Ensign Alix Harford- Quite Enough Bravado

[Meri]

(( Astra Aura, Downtown, Denali Station ))

Alix was putting on her best brave face while fish swam around her feet flaying her, at least that's how it felt. She'd certainly experienced worse pain, but she'd never volunteered for it before today. Focusing on the time passing or the fish in the tank only made it worse, so she'd mustered the courage to start a conversation with the Commodore in hopes that talking would help distract her mind. Amazing how pain could help her overcome a greater fear; social anxiety. 

Oddas: Warp Theory, I got it after I joined Starfleet from the Bajoran Academy of Technical and Military Sciences. Turns out if you publish enough papers people start asking you to do it formally.

Harford nodded: That's interesting. I'd never heard anyone refer to you as anything but Commodore or Sir.

Oddas: It's rare that I'm around anyone who cares, or remembers. Besides, I'm not sure my Doctorate passes the shuttle test.

Harford: The shuttle test, Sir?

Harford barely got her question out through gritted teeth before a particularly nasty slice made her scream out and jerk one leg up and partially out of the water. An attendant moved forward placing their hands on Harford's shoulders to help her out of the tank, but she pushed her foot back into the water. She would not give up until the first timer rang. Besides, endorphins should be kicking in any moment to help her push past the worst of it.

Mercifully, the Commodore did not comment on Harford's outcry and instead answered her question, giving the doctor something else to focus on.

Oddas: You're on a shuttle and someone yells out 'is there a Doctor onboard?' Do you want me to actually raise my hand?

Harford: Well, I suppose not, Sir. ::long pause:: but I'd certainly want you on board. My degree may save a life, but it's not going to get anyone home if the shuttle malfunctions.

A soft chime rung out, two low tones.

Oddas: Two minutes.

Harford: Oh thank God. I believe that's quite enough bravado for me today.

Harford lifted her feet out of the water and allowed the attendants to help her. They dried her legs and began applying some sort of salve. It was cool and almost immediately helped with the pain.

Oddas: Response

Harford: Thank you, Sir. It was certainly an ::emphasis:: experience. 

Oddas: Response

Now that she was free of the tank, Harford took a moment to study the fish and really wished she hadn't. The frenzy of fish as they scraped off flesh and then ate it nearly turned her stomach. 

Harford:: shaking off her unease and looking toward the Commodore:: I'm very interested in the salve they use. It doesn't look or feel quite like anything I have in the clinic and salves are somewhat of a hobby of mine.

Oddas: Response

TAG, TBC

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Ensign Alix Haford
Medical Officer
Denali Station
D240104AH2