Posted by Cadet Vaarek (Medical Officer) in medical advice

Posted by Ensign Wyatt Blackford (Security Officer) in medical advice

Posted by Cadet Vaarek (Medical Officer) in medical advice
Posted by… suppressed (16) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Wyatt stepped off the lift, the soft hum of its doors sliding shut behind him as he made his way down the corridor toward medical. A PADD rested in his hand, its screen still lit with notes and half-finished diagrams from the conversation he’d just had with his sisters. They’d given their input—plenty of it—but Wyatt knew better than to move forward without getting another doctor’s perspective. If this idea was going to work, it needed more than enthusiasm; it needed to be safe.

He exhaled quietly, running a hand through his hair as he approached the entrance. The familiar scent of antiseptic and the low murmur of equipment met him as the doors parted. Medical was active, but not chaotic—orderly in the way it always was, a controlled environment where everything had its place and purpose.

Wyatt slowed his pace just slightly, taking it all in. A couple of nurses moved between biobeds, checking readings and updating charts. Somewhere deeper in the room, a monitor gave a soft, rhythmic tone. He shifted the PADD in his hand, glancing down at it for a moment as if mentally rehearsing what he was about to say. The idea had seemed solid when he and his sisters were talking it through, but now, standing here, he felt a flicker of uncertainty.

Still, he pressed on.

His gaze moved across the room, searching for one of the doctors on duty—someone he could run the concept by without interrupting anything critical. He didn’t want to get in the way, but he also didn’t want to lose his nerve and walk out without asking. Wyatt straightened slightly, squaring his shoulders as he stepped further inside.

“Alright,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. “Let’s see what they think.”

Clutching the PADD a little tighter, he moved toward the nearest available doctor, ready—if a bit nervous—to explain the project and hear what a professional really thought of it.

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

“Ensign,” Spenn noted, as he saw the ensign approach him, which was provide a welcome distraction as he had finished delivering a half-Orion baby from Human parents, “What is the reason for your urgent visit?” He said, secretly desperate to escape the current situation.

Lieutenant Spenn
Chief Medical Officer

Vaarek was a few metres behind Spenn, trusting this would be a conducive educational moment for him, ready to assist if needed.

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt scratched the back of his head awkwardly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he lingered near the doorway. “Sorry to bother you, sir. It’s not really urgent,” he said quickly, almost like he was trying to reassure himself as much as the other person. “If you’re busy, I can come back later. I just wanted to speak to you about something…”

His voice trailed off as his eyes wandered around the room, taking in the steady activity around him. The low hum of equipment and quiet conversations filled the background, giving him an excuse not to immediately continue. He adjusted the PADD tucked under his arm, gripping it a little tighter than necessary.

Wyatt wasn’t usually this hesitant, but bringing this up suddenly felt more complicated now that he was actually standing there. He let out a small breath through his nose and glanced back toward the corridor for a moment before returning his attention forward.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt anything important,” he added, offering a faint apologetic smile. “I just figured I should talk to you before things got too far along.” He rubbed the back of his neck again, clearly nervous, then finally stepped a little farther into the room instead of hovering in the doorway. “It’s about a project… well, sort of a side project. And I wanted your opinion on it before we move forward.”

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

“Then it is of the utmost importance,” Spenn insisted, hoping that his wish to avoid getting caught in the new parents’ argument (which was already beginning, mind you) wasn’t transparent. “Describe the project to me in absolute detail, Ensign.”

Lieutenant Spenn
Chief Medical Officer

As the Doctor was speaking with Blackford a com call from the Counselor came in. =^=Counselor to Dr. Spenn. Doc, we’re been sent down planet and you’ve been ordered on my team. Meet me in the Shuttlebay in five.=^=

Counselor Alex Cross

Spenn was silent for a moment. This distraction will suffice. “It appears that something urgent has come up. You may either discuss this with the cadet or wait to discuss this with me at a later time. Until then live long and prosper.” He said, hurriedly walking away from the arguing parents.

Lieutenant Spenn
Chief Medical Officer

Vaarek walked a few steps to Spenn and Blackford. Nodding at Spenn, as Spenn left, Vaarek turned to Blackford.

“Sir?”

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt shifted slightly where he stood, clearly trying to figure out the best way to explain everything without sounding ridiculous. He rubbed the back of his neck for a moment before finally speaking.

“Well… when my sister and I were kids, we saw this news article about an away team that got trapped on a planet.” He glanced down briefly, remembering it. “The transporters were offline because of some kind of atmospheric interference, and the ship couldn’t safely launch a shuttle to get them. I don’t remember all the details anymore, just… they were stuck there for days.”

His expression tightened slightly.

“They were running out of supplies. No food, limited power, medical issues starting to show up. I remember the article said they had to ration everything while they waited for rescue.” He gave a small shrug. “Most kids probably would’ve forgotten about it after a day or two, but my sister and I kept talking about it.”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“We started wondering why there wasn’t some kind of emergency supplement. Something lightweight ships could store in bulk. Something small enough to carry in survival kits or emergency packs that could still provide enough nutrients to keep someone alive until rescue arrived.”

Wyatt reached into one of his pockets and carefully pulled out a small orange packet. It looked almost disappointingly ordinary, not much different from flavored drink powder someone might mix into water. He held it up between two fingers.

“So… we’ve been working on something.”

He stepped a little closer, offering the packet for inspection.

“It’s still in development, obviously. The idea is that one packet mixed with water would provide the minimum nutritional requirements someone would need to survive for a limited period of time. Proteins, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, calorie density… all of it compressed as efficiently as possible.” He gave a small nervous laugh. “Doesn’t taste amazing yet, according to my sister.”

His tone softened slightly when he mentioned her.

“She’s a doctor aboard the USS Chimera, and she’s been helping me gather medical data and nutritional requirements to make sure we’re not missing anything important. We’ve spent a long time trying to balance shelf stability, absorption rates, hydration, and making sure it wouldn’t cause problems if someone had to rely on it for several days.”

Wyatt hesitated before continuing.

“It was actually suggested to me that before we moved into larger testing phases, I should have another medical officer review everything independently. Fresh eyes, unbiased opinion.” He lifted the datapad he had been holding under his arm and handed it over carefully. “I have all the research data here. Nutritional breakdowns, metabolic projections, survival estimates, medical notes, preliminary testing results… everything we’ve got so far.”

He shifted his weight again, suddenly looking a little younger beneath the professionalism.

“I know it’s probably not perfect yet. But if this works… maybe next time someone gets stranded somewhere, at least starvation won’t become part of the problem.”

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

Vaarek listened with interest to Blackford’s proposal. There were merits to it. While emergency rations did exist, they did not last all that long. A back-up long-lasting emergency rationing system would be conducive to the welfare of Starfleet crew. How could it be lightweight, yet fulfil the dietary needs of the myriad of species in the Federation and beyond? Would it be feasible? Vaarek thought of the Blackford sister – a chief medical officer on another ship. Perhaps he could contact her and offer to assist her. He did need some kind of supervised research-based projects to send back to Starfleet Medical in order to progress in his qualifications to one day be a Starfleet physician.

“Mr Blackford,” he began. “Your proposal is at face elegant. I should like to review it in more detail and discuss it more with your sister if she would permit it.”

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt gave a small smile, seeming relieved that the conversation was going smoothly. He shifted the PADD in his hands before offering it over carefully. “Of course. Her name is Areiana Blackford. She’s currently serving on the USS Chimera.” His tone carried a clear note of pride and trust when he mentioned her name, like he had complete confidence in her work and abilities.

“The data pad has all the information we’ve managed to gather so far,” he continued, tapping lightly against the screen with his thumb. “Research notes, preliminary findings, test results… pretty much everything we’ve documented up to this point.” He let out a quiet breath, giving a small shrug. “Though honestly, she’d probably explain it better than I can. She’s been leading most of the medical side of things.”

Wyatt glanced down for a moment before looking back up again.. “If there’s something you need clarified, she’ll make sure you understand it before the conversation’s over.”

He held the PADD out fully now. “I just figured it’d be easier to start with the data first so you’d have some background before reaching out to her.”

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

Vaarek nodded as he accepted the PADD. “Thank you Mr Blackford. I shall contact Dr Blackford when I have read the files.” Vaarek noted the pride in Wyatt’s voice as he had mentioned his more senior sister. Had they come from a Starfleet “dynasty”? That might be important to find out. He decided he would read up on Wyatt’s medical records too. He was, after all, Vaarek’s patient too.

“While you are here,” he said, “is there anything I can do for you as a patient?”

(OOC: How would you like to progress – a ship crossover of sis and cadet speaking on subspace? I am confused how Dr and Cadet would do it? :D )

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt scratched the back of his head awkwardly, avoiding eye contact for a moment before finally speaking. “Uh… I am due for one of my shots… if you have time.” His voice lowered slightly at the end, almost like he regretted bringing it up. “My T-shot. I get it once a month.”

Vaarek wasn’t entirely sure what T meant in this respect. In fact, Vaarek had heard tea shots which to him was nonsensical. There were 900 people give or take on board this ship, and at least a dozen different species, and there was no way he could know every single possible medication for twelve or more totally different biologies. Moreover, the cadet had only just started and had in no way entered the medical records of all people – especially the ones that he had not had a reason to read.

That nonwithstanding, whatever this tea shot was, it was clearly important enough that Mr Blackford needed it once a month. A routine injection.

“Let me pull up your file,” Vaarek said calmly. “I will check the notes and the prescription. I need to see if I am authorized to synthesize the drug for you or if I need higher clearance.”

Suddenly cognizant that his words sounded like Wyatt had been on narcotics, Vaarek sought to alleviate any possible concerns. “I am but a cadet, and do not have the full medical licence yet.”

The words felt heavy leaving his mouth. Even after years, talking about it still made his shoulders tense. Wyatt was a trans man, but it wasn’t something he openly discussed unless he absolutely had to. Most people on the ship didn’t know, and honestly, he preferred it that way. To him, it was personal medical information, not some topic for casual conversation.

Still, doctors needed to know.

While checking the computer and the file, Vaarek was distracted by seeing Wyatt’s physical reaction. It was subtle, but noticeable for Vaarek. The tea shot was something that required immediacy, apparently, and something that seemed highly private for Vaarek’s patient. Still not understanding the full implications of the tea, Vaarek decided to be cautious on the matter.

He checked the medical records with one eye, the other eye checking his patient.

Indeed there it was. Assigned female at birth, began transitioning at age 16. It dawned on Vaarek that the T was not tea but testosterone – a symptom of the ever-human affinity for illogical abbreviations. The young ensign had been through an ordeal, Vaarek thought. Scrolling up and down to find the prescription notes, he saw notes indicating difficulties in relationships with Wyatt’s parents. Disowned. At such a formative age? But there was a sister with whom Wyatt seemed to have a regular relationship. Vaarek’s diagnostic mind began treading in various directions: Trauma? Attachment issues?. But then, that was not the case here. Scrolling more. Scars from under pectoral muscles. Perhaps as a result of masectomy, Vaarek thought. Not necessary to enquire about.

Sure enough, a prescription was found. It was sound and in good form. Quite recent. Vaarek double checked the dosage. It seemed to fit Wyatt’s apparent physique. But it was hard to judge the exactness. As a budding physician, Vaarek wanted to give the best care possible to patients. Not a millilitre too much or too little of any drug.

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously and gave a small shrug, trying to act more casual than he felt. “I usually handle it myself, but I ran out before we left port and didn’t exactly have time to replace it.” A faint, embarrassed laugh escaped him. “Kinda important detail to forget.”

“You did not forget, you came here,” Vaarek said, in a tempo a little slower, and in a voice a little clearer than what he had said before.

His expression dimmed slightly after that, old memories surfacing whether he wanted them to or not. Coming out at sixteen had not gone well. His family had kicked him out almost immediately, and ever since then he’d learned very quickly that talking about being trans usually led to uncomfortable questions, judgment, or pity — three things he hated equally. So now he kept it buried under jokes, work, and stubborn independence.

Wyatt shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable standing there discussing it. “Sorry, I know it’s probably not a big deal medically,” he muttered quickly, “just… not my favorite conversation.” He glanced up briefly before looking away again. “But yeah. If the medical bay has testosterone in stock, I’d appreciate it.”

Keeping his voice clear and tempo slow, Vaarek emphasized: “Apologizing for seeking necessary health care is not be conducive to your well-being or to a successful working provider–patient relationship.” Vaarek knew humans well enough not to call Wyatt out as illogical, so he stopped himself from that urge. Different cultures on different planets for different species had different anxieties related to various aspects of existence. The human experience would not make sense to Vaarek, but it did not need to. Wyatt’s medical records – his parents’ reaction, his physical reaction and change of tone and voice in Sickbay now – they were all telling enough that this was a sensitive matter.

Testosterone, however, was not in stock. It was a simple chemical compound, easily replicable. “I will synthesize the drug,” Vaarek said.

He returned to his normal voice: “I need to scan your body composition to get an exact combination of lipids, hormones, body fat and musculature, and so on, so to tweak the dosage as accurately as possible. I would recommend you come back here next month for the next injection, rather than doing it yourself, to ensure the best possible dosage based on your parameters.” Moreover, Vaarek thought, Wyatt would not “forget” his shots, but be reminded.

He turned to Wyatt, holding the scanner in his hand. “Do you consent to the scan?”

(I play both sister and brother so we can do a cross over if you like sorry it took so long to reply

(Awesome! Let’s do that! Feel free to start it!)

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt nodded once, giving a small tired smile. “Yes, of course.” He moved over and sat down on the exam table, the paper beneath him crinkling softly as he settled into place so the scan could be done easier. His hands rested quietly in his lap, fingers loosely intertwined while he waited for the equipment to start up.

By now the routine was familiar. Every few months he had to come in for another scan, another adjustment, another reminder that this was something he would probably deal with for the rest of his life. He had long since stopped complaining about it. Still, there were moments when the constant appointments and monitoring weighed on him more than he liked to admit.

He glanced toward her before leaning back slightly against the wall behind the exam table. “As soon as we’re done, I’ll get ahold of my sister for you to talk to,” he said calmly. “She’ll probably answer faster if she knows it’s medical related.”

A faint chuckle escaped him as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Honestly, she worries enough for three people already. If she knew I put this appointment off even a day, I’d never hear the end of it. But she will love to speak to you about the the project. She knows more about the medical side. I’ve been just working on making it and making sure it works.

Despite the joke, there was obvious affection in his voice when he spoke about his sister. Wyatt exhaled quietly and looked toward the scanner again, shoulders relaxing as he prepared himself for yet another checkup, another set of results that would determine whether the dosage was still balanced correctly or if they would need to change things again.

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

(OOC: So sorry for my absence – life got in the way… busy at work!)

Vaarek nodded. He had two siblings, an older sister and an older brother, yet, he had not the connection it seemed Wyatt had Areiana had. In the depths of his gut, Vaarek noted an automatic emotion. He named it – jealousy – and quickly regulated himself with his thoughts telling him why that emotion is misplaced. While he envied connection and relationship, he did not envy the struggles Wyatt had to endure. He thought of what it would be like to be Wyatt – to be disowned by parents – and how would it feel to grow up trans, transitioning. A never-ending cycle of coming out, of microaggressions, and constant reminders. He empathised, maybe a bit too much. He had never told anyone of his coming out – as he had never done so – but every day, he, too, was reminded of his otherness. He couldn’t tell Wyatt this – not in this setting – but he longed to tell someone that he would never be able to take a wife, that he instead, going against the duty of genealogy, logic, tradition, and honour, would seek a husband. Naturally, that was very different from what Wyatt had to endure – his situation required him to navigate medication and biology and hormones and various physical dangers Vaarek would never need to consider – except as Wyatt’s physician at this very instant.

Yet, there were many things connecting them beyond the intimate knowledge they both had at this very moment of Wyatt’s body.

Vaarek took a quick glance at the data. (OOC: if everything looks good, let me know, and we can carry on the story in that direction – if it doesn’t, let’s explore that.).

“Still scanning,” he said, partly to himself, partly to his patient. “Afterwards, I do have time to speak to your sister, should she be available. If not, we can arrange another time.”

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt smiled softly at him and gave a small nod, staying still while the scanner moved over him. He was used to this by now—the medical scans, the questions, the constant poking and prodding that seemed to come with both Starfleet and his own complicated medical history. Most days he could sit through it without even thinking about it.

“No rush,” he said quietly. “I’m off duty today anyway, and well…” He let out a small awkward laugh. “It’s kind of nice having someone to talk to about this. Even if it’s only from the medical side of things.”

His hand lifted to scratch at the back of his neck, fingers brushing lightly against his hair as he looked away for a moment. A faint blush crept across his cheek before he quickly turned his head, trying to hide it and hoping the lighting in sickbay would cover it up. He suddenly found the wall on the other side of the room incredibly interesting.

Wyatt shifted slightly on the biobed, shoulders relaxing more than they had been when he first walked in. Usually these appointments felt cold and clinical, just another thing that had to be done, but this felt different somehow. Easier. Safer.

“I dunno,” he admitted after a second, his voice quieter now. “Most doctors just make it feel like another chart to fill out. In and out, done in ten minutes.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he glanced back over. “You actually talk to people.”

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel

Vaarek had not expected that warmth from Wyatt. In Vaarek’s view, he hadn’t spoken much at all, simply listened. But he knew better not to invalidate (or “correct”) a patient’s experience. While Vulcan physicians might do that to other Vulcans, he had quickly learnt that would not be conducive to a physician–patient relationship to do so, nor to the health outcome of any intervention.

“I am honoured you find it so,” he said, having tried to find the words to express his sentiment. He looked at Wyatt’s face, just between the eyebrows (as he had been taught) “I should like to be available here in Sickbay for more of these conversations, should you need them.”

Vaarek looked down on the scanner.

“I am now able to calibrate the hormonal injection to a more satisfactory dosage based on your body’s more exact composition.”

He walked to the replicator. It buzzed. A second later, an injection was ready.

He walked back to his patient.

“I am ready to inject the calibrated dose of testosterone into your body. Do you consent?”

Cadet Vaarek, Medical

Wyatt nodded, relaxing a little as he rolled up his sleeve. Thankfully, injections had never really bothered him, otherwise this whole situation would have been incredibly awkward. Considering he would probably need these shots for the rest of his life, being afraid of needles would have made things far more difficult than he wanted to think about.

“Yes, go ahead,” he said softly, offering a small smile. “Thank you.”

He kept his arm still, watching for a moment before looking away toward the far wall of sickbay. The familiar sounds of equipment humming quietly in the background helped settle his nerves. Even if he trusted the medical staff, there was always something vulnerable about moments like this. Still, it was routine. Normal. Necessary.

Wyatt let out a slow breath through his nose and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “Honestly, this part doesn’t bother me much anymore,” he admitted with a faint chuckle. “After enough medical exams, scans, and injections, you kind of stop caring about needles.”

There was a brief pause before his expression softened slightly. “I appreciate you helping with this though… really.”

Ensign Wyatt Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel