Déjà vu

Posted on 01 Mar 2024 @ 2:41am by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim

1,623 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 19 - Tomorrow's Galileo
Location: Sickbay, Deck 3, USS Galileo
Timeline: MD1 1200

ON:

Making her way to the ship's medical facilities, Delainey felt a surge of adrenaline and the number of butterflies within her stomach tripled. Those who weren't aware of her past with this particular science vessel might assume her emotional reaction had to do with taking on leadership responsibilities in a new assignment. While that was certainly true, she found herself thinking more about the past she shared with this vessel rather than anticipating the future.

It was hard to put into words all that she was feeling. Now that she was free to move around the ship on her own and returning to the ship was a reality and not just an abstract idea, she found herself flooded with memories, which only intensified as she walked these particular corridors, offering smiles and nods of acknowledgment to the primarily teal clad crew members she encountered.

Even though it had only been a few short years since Carlisle had been aboard, naturally more than a few things had changed, and yet, so many things still felt familiar, and brought to mind A sense of belonging she hadn't ever realized she had been missing until she didn't have to.

Entering sickbay, Carlisle scanned the space. It was clear she was searching for something, or in this case, someone. Her smile widened. "Hello Dr. Warraquim."

Allyndra turned as she heard her name. "Dr. Carlisle! Are you back on this ship? I do hope so! Have you been?"

Delainey quickened her step and approached the doctor, somewhat awkwardly reaching for Allyndra's hands to place in hers. Carlisle had forgotten whether such a gesture would be welcome and understood to be motivated by the kindness she intended, but overcome with a wave of mixed emotions herself at the sight of a familiar face, it wasn't at the forefront of her mind. "I can't believe you remembered my name, though I supppose I shouldn't be surprised. The powers that be have indeed assigned me here once again. I'm back like a bad penny," she added with a chuckle.

Allyndra had to think over every euphemism she had heard but had to admit that was one that she couldn't remember. "Bad penny? I'm sorry, I think I haven't heard that one before."

"No problem," Carlisle replied. Then she frowned. "Actually, you know what? I'm not sure of the origin myself. It's just something my family would say. It basically means I'm teasing you, suggesting I might not be a welcome sight after all. I suppose it's my weak attempt to be self-deprecating," he added.

"Ah! Well I am so glad you are here. We have been without a good counselor for a bit and then it falls on me. Very good, let's get a quick scan in for official purposes. I am presuming nothing really new or serious since last on board?"


Delainey shook her head. "Nothing serious. Maybe just an uptick in the frequency of the common cold and related ailments. Despite bio filters, it seemed serving on a station meant coming into contact with a variety of germs." Carlisle waved her hand away at the comment, offering, "Still, I wouldn't trade the diverse interactions for anything."

Her brain took a moment to register what Allyndra had said. "How long has it been since you've had a counselor officially? I must say, I'd be curious to know how you liked serving in that capacity," she added with a grin.

"Ever since you left, pretty much. Anyway, let's get you officially scanned in medical, and I'm going to also sign off on your official counseling session. One stop shopping."

"Ooh, I like the sound of that," Carlisle answered, following Allyndra's lead. "I'd like to get my feet under me as a department head again, but I'd still like to keep my medical skills sharp too if you'll have me help out? Of course, I don't wish to intrude either."

"You are more than welcome. We are always short-handed. In fact...," Allyndra pursed her lips. "I haven't had a check-up myself in a bit. Want to, as the human phrase goes, 'get back in the saddle'?"

Delainey chuckled. "Why, Commander, to borrow another human phrase, are you suggesting we both ' play doctor?' I'd love to. It will give me a chance to once again familiarize myself with your unique physiology." Of course, she had no idea if she had just confused the senior medical officer with another strange humans expression, but she knew if that were the case, she would be told. For a moment, she wondered if there was more to the request for her to conduct her own check up of the senior medical officer. From what she recalled, Allyndra was quite responsible about all things medical.

Allyndra didn't pause. "I am here to report for my necessary medical checkup." She wanted to follow how Delainey would handle a patient.

The abrupt transition from laughter and familiarity to cool professionalism took Delainey by surprise , but she took a bed and quickly recovered. " i'd be happy to assist you, Doctor. Please, will you take a seat on the bed for me? In the meantime, I will pull up your medical record."

Carlisle did just that as she gave Allyndra the time to make herself comfortable. She took a few moments to review the information contained, which not only included personal medical history, but information relevant to her people as well.

Allyndra did as she was asked and got on the bed but didn't lie back yet. Her hands clasped in her lap. The only thing she had to do was let her wings sit to her side.

A scan of the records revealed a recent incident in which the doctor's wings had been crushed, and further back, the loss of a finger. Both incidents sounded absolutely excruciating and Carlisle found herself wincing as she reviewed the information, but by the time she turned to face the CMO, her expression was warm and professional. "I see here it wasn't too long ago your wings were crushed. Despite your regenerative powers, that sounds absolutely awful. Have you fully recovered from that incident?"

Allyndra frowned. "Physically yes. Mentally, not quite so much; we can get to that later in your official capacity."

"Fair enough," the counselor replied, making a mental note for later. "Is there anything that's currently bothering you physically."

"Only the lack of time to be able to fly. Once the wings healed it seems as if there is not any time to use them. You might also want to check on my electrolyte levels. All I've had is synthetic or replicated blood in like forever. Technically, they have the proper nutrients, but I never fully trust that is the case."

"Is there something in particular that makes you question that? Any particular sensations or symptoms?" Carlisle asked, reaching for her tricorder.

"I am constantly hungry even after the replicator stuff. Either something is off there or I am not absorbing or getting what I need."

Opening the device, Delainey said, "I can certainly see if there's anything telling in your scans. How long has this been going on?"

"The last two months."

Scanning in silence for a moment, Delainey offered, "I'm not showing the level of micronutrients in your biochemistry I would expect to see. I agree with you, I would think replicated meals would incorporate all you need, but perhaps not."

"Thought that might be the case. Synthetic is really meant to keep the person alive for the short term." Allyndra winked. "I just need a volunteer."

Delainey chuckled when she saw Allyndra wink. Carlisle knew the doctor's needs but she appreciated Allyndra had a sense of humor about it. "No judgment from me. I'm just wondering why you've been on synthetic for so long? Has there not been a proper donor available?"

"No body donates. There are substances in the bite that, shall we say, seem to have quite an erotic effect on others, especially humans." Allyndra shrugged. "A long time since I had a companion, but that is more your other specialty."

"I should probably brush up on my Akkadian physiology," Carlisle offered sheepishly. "Your romantic needs aside, this does raise the question of what to do about your diet. I'd hate to think you're destined to be hungry all the time and lacking the ideal nutrients."

"I've long gotten used to it. Hopefully, one day, they swing back to a starbase where they keep a little of the real stuff on hand rather than synthesized. I suppose I could try concocting a supplement. There never seems to be enough time." Allyndra got up. "Well, for being away from the medical side, you've done very good."

"Thank you," Carlisle replied sincerely. "I have always done what I could to keep my skills sharp, but as I said, I know there's always room for improvement. Perhaps I could help you create a proper supplement? I fully understand as caregivers, we tend to put others before ourselves, but I'd be happy to help. Besides, a healthier CMO benefits us all," she added with a smile.

"That sounds good. However, get you settled in first. I should make an appointment with you in your official capacity. There is a lot that I think I need to talk about."

"My door is always open," Delainey replied with a nod. Before taking her leave, Carlisle offered sincerely, "Thanks for the homecoming, Doctor. I can't tell you how good it felt to see a familiar friendly face today."

"Welcome back, doctor."

final tag?

OFF:

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Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Chief Medical and Second Officer
USS Galileo-A

Lieutenant Junior Grade Delainey Carlisle
Chief Counselor
USS Galileo-A

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