Lt. JG Ollie Bergmen - In the end, there's always something that will break you down

[CPT Arianus]

(( Primary Sickbay, Deck 7, USS Artemis ))

Even the universe has its limits. Even for a galaxy, there is an edge, beyond which the endless dark lies. Even a star can burn out.

Ollie understood that he was no different. He could have been a star, shining brightly in his youth for the universe, yet the years that had come and gone had not forgotten. He did not forget. He was flesh and blood. For those whose age was nearly a lifetime, the lightness of being could not be grasped. There was always another morning, another day. It was night, which scared the young lieutenant. Where time could barely touch his body, there was a shadow of his soul, his own mortality, that brushed against him in the doctor's words.

Bergmen: Ok, you know how to sell your offer. Any happy medicine included in that all-inclusive treatment?

Bancroft: ::grinning:: I can give you some anti-inflammatories. But, like all good things, there’s a catch. They’ll kill the pain – but also slow down healing. Inflammation’s your body’s way of fixing itself. ::a beat:: If the pain’s keeping you from sleeping or doing your duties, I’d say go for it – sparingly. But otherwise? I’d ride it out. My guess? Couple days of physio and you’ll forget you were ever broken.

Ollie chuckled.

Bergmen: So apart from physio, anything else I should do or not to do in the meantime?

Bancroft: ::counting off on his fingers:: Let’s see… avoid getting blown up in alien VTOLs, steer clear of insurgent fistfights, skip any explosive decompression, and maybe sit out space battles in retrofitted dumpsters. That about covers it.

The doctor offered him a crooked smile.

Bancroft: As a doctor, I’m not big on restricted duty. Bodies heal better when they’re moving. Just take it easy – no heavy lifting, push-ups, or other heroic feats of strength. Once physio starts, Chief Cliffhigh will get you back in fighting shape, safely and gradually.

Hidden behind the mask of transience, he was pretending not to grasp the deeper significance of those words.

Bergmen: Okay, doctor. Understood. And... Is there anything you need from me or the OPS? I'm here, so we can knock it all out at once.

Roy raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Bancroft: Now that you mention it – we requisitioned a mountain of supplies from DS224 to restock Sickbay after the mission. Their Quartermaster’s gone radio silent. Think you could grease the skids a bit?

Bergman: Hmm… I think I can look into it, doctor. Make him a little sore not to pick up your calls. ::smiles::

Bergmen subtly blinked at Doctor Bancroft, a sign not to worry about it further. And don't worry too much about how, just appreciate the solution.

Bancroft: And one more thing – I’ve been working on a medical device in my off-hours. Starfleet Medical are reviewing the prototype now, and I expect they’ll send it back with some… suggestions. I was going to rope in Tho’Bi and Imril, but I’d love your help too. You in?

Ollie paused, his brow furrowing as he processed the doctor's words. After a short moment of contemplation, he took a deep breath and nodded slowly, while he jumped off the biobed.

Bergman: Yes… Ok. Yes. Send me details, so I can review them in the meantime, but I would like to join your team. ::smiles::

The lieutenant pressed his hand against his chest to ease the pain coursing and extended his other hand to the doctor for a shake.

Bergmen: So, if that's everything, I'll get back to my duties. See ya soon.


TAG/End Scene for Ollie

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Lieutenant JG Ollie Bergmen
Operations Officer
U.S.S. Artemis-A
A240009JC1