USS LOTUS: The Shadow within the Light

The sickbay aboard the Lotus was a key point located on deck 5 of the ship. Unlike many Starfleet vessels the Intrepid class only had the one.

Captain Felez lay uncomfortably in the bio-bed. He recalled seeing this area less than half a dozen times during his last captaincy aboard the Lotus, but he knew that was about to change.

In most cases such exams lasted only a few minutes, but the Captain was a special case. During his last mission for starfleet he and then lieutenant Oseno fell into the vengeful hands of Romulan interrogators. He had been exposed to lethal doses of radiation over an extended period of time, causing critical organ failure and permanent skin damage.

But now it was a problem for his new ship chief medical officer, Nasaro-Myth.

The Deltan had welcomed him with a smile and a warm hand before guiding him to the biobed. There he had let the machines do their work, then cross-checked their results with direct body contact, using his acute perceptions to gauge his health through his pulse, his breathing, his skin moisture and temperature, his body odors and coloring. All the while, he had not said a word, obviously concentrating on the process of atuning his senses to his patient. That didn't take any longer than the actual medical scan from the sickbay systems and he seemed to be satisfied if not a bit puzzled by the concurring results.

"Well, captain, Xenomedecine is my specialty, but it is the first time I actually encounter someone of your species. I'm sorry if it took a bit of time but I had to familiarize myself with Efrozian physiology in general and the specifics of your medical record."

"Yes, it is a point of indignation for my people that we were once considered invaluable on a star ship as navigators, so much so that now joining Star Fleet carries a level social stigma for people like me." Efrozians, although a vary passionate race, were able to read 'conversational empathy' in each other to a exact degree, as such they lost the ability to use facial expressions.

His smile was both friendly and professional, at the same time sympatethic and authoritative, a subtle mixture not many healers could achieve.

"The radiation poisonning you've been exposed to was calibrated for Human physiology. It would have played havoc after months on a Human but on someone of your kind, it did worse and faster. It looks like the damages and consequences are irreversible, most notably to your immune system... but don't mind if I try my best to find out a way to reverse that sentence. A good diet rich in iron, regular moderate exercise, enough rest and maybe some meditation will do you wonders. In the meantime, I would advise you to avoid away missions as much as possible. And if you have no choice to do so and observe any discoloration of your skin, it will be a sign that something is affecting your system. In such a case, return to the ship at once. Exposing yourself to alien environements might prove detrimental too often and eventually leave you unfit to perform your duties. And that would be a shame; I read your Starfleet record and I've heard so many tall tales about you from my former commanding officer, the Federation would suffer a great loss if you were forced to retire due to ill health."

His charming smile widened and a spark shone in his purple eyes.

"That's vary kind of you Doctor." Then as if an afterthought forced his face into a smile in return. "Thank you"

"Fortunately, we live in a century where captains have XOs to do the dirty work. With a good one you have full confidence in, you will still have as long and fruitful a career in the big chair as anybody else. And your friendly doctor is here to make it so."

He stepped back with a crooked smile at the corner of his mouth so that Felez would know his ordeal was over.

Getting up and putting his jacket back on, Felez felt more at ease. "As soon as your done with the rest of the senior officers, have them report to the briefing room, you as well of course."

"So it shall be done, Captain," Elliago acknowledged with a slight nod of his perfectly shaved head.

"I'm looking forward to working together, Commander." 

There was a strange detachement in the way he did, as if he had said it out of reflex. He gave a nod and moved to leave sickbay. But his CMO's soft, rich voice followed him.

"Doctor, if you don't mind, my good Captain.  I hold a rank because the powers-that-be want me to, not because I want it or need it... and regulation allows me to have it ignored. I experienced command and if I'm ready to assume the responsibility, I do not look forward to it.  I want to be, and be recognized as, a healer of body, mind and soul, Captain; nothing more but nothing less."

Felez stopped short as if not understanding what he had said at first.

"You're right of course. I'm just a bit distracted."

"Quite understandable, with this new command so suddenly entrusted upon you. And I'm sure mission orders are anything but routine stuff, if they recalled this lady back into play," Elliago noted, his eyes roving all around to encompass the ship. " But you're in command, Captain. It is now you who will call the dance, when and how you choose; remember that."

He gave him a nod.

"See you at the meeting, Doctor."

"Count on it," the Deltan acknowledged with a smile, although his eyes lingered on the Efrozian with obvious if undefined concern.

As he walked to the turbolift, Felez pulled up his latest assignment notes on his PaDD, The implication of someone taking a ship like the Diamond Star right out of spacedock beneath the very noses of Starfleet security was troubling at the least.

The list of suspects wasn't encouraging either.

A little later, he entered the Briefing room and took his seat, sighed and put down his PaDD. He was already feeling tiered from just the exertion of the exam and the walk back to the bridge, it wasn't a feeling he was ready to admit to himself.

He looked at the chronometer and wondered what was keeping them, perhaps the Doctor was keeping them busy.