The doors of Sickbay swooshed open and Sebastian stepped inside. He wrinkled his nose as the antiseptic smells of the medical bay assaulted his sense of smell. After giving it a quick scratch, he reached out and gently touched the arm of the nearest nurse.

“Excuse me, I’m Lt. Cmdr. d’Aramis. Just came aboard and need to get cleared so I can start work.”

The nurse looked up and smiled at the newly arrived CIO and took in his solid six foot frame.

“Welcome aboard, commander. It is definitely a pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, NE . . . . .”

“Houlihan. Nurse Houlihan. If you take a seat on the empty bio-bed, i’ll let Dr. Hudson know you’re here.” She flashed him another bright smile before turning to get the CMO. After a step, she stopped and turned to face him again.

“I get off duty in half an hour. When you’re done here, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the ship. And after that, maybe we can stop in the lounge, or officers mess, or my quarters. . . . whatever yu\ou prefer.”

He returned the smile and with a wink replied, “I’ll keep that in mind . . . “

Lt. Cmdr. Sebastian d’Aramis
CIO-USS Manhattan