Posted on Fri Dec 29th, 2017 @ 11:06am by Commander Martin Sorenson & Lieutenant Dakota Walker
Mission:
Back Post
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: MD07 1145
1738 words - 3.5 OF Standard Post Measure
Dakota had beamed aboard the Vesta twenty minutes prior, spoken with the quartermaster, and made his way to his new quarters. He hadn't brought a lot with him, just the necessities really, and had already put it all away. As many counselors chose to do he was not wearing a standard Starfleet uniform, but was instead dressed in his almost ubiquitous denim outfit, with jeans, a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up, soft leather boots, and a belt with a large buckle. Around his wrist was wound a long leather cord that he kept on him at all times. He'd made it from the skin of a deer when he was a teen, and kept it with him to remind him of his connection to the natural world, as well as the spirit of the animal he'd killed that day. His long hair was loose, and hung perfectly straight down his back, and down his chest.
Approaching the sickbay he mentally pumped himself up for his meeting with a new chief medical officer. He was technically under the CMO's command on a starship, as a member of the crew, but many CMO's tended to leave the counseling department, and the chief counselor, alone to run themselves as they saw fit. Then again, some of them took a much more active interest in the counseling department, and frankly, it was a toss up as to what he could expect of the man he was going to meet. With his personal history, a mother who was a celebrated counselor, he would likely take a much more active interest. At first Dakota hadn't been sure how he felt about that, but the more he thought it over, the more he came to like the idea of a CMO who would actually get involved with the counseling. It would certainly make some aspects of both of their jobs easier, and create a more holistic approach to treatment options all around.
Walking through the doors he quickly spotted the man he was to report to and made his way towards him. Once he was close enough he spoke, "Excuse me, Dr. Sorenson, do you have a few minutes?" he asked, a wide smile on his face.
Medbay had been quiet so Martin was leaning against a biobed, taking the opportunity to read up on some of the contestants and observers expected for the big race the next day. The variety species was fascinating, and he was trying to learn something of not just their physiology but customs and culture, both to ensure good care should it be needed and to help Ms. Cerin with preparations for the reception. However, on seeing someone enter he put aside the PADD. Based on appearance, he guessed this was there new counselor, so when the man approached he greeted warmly.
"Yes," Martin said, offering a hand. "Are you Dr. Walker? We've been expecting you."
Noting the warmth of the other man's smile Dakota held out his hand, "Yes, I am. But please, call me Dakota. I've never been comfortable with formality." he replied.
"Then please call me Martin. I see no need for formality with colleagues," he said, clasping Dakota's hand briefly before turning toward the counseling center. "Come with me and I'll show you your office. I'm afraid you may not have a lot of time to settle in. As you've probably heard, we're hosting the Antarian Rally, so we're busy preparing to welcome teams and accompanying dignitaries from a number of worlds."
Dakota followed him eagerly. "Yes, I had heard a bit about that. I've never watched a race before, not even one on the ground, it should be very exciting." he said. He'd always been one for sports, but had never much seen the point of racing. Still, he guessed it might hold something to grab his attention if he went into it with an open mind. "And thankfully I don't need a lot of formal time for the settling in, I read up on key people's files on the trip out, and can catch up on the rest during my down time if I have to." he added.
Noting that the entire sickbay seemed quite neat and tidy he remarked on it as they walked, "You are a very organized man. I rarely see a sickbay this well kept." he said, genuinely meaning the compliment. He'd expected a smaller sickbay for some reason, and was impressed with the size, and the look and feel of all the equipment. It was a place that instilled confidence, and put you at ease as you looked around. He was glad of that. Too often people had anxieties, whether they were conscious of them or not, about seeing a doctor for any reason. Having a well kept, and obviously well cared for sickbay to put them at ease would cut down on those anxieties tremendously.
"Thank you, but I can't take all the credit for that. I have a good team of people here, to which I'm sure you'll make a fine addition." Noticing his reaction, he continued. "This medbay is impressive though. Vesta is new ship designed for long range exploration so we have facilities almost closer to a hospital. I was a bit overwhelmed the first time I saw it, to be honest."
Nodding knowingly Dakota replied, "I can imagine. I would have been too, if I were in your place. But you seem well settled now. How are you liking it aboard the Vesta?" he asked as they continued to walk.
"I've learned to settle into new situations fairly quickly, but this one was easier than most. There are some ...unusual... members of the crew, but they're all good people." He paused, opening the door to the Counselor's office. "Here we are. I left it mostly as our last counselor had it set up, so please feel free to adjust things to suit your own style here."
Dakota glanced around. His predecessor was certainly a tidy person, as there was not a thing out of place. It almost seemed clinical in its austerity. There was almost nothing to set it apart from an office that had never housed a single person. He spotted a single personal touch, a picture, framed, and hung on the wall across from the seating area, and then noticed that it was a simple mass produced reprint of art. Shaking his head he sighed. "Sometimes, when one has been doing this for a while, they forget how much a personal touch can really help to put someone at ease. I was told that by one of my professors at the Academy, and I can honestly say that is true from personal experience. During my training, and internship I got to see a wide array of offices, and counseling styles, and the ones that worked the best were the ones who seemed to take their jobs seriously, but not so seriously that they had to keep every aspect of their own personality out of it." he said.
Taking a small stroll around the office he noted the placement of certain office supplies, and began to get a feel for how everything was laid out. He already had some ideas of what he'd like to do to put his own touch on the room, and was creating a mental check list of things he'd need to procure, or replicate to get things just the way he wanted them. It was a spacious office, with plenty of room for the touches he felt would be most helpful. "Do any of the crew have any severe plant allergies, that you are aware of? I'd like to have a plant in here if possible." he asked finally, turning back to the man he'd left standing at the door.
Martin thought a moment, running his personal if less-complete than the medical computer's database through his mind. "A few minor allergies, but to rarer pollens. You'd be safe with anything already in our arboretum."
"Sounds good. I tend to be a little attached to nature, I like to have something living around me whenever I can." Dakota replied. Many over the years had found that a bit odd, for someone who had chosen a career that took them into space, and one of the most artificial environments able to live in, but it was just a part of who he was. Not something he could really help.
Martin nodded. "My mother used to say there was something healing in just being around green things." He paused a moment recalling the small stand of potted bamboo he remembered always seeing in her office. Shaking off wistful recollection in favor of science, though it was still tied to the memory of the explanation she'd provided to an overly analytical son, he continued. "After all, nearly every sentient species evolved in larger biospheres, so it makes sense that on some level most of us feel more comfortable with other living things around us. It's probably way the arboretum is such a popular spot for meditation."
"I'm sure I will find myself there often. Though I generally choose to meditate in seclusion. It helps me to focus." Dakota replied. "So, you mentioned my predecessor, are you aware of any crew members who will be in immediately need of my services? I would hate to keep them waiting if so." he said. He'd not been able to get a good link-up to the previous counselors data, because of a mix-up back at Starfleet Medical, regarding his assignment, and his authorization transfer. It should have been fixed by now, but he hadn't been aboard the ship long enough to give it a try.
"Not that I'm aware of," Martin replied. "I know of a few people he saw regularly, but if there was that sort of need, I'm sure he would have made me aware of it before leaving. The only cases I've picked up from him have to do with a couple young teens, and that was more due to ...having a similar profile when I was their age." His mouth went a bit sideways. "Mostly being a bit of a pain because they need more challenge." He thought moment more. "But, what we could use help with right off is getting ready to host a variety of species for the upcoming race. It should be a fascinating experience."