JDL | LtCmdr Rogers MD, Lt Vanik | Chief Medical Officer, Chief Counsellor/Diplomatic Officer | "Awkward Meeting"

Posted on 241403.02 @ 12:09pm by Lieutenant Orson Odan MD, PsyD & Lieutenant Scarlet Rogers MD

Mission: Where no man has gone before.
Location: Sickbay

Main Sickbay, USS Enterprise

Dr Scarlet Rogers was sorting out her new desk the way she wanted it. She was left handed, so most of the desk supplies needed switching sides for easy access. She looked around the room and finally went to sit in her new chair.

Vanik had yet to complete his transfer of duty with the command team despite his early efforts, but had been assigned his quarters and unpacked his few possessions and taken a tour of the entire ship. His last stop before trying again to seek out a member of the command team again was sickbay. Entering sickbay he witnessed staff making preparations and checking things accordingly and spotted the chief medical officer in her office. Believing it prudent to introduce himself and complete his medical, he walked into the space marked out by partial walls as the Chief Medical Officer’s office.

“Greetings Doctor, I am Vanik, the ships Counsellor and Diplomatic Officer” he said with a slight nod to the woman in the chair.

"I was just about to come find you," she smiled in return, "I'm Scarlet." The young woman held out her hand.

Vanik quirked a brow it was most fascinating that the red-headed woman sat at the desk was efficient enough to know he was the ships counsellor and want to get acquainted to fashion their working relationship. He liked that. Did he like it? No, not like. Appreciated the logical nature of the situation. “Doctor” he said simply looking at the extended hand not fully understanding the concept of a handshake or its purpose. Deciding it would dampen the working relationship Vanik accepted the offered hand in an awkward handshake. “Have you been aboard long?” he asked.

"I've been around for a few days, but not in here til yesterday afternoon," she smiled, "I know that we'll be working closely together so I'm glad you're here."

Vanik nodded his head “Indeed we will Doctor, I have yet to carry out a psychological profile of the crew, however, once this is complete I will be sure to note any concerns or treatment suggestions in the correct medical file” he explained. “I myself have been aboard for two days and thirteen hours. I have yet, however, to see the counselling suite. From my memory of the ship deck plan it should be located in close proximity to your sickbay which will further allow our working relationship to operate more consistently”.

Scarlet was a little startled by the bluntness, "Uh, yes, but regardless, I have an open door policy, so don't be a stranger."

Vanik was confused by this statement "I do not believe I can be a stranger now we have been introduced?" he said raising a single brow.

"It's an expression, it means that you should visit often and not feel unwelcome," she corrected herself, she'd forgotten how 'odd' Vulcan's brains were.

"Ah Human expressions are most fascinating. I believe there is one about making splitting bananas although it strikes me as an unusual way to say goodbye to someone" he mused to himself. Vanik looked back to the doctor "I once spent twenty-four hours as a result learning what a banana was and exactly the most efficient way to split it, however, I do not believe it was the intention of the phrase for fruit to be divided as a parting gift. At least not in any Earth culture I have studied" he explained.

"Haven't heard of that one, I am a fan of eating bananas though, they taste nice" she smiled.

“They are an effective source of potassium and minerals” Vanik stated simply. Not one for small talk he turned the conversation back to their duties. “Have any crew you have examined displayed any psychological signs I should be aware of doctor?” he asked.

"The 'fresh out of the academy' people and a few ensigns, are just a bit nervous, but I don't really blame them, I was in their shoes not too long ago, so I understand. The captain is very... well, let's just say he isn't very co-operative when it comes to his health, he will avoid medical checks like they are the plague itself," she chuckled, "Nothing out of the ordinary as far as I can tell at the moment."

“A commanding officer who does not appreciate medical decisions. How original” Vanik stated. Had he been human most would have classed that statement as sarcastic. “Very well, I will arrange clinic hours for junior staff to come and discuss any feelings they may have regarding their assignments. While I am here, it would be logical for my own medical examination to be carried out, should you have the time?” he asked producing a PADD. “This is mine and my family medical history for the last one hundred years” he explained.

"That's a long time," she stared wide eyed scanning through the data on the PADD, "Yeah sure; I have a minute before clocking off for the night." As she walked out with Vanik to a biobed, she said, "I just think that the junior staff need some encouragement or confidence, assertive training or something, I had a person here just who was a ball of nerves. They should not be nervous around medical staff, not unless they are ill."

"A person being afraid of a doctor in sickbay is as illogical as someone being afraid of an engineer near a warp core. If anything, the correct placement of profession and location should be of comfort" Vanik said taking a seat on the biobed. "I shall make a note and see what arrangements can be made for a group therapy session" he added.

"Let me know how it goes, otherwise I'm going to start putting vallium through the vents," she chuckled before reading her tricorder, "you're healthy as far as I can see, unless there's anything you want to tell me."

Vanik raised a brow and looked to the doctor. "That would be a clear violation of Starfleet air purity control guidelines" he stated missing the joke entirely. "There is nothing to note" he stated. "Please also know that should you wish to discuss any difficult situations, feelings or ... desires to break protocols my door is as you said, always... open" he finished.

Mouth open in a puzzled look Scarlet was unsure how to respond, "Vulcan's really can't understand jokes or sarcasm can they?" she half joked.

Vanik inclined his head in agreement. "Being half-Human I understand more than most" he admitted showing that even Human genes didn't help the overpowering sense of stoic logic.

"I'm sure we'll work each other out soon enough. I mean we are stuck with each other for the foreseeable future," she smiled.

Vanik refrained from raising a brow at the interesting use of the verb to be stuck. "Most certainly we will" he said with the smallest smile allowing his Human side to show just a little.

Scarlet caught the slight smile and stood up from her desk, "That's the spirit."

"I couldn't possibly know what you mean" Vanik replied quirking a brow. "If there is nothing else Doctor?" he said returning to the typical Vulcan way and getting down off the biobed.

Scarlet chuckled, "I'll see you soon, I have been trying to get off duty for a while. I will now succeed. You know where I am if you need or want me." Patting the Vulcan's shoulder she left through the doors and down the corridor.

Vanik inclined his head "I find that in our line of work, off duty is often short-lived" he said as she left sickbay. Now with his medical done he was free to report in and find his quarters.

=/\=

Lieutenant Commander Scarlet Rogers MD
Chief Medical Officer
USS Enterprise

&

Lieutenant Vanik
Chief Counsellor/Diplomatic Officer
USS Enterprise