Vale Meets the Doctor

Posted on Thu Nov 14th, 2024 @ 8:19am by Commander Sthilg & 1st Lieutenant Torian Vale

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Sickbay
713 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Torian Vale walked into the brightly lit sickbay, his boots echoed softly against the polished floor as the sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air. He had made his way straight from his boarding and check-in with Crewman Kirkby, eager to get the obligatory physical and medical file update out of the way. The room was bustling with activity, but there was an efficient calmness to it.

At the center of the room stood Doctor Commander Sthilg, the ship’s chief medical officer. The tall, reptilian Gorn stood out amidst the human and humanoid crew, his scales reflected the harsh light of the overheads. His presence was imposing, yet there was an air of warmth and professionalism about him, as he moved with the ease of someone who had seen it all. Sthilg turned, his white eyes locked onto Torian the moment he stepped inside.

The gorn gave the new arrival the warmest smile he could manage with his reptilian face. " Ah Lieutenant Vale isssn't it? here for you boarding checkup?" he said in his pressuring grandfatherly tone.

Torian gave a sharp nod as he stepped forward, his posture straight and disciplined. "That's right, sir. I figured I’d get this out of the way before I settle in." His voice was calm, steady, and professional, though his eyes scanned the room, noting the efficient, clinical environment around him.

Torian climbed onto the biobed, his muscles tense beneath his uniform, though he outwardly remained composed. "How long have you been aboard, Doctor?"
he asked.

" I've been with thisss girl for yearsss now. Plently of my blood,sssweat and tearsss are part of her hull." The gorn replied with a warm grin. He clearly loved the ship that was now well and truly his home.

Torian nodded slightly, absorbing the doctor’s response. He respected that kind of dedication, having spent years of his own life on postings where duty bled into a deeper connection with the ship and crew. “It shows,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “You seem at home here.”

" I truly am. My daughter and grandkidsss are here ssso it feelsss like home." The gorn replied with a seemingly bigger smile upon his scaled face.

Torian offered a brief nod in return, appreciating the depth of Sthilg’s connection to the ship. It was rare to hear a medical officer speak so openly about their personal life, but it brought a certain warmth to the otherwise clinical environment. The Gorn doctor’s familial pride was evident, and Torian couldn’t help but respect that.

“Must be nice,” Torian commented, his voice softening as he lay back on the biobed. “Having family close by.”

" It isss. " The gorns reply was simple yet the love in his voice was unmistakable. " You may have met my daughter ssshe'sss the ssship'ss Counselor. "

Torian’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. “Lieutenant Commander Kelea-Salik is your daughter?”

The connection between the ship’s chief medical officer and the counselor wasn’t something Torian had anticipated, but it explained a lot. “That’s actually who
I’m seeing next after seeing you.”

The gorn nodded a smile of pride on his face. " We have a real family busssinessss here. Maybe explainsss why the ssshipsss worksss ssso well."

Torian let out a quiet breath, the corner of his mouth tugging into a faint, amused smile. “A family business, huh? I guess that does explain the smooth operation. Must be convenient having both the mind and body taken care of under one roof.”

" It is indeed though don't worry doctor-patient confidentiality is upheld." He added with a grin.

Torian looked around, "So, doc, am I in a good bill of health?" he said waiting to be scanned.

" I sssee no reason to declare you unfit for duty. You have a clean bill of health " The gorn said with a smile handing over a data crystal with a copy of the scan. " I'll sssee you around the ssship."

"Thanks, doctor. Will you see you around."

Vale jumped off the table and headed for the door from the quick visit to the doc. This is how he liked it. Quick, fast, and easy.

Vale exited sickbay on his way to see the counselor for the last part of his onboarding.