[BACKLOG] A Visit with the New CMO

Posted on 01 May 2024 @ 10:22pm by Lieutenant JG Thex sh'Zoarhi & Lieutenant JG T'Kara

1,650 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: S04 Episode 01 Captive State Part 2 (Main)
Location: USS Themistocles

[ON]

Thex was use to being a Starfleet engineer and all the perks and disadvantages that came with the job. Even still the disadvantages did have a very nasty habit, especially given her species and one of the sadder things the gods of biology had cursed them with. So here she was sitting in the reception area of their temporary home medical bay with her hand wrapped in part of her ripped of uniform her white hair held up by a bandana covered with the grease and dirt of her work.

When Commodore Paladin had assured her that she would be serving on an Akira-class, T'Kara had been highly anticipating the arrival. Her anticipation had turned to vexation when she realized the shuttle was arriving at a Sovereign-class ship, USS Themistocles. Normally this would be the point she would complain, however she had kept her words quiet as she arrived. There was too much on her shoulders for her to submit to the confusion and ignorance of ego.

After arrival, T'Kara had been swift to get to work. The Vulcan had noted that there were several other officers above her rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade - of which she had noted the Commodore had put in a good work for her to retain - that should of had her position. Yet, for whatever reason Command on the Themistocles had seen fit to place her there. Logically, it had to be due to her excellent work.

Thinking emotionally, however, someone likely pulled strings behind the scenes. This did irritate her slightly, yet she was quick to dispel the thought and concentrate on matters.

A few hours later she had situated herself in her quarters and Sickbay, appearing properly dressed and situated for work. She greeted her staff and gave a brief introduction then, very quickly, got to work. To her surprise not a few moments later an Andorian had been submitted to Sickbay and awaited her analysis.

This must be my first test, then, she thought as she reviewed the brief on the arrival. Confidently grabbing her medical gear, she approached her first patient as Chief Medical Officer.

"Lieutenant Thex sh'Zoarhi," greeted the Vulcan with surprising fluency. "My name T'Kara, I am the ships new Chief Medical Officer. I understand Andorians are very delicate with their names, so may I first ask what I may appropriately call you? I do not wish to openly offend you."

Taking out her tricorder, she began to scan just above the injury. "I am doing a non-invasive scan of what I assume is your area of injury. May you also point me to any other area of concern?"

" Nice to meet you T'Kara." Thex said with a smile upon her blue face. " As for my name, Thex will do just fine. " Holding up her hand to let the doctor get a better look the Andorian added. " Cut it open on one of the hatches down on the lower deck. Given my species biology i thought i'd come and get it seen to rather than self-treat."

"Noted," T'Kara said, raising an eyebrow only gently as she examined the readings. "According to the tricorder, you have minor lacerations and a minor contusion, with possible bruising of the bone. I would say that the pain from this injury would warrant and investigation. Thankfully, I will be able to treat this. One moment."

Swiftly the Chief Medical Officer turned as an Aide approached with equipment. T'Kara grabbed a tube-like device first and began to activate it, waving it along the hand after uncovering it.

"I am now utilizing an osteogenic stimulator to promote the healthy regeneration of your bruised bone. This should also stimulate the repair of internal blood vessels in the area," the Vulcan remarked. One she was done, she grabbed another instrument and began to wave it carefully. A bright red beam shot out to Thex's hand.

"This is a dermal regenerator," T'Kara stated as she worked. "It will heal both the laceration and internal epidermis injuries, promoting further healing along the finger and hand bones that have been impacted by your accident. You should not feel any pain."

There was a moment of silence as the Vulcan work. Her eyes were keenly on the injury, then once she was done, she stood up to thank the Aide as she grabbed a final item: a hypospray.

"This final treatment is entirely optional," remarked the Vulcan as she stood, one eyebrow raised gently. "I have included a dose of Asinolyathin, a pain relieving agent, that should completely numb any pain in your hand for up to fifteen hours. However, I wish to know first how your hand feels after my treatment. May you investigate and inform me of the effectiveness of the treatment?"

Thex flexed her healed hands a few times. It felt slightly better but she still felt a pain in her hand where the cut had been when she moved her figures. " I can still feel the scar when i move three of my fingers," she said to the Vulcan doctor as she held up the digits in question.

T'Kara nodded, "Just a moment, then, please."

Applying the Hypospray, she injected the required safe dose of Asinolyathin. Instead of on the neck, however, she injected it near the blood vessels near Thex's wrist. After applying, the Vulcan held the half-full Hypospray and leaned up so she was head-level with the Andorian. She raised one of her eyebrows gently, but not aggressively.

"How do you feel now, Thex?" she asked calmly.

Thex flexed her figures again. It took fifteen seconds but soon she could move her figures without the pain. " Much better doctor. Doesn't hurt any more."

"Very good," the Vulcan said with an affirming nod. "Now, this may be somewhat unorthodox, but I also want to discuss with you the cause of the injury and ways you can perhaps avoid future occurrences."

T'Kara pulled up a sliding chair, sitting beside the biobed and general at head level with the Andorian. She relaxed, took a breath, and gave a gentle nod.

"I don't mean to probe, but your injury seems similar to those who were rushing their objectives," the Vulcan commented, gently tilting her head and raising an eyebrow again. "Could you confirm your situation?"

" Am i that obvious?" Thex said letting out a slight chuckle. " I'm having to get a ship that's been in mothball for the last few years back up to combat effective status with a far smaller engineering crew than is needed, all while as my first time as acting chief engineer. "

T'Kara quirked an eyebrow, nodding briefly sideways in an understanding gesture. "With that information, I can understand the emotional and mental pressure that must be mounting on you."

Taking a moment to think, the Vulcan gave a slight smile to her Andorian patient. "It is logical to assume the mounting pressure placed upon you by your expectations will negatively impact your performance. I will therefore submit a recommendation for you to 'take it easy', as the saying goes."

Then the Chief Medical Officer deadpanned as she stared at the Andorian - perhaps glaring? Her voice held some authority as she spoke.

"I sincerely hope that the extent to which my recommendation goes is as a recommendation, and not as a statement for a review on any future accidents," T'Kara said. "Safety should always be the number one concern. That includes slowing down for you to process your actions."

" I hear you, doctor. We've got the girl almost ready to go now. Just need to make sure the hazardous waste containers are sealed and she's good to go." Thex replied her antenna dropping slightly in embracement at having gotten into this situation.

The Vulcan noticed the change in emotion - mostly from the antenna drop. In a very un-Vulcan manner, she gave a smile. It felt genuine despite the very stoic manner in which her face gave it.

"You did well to come to me. Mistakes are made so we can learn. Sometimes we need multiple mistakes to learn a proper method to avoid a situation," T'Kara said, taking a moment before continuing. "Logically, you have learned from your mistake."

Quickly the Vulcan opened her tricorder and scanned the Andorians injury. Satisfied, she nodded.

"You're clear to go. I will place a recommendation for light duty work on the first half of your next shift," T'Kara stated. "Afterward, you're free from limited duty."

" Very well doctor. I have to make sure i get all the paperwork done anyway. Is there anything in sickbay you'd need me or my team to look at?" The blue girl added as she slid of the biobed.

"While I am graciously thankful for your offer," the Vulcan said as she inclined her head respectfully, "at this time I must state truthfully there is nothing out of place. Rest assured, however," she resumed as she briefly raised an eyebrow, "that I will inform you should that need arise."

Quietly the Chief Medical Officer observed the Andorian and, with a pleased expression, moved out of her way to allow her to leave.

Thex nodded as she calmly headed for the door. She had her bed to get to after a nice long shower.

T'Kara felt a sense of accomplishment as she watched the Andorian leave. She done this type of procedure thousands of time, but for some reason this time felt like the opening of new door. With an uncharacteristic smirk to her expression, she quickly withdrew back to a proper Vulcan stoicism and proceeded through her shift.

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