Yearly Medical Checkup
Posted on 21 Jul 2025 @ 11:47pm by Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt & 1st Lieutenant Gavin Ross Dr.
3,831 words; about a 19 minute read
Mission:
General Sim Postings
Location: SB51 Medical/Various
Timeline: After Arth Mission
Please refer to the "Nightmares Sim for effects...
[ON]
Jasmine once again woke up from a nightmare in a cold sweat a few minutes before her alarm was set to go off, and once again, she had bruises all over her body in the same pattern as they were during her captivity. Even though her lip was split, she managed to use the dermal regenerator on her face and hands, then an alert came up. It was a notification of her medical appointment, her yearly physical. Usually, she was not so nervous, but she got dressed in some baggy exercise trousers and an equally baggy hoodie. Pinning her commbadge on, she headed out to Main Medical.
She finally arrived at the Sickbay, entered, and looked around. Then someone in medical walked towards her; they were in a medical uniform.
Dr. Gavin T. Ross, Second Lieutenant of the Marines, completed his routine morning duties and rounds in the Tomcat Sickbay. As the Chief of Medical, Dr. Ross engaged in a comprehensive examination of patient DNA profiles, previous medical records, past injuries, and any anomalies identified by the computer for medical review following missions, which included IVR bio profiles. This morning followed the customary routine with the commencement of annual check-ups for the rotating crew. However, today was an exception; the Fleet Captain and esteemed colleague of the USS Tomcat, Jasmine Somers, was in attendance.
Dr. Ross was well aware that the Fleet Captain was in prime health and had established herself as one of the foremost fitness enthusiasts aboard the ship, a fact that was reflected in her physique.
The tranquil hum of the sickbay machines was suddenly interrupted by the familiar sound of the main doors opening. Through the glass pane from his terminal cart in the bio lab, Dr. Ross observed Jasmine's entrance, prompting a sincere and warm smile to spread across his face.
He adjusted his uniform and ran a hand through his hair as he approached Jasmine. She was dressed casually in joggers and a hoodie, a pleasant departure from her usual attire.
"Fleet Captain Somers, it is a pleasure to have you with us for your annual examination. I am pleased…” Dr. Ross paused for a moment, sensing an undercurrent of unease despite Jasmine's composed demeanour. His expression froze for a brief moment, as if he had just uncovered a vital clue.
*Nodding* "Yes, I am a week early. I just want to get the checkup out of the way," Somers said.
Ross's mind raced. Grabbing a padd and his medical kit, he remarked, “Please, Captain, this way…” He gestured, observing her walk toward the bio bed. Given her status as Captain, he aimed to provide her with the utmost privacy that Sickbay could afford; thus, he ushered Jasmine into a private bio-bed room.
As Jasmine sat up on the bio bed, her half-open zipped hoodie, a present from her cousin, slipped down on one shoulder, showing some bruising that she had missed. She was about to cover up when her eye caught Ross looking at the bruises on her shoulder, and she looked back at the doctor.
"It is not what you think, Doctor!" She said apprehensively.
Gavin looked at a Medic. Their eyes exchanged a knowing code concerning patient sensitivities. "Chief, please close the window and join me."
Ross was knowledgeable about multiple species, understanding their pain levels and how external presentations of injuries reflected mental aspects of various traumas and diseases; he sensed when pain was being concealed.
Gavin paused. "Captain, before we continue…” He reviewed all his medical obligations and procedures to report findings. "I want you to be assured that, as always, patient medical records are entirely confidential." He hesitated, holding an eye transect device that monitors bio-systematic irregularities, a dermal regenerator, and Mark Seven, the newly released, updated medical tricorder. As he commenced scanning Jasmine, Ross felt a hesitation.
"Captain, what is it that happened to you? Please explain…” Gavin gestured toward her fallen zippered hoodie sleeve, revealing perfectly normal glowing skin alongside significant bruises extending beneath the dermal layers on the Fleet Captain's shoulders. "If we may have a look, Captain."
With some trepidation, Jasmine removed her hoodie and then her vest. She was currently topless, and she put her arm across her chest out of modesty. While the front was clear of bruises, her back was not the same.
Gavin made a mental effort not to let his jaw drop. "Chief... Can I get a VR8 360 scan.... " He also gave an eye to the Medtech, which they both knew was a 'press record and save as well'.....
"Captain... Jasmine..." He let out a calm, collected exhale after holding in for so long. "What is the nature of these bruises I am seeing.... Which...." Ross had placed on his gloves and put his left fingers gently in place at Jasmine's head, skull, and begun a slow thermal, neural, bio skeletal scans..." He continued this as he slowly began to gently scan her chest. He slowly took her hands from her chest, with her slow release to reveal her bruised chest.... "Who..... What did this do to you, Captain?" He felt anger starting to brew. How could someone... Batter.... HIS Captain. This... he reminded himself to calm himself down before wanting to immediately draw in Security, not just yet though.... She hadn't even spoken about what happened.
Jasmine realised in her haste to use her dermal regenerator, she had missed a spot on her chest. She looked at Ross with haunted eyes, "I do not think you were here when I was held Captive, Doctor Ross. I cannot go deep into it as it is still too painful, but needless to say if the words battered, beaten, abused physically and mentally were to be used, you would not be wrong, I was mistaken for my Cousin Colonel Somers on one mission, I was on the way back from seeing the Leto off and I was halfway back when I was kidnapped" she paused as the painful memory came back to her.
"These bruises are not from anyone on this station or the ship, they are what you might call psychosomatic, I been having Nightmares of my captivity and in them I am getting all those words I mentioned, I wake up in a cold sweat covered in bruises, I know they say that if it happens in your mind the body adjust to what the mind tells it, but this is getting annoying now, Counselling has cleared me mentally fit for duty, and warned me I may have nightmares and I will always have a form of PTSD, but it should settle over time, still waiting" she said with a low chuckle.
Ross limited the number of individuals in the room, feeling it was necessary in a sensitive medical environment. He needed Thex for the Captain's case and believed the Fleet Captain's physician should be involved. This situation required discretion to reduce Jasmine's mental distress and pain, as shown by her scans indicating severe trauma. Thex nodded and left, smiling at Ross. When the door shut, Gavin concluded Jasmine's body scan. Dr. Ross set aside his surgical tricorder and other sensor arrays monitoring Jasmine. The readings indicated…
“Fleet Captain…” he began, “Jasmine.” After a pause, he added, “I’d like to refer to a Fleet Captain as a friend.” He continued, “That is our relationship aboard this vessel; you are both a friend and a leader.”
Gavin’s scans revealed Jasmine was on the verge of adrenal burnout. He ordered a level 3 trauma medical kit, which Nurse Harriet brought in.
“Jasmine, I know your preference for personal relationships. This will remain confidential.” Ross assured the Captain he didn’t want to remove her from her duties. Jasmine excelled in her role, and forcing her to rest wasn't constructive. However, she needed to understand his medical rationale.
“The scans show severe PTSD, as you're aware.” He rubbed his face in contemplation. “Your immune system needs support; lymphocyte levels are critically low.” Ross then unlocked a box of medications for the hypodermic syringe.
“With your consent, Ma’am,” he said, preparing to inject Jasmine.
“I’m prescribing Eli-Zyanuthan-U771 at .71 mg, a non-sedating anxiolytic that modulates serotonin and dopamine. It’s non-habit-forming and represents the gold standard for PTSD treatment. Side effects,” he noted, “may be minimal dizziness and headache but won’t affect cognition, which is vital for a Captain under trauma."
He shook his head in admiration of Jasmine's strength in the face of her ongoing ordeal.
“PTSD has overwhelmed your brain and spinal cord, affecting every part of your life, especially dreams. Scans show this activity correlates with your waking bruises.” He showed her the scans. “How do you feel about this step? May I administer the medication and adjust as needed?”
Gavin held the hypodermic syringe containing medication designed to interrupt Jasmine's PTSD symptoms, such as bruises and sores. This was just the start of his medical intervention...
She looked at him and nodded, "If it means I can get a peaceful night's sleep, I'm all for it, these PTSD Nightmares are a real pain", she said straight-faced. "Pun intended," she added, a small smile playing at her lips.
Dr. Ross empathised as he then turned to the central console, his fingers dancing across a translucent interface to review the latest scan results from the Fleet Captain. Ross visually checked her face, taut with exhaustion, her eyes flickering with the unease of someone who had been running on adrenaline too long. Her vitals, projected above the bed, showed a heart rate of 112 bpm, blood pressure of 88/58 mmHg, and critically low cortisol levels, confirming adrenal insufficiency secondary to PTSD-induced HPA axis burnout...
A second series of drugs I will administer, Captain, will stabilise your adrenal insufficiency. “Your body simply is stating that you cannot keep going on at zero.”
With urgency, Ross pulled out various medications he needed. “We're going to stabilise you with a series of medications. I'll administer each one myself and explain what they do. We'll get you through this.” Gavin turned down the lights in the room to create a relaxing effect.
Rolling up his doctor's white sleeves, he checked the vials for appropriate dosage levels, needing to change only two doses. Double-checking the Captain's readings, he said, “First, I'm giving you Dextranize. .4 V 5. 5, 100 milligrams intravenous bolus, to replace the cortisol your adrenals aren't producing. Cortisol regulates energy, blood pressure, and stress response. Without it, your body's shutting down. After this bolus, you'll receive 50 milligrams every six hours via this medication node until your levels stabilise.” Gavin then attached a medication node, allowing the Captain to be ambulatory.
The device hissed softly as Gavin delivered the drug. “You might feel a slight warmth,” he added. “That's the Dextranize starting to work. It'll help your heart rate settle and boost your energy.”
Gavin monitored the biobed's readouts, noting her blood pressure ticked up safely to 92/60.
“Good.. Good..” Ross watched the monitor as the Captain began to experience the relaxing effects of the adrenals returning support to Jasmine's body.
"Wow, Doc, what was that? Not felt this relaxed in months, I know I am no Doctor, Doc, but you do know that Medication can only do so much, Counselling only cleared me as my PTSD did not hinder my job, but they were puzzled as to what type it was, do you believe in the mystical and power of the mind Doctor Ross?" Somers asked.
Captain, I am about to administer Orlexia NV.R., which will be programmed into your bio sensor to help alleviate daytime anxiety and PTSD symptoms," Gavin explained as he prepared another dose of medication in the hypo spray vial, carefully noting the dosage while reviewing the captain’s medical and physical history. Ross responded with a grunt, rubbing his chin with his right hand. “Orlexia is a non-sedating anxiolytic that regulates your serotonin and dopamine levels. Once again, all medications I prescribe for anxiety are non-habit-forming and non-drowsy.” Ross had conducted extensive research on numerous case reports involving Captains, Commanders, and senior personnel within Starfleet seeking relief from PTSD through medical intervention.
Ross then applied the medication to Jasmine’s soft neck skin, causing a hissing sound. “You should feel calming effects within moments, but not to the point of drowsiness. If you experience anything unusual with these medications, please contact me at any time, day or night. Is that understood?" He emphasised his seriousness. The captain recognised the gravity of PTSD; it is a persistent issue that is difficult to disentangle from the brain.
“I believe the brain remains one of the last great mysteries of human biology. Even after thousands of years of medical progress, we have only scratched the surface,” Gavin said, pausing briefly and furrowing his brow. "May I ask—what mystical experience have you had, Captain? Is this related to your… PTSD? I will refer to it as PTSD, although a definitive diagnosis has not been established. I will also be referring you back to the Counselling Office, with a focus on intensive psychosocial support,” he added, carefully watching Jasmine for any side effects from the previous dose.
“Ma’am, given your history of… brutalisation, I will again refer you for counselling, this time with an emphasis on treatment. I request a comprehensive report from Counselling," Gavin stated as he began taking notes on his padd and sending requisitions with instructions to the counsellors and therapists.
He then set the padd aside. “These medications are intended to help stabilise you temporarily. Moving forward, a multidisciplinary approach will be vital. These medications, together with your biosensor, serve as a temporary measure to suppress adrenal activity. Psychotherapy methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Prolonged Exposure (PE) are highly effective for PTSD and anxiety. Furthermore, there are excellent holodeck psychotherapy simulations specifically designed for Starfleet Officers dealing with PTSD,” he concluded.
Looking at him, "You do realise, Lieutenant, that the best Counselling minds in Starfleet tried what you are suggesting and nothing mentally worked, in the end they advised that I work through my problems on my own. I have never seen a bunch of egg-heads be so dumbstruck. But the medications you're giving me will help, yes?" Somers asked. "Also, the PE part of it was interrogation techniques, beating and verbal abuse. Do you believe in guardian angels, doctor?" She asked another question.
"Captain, I hear you on the counselling front.” Gavin slightly furrowed a brow as he was monitoring Jasmine's vitals. Ross was not ‘other doctors. “Starfleet’s best can sometimes miss the mark, yes, when it comes to the real stuff you have been through, Captain…” He then re-addressed the main situation. “The meds I have prescribed will stabilise your mood, easing your anxiety levels. Your cortisol is. He took a moment to look at Jasmine’s vitals. “Down considerably since you had first come in. I have tailored the medications to keep you sharp without dulling your edge—give it a week or two to feel the full effect, and we will adjust if needed.” Gavin was confident in his medical approach. He had seen it before in lower-level Ensigns, Lieutenants, and Military Officers.
“As for the PE-interrogation, abuse.” Ross closed his eyes, breathing in that agony Somers endured. Opening them wide with his padd at his now sitting, crossed legs. “That’s a heavy load.” He examined Jasmine with a lighter tone. Returning to his doctoral level, Gavin stated. “No sugarcoating it, Jasmine: what you endured was brutal, and it leaves scars, seen and unseen. We will manage the fallout together, at your pace, not some textbook.” Still checking vitals, he then decided on future medications, colleagues to speak to. Gavin and his Family had with neurosurgery, some of the most advanced methods tested to date, as his Father was a member of the Medical Academy at Starfleet Board.
"As long as I can get an uninterrupted night's sleep, I will be happy", Jasmine said.
Ross bent his head forward, his eyes searching Jasmine's. “You're so very traumatised, aren’t you?” He asked rhetorically. “Guardian angels?” Gavin re-sat himself in his chair, shifting his uneasiness at the question. No, Gavin did not believe in the afterlife, but that was unimportant. He leaned forward slightly, with a faint smile. “I am a doctor, so I lean toward science, but I have seen too many ‘impossible’ recoveries to dismiss the idea outright.” He offered hope to his patients, even psychologically. “If there is something—something—watching out for you, Captain. I would say they have their hands full with a tough one like you. You believe in them?" Gavin tossed back the question naturally. Checking Jasmine’s improving vitals across the board, at least for adrenal burnout and PTSD, sympathetic nerves returning to a clear sign of relaxation.
"My cousin Alex has long-term PTSD, but she was never beaten or abused; her PTSD comes from being a teenager in the Marines and seeing her best friend die in her arms, all because External Intelligence screwed things up, Alex has never forgiven Starfleet Intelligence for such a balls-up that woman can hold a grudge that is for damn certain" Jasmine said and sighed as she put her hoodie back on. "I could never find out more than that about her. I believe you are familiar with a Black Operations Mission, which is classified Secret above Top Secret! Anyway, Alex said one time that every year on the Eleventh of the Eleventh month, her dead friend either showed up to her as a spectre or a voice, and on occasion, when she was troubled," Jasmine paused.
Looking at Ross "I never even saw a picture of Alex's friend, so I have never seen the face of this figure surrounded by light, but I sense she is not there to hurt me, she has even told me that in the dream I have the power to stop what is being done to me, but such was the beating and treatment, I can never seem to fight back and that Doctor is the core of my PTSD, but knowing this is different to doing something about it and why the best Counselling minds could not help, it is something I have to do in my mind hence my query about guardian angels" She finished and fell silent.
Gavin's jaw relaxed as his expression sharpened with focus. He was regaining his composure. What he had just heard was a crucial indication that something was amiss in Jasmine's mind. She bore deep, unresolved scars, and he had no way of knowing how her thought process was affected.
Relying on a scientific approach, he examined the scans, revealing that her brain exhibited signs of sero-cerebral-miliethane cognitive dissociation type 4, along with bio-buspirone inhibitors. This was the very essence of PTSD, etched into the Fleet Captain's psyche. Yet even in the 24th century, doctors struggled to rewire these entrenched responses and eliminate the disruptive, lingering memories of trauma.
“Jasmine, you perceive the vision, the presence of a force—this lady in the light. She is not a harbinger of harm, but a source of support. When you feel attacked or overwhelmed, what does this force tell you?” The doctor administered another dose of Keltane, hoping to calm her racing heartbeat, which remained stubbornly resistant to the medication—a telling sign of a body grappling with PTSD.
"She is encouraging and telling me that I can control the nightmare, but in the nightmare, I do not listen; my awake mind knows I have to alter it, but my subconscious is a different beast altogether.
“I sense that you don’t believe that an angel could ever exist for you. You wish to believe in angels, yet you feel unworthy, don’t you, Fleet Captain?” Ross's words were blunt, aimed at unravelling Jasmine's perception of this ‘angel and friend’ encounter. “Your friend is your angel, watching over you. If anyone from above could return to the living, why not your best friend? Yet you seem unable to grant yourself this inner peace, am I right?”
"Doc, this is the first time this has happened to me. I am a rational woman, but I do know at some point I am going to have to come off the medication to deal with it mentally, but for now it will be nice to just have a peaceful night's sleep," Somers said.
“Of course," Dr. Ross replied.
“For now, you should be stable.” Ross would be monitoring the Fleet Captain’s vitals. “If I were you, get a quick standard protein shake, a warm shower, and then off to bed.” He crossed his forearms and cocked his head sideways at the captain.
I would like to see you tomorrow at 17:45. Routine check-up.
She looked at him. "Got it, are you going to use the dermal regenerator on the rest of me to get rid of these bruises?" she asked.
"Of course, Captain." He winked, then continued working meticulously to remove the bruises and damage from previous trauma beneath the muscle. Ross had re-stabilised the captain both medically and emotionally, as her hormones were stabilising from... well, zero. That is a powerful thing for the body to endure. If she hadn't come in when she did, she could have gone into adrenal shock, leading to coma or even death.
"Next time... please come in a bit sooner when you can. This yearly... isn’t worth the paper, honestly. It’s bureaucracy. I need access to my crew; I shouldn't have to chase them all down." He scoffed, muttering 'Babies', raising an eyebrow. "Present company excluded, of course."
She raised her eyebrow at him "Hey, may I remind you, Doctor, I came in here of my own accord, the fact that it was three days before my annual check up was a happy coincidence on your part", she said.
Gavin turned back to the Captain, surprised. "Present. Company. Excluded. Of. Course. Captain." He noticed a bounce in her cortisol and stress levels. Temporary.
"So am I fit to leave this establishment, doctor?" she asked, putting her hoodie back on.
"Yes. Now, remember what we discussed. Stressors are a no. Nothing more than you have already dedicated yourself to, and even then, try to cancel. You need to rest your adrenals for a short while. And remember... It happens to the best of Fleet Captains. Kirk, total Breakdown!" Gavin tried to rest her.
"Remember!! 17:45. No excuses!" Gavin was serious and not joking.
Looking at Ross, "understood, boss, will see you then," Jasmine said, standing and exiting Medical. She was already feeling better and hoped she could get a good night's sleep.
[OFF]
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