Rejecting the Elixir of Life

Posted on Mon Jul 15th, 2019 @ 7:58pm by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea

Mission: Episode 1: Hell is a four letter word
Location: Main Sickbay; USS Elysium
Timeline: Before the Elysium departs?
943 words - 1.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Naxea held a PADD containing her medical history as she strode into sickbay. At the moment, it didn't seem too busy and she wanted nothing better than to turn around and leave--she hated doctors as she was sure most Marines did. With a sigh, she made her way to what she made out as the nurse's station. "Excuse me, nurse? I need to get my medical records transferred and updated."

"Certainly. Doctor Hertz can be with you in a few minutes", the nurse said. She pointed at a door. "Why don't you get in there, undress and get comfortable on the biobed? How do you like your coffee? The doc always brings a cup for her patients."

"Never been a fan of the stuff. I'll take a Raktajino instead, however," Naxea said as she headed for the dressing room.

"The coffee is fresh, raktajino would have to come from the replicator", the nurse said. "Are you sure you don't want any? It's the best in the quadrant."

Naxea stopped and turned, raising an eyebrow at the nurse. "Best in the quadrant, huh? Did you compare it to similar blends to everyone in the quadrant? Unless you have done that, then I'll have a raktajino as I asked, unless it's too much of a bother then I'll do without." Naxea stepped into the room and began to change.

The nurse shook her head. Some people just didn't know what they were missing. She went and fetched Estelle.

It took a few minutes for Estelle to appear. In one hand, she held a mug that read 'The Force equals midichlorians times caffeine squared', the other mug was one raktajino was typically served in, and it read 'coffee substitute, for emergency use only'. Estelle held the raktajino out to the marine and wondered, "First you say no to coffee, and then you undress? You are an unusual patient. I'm Estelle, the resident quackologist."

"Nice to meet you, doctor, but your nurse told me to change for the examination," Naxea explained, beginning to feel both foolish and angry at the nurse.

"Ah, yes, she seems to think I need the distraction", Estelle said. "I must have annoyed her with tales about my recent trip to Bajor, and how lovely it is to have a tent for two at a quiet lake in the mountains."

Naxea began to redress herself as she listened to the doctor. "Bajor does have many romantic spots. What did you go to Bajor for?"

"Well, other than visit my sister who's installing some security systems for a local insa... I mean, monastery?" Estelle said, barely catching herself from using the phrase 'insane asylum' again. "I had hoped for a few days camping with my girlfriend. But then, the recall order came and here I am again."

"Ah I see, that's a shame. Who is your girlfriend?" Naxea asked as she finished redressing herself.

"Liorga, our Deltan engineer", Estelle said as she started taking readings. "And no, I'm not sharing, so don't you get any ideas."

The comment made Naxea chuckle. "Don't worry, Doctor. You're not my type. How long have you been aboard the Elysium?"

"I was telling you to stay away from Liorga", Estelle chuckled. "I can fend for myself." She took a sip and pressed a few buttons. "And it's been about a year, I think. I don't keep a log."

"I see. It's always good to have an experienced doctor aboard. So, am I going to live?" Naxea asked.

"There is one thing I recommend you add to your diet", Estelle said. "Otherwise, you look great. But then, you depend on your physical fitness more than most, so I'm not surprised."

Naxea's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the mentioning of adding something to her diet. "What am I missing?"

"This", Estelle said, taking a sip of coffee for emphasis. "Call it a food additive. It is not just to wake you up. There are many beneficial substances in coffee."

"You too? I told your nurse I prefer raktijino. Never been a fan of Terran coffee. I don't know how you can stomach the stuff," Naxea replied.

"It's not supposed to taste good, it's supposed to work", Estelle chuckled. "We don't call it 'liquid awake' for nothing."

"Still, I'll pass doctor," Naxea commented with a grin.

"Now, there's another thing, and this one I actually mean", Estelle said. "I know you marines are tough cookies. You pride yourselves on your resilience and endurance. Now, if you do suffer an injury, even a minor one, during your training, I must ask you to come to me regardless, and send your people in the same situation. I promise I won't give you a lecture about training safeties, but I will do my best to piece you back together and make sure you return to full health as quickly as possible."

"Will do, doctor. I'll try not to push my department too hard, but no promises," Naxea winked with a grin.

"Push them as hard as you like, I don't mind", Estelle said. "They volunteered, so they must want to be pushed around."

Naxea laughed at the comment. "I suppose so, doctor. Is there anything else for me?"

"Not unless there's something you want to ask me about?" Estelle said. "No, you're in good health. These routine check-ups are usually unspectacular, but then that's what you'd want them to be. It's when it gets exciting that you need to worry."

"True enough. I'll see you around, doctor," she said making her way out of the sickbay and casting a 'don't let me catch you outside sickbay' glance at the nurse she had greeted earlier.