A chiming sound filled the room as Taniel woke from his first night’s sleep on the USS Memorial. “Computer, cancel alarm,” he said, yawning.

He swung his legs and sat on the bed, rubbing his eyes and taking a breath. Today was his first day of practice, and he smiled in anticipation. “Time to heal the sick and flirt with the nurses,” he said to himself as he got up and put on his uniform.

*

Stepping into Sickbay, his dark eyes taking in the scene; the hustle and bustle of a busy Sickbay on a truly impressive ship. But Taniel didn’t have too long to take in the view.

“Doctor Lox?”

Taniel turned to face a young woman holding a PaDD. “Good morning.” He said.

“I’m Jenna. One of the nurses, sir.”

The Betazoid smiled. “You don’t have to call me ‘sir’, Jenna. It’s good to meet you.” He glanced to the PaDD. “What do you have for me? Something exciting, I hope!”

The nurse returned the smile. “Depends on your definition of ‘exciting’.” She handed him the PaDD. “Biobed 4. Crewman Griv. He says he feels like his heart isn’t beating properly. Scans showed mild tachycardia.”

Taniel looked at the results, he said as he moved off, walking with her. “Nothing insidious in the scans, anyway.”

“Griv is one of our more regular customers,” she said, as they approached a Bolian, sat fidgeting on the biobed.

“Understood.” Taniel couldn’t count the number of ‘regulars’ a practitioner came across when it came to medicine. “Good morning, Lieutenant. Jenna here tells me you’re not feeling too good?”

“I don’t think I’m well, doctor.” The Bolian replied in a worried tone. His record showed he worked in Science. “It’s my heart; it’s making me feel … well I feel it’s just not right.”

Without him even having to ask, Jenna handed the doctor a medical tricorder. “Thank you, Jenna.” Taniel ran a scan of the Bolian’s chest. It showed up nothing the nurse hadn’t already spotted, but it was done more so that the patient could see that the doctor was actually doing something. “You’re pulse is a little fast.” He concluded.

“Oh, no.” Griv said, worriedly.

Lox gave the man a reassuring smile. “But not overly so. Have you any other symptoms? How is your sleep?”

“Not good. And I keep feeling like the room is spinning when I’m working. I mainly do maintenance. But I get shaking hands, so I have to be extra careful with the equipment. Do you think it’s something serious?”

Taniel put the tricorder away. “I don’t think there is anything to be worried about, crewman. It sounds to me like anxiety. Now, I’m not being dismissive, but I wouldn’t worry yourself; you’re not in any danger. What do you do between shifts?”

“I’m studying astrophysics, sir.” The Bolian replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

“What about fun? What do you do to relax?”

“Well, I don’t have much time in between work and studying; I really want to be an astrometrics officer.”

Taniel smiled. “And I am sure someone with your drive will make an excellent officer, but,” he said. “Not if you are going to run yourself into the ground. Let’s give you a little something for your nerves.” He looked to Jenna. “Could I have 5 cc’s of melorazine, please.” It was a tiny dose, more intended to show the Bolian he was being cared for, and not just brushed off.

Jenna handed him the hypospray, which Taniel pressed gently against the Bolian’s neck, gently releasing the button. “That should help you for the next few hours.”

The Bolian looked immediately relieved, though it was probably more of a placebo effect than the tiny amount of sedative he had been given. “Thank you, doctor.”

Lox started tapping at his PaDD. “But when that wears off, you will find yourself feeling exactly the same way unless you make some changes. I want you to take every other day off from studying, or cut it in half, your choice, and make some time to relax. Go to the holodeck, listen to some soothing music, read … you won’t help yourself if you keep getting into these states. I’m giving you the rest of the day and tomorrow off duty, also. Make sure to put down the PaDD and put your feet up; doctor’s orders.”

“I can’t,” the Bolian protested, though he was much calmer now. “What about the work that needs doing?”

“You can, and you will. I will message your Chief and let them know. You’re not going to be good to anyone if you’re dropping things or passing out. Take a minute, then go do something relaxing. Okay?”

“Yes, doctor.”

Taniel moved away, and sent a message from his PaDD. Doctor Lox to Lt. Cmdr. Vaughn. I am giving Crewman Second Class Griv two days off from his duties due to medical reasons. I’d also like to recommend as assessment of his duties as they may very well be affecting his health. Sincerely; Doctor Taniel Lox

Moving to a larger console, Taniel logged an entry onto Griv’s file.

“He’ll be back,” Jenna said, leaning against the wall beside him as he tapped at the console.

“They usually do,” he said, before looking up. “So, anxious Bolian taken care of. What else do you have for me, Jenna?”

Ens. Lox
Med