The Doctor Is In...

Posted on Sat Feb 7th, 2009 @ 3:05pm by Lieutenant JG Lucy Carter

554 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Restricted Independent Operations
Location: Sickbay, USS Archimedes
Timeline: Current

Lieutenant Commander Arkham had heard that the Chief Counselor had come aboard two days prior -- surprised she hadn't heard earlier, she had proceeded to chew the head off the nearest crewman before finally heading down to the sickbay to find her.

Arriving shortly afterward, Arkham marveled at the facilities -- for a small ship, they certainly were top of the line facilities. For a moment, Arkham was mildly glad that she'd transferred to this ship; she'd certainly be taken care of if anything happened.

Spotting the counselor, Arkham said, "Well, Counselor, nice to finally meet you. I'm Lieutenant Commander Arkham."

Ensign Carter stiffened to attention and looked ahead. "Lieutenant Commander." She had heard that Arkham could be, well, harsh and was determined not to get off on the wrong foot. Stick with protocol, she thought. She is a person, just like me. She has her own problems and issues and also has to run the ship.

"I trust you had a pleasant trip, Ensign?" Arkham said.

"Thank you, sir, yes I did." Carter dared not mention the bumpy shuttle ride that had made her stomach churn, nor the 2 hours she had been stuck in dry dock before the shuttle door had finally been prised open. Lieutenant Commanders did not want to hear the junior ranks complaining. She appreciated that Arkham was trying to make pleasantries and lack of "weather" on board, meant that she was asking about the only other ice-breaker available.

"Excellent. These are some nice facilities, aren't they? Are you settling in all right, or are you going to need anything in particular?"

Carter stood at ease and looked calmly at Arkham. She noticed the sad, broken jaw and ruined eye. Poor woman - she thought - what the hell happened to you? Of course her demeanour gave away none of that. Years of training to be a counselor ensured her outward appearance was professional but warm and sincere at all times.

"The ship is marvelous" she responded, feeling the remaining ache in her legs after the ice skating session on the holodeck. "I am relieved that the replicators make a perfect cup of tea! Are you a tea-drinker, sir?"

Arkham gave a snort at this comment. "Bah," Arkham rasped. "These replicators make a terrible cup of tea -- I am rather fond of a good cup of tea; I brew it myself in my quarters, however. I don't think a machine does quite as well as I do, Ensign. Perhaps I'll have to prove that one day."

Arkham looked around the sickbay once more, taking it all in. Finally looking back at the young Ensign, she said simply, "Now, any questions of me, or shall I continue on and let you go about your work, Ensign Carter?"

Carter sensed that their conversation was being tactfully brought to an end and, not wishing to delay the LCDR from her duties any further, said "thank you, sir, but no. It's a pleasure to have met you."

Arkham nodded--she was glad the counselor was picking up these subtle hints. Her jaw was really hurting her today, and Catherine had yet to do the work required on it. "And you as well, Ensign."

As she left the sickbay, she paused momentarily, rasping simply, "I have high hopes for you. Don't you dare disappoint me."

 

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