Medical Efficency

Posted on Wed Jun 18th, 2025 @ 11:43pm by Lieutenant JG T'Avia Espinosa & Lieutenant Commander Aaron Marcus

943 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: USS Ontario | Sickbay

The hiss of the sickbay doors sliding open greeted T’Avia Espinosa as she stepped inside, crisp uniform pristine, PADD in hand. The Ontario’s sickbay was larger than she expected although she knew Ambassador class starships were larger. Sickbay revealed itself to be sterile, sleek, immaculate, and bathed in cool light that hummed softly along the walls. Biobeds lined the far side, a diagnostic display pulsing quietly above each.

She carefully entered, not wanting to break what felt like a hermetic seal that Sickbay's environment had. She soon found the ship's Chief physician standing about reviewing charts.

T'Avia waited with a scrutinized brow slightly elevated. "Lieutenant Junior Grade T’Avia Espinosa," she said once his attention diverted to her. "On loan from the Vulcan Ministery of Science, Doctor. I'm here to ensure that all my records meet your requirements, and to provide you with any subsequent information needed to suffice" she explained.

"I'm here as Acting Chief Science Officer until Lieutenant Bálor returns or that I am otherwise reassigned" she finished.

Aaron had already reviewed the records for the Lieutenant and found that there was no need for further medical exams. He was about to tell her exactly that when she talked about being Percy's replacement. That brought a broad smile to his face. He leaned on his cane and the smile changed to an expression of smugness. "So, you are Babe's replacement. That is a rather small pair of shoes to fill. I am Lieutenant Commander Aaron Marcus, but you can call me Doctor. In fact I would rather you not call me at all. As with most things that Vulcan's do, your records are in pristine shape. You are in excellent health and clear for duty."

"How cavalier," replied T'Avia. "This is an Ambassador class starship. There are nearly a thousand souls aboard at standard compliment. As Chief Medical Officer you undoubtedly have a capable staff of physicians, nurses, and techs. You should not be called for any unnecessary occurrences. I would hope you have better things to do than kiss boo boos."

She arched a brow. "I have been reading through his professional reports if you can classify them as such. Small shoes is an exaggeration. Barefoot would be more accurate given the disarray and lack of adequate professionalism."

Aaron's smiled broadened. It seemed for the moment that things aboard the Ontario were looking up. First a fellow Holmsean and now someone who had just as bad things to say about Percy as he did. "Far be it from me to argue with Vulcan logic. As to the better things to do I often do have better things to do. However, it seems that the lady in charge would rather have me treat anything and everything." A Vulcan aboard was fortuitous to Aaron's research. Now, he had to find the right moment to breach the subject about Bendii Syndrome.

"Peculiar," replied T'Avia. "That would seem a most wasteful use of your time and expertise. You have a staff for a reason. If the Captain expects the same of me, I will need to learn to adapt. I much prefer to leave simple tasks to those looking to gain experience."

"Well my dear Lieutenant this is a most peculiar ship." Aaron said with a smile. "The truth is I do have a staff and give them assignments. However, it seems that everything just happens while I am on duty. I am sure you will notice that particular peculiarity the longer you are on this ship."

"I see," she continued to absorb the information and reflect on things she had noticed since coming aboard. "The Captain and First Officer seem to have a fondness for Lieutenant Bálor...'Babe' I believe you referred to him as. I cannot operate in the style of Babe. His reports were sloppy, his behavior erratic, and his cognitive functioning requires additional testing."

"That is good to hear. Lieutenant I for one look forward to seeing you succeed where your predecessor failed. This ship can definitely use some Vulcan logic and clarity." Aaron said with little to no emotion showing on his face. Lord knows I can do with being left alone for longer than five damn minutes. Perhaps this Vulcan driving everyone crazy with efficiency will be just the thing to accomplish that. he thought.

"Logic has its place," she prefaced carefully. "The Vulcans taught me a lot, but to them I will always be V'tosh ka'tur. I let my emotions be free though keeping them in check" explained T'Avia. "Sometimes, you just can't take the 'Chava' out of me and I've been known to get a little spicy."

Aaron finished his scans and placed the tricorder on the cart. "Spicy?" Last time Aaron checked people did not have a particular flavor. However, he also did not keep up on whatever the latest terminology was. He knew from the scans that the Lieutenant was only half Vulcan and that must have been why she referenced what the Vulcans called her.

"So, they say" she replied simply. "If you have nothing else for me, I will leave you to your duties and responsibilities, Doctor."

"Nothing else thank you. You are clear for duty and dismissed Lieutenant." As T'Avia left the Sick Bay Aaron was left with a feeling not usually afforded to him. One of curiosity, he wondered at the moment how this new Science Officer would fair aboard the Ontario. Definitely a step in the right direction as far as Aaron was concerned.

Lieutenant Commander Aaron Marcus
Chief Medical Officer
USS Ontario

Lieutenant JG T'Avia Espinosa
Acting Chief Science Officer
USS Ontario

 

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