Season 11 - Episode 1: Old Dogs & New Tricks

[Zero Alpha]

As one person left the room so did another enter it was Zero Alpha the medical researcher she had heard so much about. Some people found her presence to be unsettling, but Sahiba especially liked her thoughts, they were so linear that they were almost like music to Sahiba.

Sahiba looked up at the officer and gave her a warm smile, "Hello lieutenant, currently most of the senior command and crew have not reported in, with all things considered roughly forty five percent have yet to come in. I just explained this to the doctor and she seems dead set on changing the trend."

"Tell me Lieutenant, Hoe is your research going, and what is your current focus of study? I'm sure it must be fascinating." Sahiba said once gain putting her PADD down as to not be rude. Just then the CO walked in, this caused Sahiba to drop the current conversation and stand, "Hello sir, she is currently in her office sending out letters, but please help yourself." Sahiba said as she motioned to the office door.

[Sickbay]

As the captain himself stepped into sickbay, Zero raised an eyebrow, but otherwise did nothing.  It was a rare event indeed in her expericence that a command officer came into sickbay of their own volition for a physical.  She almost felt compelled to make a note of it in the log.

Once he had been directed toward the CMO's office, the young woman turned her attention back to the ensign and the questions she had asked.

"My speciality is genetics," she replied, "where I am currently studying the structure of the Phage virus recorded by the USS Voyager.  It is a somewhat historical case, but I find it to be fascinating how it can target a single species with such dire consequences.  What is your specialist?"

[Lizzie Vaughan]

Kyle headed for the bed she indicated. "Hello, Doctor.: he began. "I figured it would be one of those "lead by example" things." He hopped up on the biobed. "When I'm done here, I'm gonna have Commander Wu come down for his and then we'll set out a schedule with the Department Heads to get everyone else filtered through. I prefer not to remove anyone from duty if it can be helped. And since we're on such an easy mission right now, I don't see any reason we can't get all of them in here." He closed his mouth and let her do her job after that.

Sickbay

Lizzie nodded as she picked up the tricorder and began the scan.

"Thank you and that's what I was hoping for." Lizzie replies as she moved the probe over the Captain with practised ease. "And of course I wasn't wanting anyone to be pulled off duty for these checks. All it will take is for everyone to spare half an hour of their time. Once these are done we can get on with the mission at hand. That way, if anything happens, we can react with our full resources without any being used for non urgent physicals. There we go Captain all done." She finished the scan and looked at the results. "Everything normal Captain. Your iron levels are a little low but not low enough to worry about. Make sure you eat some vegetables rich in iron like spinach. If you find yourself feeling tired for no reason, let me know so I can look into it. Otherwise you are free to go." She smiled at the Captain and uploaded the information to the medical computer and updated the Captain's medical file.

[Sahiba Conley]

[Sickbay]


"My speciality is genetics," she replied, "where I am currently studying the structure of the Phage virus recorded by the USS Voyager.  It is a somewhat historical case, but I find it to be fascinating how it can target a single species with such dire consequences.  What is your specialist?"

"My technical specialty is NBC, dealing with contamination and treatment of one or all three, but I've been certified as a Trauma nurse, and somehow got wrangled into being the ships councilor, you would think I would be busy." Sahiba said shrugging her shoulders.

"I think we will be getting an influx of patients soon for physicals but until then if you would like a hand in your research, I would be glad to help." Sahiba said politely but clearly.

[Zero Alpha]

"My technical specialty is NBC, dealing with contamination and treatment of one or all three, but I've been certified as a Trauma nurse, and somehow got wrangled into being the ships councilor, you would think I would be busy." Sahiba said shrugging her shoulders.

"I think we will be getting an influx of patients soon for physicals but until then if you would like a hand in your research, I would be glad to help." Sahiba said politely but clearly.

[Sickbay]

It was quite an impressive list of qualifications for an ensign, but Zero wasn't willing to cede that ground to her.  However, her file had specified her as an El Aurian, so surely her list of qualifications should be far longer?  Perhaps this woman was a poor example of her species, or had wasted such valuable time.

"I do not permit other people in my lab while I am working with a live virus," she replied stiffly, frowning at the other woman.  "The contamination risk alone makes it an undesireable element."

[Ashley Weir]

Ser ignore her question for the moment, and walked into the shuttle.  He moved to the console and started tapping keys.  After a moment, the shuttle doors closed, leaving them alone.   His first day.  Back on the Discovery one day, and he had to reprimand someone.  This did not look good for the rest of the journey.  Ser took a deep breath, and let it out.

"Why did you become a Starfleet Officer?" He asked.

[Shuttle]

"Because it runs in the family. Both my mother and father as well as my brother were Star Fleet. Plus, when I lost my hearing, piloting was one of the only jobs I could do. And by the time I could hear again, early last year, I had gotten good enough at being a pilot that it was an obvious choice." Ashley responded with a slight shrug before she let out a long sigh. "Also...I wanted to see what the galaxy had for me. With my...what's the word...dis...something." She paused briefly before continuing. "With my disability I was on Earth most of my life, the furthest I ever got unless on vacation to visit my older brother was orbit."

[Kyle Briggs]

Sickbay

Lizzie nodded as she picked up the tricorder and began the scan.

"Thank you and that's what I was hoping for." Lizzie replies as she moved the probe over the Captain with practised ease. "And of course I wasn't wanting anyone to be pulled off duty for these checks. All it will take is for everyone to spare half an hour of their time. Once these are done we can get on with the mission at hand. That way, if anything happens, we can react with our full resources without any being used for non urgent physicals. There we go Captain all done." She finished the scan and looked at the results. "Everything normal Captain. Your iron levels are a little low but not low enough to worry about. Make sure you eat some vegetables rich in iron like spinach. If you find yourself feeling tired for no reason, let me know so I can look into it. Otherwise you are free to go." She smiled at the Captain and uploaded the information to the medical computer and updated the Captain's medical file.

[Sickbay]

"That sounds like a plan, Doctor." Kyle replied, glad that they agreed to try to get everyone in for physicals. A few seconds later, she told him it was all over. Quick and harmless. Then she mentioned his Iron and Spinach.

"Spinach. Got it, Doc." he said as he looked over her shoulder and made a face at who ever was standing behind her. He hoped off the bed. "Thank you for your service, Ladies." he said to Vaughn and the others that were there when he entered. "I'll send Commander Wu down as soon as I return to the Bridge."

[Bridge]

The lift doors parted and Kyle stepped out on the Bridge and headed toward Alex. "It was awful. Torturous. Painful." he teased. "And your turn." he finished. "Anything I need to know, Number One?" he asked as he looked around with a smile. The crew was staying busy. Especially the Science Department. He couldn't believe the Science stations on the Bridge weren't crawling with staff.

[Lizzie Vaughan]

[Sickbay]

"That sounds like a plan, Doctor." Kyle replied, glad that they agreed to try to get everyone in for physicals. A few seconds later, she told him it was all over. Quick and harmless. Then she mentioned his Iron and Spinach.

"Spinach. Got it, Doc." he said as he looked over her shoulder and made a face at who ever was standing behind her. He hoped off the bed. "Thank you for your service, Ladies." he said to Vaughn and the others that were there when he entered. "I'll send Commander Wu down as soon as I return to the Bridge."

Sickbay

Lizzie smiled as the Captain left Sickbay. She figured Commander Wu would be down soon so she set the tricorder to recharge and tidied the area up. She then sat down to await the next patient.

[T'Lara]

[Primary Science Labs]

T'Lara shut the door of the cupboard where she had been organizing various supplies for scientific experiments. She had utilized a great deal of time to familiarize herself with this ship, time being a luxury she didn't always have during missions. The science labs were her last stop on her self-guided tour. The only thing she hadn't done was taken the time to meet the crewmembers on her shift. It was a task she found tedious, though necessary. She debated for a moment whether she should return to her quarters to meditate first, but ultimately she decided to make her way to the bridge.

[Bridge]

Stepping our of the turbolift just after Captain Briggs, she glimpsed her DH conversing with Commander Wu and, not wanting to interrupt them, took her place at the science console. It had been a while since she had served with Ruth Sigurdsdottir, and in a much different capacity. Thinking of this fact, she realized there was much need for talking when it came to people like Ruth, Will Waring, and- she had seen the name James Hawke on the roster, too. Many old friends, and some new faces as well. As she was thinking of this she monitored the sensors and thought about the exciting prospects that awaited them in Kadzir Corridor.   

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge]

Stepping our of the turbolift just after Captain Briggs, she glimpsed her DH conversing with Commander Wu and, not wanting to interrupt them, took her place at the science console. It had been a while since she had served with Ruth Sigurdsdottir, and in a much different capacity. Thinking of this fact, she realized there was much need for talking when it came to people like Ruth, Will Waring, and- she had seen the name James Hawke on the roster, too. Many old friends, and some new faces as well. As she was thinking of this she monitored the sensors and thought about the exciting prospects that awaited them in Kadzir Corridor.   

[Bridge]

Seeing T'Lara and the Captain enter the Bridge, Ruth Smiled.  She had served with both and indeed Commander Wu previously and it was comforting at least for her, to have so many familiar faces around her.

Since she was talking to Alex, as T'Lara slipped into the Science console she merely laid a gentle hand on her fellow Science officer's shoulder and gave a small squeeze, and a quick bow of the head.  She and T'Lara, although it had been many missions ago now, had been through quite a bit together and the Vulcan was someone Ruth knew she could not only trust, but considered a friend.  She hope the gesture wouldn't be misinterpreted and she hoped that T'Lara was as excited about this mission as she was!

As for the Captain, Ruth turned and beamed at her friend.  She was sure that Kyle had pulled a few strings so that his best friend and she, said partner of the Captain's best friend, could finally serve together.  Of course she would never ever call him anything but 'Sir' or 'Captain' on the Bridge or anywhere else unless it was relaxed and private.  Not knowing if he would catch it or not she mouthed a 'Thank you!' over hoping he knew what it was for.

[Alexander Wu]

"The tactical systems are running within accepted parameters," she stated. The shifts had finally settled themselves into normality after the initial confusion that was to be had for a new assignment, and most things had gone without incident otherwise. "The weapons overhaul that was performed didn't leave anything wanting." That comment was more an aside than anything specific. "Drills have been scheduled during our exploration of the Corridor, and all security personnel have been informed. In short, everything's running well."

At the executive officer's order, Eli turned to Wu. "Sir, course is unchanged. We should arrive at the corridor within the hour. Main shuttlebay is standing by for drills."

[Bridge]

Alex smiled slightly at his two friends working side by side, having known both for many years. "Thanks Safefta, Eli. As soon as we're settled into our patrol routine, I'd like you two to plan the drills together. Coordinate with Mr.Waring in executing and evaluating them as well." He shifted slightly in his chair. "I've got to go over this with the Captain, but I'd like for us to refocus training on junior leadership and decision-making. Of course, I'd welcome your advise and opinions on this matter as well."

"Morning, Commander Wu!" she said with a grin.  She and Alex had served before and indeed, Alex had saved her life and she would likely never forget it, although she wouldn't make an issue of it.

"So, Kadzir Corridor? Is this some special treat you've devised for my little Stellar-Cartographer, Astro-Geologist heart?!" Ruth joked, although she was semi-serious, it was like a Scientist playground out there!

Alex turned again towards the friendly redhead, who always seemed to be smiling. Their path to friendship had been unorthodox at best, but somehow, it worked. "Good Morning Ruth." He replied, nodding at the viewscreen. "Well I figured we've had enough death defying missions, may as well slow down and be boring." Alex shot her a quick grin in jest.

To:Commander Wu
From: Dr Vaughan
Subject: Medical

Commander, I can see from my records that you have not yet reported for your physical. Please advise whether you would like me to come to you are if you would prefer to come to Sickbay.

"Oh crap..." His armrest lit up with a message from sickbay, and Alex only needed to read the originator's name to know what it was about. Vaughan was through, and he didn't feel like being led by the hand down to the doctor's realm like a chastised child.

[Bridge]

The doors closed behind him as he stepped onto the Bridge. He saw Wu sitting in the center seat and just knew that the ambitious young would know doubt have one of his own before too long.

"I take it you saw the Doctor's message." he said to Alex. "What it didn't show, was my name. I'm gonna go down and get it over with and then I'll come up to relieve you so you can go if haven't already." He turned and headed for the lift. "Let me know if anything comes up, Number One. And don't let the kids get out of hand." he joked, referring to the Science Department.

"Aye sir, I got one too." Alex swiveled his display around for Briggs to see. "We should be arriving at the corridor within the hour, if you needed an exit strategy." He watched the Captain leave before turning back over to Ruth. "So a new ship, for you at least, and alot of new faces. Have you met the other department heads yet? Or will you introduce yourself during the morning briefing?"

The lift doors parted and Kyle stepped out on the Bridge and headed toward Alex. "It was awful. Torturous. Painful." he teased. "And your turn." he finished. "Anything I need to know, Number One?" he asked as he looked around with a smile. The crew was staying busy. Especially the Science Department. He couldn't believe the Science stations on the Bridge weren't crawling with staff.

"Well that didn't take long." Alex mentioned, not altogether pleased. Avoiding sickbay like the plague was something all pilots usually attempted to do, and although he was no longer physically in the 'hot seat', Alex was determined not to lose his skills. "Nothing emergent, Sir. I've suggested to Commander Ferris and Lieutenant Pardek that they coordinate today's drills together, and Science seems raring to go at this charting mission."

[Sahiba Conley]

[Sickbay]

It was quite an impressive list of qualifications for an ensign, but Zero wasn't willing to cede that ground to her.  However, her file had specified her as an El Aurian, so surely her list of qualifications should be far longer?  Perhaps this woman was a poor example of her species, or had wasted such valuable time.

"I do not permit other people in my lab while I am working with a live virus," she replied stiffly, frowning at the other woman.  "The contamination risk alone makes it an undesireable element."

"Working with a live virus, can be problematic especially when considering the life support systems of this particular vessel, I should know we dealt with two aggressive pathogens on this ship while I was in the science department, all it took was one reckless officer, and everyone tried to eat each other, mind the line lieutenant there are children on this ship, including my own." Sahiba said with a shrug and a smile.

"Containing biological pathogens is one of my specialties, I did extensive work on the Forrester-Trent Syndrome outbreak on deep space seven, the  Romulans tried a very clever biogenics trick in attempt to destabilize the neutral zone, we caught it in time and treated it with an aggressive neuro-stabilization regimen, quarantined those with the genetic markers that indicated susceptibility. Interesting work, if you ever have time I would love to talk with you in depth about it, you could even meet my daughter, I am sure you would find her very interesting. Sahiba sat back down and began to pull all the files of those who would be coming in, and separating them by department.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge]

Alex turned again towards the friendly redhead, who always seemed to be smiling. Their path to friendship had been unorthodox at best, but somehow, it worked. "Good Morning Ruth." He replied, nodding at the viewscreen. "Well I figured we've had enough death defying missions, may as well slow down and be boring." Alex shot her a quick grin in jest.

"Aye sir, I got one too." Alex swiveled his display around for Briggs to see. "We should be arriving at the corridor within the hour, if you needed an exit strategy." He watched the Captain leave before turning back over to Ruth. "So a new ship, for you at least, and alot of new faces. Have you met the other department heads yet? Or will you introduce yourself during the morning briefing?"

"Well that didn't take long." Alex mentioned, not altogether pleased. Avoiding sickbay like the plague was something all pilots usually attempted to do, and although he was no longer physically in the 'hot seat', Alex was determined not to lose his skills. "Nothing emergent, Sir. I've suggested to Commander Ferris and Lieutenant Pardek that they coordinate today's drills together, and Science seems raring to go at this charting mission."

[Bridge]

Ruth struggled to not giggle in front of her new crew mates, managing at least to not stick out her tongue playfully at Alex.  She loved working with both Alex and Kyle, and indeed Eli.

"I'm with you on the slowing down and being boring," she teased back, "...must be the old age creeping in!"  she winked at Captain Briggs so both he and Alex knew she was just being her normal fiesty self. 

Ruth didn't know if it was just her, or that this particular posting felt so... right, but she was happy now that she didn't feel censored at every turn. She could spread her wings and shine at her job.  To some extent she had Alex and Eli to thank for that.  They had both allowed her probably more responsibility than a junior grade lieutenant should have had, in her previous posting, but more on a level which fitted her abilities and she'd run with it.  She couldn't have been more happy to find herself on the Discovery with them, Kyle in the centre seat and Will there too.

"As for your question about introductions. I've looked at the rosters... Well let's see... I already know our esteemed Captain and First Officer, Mr Ferris of Flight, Lt. Pardek I don't know yet," Ruth gave a quick nod and smile in Safefta's direction, Mr. Dorran I believe I met briefly on Horizon once. Dr. Vaughan similarly I think I saw her once or twice at the base, but I'm sure I'll get to know everyone soon enough."  Smiling she said "I've been a bit of a nomad with regards to ships, but I think I've finally come home.

"Oh, I forgot someone... Our Chief of Ops...not sure if I know him yet..." she restrained a giggle, her eyes flashing her mirth at Kyle, who had long been best friends with her partner.  "... I think it rather depends how many Ratkajinos he's had this morning yet! And if he's mostly human or still looking like the Klingon who taught me how to make them!"

Laying a sympathetic hand on Alex's shoulder she winked "Go be poked and prodded, I hear Dr. Vaughan is another cute redhead so it shouldn't be too painful, and well it's something like ripping off a band-aid.  Better done quickly!"

Turning to the CO with some degree of a more serious mien now she said "Sir, I heard that the Phoenix was also to be operating in this area, are we to liaise with their Science Department on findings? Or shall all be revealed in our upcoming briefing?!  Right now we're just scanning the GMC...oh sorry Giant Molecular Clouds...basically what you can see to the naked eye so to speak, since there's not a whole lot you can see until the stars are actually well there! Before that it's just kinda a mother's union meeting of chemical gasses and stuff, well from a layman's point of view."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

Sickbay

Lizzie giggled at the Ensign's comment and took the PADD.

"I'll chase everyone else up, apart from your husband. I'll leave him to you. I'll get this forwarded to the DH's and copy the XO and CO in as well. I'll let you know if I need you to do anything." She replied before taking her leave and heading back to her office.

CMO's Office

Lizzie entered her office and decided that the best way to do it was to send a memo to the DH's. She opened her terminal and composed a memo.

To:All Department Heads.
From: Dr Vaughan
CC: Captain and XO
Subject:Medicals for the crew.

Please be advised that the below members of the crew have not yet reported for their routine joining physicals. It is imperative that we get these completed without delay to prevent further implications. Can all Department Head's please ensure that the relevant members of their department make an appointment as soon as possible. In addition to the below none of the department heads, with the exception of Commander Ferris have reported in either.

Flight:- Ensign Ashley Weir, Chief Wendell Barnes, PO Nerys, Crewman D'Harren

Tactical:- LtJG James Carter, Ensign Arlan Opran, Ensign Akemat th'Zul, PO Davidson, PO T'Laran

Operations:- Lieutenant Sukal, Ensign John Benjamin, Chief Allen, PO Wessen, PO Weis.

Engineering:- LtJG James Hawke, Ensign Leela Kaz, PO Tallarn, PO Webb, Crewman D'Cornis

Science:- LtJG T'Lara, Ensign Fuchal, Chief Rawlings, PO Tabell, PO Gregg.

Lizzie sent the Memo off and then sent a message to the Captain and XO.

To:Captain Briggs
From:Dr Vaughan
Subject: Medical

Captain, I can see from my records that you have not yet reported for your physical. Would you like me to come to you or will you come to sickbay.

To:Commander Wu
From: Dr Vaughan
Subject: Medical

Commander, I can see from my records that you have not yet reported for your physical. Please advise whether you would like me to come to you are if you would prefer to come to Sickbay.

Lizzie sent off the memos and waited for the responses.

[Sickbay]

Akemat stepped into the department and surveyed it with a warrior's old cunning eye. He had seen the inside of many of these places over his career. Starfleet ran their medical facilities like a resort, in his mind. On Andorian vessels they were strictly utilitarian. He couldn't say which he preferred. Starfleet sickbays were certainly the best choice for humans, but his people sometimes preferred a more cut and dry method.

Hopefully we won't be doing any cutting today.

[Kyle Briggs]

"Well that didn't take long." Alex mentioned, not altogether pleased. Avoiding sickbay like the plague was something all pilots usually attempted to do, and although he was no longer physically in the 'hot seat', Alex was determined not to lose his skills. "Nothing emergent, Sir. I've suggested to Commander Ferris and Lieutenant Pardek that they coordinate today's drills together, and Science seems raring to go at this charting mission."

"Nah. I wasn't too bad." Kyle replied. "It went pretty quick and gave me some time to speak with our Chief Medical Officer."

Kyle smiled as Ruth spoke to him and Alex. She had come a long way since he had first met her and she deserved it. Kyle found himself, not for the first time, wondering if Will knew just how lucky he was.

[Bridge]

Ruth struggled to not giggle in front of her new crew mates, managing at least to not stick out her tongue playfully at Alex.  She loved working with both Alex and Kyle, and indeed Eli.

"I'm with you on the slowing down and being boring," she teased back, "...must be the old age creeping in!"  she winked at Captain Briggs so both he and Alex knew she was just being her normal fiesty self. 

Ruth didn't know if it was just her, or that this particular posting felt so... right, but she was happy now that she didn't feel censored at every turn. She could spread her wings and shine at her job.  To some extent she had Alex and Eli to thank for that.  They had both allowed her probably more responsibility than a junior grade lieutenant should have had, in her previous posting, but more on a level which fitted her abilities and she'd run with it.  She couldn't have been more happy to find herself on the Discovery with them, Kyle in the centre seat and Will there too.

"As for your question about introductions. I've looked at the rosters... Well let's see... I already know our esteemed Captain and First Officer, Mr Ferris of Flight, Lt. Pardek I don't know yet," Ruth gave a quick nod and smile in Safefta's direction, Mr. Dorran I believe I met briefly on Horizon once. Dr. Vaughan similarly I think I saw her once or twice at the base, but I'm sure I'll get to know everyone soon enough."  Smiling she said "I've been a bit of a nomad with regards to ships, but I think I've finally come home.

"Oh, I forgot someone... Our Chief of Ops...not sure if I know him yet..." she restrained a giggle, her eyes flashing her mirth at Kyle, who had long been best friends with her partner.  "... I think it rather depends how many Ratkajinos he's had this morning yet! And if he's mostly human or still looking like the Klingon who taught me how to make them!"

Laying a sympathetic hand on Alex's shoulder she winked "Go be poked and prodded, I hear Dr. Vaughan is another cute redhead so it shouldn't be too painful, and well it's something like ripping off a band-aid.  Better done quickly!"

Turning to the CO with some degree of a more serious mien now she said "Sir, I heard that the Phoenix was also to be operating in this area, are we to liaise with their Science Department on findings? Or shall all be revealed in our upcoming briefing?!  Right now we're just scanning the GMC...oh sorry Giant Molecular Clouds...basically what you can see to the naked eye so to speak, since there's not a whole lot you can see until the stars are actually well there! Before that it's just kinda a mother's union meeting of chemical gasses and stuff, well from a layman's point of view."

"The Phoenix, huh?" he asked. "I hadn't been aware of that. Maybe Command thought there was plenty of charting to go around. I've heard a lot about the ship and her crew but I've never had the pleasure of meeting any of them. Maybe we can have a Officers Dinner when they arrive." he suggested.

[Ser Conley]

[Shuttle]

"Because it runs in the family. Both my mother and father as well as my brother were Star Fleet. Plus, when I lost my hearing, piloting was one of the only jobs I could do. And by the time I could hear again, early last year, I had gotten good enough at being a pilot that it was an obvious choice." Ashley responded with a slight shrug before she let out a long sigh. "Also...I wanted to see what the galaxy had for me. With my...what's the word...dis...something." She paused briefly before continuing. "With my disability I was on Earth most of my life, the furthest I ever got unless on vacation to visit my older brother was orbit."

"Ok... aaah" Ser said. After losing his train of thought for a second.  This was not going exactly as he planned.   He refocused he a thought before he continued.   

"Ensign, I didn't ask for your whole history.  I was trying make a point." He said then pointed of finger towards the shuttle door.   

"The lieutenant outside is a superior officer to you.  When you join Starfleet, you agreed to follow a code of conduct.  Namely to follow a chain of command.  Like or not, he is apart of that chain. And what you did was clear insubordination.  If you plan to last long on this ship, you best learn to control your temper.  Or you may find, there won't be a place for you on this ship, or any ship for that matter." Ser said.