Lieutenant Alyndra Syrex and Ensign Renaie Shortrith - What are you doing here? (Part 2)

[Renaie Shortrith]

((Ward C, Sickbay Complex, Deck 10, USS Ronin))

Syrex: Was there anything else you wanted to talk about? Before we move onto the exam?

Shortrith: Not that I can think of, I don't wanna turn this into a therapy session, that's my job to carry them out.

Syrex: Someone’s gotta counsel the counsellor. I’m sure Dekas is free, but I know he’s got ruffled feathers at the moment. 

Shortrith: I don't think I've met him yet. I'll think about reaching out.

Syrex: You should! He’s my son, you know. 

Shortrith: ::confused:: What do you mean?

Syrex: Oh, it’s an inside joke I have going with him. 

Shortrith: Ah, ok. ::pause:: I'm getting distracted, I'm sorry, I'm distracting you too.

Syrex: No you’re not! My role on the ship is to make people feel better. Sometimes that just means sitting down and having a chat every now and again. Something I’m certain you know well.

Shortrith: I do indeed.

Syrex: For example, what would you say to someone when starting an appointment?

Shortrith: Go for it! Feel free to start wherever you're most comfortable.

Syrex: Ok, pretend I said that. 

Shortrith: Something I've noticed a bit is… ::deep breath:: I somehow acquired a glow on my last mission with the Astraeus. There was this sentient planet creature, and when I first came into contact with it, I started to glow not long after. All the tests I ran on myself came back with nothing, everything seemed normal. But I know it's not. It shows up intermittently, and some of the Astraeus folk had seen it! It's just-

Renaie was interrupted by a tingling feeling along their arm. One they hadn't felt in a while. oO There you are. Oo Sure enough, the dim glow was dancing along their arm. Taking a moment to look at themself, they noticed their eyes, usually brown, with flecks of green. oO First time I've seen this… it doesn't look too bad, honestly. Oo

Shortrith: Here it is, showing up now. I'm not complaining about it, I'm just concerned where it came from, as it showed up randomly.

Alyndra grabbed a medical tricorder from a nearby tray. Releasing the probe from it’s holder, she scanned the glowing area under Renaies’ skin whilst holding the Klingons arm gently. 

Syrex: It appears to be a localised mitochondria infection. The underlying Oxidative Phosphorylation is being hijacked by an external bacterium. The bacteria is what’s causing the glowing.

Shortrith: Ah. Some form of natural bacterial bioluminescence, then. ::laughs good-naturedly::

Syrex: Unless you’ve felt any fatigue or shortness of breath I don’t think it’s a major concern. Although if you’d like it treated, I can do it right here and now. 

Shortrith: Nah, I'm not particularly worried about it, it doesn't seem to have affected my physiology. But if it becomes a serious concern, would the treatment be harmful?

Alyndra patted her friend on the back.

Syrex: No, it would be harmless, and we can get the bacteria to the science department to make a nice lamp if you’d like. 

Shortrith: I'll keep that in mind if it does get serious, but I don't see any reason to remove it if it's harmless. And, let's be honest, it looks cool.

Alyndra nodded. Whilst she didn’t wholeheartedly agree with the ensigns view, as there was still the chance of the bacteria mutating and causing damage. Mitochondria in the first place were suspected to have started through an infectious symbiosis like this one. Maybe Renaie was the first in a new line of Klingons? Besides, there was no risk at the moment. They’d cross that bridge if it ever came to it. 

Syrex: Yeah, it totally does. 

Shortrith: Yeah, definitely! ::Smiles a bit:: I'm ready for whichever medical thing you want to throw at me next, Alyndra.

Syrex: I see we’re back on a first name basis. Hey, Renaie? Well. I’d like to take a few samples just to compare against when you started on the Astraeus. It’s relatively common practice when moving between ships, and after the incident on the Compass Rose? We can’t be too careful.

Shortrith: That’s understandable. Will do.

Renaie smiled and moved to where Alyndra instructed. 

Alyndra took out an empty hypospray tubule. Pressing the nozzle against the counsellors skin.

Syrex: You may feel a small sting. 

Shortrith: Yeah I figured I would. They are, after all, like that.

Alyndra pressed down on the hyprospray. Moments later, warm blood started to fill the tubule. Having filled her sample tube. Alyndra moved the hypo away.

Syrex: All done! We should be able to analyse what we need from this, and someone will call you back if anything comes up

Shortrith: Okie dokie… ::chuckling softly:: what, I can’t analyse my own stuff? 

Syrex: After what happened on the Artemis? Not a chance. Besides, it’s not recommended anyhow. It’s good to trust in your doctor, to an extent.

Shortrith: Fair enough. 

Renaie paused for a moment, the pieces mentally falling into place.

Shortrith: Wait, what happened on the Artemis?

Syrex: As far as I’m aware. One of their doctors forged their own records. I don’t have the specific details. But I can’t see them on the starfleet records anymore as an acting physician, so it’s possible they were barred. 

Renaie’s eyes widened with surprise in response to Alyndra’s words.

Shortrith: Oh wow… not as in wow in a good way, just… reacting to the whole scenario.

Syrex: That’s understandable. But on the Ronin, we don’t have the infrastructure to allow doctors to analyse themselves officially, and that’s very much on purpose. It depends on who your CMO is, what they allow. Dr Beck is flexible, but he follows the rules… Usually.

Shortrith: That’s fair. Hence the protocol, right?

Alyndra half-closed her eyes and nodded slowly.

Syrex: Now, was there anything else you wanted to discuss? Officially that is. 

Shortrith: Not medically, no. And I must ask, as counsellor and friend, how are you going with everything that transpired on the Compass Rose?

Syrex: I… I wouldn’t care to discuss that right now.

Alyndra’s eye’s mind flashed back to that room… That injection… She killed someone. For a good reason, sure. But still… She didn’t even ask them their name.

Renaie frowned as their friend's expression changed. oO I'll ask her later when she's ready. Oo

Shortrith: It's all good. Would you like a hug?

Syrex: Thanks, but I’ll be fine. oO Eventually Oo

Renaie nodded, not totally believing, but figured Alyndra wanted the topic left for a while.

Shortrith: Shall we talk about something else?

Syrex: Sure, but how about we move somewhere else? How about 47 lounge?

Shortrith: Sure, but I don't know where that is, so I'll leave it to you to lead the way.

As Alyndra put the sample away for analysis, she gestured her hand out of the ward. 

Syrex: Right this way.

Renaie smiled, and followed Alyndra out.

End of JP

Lieutenant Dr Alyndra Syrex MD

(Acting Chief) Medical Officer

USS Ronin (NCC-34523)

R240107AS3

&

Ensign Renaie Shortrith

Assistant Counsellor

USS Ronin

They/Them (Player) They/She (Character)

A240204RS3