Posted by Commander Dr. Frank Silva (Chief Medical Officer) in SIde sim-Sickbay-Going for her Checkup

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Makoto Nishizumi (Chief Engineer) in SIde sim-Sickbay-Going for her Checkup
Makoto stepped into sickbay, her nerves already on edge as she surveyed the sterile white walls and bustling activity. It had been a while since her last check-in, and today was no exception—she needed her next HRT injection, a procedure that always set her heart racing. As she walked, her ears twitched, picking up every little sound—the soft hum of medical equipment, the distant murmur of conversations, even the gentle whirr of motors in her mechanical arm with each precise movement.

Her feline features were unmistakable. A subtle swish of her tail accompanied her every step, and her nose twitched as it caught the faintest scents of antiseptic mixed with something uniquely her own. Determined, she approached the nearest nurse. In a soft yet steady voice, she said, “M…Makoto Nishizumi R… Reporting for Boarding Medical exam…” The words tumbled out, laced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Despite the familiar routine, a part of her remained tense. She was often self-conscious about her transformation. Yes, she could pass well—her face refined and her body enhanced with fillers to accentuate her femininity—but there lingered an ever-present fear of being recognized for who she once was. Every glance, every whispered conversation made her feel as if she were on display, vulnerable to the judgments of others.

Taking a deep breath, Makoto steadied herself, focusing on the present moment. Today, she was here for a medical exam, a necessary step in her ongoing journey. And though the hum of her mechanical arm and the subtle signals from her feline senses reminded her of all that set her apart, she moved forward with determination, ready to face whatever lay ahead in the sterile corridors of sickbay.

Makoto Nishizumi
(She/Her)
Chief Engineer-USS Memorial

Silva had been there only a few minutes longer than Nishizumi, having briefly met her in the turbolift on their way into the ship from the shuttle, however he had more or less settled into taking charge of the care and feeding of the crew. When he heard the nurse and Makoto start talking he made his way over to them, his glasses slung low across his nose.

“Chief Nishizumi. What brings you into the sickbay today? I trust everything is in working order and this isn’t to tell me I need to power down my biobeds.” The dry joke hung in the air for sometime before he motioned with a hand towards one of the examination areas, “Or perhaps you would like to hear some of my plant facts. My first degree is in botany you know.”

Dr. Frank Silva
Chief Medical Officer

She turned to the new CMO, a small smile lighting her face. They hadn’t spoken at all during the trip, but seeing a familiar face was a welcome comfort. “Oh, no—I just need to get my boarding physical out of the way.” she explained softly.

As she spoke, her right arm—a sleek mechanical prosthetic that reflected the sickbay lights—rose shyly to rub the back of her neck. Her tail continued its gentle, steady swish, and her ears twitched at every sound in the busy corridor. Meanwhile, her feline nose absorbed a complex blend of scents, each one intensifying the sensory overload of the moment. Despite the overwhelming details surrounding her, she hoped the process would move quickly, allowing her to find calm amidst the flurry of activity.

Makoto Nishizumi
(She/Her)
Chief Engineer-USS Memorial