylus and then closed the file. She passed the PaDD to Nells. “Nells, I’ll be in a meeting until after lunch.”

Sharah led Mika down the corridor in the opposite direction. “So this is the considered the fleet ward. Mostly we do routine physicals here and basic PCP evaluations. Everything else is handled in the other wards.” They came out into a main hub of traffic with two other hallways leading off. Directly in front was a bank of lifts. “Left is the lobby and main entrance, ahead leads to the ER and Surgical suites, to the right is the primary care ward. Follow that way and half way down you’ll come to the hospital café. Wonderful food. It all comes from the farms here on the colony. They only use replicators for special dietary requirements.” She paused and gave Mika a grin. She knew Mika loved emergency medicine, “Would you like to see the ER first or your office?”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika followed Fayth through the facilities. At Fayth’s question, a small grin grew across her face and she said, “Let’s see the ER first.” She should see her office first, but, Sharah was right, Mika loved emergency med. And she’d transferred so many times, she was entirely tired of decorating offices. They were all the same in the end. The size didn’t matter, either. It occured to her this office might have a view besides empty space. She wondered if that would make difference, if it did have one.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah smirked and left the way through the double doors directly ahead. It was massive and a maze of hallways branching off the main corridor. “It houses 300 beds and can be doubled in an emergency. There is a wing of 20 beds for psychiatric emergency patients and those ohysically injured and suffering from mental trauma simultaneously. We also have a 150 bed pediatric emergency ward. The floor above holds the surgical suites and ICU. Above that is critical care, divided by departments, and above that general care patient rooms.” They walked down the long corridor toward the emergency room entrance. A older portly woman wearing a Star Fleet Medical uniform and a lab coat with the Sacred Heart logo walked over. “Dr. Fayth. What can I do for you?”

Mika was clearly impressed by the size of the facility as well as what they had available to them. It really would be a lot like (but not quite the same as) working on Earth. Mika was, as Sharah would be able to tell, not thrilled about the idea. The facilities were impressive, but it wasn’t Mika’s preferred work. “This hospital serves everyone right? Including the civilians?”

“Yep, all in one stop. It really isn’t big enough. When the dome was up space was limited and the population growth restricted because of that, but now, the colony is growing exponentially we need more facilities.”

“Any chance of building a new one?” Mika asked, curiously. “Or is there not enough staff or resources…?”

“Lt Mika this is Lt Cmdr Heather Temple. Head SF nurse and in charge of the ER nursing staff.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika smiled and held out her hand for a handshake. “Lieutenant Mika. Doctor of emergency medicine and licenced psychologist.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“It is very nice to meet you. If you need anything please tell us. If you’re interested the psych hall is that way. If…” the outer doors opened suddenly and a paramedic team came in calling for Temple. Sharah scooted out of the way quickly. She looked at Mika, “Go ahead.” She waved toward the patient. “We all cross duties here.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika was about to respond she’d love to see the psych hall, as well as her office, but she hadn’t the chance as the head nurse was cut off by the loud opening of the emergency doors. “But I’m…” She started, but Sharah already had an answer to that, too, when she said they all cross duties. Then she smiled and got straight to work.

“Patient is male, late twenties, trauma to the head, chest, and abdomen. HR 82, Respiratory rate 24, BP 150/60. GCS 13, but seems to be declining. Name’s Lieutenant Owen Reynolds. Looks like a drunken brawl,” the paramedic reported.

“Okay, take him to.. the emergency department,” this was going to take some getting used to. The paramedics and hospital staff handed him off, gently moving him from the paramedic stretcher to a wheeled hospital bed. Hospital staff began wheeling him toward a room. “BP is low, we should run a scan for internal bleeding and injuries and check for a concussion.” Mika said. Then she spoke to the patient as he was wheeled to the correct place. “Owen, can you tell me what happened?”

“I was.. at the bar, having a drink.” He squinted like he was trying to think. “I went outside for some air.” He looked up at Mika and the nurse helping, “Can’t remember after that.” His voice carried a Londoner English accent, but it was slurred. He seemed dazed, not quite focusing on them. When Mika checked his pupil response, they were slow to respond. “Okay, Lieutenant, just relax and we’ll take care of you. Tricorder.” The last part was to the nurse. Having just arrived, she did not have one with her. One was swiftly thrust into her hand. The patient was wheeled into a room in the emergency department, and Mika went in after the staff wheeling him cleared the room.

She ran scans, her assumption of a concussion was correct. A moderate one. Scans and exam of his body revealed a broken rib, two bruised ribs, and bad bruising to his abdomen, sides, and back. There was a bump on the side of his head and his face was bruised too. Thankfully for the patient, no internal bleeding, but he was going to be hurting. “Let’s focus on the concussion first, that’s the biggest threat right now. He’s going to need treatments for the injuries to his ribs, and some pain relief, right away.” Nurses moved to carry out her orders.

Sharah grinned and leaned back against the counter and Mika literally burst into action. It brought her back to the Challenger. She knew she and Mika were both equally skilled and experienced, but she really did look up to her. The confidence and love if her work was wonderful to feel.

Lieutenant Reynolds smelled of alcohol and the scan had revealed a BAC of 0.09. Mika could see why at first glance, the paramedics had assumed drunken brawl, but she wasn’t sure she agreed. She waved Sharah into the room.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah stepped into the room, side stepping Temple. She saddled up to Mika while she scanned the readings above the biobed. “What are you thinking?”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika dropped her voice somewhat. “Paramedics said it was a fight, right? But these injuries… Nothing on the hands or fists, it’s all on the arms and body. Like… He was on the defensive.” She looked at the readings, the patient, and then Sharah again, “And if it was a drunk fight, where’s the other person? He shouldn’t have been blackout drunk, not with that blood alcohol level. Tipsy, sure, but look at him, he’s not a little guy.” Owen Reynolds was 5‘10, at least 150 pounds. He seemed out of it and was trying to rest. “I think he can’t remember because of the head injury, not the drinks.” Mika looked at Sharah, concerned, and shook her head. “I wanted your opinion on it. What do you think?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah nodded looking frustrated. “Do any if his injuries indicate he was restrained?” She turned to Temple, “Run a tox screen. I want to make sure the only thing in his system is alcohol. Find out what bar the paramedics picked him up from. Start an incident report.” Temple nodded, quickly took the blood sample and slipped out of the room.

“No, I see no ligatures on his wrists…” Mika frowned in thought. “I’m no investigator but I’d say more like a blitz attack. Knock him on the head hard enough he won’t fight back, beat the heck out of him. Probably caused by fists and feet, which would mean not planned, but I can’t say for sure.”

Sharah turned back to Mika, “You always were good at seeing past the obvious. These types of incidents aren’t uncommon. The general populous is not fond of Star Fleet. We have made huge strides in the last few months between the different organizations. Learning to work and collaborate together as professionals. There is a nasty trend, though, among the general populace to blame Star Fleet for everything that is wrong. Reynolds didn’t even necessarily have to do anything. He was simply seen as a target.” Sharah placed a hand on his shoulder. His thoughts were buried and confused, and he was hurting. “I think you are right. Maybe as his head clears he will remember more. Once he is cared for and not in so much pain, we will have someone from Security come talk to him.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika smiled. There was a deep feeling of pride for her former cadet. That was exactly how she would proceed. “He doesn’t seem aggressive now, and he’s certainly still drunk. I could be wrong, but I just don’t see him starting a fight. When Security questions him, make sure they are gentle. His head won’t be entirely clear for a while, and stressing him out will only make it harder for him to think.” That was a little medicine, and a little psychology. Knowing both worked well for Mika. She gave Sharah a look. “Not uncommon, huh? What have I got myself into this time?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“We try to have someone from counseling here for the interview, but we are short handed. Security is used to these types of cases. They will be careful, or at least do their best to be.” Sharah couldn’t tell if he was the type to start a fight or not. He was too drunk and his head too injured to tell. “We can check his personnel file. We will need to reach his emergency contact or DH.” The door opened and another nurse, civilian came with the dermal regenerator and a couple of hypos. Sharah took them. She held up the first. “For pain, but this one,” she passed over the second, “will negate the alcohol in his system. We don’t use it often, because people would make poor choices if they thought they could get it easy. But considering the concussion it can help.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“I will be here myself if I can.” Mika didn’t care if the cases were common, she would do her best to see that they received the proper attention. “Check his personnel file, look for prior complaints. Contacting his emergency contact or DH is standard practice, so that shouldn’t be a problem.” Mika had a tendency to see the good in people, and she knew that. She would look at it with as open of a mind as she could. Turning to the nurse, she nodded. “Considering the concussion it’s a good idea. And it’ll help us get a little better read of his character.” Not a perfect one, his head injury was too severe for that. Better than drunk and injured.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

The nurse administered both the hypos. “Do you want to repair the bones and bruises, Doctor or have me do it?” Doctors all had their preferences.

“Go ahead and do it,” Mika said with a nod to the nurse. Sometimes she did it herself, but in general, it was literally the nurses’ job and she would gladly let them do that.

When they were done, Sharah walked back out of the room with Mika. “He will be out for awhile. Let’s finish your tour.” She turned down a side corridor and then down another. It was quieter here. “Psychiatric hall. Take a look. Not today, but when you have had a chance to get settled let me know what is missing or what you need, or how you want it changed. We will have to work with Derjoss Peviad. He is the current civilian head. I think you will like him. We will go by and meet him later.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika nodded, stopping to ensure the nurses knew to notify her when security arrived. “Then I will look forward to meeting him,” Mika commented politely. With what Fayth had said about Fleet/civillian cooperation before, Mika was sure good relations with the civilian head would be a must.

Then she followed Fayth through what felt like a winding maze of corridors. The psychiatric er had spacious hallways, each of the rooms made private by an opaque door. The rooms of the psych wing had dimmable lights. The biobeds did not look or feel like regular biobeds. They were made to be more comfortable and less clinical, while also allowing for the same functionality and accessibility of a regular biobed. Some of the rooms had comfortable chairs that reclined back into almost a bed, equipped with wheels on the bottom the same as the beds had to allow movability of the patients.

The monitors made softer sounds that were easy on the ear. The alarms were just as noticeable as regular ones, to ensure an alarming bed did not go unnoticed, but it was done with tones less likely to set off psychiatric patients. The nurses spoke in soft voices, clear and easily heard but with a soft tone.

Rooms were equipped with things made to be safe, but also make patients more comfortables. Things like fidget objects, stuffed toys, softer blankets or weighted blankets, were neatly stored in storage compartments around each room, along with other common comfort items. When a patient was discharged, anything they had been in contact with was meticulously washed. There were machines in each room equipped to play sound whether it be white noise or music or anything else the patient requested. The machine had a volume limit so it would only be heard in the room and not disturb other patients and staff could turn it down or off as needed.

Patients who were admitted purely for psychiatric reasons and weren’t in medical danger were permitted to wear softer pajamas and such items rather than clinical exam robes. Patients who were at medical risk were given more comfortable exam gowns.

Overall, as Mika toured the rooms and halls with Fayth, she was highly impressed. The rooms were much better equipped to manage even severe psychiatric issues than a standard er. “These are great! A ship could only dream of having the resources to build or manage something like this.” Mika commented.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah nodded, “There are definite benefits to being on a colony or outpost. If you think these rooms are nice, wait until you see the admitted rooms. They are like hotel suites in comparison.” They moved toward the end of the hall, made a turn back to the main corridor and back to the central hub. “Okay so your offices are on deck…sorry floor 3.” Fayth grinned. They took the lift up. “So offices and session rooms are here. You share the floor with Derjoss Pevia and the other counselors. Overnight rooms are the floor above.” She stepped off the lift and pointed left, “Psychiatric wing. Maternity and Critical care are also on this floor.” The wing was marked off by large double doors. When they shut behind them the noise from outside was blocked. The ward was softly quiet and the colors warm and relaxing. “Offices on both sides look out either to the hospital garden or Sloan square. Offices and treatment rooms. There are a couple of pediatric rooms at the very end. Each room is insulated to provide privacy inside and out.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika nodded, and then sighed. The initial impression was beginning to wear off already, and she wondered if, despite the nice amenities, she would really find it fulfilling to work here. She was reminded of the 20th and 21st century program “Doctors without Borders”, where doctors travelled to less privileged areas that didn’t have the amenities but they were helping people who otherwise might not have access to medicine. Being on a ship wasn’t quite like that, save for the occasional serving a smaller colony, but it was also the adventure of it, getting to be a doctor and see the stars.

Mika nodded again as they entered the quiet psych wing. “That’s good, for the patients. Not having to hear each other, and also not having to worry about what other people might think. What’s Sloan square, and which one do I get a view of?” She asked, smiling again. The only way to enjoy this post would be with a positive attitude, even if she had to force it for a while.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“Sloan Square is the exact center of the domed colony. Boarded on three sides by the government tower, Rabbitus Memorial School, and Sacred Heart Hospital. The fourth side starts the beginning of the original residential district. It is a huge park and green space and there is always something going on there. We’ll go Saturday if you are up for it. They have a farmer’s market then. As for view, you’re the boss, you pick. Anywhere that doesn’t have a name on it. The garden is still a work in progress.”

“Sure. I’ll be settled in enough by Saturday.” As for her choice in office… She had no idea. “It’s easier when they just tell you where to go, isn’t it?” She said and then chuckled and smiled again. “Maybe the garden? It’s a work in progress but if there’s usually things going on in the square, that might be distracting.”

Fayth nodded, “It is, isn’t it. To simply be given orders down to minute details.” She walked down the hall and opened a door on the right, “Here we go. This will be yours.”

Fayth knew, after having worked with Mika so long, this was not her ideal posting, even without the empathic feedback. “I hate to throw you in before you are settled, but we have a project, a need and I could really use someone with your skills to head it up. Truthfully, Mika, I’m drowning here in all the work, and I can’t keep up with it all.” Mika had also known her long enough to know this wasn’t a ploy or flattery. Fayth didn’t ask for help unless it was needed.

Fayth, SFCMO

it was near impossible to forget about Fayth’s empathic ability, especially considering what they had been through with it in academy, but Mika wasn’t as used to it anymore and had forgotten there was little point in putting on an act for Fayth. She knew Fayth did not ask for help unless she really, truthfully needed it. There was a deep sense of sincerity about her, which was quite common when working with Mika. “Of course I can help. What’s the project?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah took a deep breath, “With the dome open there is a lot of room for the colony to expand. A whole planet. We are getting refugees by the shipful. The director of medical and social services of course is in charge of figuring out what and where these people go. Sacred Heart is in charge of making sure they are all healthy and those needs are met. We need someone to head that up. To evaluate their physical and mental health when they arrive, and help make sure they get scheduled for follow-up care.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“I can help with that. Do they need to be assigned a regular doctor or counselor, or is that per case?” Mika was more than happy to take some of the workload off Fayth’s shoulders. On the other hand, it sounded like doing loads and loads of onboarding evals, both medical and mental, and… Well, Mika didn’t hate routine care, she loved seeing people get preventative care that would prevent more serious issues later. But… It was exactly what she would have been doing had she stayed on Earth with her family.

Fayth shook her head and took a seat in the office, “It’s not that simple. Consider it like an ER. Some of these groups are coming in by Star Fleet vessels, Klingon Imperial ships, etc. They have fully equipped medical facilities and the worst cases have been treated. Others are coming in by Federation Merchant Marine ships or private cargo haulers. They do the best they can, but aren’t equipped. So it is a lot of triage, both physical and mental. People are traumatized, looking for lost family members and friends. They need a lot of self care and looking after. It’s awful.”

Mika nodded. “I understand. I will help in whatever way I can. I’m sorry if it seemed like I wasn’t taking it seriously. I am ready whenever you need.”

Fayth shook her head and smiled. “You don’t seem like that at all, Mika. I just want to make sure I am…” Fayth sighed. Some days she really wondered what Cpt Asam was thinking sending her here. “Giving you an accurate picture of the situation.” She sighed again, “And maybe I am just overwhelmed and it seems worse than it is.”

She nodded. “It’ll help once I get to work, I’m sure. I’m ready as soon as you need me.”

Knock it off, she told herself, You’re being a brat. Plenty of people would love to be here. She smiled in another display of forced positivity. Fake it till you make it, Mika. Stepping into the office Fayth had led her to, she was happy with it. There was nothing special about it, it was an ordinary office. The window overlooked the garden. She wondered what they were planning to plant there, and what had already been planted. Maybe there was somebody to ask. See? She should be excited about that. She had always been fascinated by survival med, what natural substances could be used as medicines in the absence of access to advanced med, diagnostic techniques and things. When one had a scanner, it was a pointless hobby. In an emergency, or something like that, it could be a useful skill.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah grinned as Mika looked out the window. “You will be happy to know I have continued my work with survival medications. It is needed here, despite the lack of vegetation over the majority of the planet.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika looked back to Fayth, expression surprised, and then changed to a friendly smile. “That’s great It’s always been a hobby of mine… though I’m not sure how it would help here, where there’s no natural vegetation.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“I remember,” Sharah nodded. “But there will be. The terraformers are working on that every day, and rumor has it the governor is bringing in a conservation specialist to work with them. Oh! And I started my own garden with different medicinal plants. I will have to show you. I am hoping that I can convince them to include plants like these in the terraforming process.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“That’s good. There will need to be a good variety of life, I think.” Then she smiled when Fayth said she had her own garden of medicinal plants. “That’s great! I was thinking of filling my free time with making one of my own. I might as well, since I am here. I would love to see yours.” She was enthusiastic about it, she really did want to see Fayth’s garden. “And perhaps I can talk to them about including these plants, too.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“Well the nice thing about being planetside is that all quarters have a patio or balcony. So you can plant to your hearts content.” Sharah was excited to show Mika her garden, she wondered what she would make of it. She also wondered what she would make of her living arrangements. There was so much to catch up on since they had last spoken. “What would you like to see next? Or do you want to dive in?” It was so strange to Sharah to not be the junior officer here.

Fayth, SFCMO

“Where are the quarters, anyway?” Mika asked. She had arrived earlier that morning and hadn’t yet seen where she was supposed to stay. She smiled, “With so many transfers, I don’t carry too many things. Too much work to move them each time.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“You checked in with McBride, right? So when you left his office and the Fleet spaceport pad, the first 3 blocks are all apartment buildings for Star Fleet. You are assigned there somewhere. You are allowed to find your own accomodations if you want, but Fleet provided quarters are there. A block east from the hospital is a large apartment complex that a lot of the civilian nurses live, and a few Star Fleet staff have chosen to live there as well.” Sharah shrugged. “Too many choices sometimes. I can show you, after my shift is over if you like.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika nodded, “I’ll just go with the Fleet assigned quarters for now. I’m sure I can change my mind later if I want to.” She smiled, “That’s right, you’re still working! Sorry to hold you up! We can always keep catching up later if you need to get back.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah giggled slightly. “Oh it’s okay. Trust me, if they needed me, I would know it. My combadge and the hospital intercom would be going off.” A tired sigh escaped, “Half my work is administrative now, anyway.” She stood, “Let me introduce you to Derjoss Pevia. He’s late 30s, Trill, joined. Unlike most Trill though his symbiot insists on hosts in the medical field. Rather than new experiences in different fields, Pevia prefers to continue his work. He is very humble though. Then I will leave you to get settled. We can meet for lunch?”

Fayth, SFCMO

“We definitely can. Just comm me, like always,” Mika said and smiled. “And thank you, for introducing us. Oh! And don’t let me forget our patient in sickbay. Thanks for that too. Always helps to hop right in.” Her usual cheerfulness had returned, it seemed.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“If you want an update, just comm Shrine and she will update you.” Sharah stood and headed for the door and returned a moment later with an attractive Trill man. His spots were dark bronze against his tanned skin. “Dr. Lt Mika this is Dr Derjoss Pevia. Dr. Pevia, Dr. Mika is our new chief counselor for Star Fleet.”

=/\=Crockett to Fayth. Those test results you were waiting for have come back.=/\=

“I hate to introduce and run,” she smiled ruefully. “It’s good to see you again, Mika.” Sharah tapped her badge on her way out the door. =/\=Thank you, Yavia, I’ll be right there.=/\=

Pevia strode into the room and offered his hand. “It is a pleasure, Dr. Mika. Welcome to Sacred Heart.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika smiled and shook his hand. “Thank you. Doctor Fayth said you are the civilian coordinator for counseling? Is that right?” she smiled politely and continue, “It’s a bit of an adjustment. I haven’t worked anywhere like this before.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Pevia nodded, “I am for the time being. It has been thrust upon me by the new DMSS. I don’t mind though. There is so much to be done.” He looked around the still bare office. “Oed V is very different. Though I like to think that Sacred Heart runs as well as any Starbase medical facility. What can I do to help you settle in? Any questions I can answer?”

Pevia

“I’ve only worked on starships.” Mika replied. She smiled, “I think I’ll be okay settling in. What projects and work will I need to be caught up on? Doctor Fayth has already mentioned the refugees coming in. Is there anything specific to counseling I should know about?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“Well as for projects and work, I would ask the other Star Fleet counselors. We collaborate of course, try to supply our expertise to help our patients as best as possible. But I honestly could not tell you about the patient case load waiting for you. As for the refugees, it’s really like psychological triage. It’s hard to determine who needs immediate sessions and who can wait, and who needs medication and treatment. It’s rough on everyone. We try to rotate out and limit 2 days week per person.”

Pevia

Mika nodded. “Well, thanks anyway. If you have any questions or anything to talk to me about, my door and my comm is always open.” She smiled again “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Pevia frowned apologetically, “I wish I could be more help. There is the ER of course and we have a daily rotation for ‘on call’ for walk instead and emergency appts.” He paused at the door. “When you have gotten settled and been briefed in the political situation, we should talk more.”

Pevia

Mika nodded again. “We will, I’m make sure of it.” Good thing she kept a planner. She was going to need it. She smiled at him one more time and then let him be on his way.

Later the same day, Mika had settled into her quarters and with everything sorted out and duty rosters checked, she knew Fayth should be getting off duty, so she went to look for her.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Fayth was at the moment on the third floor finishing her rounds on the security ward. She checked in with Yavia at the nurses station. Elaine was going to be late and Yavia was staying over. Sharah intended to go home, otherwise she would be called for something else that didn’t need her attention, but she was there, so she would be roped into taking care of it. She excited the ward and spoke briefly to the CCDA Agent that was at the door and then headed toward the lift, and intending to see if Mika was still in her office.

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika headed for the lift to head up to where she thought she remembered Fayth’s office being. But she guessed the wrong floor, and when the lift doors opened before the floor Mika had indicated, there Fayth was, standing in front of the doors. “Sharah! I was just coming to see if you were off shift yet.”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah smiled, “Mika! I just got done with my last round. I was coming to find you. How is your patient? Is he doing alright?” She waved toward the lift and got on. “You ready to head out or need to stop by your office?” Sharah was done and didn’t need to stop by hers. She needed to restock her small closet with extra clothes too. She would need to pack a small bag when she got home that night. “Have you eaten yet today?”

Fayth, SFCMO

“Medically he’ll be fine. He has a moderate concussion. It’ll take him weeks or longer to heal, depending.” She shook her head, “On the other hand, mentally… He says he doesn’t even remember seeing anyone. He was attacked from behind. Just jumped. For no reason.”

Sharah nodded relieved that the man would be okay. She would check on the man later, “Between Security and police they should be able to figure out what happened. This kind of thing happens a lot, but neither security or the police condone it. They’ll do what they can to find out what happened.”

She shook her head again, “I’ve finished for today, and no, I haven’t.” She chuckled and smiled. “Too busy with first day stuff. Know anywhere good?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“Lots of places. Come on, we can walk and pick some place. If you can imagine it, it is here somewhere. There are lots of places near by for when working, but even more on the way back to Fleet quarters.” Fayth led the way out of the hospital and turned up the block. Here in the center of the city there was a HUGE park in the center directly in front of the hospital. “That’s Sloan Square. Across is the government tower, over there is Rabbitus Memorial School. And that way is the residential district.” The direction they were heading was back towards the space port where Mika had arrived earlier that day. The crossed several streets filled with shops and businesses of all kinds before they came to a block that opened up to a large open block, surrounded by one and two story buildings. Inside what, on Earth would most likely be a parking lot, was filled to bursting with food trucks and carts. There was something there for everyone. “Whatever you like. My treat.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Mika followed her through the area, looking around like a sightseeing tourist. It really was like being back on Earth. There were shops, food trucks, carts, restaurants, and people. So, so many people. She picked a food truck offering healthy foods and ordered a herb and cheese pasta dish. For a drink she got a lemonade. Then she looked at Fayth. “Do you want something here, or are you going to go somewhere else?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

“Here is fine. Their breakfast sandwiches are very good. I used to get one on the way to the hospital in the mornings.” Fayth ordered from the same truck, a chicken and veggitble pita sandwich with water. Moving past the truck and between two buildings was a large but quiet garden set up with several benches and tables. “Sit or walk and eat? We aren’t far from Fleet apartments.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“Let’s walk and eat.” Mika replied, taking a bite of her food. “Why don’t we stop by your place? I want to see how you’ve decorated, then maybe I’ll have some ideas for mine.” She commented as they walked.

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah paused and grinned but flushed at the same time. “Yeah we can do that, it’s a bit of a walk though. Hang on.” She set her food down on one of the tables and pulled a small padd out of her pocket. She tapped away for a minute and there was a chirp followed by two more. Sharah grinned, “Alright we’re good to go. Come on.” She led the way back out of the side streets and down a couple blocks. “So I should probably tell you, I don’t live on the fleet complex anymore…ummm…a lot has changed since the last time we talked.” Another block down there was a ground car waiting for them. Sharah opened the back door and slid in across the seat and waved Mika in next to her.

Fayth, SFCMO

“You don’t?” Mika asked and then grinned, “You’ll have to tell me everything!” She commented excitedly. She got into the car after Sharah, treating it like a piece of alien tech. It had been years since she’d ridden in one. “So where are we going?”

~ Lt Mika, CNS

Sharah grinned, “I promise. There is a lot to tell.” The driver glanced back and with a nod pulled out into traffic. “We are going to my place. Well Charles’ house, and Yavia. It’s home.” Sharah said a little crypticly. She nibbled a bit on her food.

The driver knew the best shortcuts to avoid traffic and turned a long trip across the city into a much shorter. It took about fifteen minutes to get to their destination: a low, bungalow looking structure in a quiet and well-appointed neighborhood with tons of trees, flowers, and plants. The car slowed and turned onto a driveway that dropped down and around the building. To say that the place was ‘secluded’ was an understatement. From the residential road above, only part of the roof could be seen. The front of the house faced a short, terraced yard that had plentiful trees and ground cover, with a small, winding path of stairs that went up to the road to allow visitors to walk to the front door. The car pulled around behind the structure, and it was then apparent it was a split-level dwelling. Large windows seemed to make almost every exterior wall, and the grounds behind the house were lush and seemed to go on forever. Trees stood tall and their limbs provided shade over a good portion of the property, but there was a large, open yard with well maintained grass in the back.

The car pulled to a stop and the driver glanced back. “Will you need me again, Dr. Fayth? I can pick up a couple more trips..”

“Not for awhile, I’ll call if we do.” The driver smiled her thanks as Sharah opened the door and slid out of the car.

The back door was made of a stone-looking material and the frames around the windows were dark red wood under the faux-slate stone roof. She made her way lup the three broad, wide steps and the door swung open inwards.

Inside was stunning. Huge open spaces surrounded by windows. On a table near the door sat Sharah’s Cherry Blossom Bonsai tree. She touched the leaves gently as she passed. The few walls in the place were transparent. A large sitting room with a walk-around fireplace flowed into a smaller den area. Opposite from that direction from the door was a massive kitchen and dining area, as well as a full bar. Past that was a flight of stairs that led to the lower level of the house… probably the sleeping areas.

“Did you… Marry somebody with a lot of influence?” Mika asked, absolutely stunned. A driver, a beautiful house… Fayth had it made here.

She looked at Mika, “Come on, let’s eat,” and she made her way into the dinning area.

Fayth

“Okay.” Mika followed her into the dining area as if afraid of touching anything. “What are we eating?”

~ Mika


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