The Doctor is in!

Posted on 16 Jul 2014 @ 7:50pm by Lieutenant Tuula Voutilainen M.D.
Edited on on 16 Jul 2014 @ 11:34pm

843 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 06 - Legend of Souls
Location: USS Galileo, Deck 4, Shuttlebay
Timeline: MD6, 1322 hours

[ON]

"Be careful with that, I have my bone saw in there."

The shuttlebay attendant handling Tuula's bags recoiled in shock, pulling his hand away from the cloth-wrapped item. When he was told that he was to assist the new doctor with her bags, Tuula wasn't what he was expecting. "Your... bone saw?"

"Yes," replied Tuula. "It's used for hacking off limbs." Seeing a horrified expression on his face, she clarified. "It's an antique. From 19th century Earth. Don't worry, I'd never actually hack off your arm with something like that," she added, trying to reassure him with a smile.

Way to go, thought Tuula. You've been on board for thirty seconds and you're already scaring the locals.

"I... see." The attendant gently picked up the cloth wrapped package and placed it on his cart. "Are there any other implements of torture you would like to warn me about?"

"Just the surgical set in that wooden case there," replied Tuula. "And the antique catheters in that maple box."

"Antique--" the attendant cringed at the mental picture. "Never mind. I don't want to know."

"Are you sure? I can show you my collection sometime," she replied half-jokingly.

"Quite," he replied as he placed another of her bags on the cart. He didn't know what to think about this new doctor. Between the hair and her chair, she didn't look like any doctor he'd ever seen. And this bone saw of hers just creeped him out. "Why don't you go report in while I deliver your bags?"

**A couple minutes later**

As she wheeled her way through the corridors of the USS Galileo, Tuula took in the identical drab grey walls. She always thought that Starfleet vessels could use a little brightening up, if only to distinguish one corridor from another and help new crewmen navigate the mazes that were their assignments. She got a few curious stares on the way to the turbolift, but no more or less than on her last previous assignment.

As she was about to call the turbolift, her comm badge chirped. "Doctor, if you're not too busy, I'd like to request your presence in the lounge." The voice had a slightly chipper tone, possibly with a Bolian accent.

"Who is this?" replied Tuula, in a slightly playful voice. She wasn't expecting a social call so soon after boarding and figured she might at least have the chance to have a little fun before her assignment starts.

"You'll find out soon enough, doctor."

Tuula checked her chronometer; she had some time before she was required to report in, perhaps enough for a coffee. She knew this voice, she just couldn't match it to its owner. Though she couldn't put her finger on it, something about this familiar voice gave her a bad feeling.

A few minutes later she was at the entrance to the lounge. Quickly, she stopped to adjust her hair, getting her red and black style just right before proceeding. As the doors swung open, her eyes immediately fell on a Bolian in a yellow uniform sitting alone at a table for two near the entrance.

"Ardon Zuwtt." Six years later, she recognized him immediately.

"Tuula," he exclaimed, standing up from his seat, a wide grin on his face. "You look different. New hair?"

"And chair," she replied, staring back at him, a stern expression on her face. And tattoos, not that you'll be seeing those. "It's been six years, Ardon. If I wanted to talk to you, I'd have called you back by now."

"Rebellious as always, aren't you," he said with a smirk, stepping forward. "Have a... er, seat."

"What do you want, Ardon?" she asked, her hands gripping her wheels, not to propel her forwards or back but simply to help her "stand" her ground.

"I just saw your name on the manifest, and figured we should meet up. After all, it's been a while, and if we're going to be serving together, we might as well make the best of it. Why do I have to want something?"

The best of it. Tuula quickly analyzed those words. She had a feeling she knew what he meant by 'make the best of it.' "I know you, Zuwtt. You always want something."

"That's not fair, Tuula," he replied, kicking the other chair at the table away. The manifest didn't mention anything about a wheelchair. "Now come, let us catch up. It's been a while."

"No, Ardon," Tuula slowly backed away. He was the last person she expected to see and the last person she wanted to see in this new assignment. She hadn't even told Jaana about the circumstances of their breakup, not even six years later. "I'm not interested."

"Oh, come on." Zuwtt was practically pleading with her to stay. "I have to talk to you."

"No. I'm leaving." With that, she swiftly turned in place and headed back out the door.

[OFF]

Introducing PO2 Ardon Zuwtt

Ensign Tuula Voutilainen
Medical Officer
USS Galileo

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