Post 396: Doctor's Orders

Stardate: 70816.0900
Title: Doctor's Orders
Author: Simon Biggs
Scene: Holodeck
Time: After Under Arrest and Barbie Girl

After his ordeal with the Admiral, Simon still felt a burning pain in his arms. Dr. McKenna had said that if he had any problems he should report back to Sickbay, and so he decided he should pay a visit without delay.

Sickbay doors opened, and Lt. Commander McKenna was sitting at his desk doing some research.

"Ah, Simon. What can I do for you?"

"My arms are really burning, and you did say if there were any problems," answered Simon.

"Indeed I did. Take a seat on that bio bed and we'll do another treatment." said McKenna.

He picked up a dermal regenerator and began to treat Simon with it. As he did so, they heard the sounds of an animated discussion coming from another room.

"How's she doing in there?" Simon asked, gesturing toward the door with his eyes. He knew February's ritual had begun in there some time ago, and he was feeling a little nervous knowing that soon his turn to participate would come.

"I think she's doing well," McKenna said with a nod. "You sure you're up to playing a part in all this?"

"Oh, yeah, I'll be fine."

After McKenna finished the treatment, Simon was feeling much better.

"I suggest you do something relaxing for the next few hours, until it's time for you to come back for the zhian'tara."

"I'm supposed to be on duty."

"No worries. I spoke to the Captain about you earlier and told her that you'd need the time anyway to help out Grace. So you're fine, ensign. And I think the holodecks are back online." McKenna suggested.

"Thanks, Doc. What would we do without you and your talents?" Just then, Simon heard the familiar pattern Zanh's footsteps and looked up.

"Still having a rough time?" Zanh asked, concerned. She had gone to her quarters to retrieve some things she knew she needed after speaking with Fox, and stopped back by Sickbay on her way to the bridge to get an update on Captain Gilmore.

"Oh, I'll be all right."

"Did I hear you say that he needed a diversion for a few hours?" Zanh asked McKenna. He nodded.

"I believe so.""I've got just the thing." Zanh held up an isolinear chip that she had replicated for Simon before her visit from Margolis. "In lieu of your merit badge, I give you this. A token of my appreciation. Thanks for all your hard work and great flying on the away mission. Have a good time with it."

Simon took the chip, puzzled. "Sir?"

"Just promise me you'll fly her with the holodeck safeties ON. I know you're an excellent pilot. But remember, more men died learning to fly the Sopwith Camel than died flying it in combat. Safeties on."

*Sopwith Camel?* Simon thought a moment then he realized she'd just handed him a copy of her prized holoprogram, the one in which she had a vintage plane called The Pearl. He couldn't believe it. "Thank you!"

"A hell of a lot more fun than a badge, eh boy scout? I just wish I could get a day off to fly her myself." She sighed. "Well gentlemen, if you'll excuse me," she moved away from them and toward the curtained off area where the medical staff was monitoring the progress of Captain Gilmore.

-----------------------=/\=------------------------------------

Simon stood outside Holodeck 3. He fed the chip into the system, and entered the proper security code to unlock the program.



The doors yawned open and Simon walked in to find beautiful scenery all around him.

Green countryside greeted him, a dirt path beneath his feet, a small hangar in the distance. He walked in slowly and as soon as he was far enough away the doors closed and the arch vanished, blending into the scenery.

Simon caught sight of the plane and whistled. The Pearl was all done up in black and white, with detailing in the image of a pirate ship painted on her side. The jolly roger was emblazoned on the tail, and the initials ZL appeared beneath it.

Simon was so busy taking in the beauty of the beast that he nearly jumped out of his skin when he was approached by a holographic figure. A man dressed in a greasy flight suit, who appeared to be some sort of mechanic.

"You're not ZL," the man observed correctly.

"No, no. I'm Biggs. ZL is my. . .friend. She said it was okay if I took Pearl out for a spin."

"You sure? Been a long, long time since she let anyone else fly her."

"Yes," Simon replied. "I'm sure." He climbed up and into the cockpit. "Get the propeller, will you-"

"Larry." The hologram replied."Larry, indeed. If you could just get that for me Larry?"

Simon sat at the controls and started up the choke. The holo-mechanic pushed the propeller and the engine started with an almighty roar. Larry moved the wheel block out of the way, and the plane slowly moved, coming to life.

Simon taxied down the runway road and onto the runway. He powered up the engine and started the takeoff procedures.

The plane rose, and finally The Pearl was air born. Simon checked the map that was on his lap and headed for his first way point. He took in the view with appreciation and tried to recognize the planet he was flying over. Then finally, he realized from the fire caves coming into view that this was Bajor.

The Bajor he had seen after the storms looked so different, he hadn't realized before what a beautiful planet it truly was.

------ a couple of hours later -------------

Simon landed The Pearl safely and left the holodeck. He headed for Seven, figuring he had just enough time for a meal before he was due to report to Sickbay for his part in Grace's ritual.

Simon made a note to himself- *Must compliment "ZL" on her choice of holoprograms. . .*

Ensign Simon Biggs
Security Officer
USS Independence