The Ever-Changing CMO

Posted on Wed Aug 5th, 2015 @ 12:31pm by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Victoria Drani M.D.

1,070 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Of Gods and Men
Location: Sickbay

ON

A new doctor? Sam read over the transfer orders again. While Newmark was only Acting CMO, she was hesitant to take on anyone permanently if they came through Starfleet Command. But a quick check showed that this assignment had come through proper channels -- unlike her last XO, her Yeoman and one of the nurses.

While things were slow, Sam decided to find the new doctor and make her acquaintance.

She notified Hans on her way through the bridge that she would be back and headed for sickbay.

Drani had finished her meeting with Lieutenant Newmark, having been impressed with him and his handling of Sickbay, she had let him go for the dayto spend time with his wife and to rest. The PADD in her hands held the stores list of medical supplies available as she sat on the edge of her desk in her new office. She was so engrossed with her work that she didn't hear the commodore enter Sickbay.

"Is Doctor Drani in?" Sam asked one of the nurses as she approached the main table

Drani looked up at hearing her name being mentioned as she saw one nurse point the commodore in her direction. Drani slid off the table, setting her PADD on her desk, meeting the commodore just outside her office. "Sorry, ma'am. I didn't hear you enter. "I'm Doctor Drani," she said, extending her hand.

"Samantha York," Sam said, shaking her hand. "I know you're busy, but I wanted to stop by and meet you and welcome you aboard."

"Thank you. I was just reviewing the ship's medical supplies. Doctor Newmark has been very helpful so far."

"Yes, he is quite helpful." He'd helped her get information on nurse Jamieson, one of the spies on the Calypso. "Is there anything you find yourself in need of?" she asked.

"Not at the moment but I am considering growing some plants for medical use." She was used to using plants to make medicine during the Dominion Occupation and her recent absence from Starfleet. "

"I can allocate one of the workrooms off the arboretum if you'd like. Lizzie would most likely enjoy having someone else puttering around. Or you can set up a lab for your use as well," Sam said.

"Thank you, Commodore. I would appreciate that. By the way, when was your last check up, ma'am?"

"Sam, please," she said. She wasn't generally one for rank. She paused to think on the question. "Two or three doctors ago, I think." She gave the woman a sheepish grin. "I admit, I have not been keeping track."

Drani smiled. "Well, that's not healthy. When would you be available, Sam?"

"Right now, any time you wish," she replied cheerfully.

Drani was pleasantly surprised. "Well then, please have a seat on biobed two," she gestured before grabbing a nearby medical tricorder.

"All right." Sam sat on the biobed and waited for the doctor. "Is there anything specific you'd like to know?" she asked.

She opened the tricorder. "Well, have you been feeling well lately? Any recent injuries?" she asked the basic questions.

"I feel fine and have no recent injuries," Sam dutifully replied. "Except for a few bumps and bruises."

"That's good.". 'Did you grow up on Betazed,' she asked telepathically, testing Sam's abilities.

"I was born there, but grew up on Earth," Sam replied telepathically.

Drani grinned. "I never got time to visit much of Earth while I was at the Academy," she spoke vocally again, as she tapped a few buttons on the tricorder. "Was it difficult to grow up on Earth, among the humans?"

"Not really. I still had my brothers and my mother, who were telepathic. And Earth is more diverse than a lot of planets, so there were others, here and there," she said. "Still, I loved the Andes mountains and I loved the Latin culture."

"Well, you appear to be the epitome of health," Drani stated, closing her tricorder. "And I can see the appeal in the Latin culture of humans."

"I think I've had the best of both worlds. My first memories are of Betazed, and my later ones of the Andean mountains and their ancient cultures." Sam grinned. "What about you? Where were you raised?"

"I was raised on Betazed by my mother mostly. Near Jonar City. I associate myself with being Betazoid moreso than being part Bajoran. I know the culture and traditions but they're as alien to me as a clothed person at a Betazoid Wedding," she chuckled.

"I think what I am depends on the situation. Sometimes I'm human, and sometimes I'm Betazoid," Sam admitted. "I haevn't been back to Betazed in a very long time."

"It's changed.," she replied solemnly. "There is a lot of healing still going on from the occupation."

Sam grew quiet as well. "I heard. My father still had family on Betazed during the occupation. But Betazoids are resilient. I have no doubt they will make the world more beautiful than before."


"The planet itself has recovered, cities rebuilt, but it's the emotional scars that still wounds our planet, Sam. During the occupation... no, now is not the time for those thoughts and conversations," she forced a smile, blocking away those painful memories. "But you're right, Betazoid are resilient."

"Sorry to bring up painful memories," Sam said quietly. "We all have more than our share of those. But, fortunately, there are far more pleasant ones to focus on."

"No need to apologize," Drani said, smiling. "And you're right. I hope this assignment will be a new start."

"I hope so, too," Sam said. "It's a good ship and a good crew. If you need anything, however, please let me know."

Drani nodded as she updated Sam's medical records through the tricorder. "Thank you, I will."

"Any time," Sam said. "And thank you for keeping me compliant with regulations." She gave the doctor a cheeky grin. "This time."

"It is what I do," Drani smiled.

"Is now a good time to warn you that I don't always comply, or should I wait until such an event occurs to mention it?" Sam asked.

Drani raised an eyebrow and grinned. "People change, Sam."

"Sometimes," Sam agreed. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Doctor Drani. I think you and I are going to get along just fine."

____
OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant JG Victoria Drani M.D.
Chief Medical Officer

 

RSS Feed