From one to another

Posted on Wed Jul 7th, 2021 @ 7:57am by Lieutenant Commander Michael Ki & Lieutenant Commander Savin

Mission: Character Development
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: MD03
1152 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Feeling a little better, Savin now sat on the edge of his bed. He knew he was cleared for duty but somehow he felt it might be better to remain off duty for the rest of the day. He followed the newly arrived CMO with his eyes, before finally drawing his attention. "Doctor Ki, do you have a moment?"

Things had finally settled down for Michael and he had the beginning of a routine going. The surgery had gone well, and there had been no ill reports from the Captain. He had been setting up for the first of some experiments that he was excited to run when Sick Bay's only current patient called out to him. "Counselor, glad to see you looking better. What can I do for you?" He said as he approached the bed.

The counselor offered a small smile. "Technically, this is still my sickbay," he said, keeping his eyes on the man at all times, "perhaps I should officially hand it over to you?"

"Well since you are here that sounds prudent." Michael said as he returned the other man's smile. "Is there anything that I should be aware of? Any ongoing experiments?"

"I fear I did not have the reigns long enough to have been able to update myself on experiments," Savin confessed, "it was somewhat thrust upon me as I was the only one available. The first officer, while far more qualified than I, was obviously needed elsewhere." His smile widened a little. "Perhaps Doctor tr'Rehu is better suited to inform you."

"Yes he and I spoke while you were away. I met him as soon as I had arrived. It seems that this ship may have a habit of thrusting people into things. I have not officially reported in as the situation at hand warranted me to attend to duty sooner rather than later. I guess we are those that would have greatness thrust upon them." Michael added the last bit with a smile and a laugh.

"I do not seek greatness, nor would I know what to do with it," Savin answered seriously, "I am however very surprised my assistant has not burst in through those doors yet." He paused, knowing he had to be frank and honest with at least the chief medical officer. "You are aware of my handicap?" he asked carefully, not quite sure just how much he'd been told in advance. Or how much the man had seen of his medical file while he'd been stuck in here.

It didn't seem like a handicap, at least while they were talking. However, Michael had learned about Savin's condition while performing the exam on him when he came back from the Away Mission. "Yes the scans I took when you came back from the away mission revealed it. However, you show no signs of needing assistance at the moment. I assume that comes with years of practice reading lips and such."

"I am usually fine in one on one conversations," the counselor admitted, "especially when I have direct line of sight, and can see what you are saying. When I have bridge duty, Jerant usually assists me by either signing, or direct telepathic communication. The same goes for away missions, where he usually accompanies me, unless a situation directs his absence. When I do not need him he has other linguistic duties to attend to. If he cannot accompany me, if possible another telepath joins the away team. Jerant, after all, is not a Starfleet officer so he cannot be exposed to the dangers that I am."

Michael had been looking over Savin's medical file as he spoke. He saw that the Counselor did not qualify for surgery and Michael had to admit that the diagnostician in him was curious about this condition. However, now was not the time and this was not the place. "That sounds like an interesting set up. Have you ever sought to have Mr Jerant breveted into the service?"

"He does not want to," Savin answered, slowly shaking his head, "he is happy being my assistant and happy with any linguistic puzzles that get thrown his way. Truth to be told, not being in the fleet does keep him out of danger, which I am certain his parents are quite happy with." He gave the man a small smile. "I can tell you are curious," he offered, "since I am obviously not returning to duty today, I can answer any questions that you have. I doubt my situation is unique though... the combination of genetics and condition perhaps, but the condition itself I doubt it."

"The thing the piques my curiosity is most of the people in your condition would either get implants or any number of surgeries. I wonder why you have not done that. On the surface at least it seems that it would make your life a little easier." Michael spoke as he initiated another scan in order to make sure that Savin was recuperating well.

"I have tried corrective surgery but it did not go well. And the little I did end up hearing I could make no sense of and caused me more stress than relief, so I had it reversed. I am very used to the life I lead now, and I would not know what to do with sound now anyway. I think it would cause more harm than it solves. Implants have never been a consideration, I do not know why my parents did not opt for this as a child. I am certain there was a reason, or they would have."

"Fair enough..." Michael began and then he realized that with all the conversation he had forgotten to check on his patient. "By the numbers your recovery is going great. However, how do you feel?"

"Less disoriented," Savin confessed as he sat up, "and as long as there is no total darkness, I believe I shall be fine. I will check in on the lieutenant as soon as she is recovered enough to have visitors. Unless she calls for me first, of course." He gave a small nod. "Thank you doctor, am I cleared to go?"

"Yes you are clear and fit for duty. However, if the disorientation comes back alert me right away." The Counselor was healthy and ready to serve. But exposure to the vacuum of space can cause a lot of side effects and Michael wanted to make sure that Savin did not have any of them.

"I will, the counselor promised as he slid off of the bed, quickly catching himself just in case. "Thank you doctor. I will go to my quarters to get some more rest, before my next shift."

"Rest well Counselor." Michael said as Savin began to leave. Something told Ki that Savin would need the rest. They would need his services before this was all said and done.