Saying Hello
Posted on Tue Jun 18th, 2024 @ 5:40pm by Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer & Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhara Rynn & Sophia
Edited on on Tue Jun 18th, 2024 @ 8:29pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Sickbay - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD002 1000 hrs
Zhara heard there was a new assistant chief medical officer, but she hadn't met him yet, so when Sophia wanted to visit sickbay, she decided to accompany her and say hello. As Vura had been busy meeting many of the crew, it gave the other counselor time for it.
Sophia always liked her visits and would often go by herself to see if there were any patients who needed her to sit by them and give them her special form of comfort. She didn't wait for Zhara and entered sickbay ahead of her handler and friend. As soon as she entered sickbay, she looked around for anyone to greet.
Jordan Spencer glanced up from his work as he noticed the entrance of Sophia, the therapy dog, into Sickbay. He observed the poodle with curiosity, recognizing her from the description in the ship's personnel files. His gaze then shifted to Zhara Rynn, the ship's counselor, who followed behind her furry companion.
"Ah, a therapy dog," Jordan remarked to himself, noting the significance of Sophia's presence in the medical bay. He offered a polite nod of acknowledgment to Zhara as she entered. "Lieutenant Rynn, welcome to Sickbay. I presume this is Sophia, your companion?" he inquired, his tone courteous as he extended a hand in greeting, eager to make their acquaintance.
Zhara smiled warmly at the doctor as she took his hand in hers. "Zhara, please. Welcome to the Pioneer." She moved aside for Sophia to greet the doctor.
The poodle sat on her haunches and put a paw gently on the doctor's leg. "That's one of her ways to say hello. When she visits patients, she'll sit by the biobed and wait. She usually waits for them to initiate contact, but since you're a doctor she's doing the equivalent of shaking your hand."
Sophia put her paw down and wagged her tail.
He took a long moment to process this before taking a deep breath. "You trained her well. I commend you on the hard work, Zhara. What brings you down here?"
"I thought I would say hello." She smiled again. "I also wanted to introduce you to Sophia. She likes to visit patients when there are any, so I thought you should meet her first before she wanders in one day. She is well-trained and behaves herself. If you would rather her not come here on your duty shift, I can make sure she understands that."
He took a moment to look at Sophia before shrugging and gave a slight smirk. "Don't bother me, though it is unusual for me to see such things. Who am I to question or alter something like that prior to getting fully integrated into the crew."
"She is rare on a starship, but therapy dogs have been around for centuries. They're often more in tune with emotions than we are. Sometimes she'll come in here and just sit by someone. I use her in counseling because she can often help those who are nervous." She smiled at the doctor. "But enough of Sophia. Have you settled in yet?"
"As expected," Jordan replied as he continued going through one of the read outs on the display before him. He had not been the type to really settle down in a while and this was supposed to be a new start for him. But it was kind of hard to just... settle in. "Dropped my stuff in my new quarters, and went straight to learning my new position and those around me. It's a nice little ship."
"It is." She watched him for several moments, noting not only his words but his tone and facial expression. "Yes, it is a nice ship, and a nice crew. You'll find that most are warm and welcoming. Do you have a specialty?"
Jordan took a moment to reflect before responding, "If I had to pinpoint a specialty within the vast realm of medicine, my inclination leans towards emergency medicine," he shared, a touch of nostalgia evident in his voice. "I honed my skills during my time as a Marine field medic, navigating high-pressure scenarios and making split-second decisions. There's a unique satisfaction in providing immediate care and stabilizing patients in critical conditions."
As he delved into his preference for emergency medicine, a cascade of memories from his field medic days swept through Jordan's mind. Scenes of battlefield chaos, the urgency of treating wounded comrades amidst the clamor of war, and the pulse-quickening moments of saving lives replayed briefly in his thoughts.
The recollections carried both the triumphs and the weight of loss—the faces of grateful soldiers he managed to aid and the painful moments of realizing he couldn't save everyone. These experiences fueled his dedication to achieving excellence in his medical practice, a commitment born from the stark realities of the battlefield.
Returning to the present, Jordan refocused on Zhara, a determined expression on his face. "Emergency medicine remains my forte, yet I'm open to exploring new opportunities here on the Pioneer," he declared, conveying a sense of adaptability and enthusiasm for growth. "Each patient, every challenge, is a chance to expand my knowledge and skills. Besides," he added with a shrug and a grin, "there's a certain thrill in the adrenaline rush."
He turned his attention back to the monitor, engrossed in his work. "And what about you? What drew you to counseling?" he inquired, genuinely curious about Zhara's path into her field.
"I like learning why people behave the way they do and helping those who need help. I like healing minds." Her expression grew more contemplative. "Being a field medic can be a difficult job."
"It can be," he nodded in agreement simply. "But counseling versus field medic is very different. You have to play the long game, and even then, it’s not a complete guarantee that it will fix or help in the end."
"That's true. I deal in questions to find answers. You deal in problems and find solutions." She shrugged. "Both are parts of a whole person and I believe both are essential." Her smile turned wry. "Although in the end, your career saves more lives than mine does. I simply try to keep people sane and happy."
"Don't count yourself short. I can assure you, you do more than you think," Jordan replied as not much more than a shrug for reassurance. "So, with me being the new guy, what would you like to know about your new doctor on the ship?"
As she was not being addressed, Sophia lay on the floor and watched the two humans talk.
She thought for a moment. "What do you like to do when you're not on duty?" It was a general place to start.
Jordan leaned back in his chair, contemplating Zhara's question for a moment. "Well, when I'm not on duty, you can usually find me hitting the range or working out," he replied, his tone casual. "Gotta keep those skills sharp, you know?"
He paused, considering whether to divulge more personal details. "And, uh, sometimes I'll unwind with a drink or two," he added nonchalantly, though there was a hint of evasion in his voice. "But hey, enough about me. What about you, Counselor? What's your idea of relaxation when you're not busy unraveling the mysteries of the human psyche?"
His body language and general aura told her he was being evasive, but it wasn't something she was going to address unless it became a problem--or if he wanted to talk about it. "I enjoy a glass of wine while listening to music or reading a good book. I also like things that appeal to the senses."
Jordan raised an eyebrow at Zhara's response, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, a woman of refined taste," he remarked, nodding approvingly. "Wine, music, and literature—sounds like the perfect recipe for relaxation."
He leaned forward slightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "But I have to admit, I'm intrigued by this 'unraveling the mysteries of the human psyche' bit," he continued, his tone teasing. "Must be fascinating work, getting inside people's heads like that. You ever uncover any juicy secrets?"
His tone was light, the playful banter a welcome distraction from the usual seriousness of their respective roles on the ship.
Zhara chuckled. "Some things must remain confidential." She leaned forward, too, her tone light. "That's why they talk to me. Otherwise, I'd just have Sophia."
Jordan chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah, the keeper of secrets," he replied, leaning back in his chair with a knowing smile. "Well, I suppose every good counselor needs a vault for all those juicy tidbits."
He paused, the playful smirk still lingering on his lips. "But hey, if you ever feel like sharing, you know where to find me," he added, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "Just don't tell Sophia."
Zhara laughed, delighted with the banter. "I think it's too late for that." She glanced over at Sophia, who wasn't paying them any attention. Still, she lowered her voice to a husky whisper, a teasing light in her eyes. "But I promise not to share any juicy secrets you wish to tell me in private."
"Why, counselor, it sounds like something I would say. Should I be concerned," Jordan smirked ever so lightly as he watched her closely.
"Of course not. Sophia never shares secrets, and I know you would never say anything to compromise a patient or a confidence, and neither would I." Then she added. "I was referring to the ephemera of life on a starship. And, perhaps, stories of Mr. Tumnus."
He smirked ever so slightly before replying. "Ah yes, Mr. Tumnus."
"Have you met the ship cat?" she asked.
Spencer paused for a moment and looked dumb founded before he simply replied. "No... there is a cat?"
She chuckled softly. "There is. His--I assume it's a he is Mr. Tumnus. He apparently belongs to no one in particular and roams around the ship. He's visited several crew members. I wouldn't be surprised if he's been in sickbay a few times. He and Sophie met once that I'm aware of." If he was hesitant about a therapy dog, she wondered what he'd think of the ship cat.
"Oook..." Jordan thought out loud as he nodded. "So, expect furballs and dog hair from time to time. This is new. But then again, Its far better than what I have seen another ship approve of."
Zhara couldn't help laughing. "I'm afraid so, but then, people shed as well, so hair is hard to avoid. Hairballs, however, are another matter."
"Oh lovely," he replied as he shook his head. This wasn't completely something he was fond of. Of course, this wasn't his boat, so he had no control over it. "So, what kind of questions do you have for me as this is a social visit, or do you have someone else to go visit?"
"I think I've learned enough." She smiled beatifically. He was pretty easy to read, and she'd stayed long enough for a social call. "Sophia and I should let you get back to your work."
Sophia stood up and went over to Zhara, her tail wagging.
Spencer flashed a charming grin, a hint of flirtation dancing in his eyes. "Ah, leaving so soon?" he remarked with a playful tone, leaning casually against the nearby console. "Well, I suppose I'll have to make sure to schedule some extra 'educational sessions' with you then. Wouldn't want to miss out on your invaluable expertise."
"Well then, you know where to find me." She couldn't help matching his playful tone. It had been a while since she enjoyed a casual conversation. Her eyes met his and she smiled warmly. "I have a feeling those educational sessions could be mutually beneficial." She gave Sophie a hand signal and the dog headed for the door. There was a hint of flirtation in her voice as she added, "In fact, I look forward to it."
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhara Rynn
Counselor, USS Pioneer
Sophia
Therapy Dog, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer
Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer
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