Yearly Exam
Posted on Thu Apr 11th, 2024 @ 2:45am by Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer & Captain Edmund Merrick
Edited on on Fri Apr 12th, 2024 @ 4:38pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Sick Bay - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD003 2100
Edmund was going through his checklist of things he needed to do. And there was the glaring indicator of time for the yearly check up. it had been sometime since he had one. And did he get one when he arrived on board the Pioneer? He did, maybe not by Hermia but he got one. However, it was time to get another one. Its a yearly thing and he did like to make certain he was keeping fit. It was near lunch time, therefore a good time as any to make it happen.
He strode into medical, glancing around then looked for an available doctor, his eyes fastened upon one of the medical staff, the man's bearing spoke volumes to Edmund and he approached the doctor. "Excuse me doctor, are you available for my yearly physical?" Edmund being right to the point.
Jordan Spencer, the doctor on duty, glanced up from his work as Edmund approached. He raised an eyebrow and responded with a sarcastic tone, "Well, hello to you too! My name's Jordan, and I'm here to magically summon your yearly physical out of thin air. No appointment needed, of course. Why bother with schedules, right?" He just blinked at the man for a moment before shaking his head.
Without missing a beat, Edmund answered the man back. "Well Jordan, it is said that doctors are miracle workers so yes, you can summon a yearly physical out of thin air and work with walk ins. My name's Edmund."
Jordan Spencer met Edmund's response with a sly grin, "Miracle worker, huh? Must be a Marine thing to believe in miracles. I guess they don't teach skepticism at boot camp." He playfully raised an eyebrow and motioned toward one of the biobeds. "But hey, since you've graced us with your presence, might as well get comfortable. Hop on the biobed, and let's see if we can't work some more medical miracles. Maybe we can give you a bionic arm or new legs. Ever hear of the million dollar man?"
"I heard of a six million dollar man" Edmund replied as he got on the nearest biobed. "Oh I've enough skepticism but do have belief in some things as well. It was a long journey to get to where I am at now. You sound like you're familiar with things marine wise. Are you?"
Jordan Spencer chuckled at Edmund's response, his sarcastic demeanor softened with a hint of camaraderie. "Six million? Inflation hits everyone, I suppose." He approached the biobed with a casual yet professional demeanor. "As for the Marine thing, guilty as charged. Spent my fair share of time in the Corps. But hey, don't let that influence your opinion of me. I promise I'm not here to bark orders or make you drop and give me fifty. Just a doctor trying to work some medical miracles, as you so eloquently put it."
He prepared the medical tricorder and began the routine scans. "So, Edmund, tell me, what brings you to Sickbay today? Other than the desire for a front-row seat to medical miracles, of course."
"As strange as it may seem, I do like to see if there are new people in medical and also the other departments on the ship. Sort of a bleed over from when I was in security a few years back. And maybe, a bit of natural curiosity." Edmund giving a one shoulder shrug.
"That's fair enough," Jordan replied, nodding as he conducted the scans. "It's always good to know who's who, especially in a place like Sickbay where you never know when you might need a friendly face."
He glanced up from the tricorder with a faint smile. "And curiosity? Well, that's practically a job requirement in a place like this. Keeps things interesting, wouldn't you agree?" Jordan's tone was light, inviting further conversation as he continued his examination. "So, did you find anything particularly interesting in your assignment here on the ship?"
"The whole ship's crew can fit under that umbrella. There is a cat named Mister Tumnus, he just seems to show up when you least expect him to be. Most of the department heads are female. The commodore and I are friends from Academy days, he was my mentor there. One of the reasons why I ended up here I suppose. You see I used to be in Star Fleet security, then I switched over to being of the marines. Started from the ground up. Lets see, the Chief of Security, is Lieutenant Ja'sol, he is an Eldoran nice guy and efficient as well. He and I worked together on a mission before you joined the Pioneer." Merrick stated for starters.
Jordan listened attentively as Merrick provided him with information about the ship's crew and department heads. As Merrick finished, Jordan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms casually.
"Ah, so we've got a ship full of interesting characters," he remarked, a hint of sarcasm lacing his words. "A mysterious cat, a plethora of female department heads, and an old friend as Commodore. Sounds like the beginning of a gripping holonovel."
He chuckled lightly before continuing. "And Lieutenant Ja'sol, the Eldoran Chief of Security. I've heard of him, efficient indeed. Good to know we've got a capable team on board. As for your transition from Starfleet Security to the Marines, quite the switch-up. From phasers to blades, quite the journey. Better fighters, in my opinion."
Jordan paused for a moment, mulling over the information. "Well, Merrick, it seems like we've got our work cut out for us. But hey, as long as Mister Tumnus doesn't start giving orders, I think we'll be just fine," he added with a smirk, picturing the elusive cat issuing commands around the ship. "Any medical concerns you have for me? Previous medical issues that you don't have on record?"
"All of my-medical issues are on record. And I've not had any medical details that haven't been placed in my records. On the job injuries when having been out in the field. "Edmund responded. "Nothing profound, that sort of thing. You know, when a person goes out and does the work you are sent to do, at times there are going to be injuries."
"What about you? What happened to change your course and go into medical?" Merrick being a curious sort .
Jordan nodded gruffly as Merrick shared his medical history. "Alright, good to know you're not hiding anything," he remarked with a raised eyebrow. "Can't have any surprises cropping up when we're knee-deep in the action, right?"
As Merrick redirected the conversation to Jordan's own journey into medicine, Jordan leaned back in his chair with a smirk, his gaze drifting as he reminisced. "Ah, the good ol' days of dodging bullets or phaser fire and patching up broken bodies," he quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Nothing like a little adrenaline to get the heart pumping, huh?"
He straightened up, his expression growing more serious as he continued. "But seriously, after my time as a glorified band-aid dispenser in the Marines, I figured I might as well put those field medic skills to better use," Jordan explained bluntly. "I wanted to actually make more of a difference."
His tone softened slightly as he reflected on his journey. "So, here I am, trading in combat boots for a white coat. Still saving lives, just in a slightly less dramatic fashion," he added with a smirk. "I do miss the field work, and will go back to the marines in a moments notice. But switching over to Navel ranks gave me a chance to put everything into the training. But doesn't mean I'm against a good fight. Now that I have the training and working on the experience, I'll switch back to marines at some point."
"Well with your training as a marine plus now being in medical, your knowhow dealing with injuries and what not, makes you perfect for being in the profession, and that is the same for Hermia." Merrck gave a bit of a smile. "She's a good friend to have." his smile faded, "I left security as the last time I went out on an away mission, my security team wasn't prepared for what we ended up facing. I don't know if it was due to them not being trained well enough? Or just didn't have the mindset to handle things, but when I sought to get them better trained, it just wasn't enough. We lost several, managed to get out of there. That though gave me the desire to leave Star Fleet and go into the Marines"
Jordan nodded in agreement with Merrick's assessment. Since he had just met the Chief of Medicine on the Pioneer, he had taken the time to look into the doctor's background a little and her service record. "Yeah, Hermia's got skills, no doubt about it. Good to have someone reliable on your side," he acknowledged with a faint smirk before his expression turned somber as Merrick shared his reason for leaving Starfleet Security.
"Sounds like a rough situation," Jordan remarked, his tone sympathetic. "Losing teammates is never easy, especially when you're the one leading them. Can't fault you for wanting to switch gears after an experience like that." He paused, reflecting on his own experiences before continuing. "You're right, though. My time in the Marines definitely shaped my approach to medicine. Prepared me for the worst-case scenarios, that's for sure."
He met Merrick's gaze with a determined expression. "But hey, we learn from our experiences, right? Just gotta keep moving forward, one step at a time." Jordan's tone was resolute, a silent promise to himself and to Merrick that he wouldn't let his past hold him back. "And who knows, maybe one day you'll find your way back to Security, stronger and better prepared than ever."
Edmund thought for a moment or two about it, then shook his head. "I don't know if I will be going back to security. However would not be good to say never either. Its like my coming to the decision of reaching out to someone I am interested in, and develop a relationship with them. I'd not allowed myself to step on that sort of path since my wife had died. Now I am, don't know how well it will go but I am definitely wanting to try."
Jordan's expression softened slightly as he processed Merrick's words, a flicker of empathy crossing his features. While he didn't delve into the specifics of his own experiences, the mention of loss struck a chord within him, reminding him of his own personal journey through grief.
"Yeah, taking that first step can feel like stepping into the unknown," Jordan acknowledged quietly, his gaze drifting for a moment as he reflected on his own past. The memory of his own losses hovered at the edge of his consciousness, a constant reminder of the fragility of life.
"But sometimes," he continued, his voice carrying a hint of introspection, "it's worth considering, even if it's scary. Otherwise, you might miss out on something that could change your life."
With a subtle nod, Jordan returned his focus to Merrick, offering a supportive nod of encouragement. "Whatever path you choose, just know that you're not alone in it."
Edmund listened to Jordan and got an inkling of the possibility the man had a loss as well. Not that he said in so many words but there was that noticeable expression. "How long has it been for you, since... your loss?" moving off the biobed. He regarded the man quietly, willing to pry just a little bit.
Jordan's expression softened slightly as he met Edmund's gaze, recognizing the unspoken understanding between them. "It's been a while," he admitted quietly, his tone tinged with a hint of solemnity. "Feels like a lifetime ago."
He paused, his eyes briefly drifting away before returning to Edmund. "Loss has a way of changing you, doesn't it?" he mused, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "It's a journey, learning to navigate through the pain and find some semblance of peace on the other side."
"That is very true." Edmund responded quietly, "It could be for the better or for the worse. Depending on how much or how deep it affects a person." Edmund shifted slightly, "Well" he cleared his throat slightly, "I should get out of your hair for now, however, I'm open for making new friends. If you're of the mind to." Edmund flashing a smile.
Jordan nodded in understanding, his expression reflecting empathy. "Indeed, it can go either way," he agreed, his voice carrying a note of solemnity. "But hey, making new friends sounds like a plan. Can't have too many friendly faces around here."
He offered a small smile in return, genuine warmth shining through despite the lingering shadows in his eyes. "Feel free to drop by anytime, Edmund. I'm usually around, keeping the night watch in Sickbay. And who knows, maybe we can swap stories sometime. Might make the night a bit less lonely."
As Edmund prepared to leave, Jordan glanced at the medical readings on the monitor. "By the way," he added, gesturing towards the display, "it looks like your blood pressure's slightly elevated. Nothing too concerning, but maybe lay off the caffeine and try some deep breathing exercises. I'll keep an eye on it during your next check-up."
Edmund paused, thinking over what Jordan said, "It hopefully will go down once the stress trigger is figured out. Just worried about the Commodore. Still working some things out." Edmund stated giving a bit of a frown. "Just see if you can monitor the Captain his vitals, I think that can be done?"
"It can be, but what you are asking me to do is questionable... but asking the new guy to do that very thing..." Jordan countered looking back.
"I've not been able to contact Hermia, and if it seems questionable then do not do that either. Leave it for Hermia then. I am worried, truly worried." Edmund stated. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked. However, I will let you be, and at least leave a notation for Commander O'Rourke of my request." Edmund replied. Perhaps he shouldn't have asked, but there it was. "I'll talk with you later." moving to leave medical.
Jordan nodded, acknowledging Edmund's concerns. "I understand, Lieutenant. I'll make a note of it and keep an eye on things. And don't worry, I'll handle the monitoring discreetly," he assured him with a reassuring smile. "Take care, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything." As Edmund left, Jordan made a mental note to follow up on the monitoring request with Commander O'Rourke.
A Joint Post By
Captain Edmund Merrick
The Cure Executive Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieuteance Junior Grade Spencer Jordan
Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer
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