Post 363: Old Tricks Die Hard

Stardate: 070809.0900
Title: Old Tricks Die Hard
Author: David McKenna
Scene: Quarters / Arboretum
Time:Following “Where there’s life”

David had finished reviewing the medical officer complement aboard the USS Independence, and noted that a new Nursing Officer has boarded the ship and has an appointment with the Acting Captain in the Arboretum.

“Computer, how long has Captain Zanh been in the Arboretum”



“When was the last time her authorization was used to activate a replicator?”

"Nine hours and fifty three minutes ago."

“Computer, replicate a main course meal that Captain Zanh commonly orders, as well as a medium Caesar Salad – hold the fish things, as well as an appropriate bottle of wine, place this in a picnic basket with appropriate accoutrements.”

“Thank-you computer.”

David then quickly changed his uniform to the vest variant – not sure what to wear to an Arboretum, and quickly made his way down the decks to the doors of the arboretum.

“Computer, activate a view screen and listening device and follow the Ensign and Captain, authorization Sierra Mike Oscar, 166”

Without further ado, a view screen activated on the Control Panel and David began to watch and listen…

A troubled expression crossed the young nurse's face. "Oh, are you certain that it can't be saved? It's still got a few flowers here, look. See?"

*Hmmm, amazing, and such genuine feelings of sorrow and care,* thought David as he listened and channeled the conversation.

"Ensign," Zanh remarked, exaggerating the tone of her voice with a specific purpose in mind. "It's sickly, it's almost completely dead, and it is very late. I'm tired, and I really don't want to debate this. Just toss it into the reclamation unit, and let's call it a night."

Bergman's eyes clouded. "Captain, may I take it back to my quarters instead? I'll put it into some new soil, cut back the dead leaves. If you look here, just for a moment," Marin could see that the roots of the tree still had life left in them. There was no doubt in her mind that the sapling could be saved. "I know that there's good root stock beneath all this. There is no reason to destroy it. It's a living thing, and it has life yet. I can't give up on it."

*Must make a note to get this little lady to brighten up sickbay with some plants – it is good for the recovery of the mind and body to be close to nature.*

Zanh stopped what she was doing and a wide, satisfied smile appeared on her features. "And that," she began, "is exactly the kind of dedication to life that I would expect from a medical officer serving aboard the flagship. Congratulations, Ensign. You can go now, we'll speak again soon."

Noting that this exchange was almost complete, David snuck his way into a store room adjacent to the Arboretum doors, watching the new Nurse walk past David could not help but be filled with a sense of pride and astonishment.

After the Ensign was well clear of the area, David exited the storeroom and headed into the Arboretum.

“Cappy, good job with the Ensign there, I liked it.” said David with a bit of a chuckle

“You liked what, Dave?” Said the Captain, David could sense her state of confusion, dabbed with a little concern.

“I was watching you on a remote viewing monitor for the last minute or so, then I hid when she exited, of course,” Said David with a ‘der-what-else would-I-be-talking-about’ tone to his voice.

“What the, how the, who the, what?” replied the Captain

“Well I was a spy in a past life remember, I know all the tricks, almost as many as you do I guess.” said Dave, “Anyway, what is this I hear about you not eating all day and having a sore back? Sit down over here, I brought you some dinner, doctors orders.”

He gave her a smile as he ushered the dirt covered captain to the gazebo area.

“Once you eat, we’ll see what we can do about your back, shall we?"

Dr. David McKenna
Supervising Medical Officer
USS Independence