Posted by Lieutenant Nathan Harland (Assistant CNS/ Child Psychiatry) in There’s No Place Like Home: Present — Outpost 42

Posted by Ensign Chloe Kendrick (Nurse) in There’s No Place Like Home: Present — Outpost 42

Posted by Lieutenant Nathan Harland (Assistant CNS/ Child Psychiatry) in There’s No Place Like Home: Present — Outpost 42
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“Than you Admiral, I know this has been a sudden request… lot of sudden things I feel lately.” Nathan said with a low tone as he sat across from the monitor as Admiral Perkins face stared back at Nathan as the older Admiral seemed to narrow his gaze a bit as he nodded slightly.

“Well the Loki will miss your guidance, but I can understand having a family… and Senator Harland was very kind in his words about you when he came to me.” Perkins said, his face a bit terse as Nathan couldn’t help but smirk ever so softly. I bet he did. Nathan said to himself, Matthew Harland, Senator Matthew Harland was Nathan’s cousin, one of the few in his family he seemed to get along with. One of the few people that could out power Perkins was always someone who had the words ‘Senator’ before their names.

“I will tell Matt how gracious you have been sir, I am sure he will appreciate you doing such a solid for our family. I know the funding of that Mythology program has been a very big thing you have been working toward. Captain Bordeaux is getting the ship I hear? Bet you are thrilled your fleet is getting the honor of the newest ship.” Nathan said as he began to think about all the things Kelly had ever said about Perkins, Commodore when she knew him. If only you could see this Kelz. Nathan thought to himself, her posting on the Atlantis had meant he hadn’t seen her very often but he did get to meet her and her Husband last year, before all things had falling apart.

“Yes well…” Perkins said, visibly flustered but not wanting to rustle any feathers as he seemed to keep his gaze icy and directly on Nathan. “…the paper work will take awhile, but by the beginning of the near year you will be officially on Outpost 42. I wish you well Lieutenant, Perkins out.” came the reply as the screen instantly went black as Nathan let out a loud sigh of relief to have that much over with. Looking over on his desk a small photo shined almost as if it was his most prized possession as he looked at it with a soft smile.

Picking up the picture he looked at as he rubbed his hand over the glass as he closed his eyes briefly. The photo showed him holding his oldest son Logan, with Chloe keeping Madie and Mara in each of her hands as Nathan had his hand around the waist of his wife. The image was no more than a year old as he opened his eyes as a small tear fell as it landed on the glass as it splashed slightly before running down the frame.

“I’m getting you guys back, even if it kills me.” Nathan said softly as he took his sleeve as he wiped away the tear before clearing the rest from his eyes before placing the picture back on his desk. Moving from his desk Nathan found the liquor cabinet, it’s doors seemed well used as he opened them as he grabbed a glass and bottle of Grecken 72, a bottle from one of his favorite breweries Malt Masters.

Sitting down on his couch he felt the springs seeming to accept his weight maybe a little to easy, as if this was a favorite position for him as he began pouring a drink in his glass. “Computer, lower lights by 40%.” he said as the light in the room became dim as he sat looking at the whiskey swish inside the bottle in front of him. Downing it back as if it was nothing more than water he quickly began pouring a second, and a third.

Nathan Harland

— Present Day —

“So… I think I got the perfect plan. I can settle in, get my outpost legs as it were. Then call her up in a week or so and explain the new posting, explain the planet we orbit and the benefits of being on this outpost, solid ground. No roaming around… little danger… she’ll love it right? She’s gotta love it… I think she’s gonna love it.” Nathan said in a near ramble as he walked off of the docking platform with his bag over his shoulder as he walked next to a very nervous looking crewmen who looked over at the officer wondering just what the man was talking about.

“Uhhh… yes? Who are we talking about sir?” Marlon asked as he tried to keep a polite tone despite a slightly agitated feeling. The Lieutenant had insisted getting a family quarters and be walked to his new quarters. It wasn’t very common to have an officer request this, it was usually saved for dignitaries and special guests, often of Aedan Teller’s, that got this kind of treatment. Still every officer had the power to request it, so now he stood walking a grown man who very well could have found his new quarters all alone, instead of catching up of the piles of work Mrs Teller’s most recent venture had caused. If the Teller’s don’t kill me with paper work, this guy might bore me to death. Marlon thought as he kept nodding, realizing Nathan had began talking while he seemingly tuned him out.

”…because of that we just needed a fresh start, ya know? Not everything can be fixed I know but… I think we have a chance, can’t hurt right?” Nathan said as he paused as he seemed to be thinking for a second as he looked back at Marlon. “Hey just take my bag and get all my stuff to my quarters, I think I will try and get two birds one stone since I have you and go to the sickbay, get my check up out of the way… no one likes to be clogged down with work amirght?” Nathan said as he dropped the bag in Marlon’s hands before he could ever say a word as he patted the man on the back, leaving just as fast.

”…k you.” came a barley audible murmur that seemed to be cut off from a sound of crashing as two ensigns carrying equipment for cargo bay seemed to crash into each other as the Crewman shook his head no as if to say he wasn’t going to get into the middle of there mess as he began walking the direction he was heading prior with Nathan.

— Moments Later —

“You can’t get a treatment here, not now.” yelled the Doctor who looked back, the sickbay seemed to have two dozen children in hockey gear on all the beds as other nurses and doctors seemed to be rushing to the aid. “Giant pee wee hockey fight, those kids got razer fangs i swear, a few of the species do in fact. We are gonna be booked solid for at least two hours.” Doctor Carter said, his shout still firm as the cacaopny of screaming kids and medical beeps seem to be drowining all around them as he looked down on his PaDD.

“You are in luck though, we have a free clinic one of the lower decks, one of the Starfleet Nurses covers shifts down there, she is more than qualified to give you the once over…” Doctor Carter said as he paused as one of the nurses began screaming.

“Where is all this blood coming from!” could be heard as Carter looked back with a wide eyed look. “Look you need to go now, Nurse Ken…” as Doctor Carter spoke the name he said got cut off from the screeching of one of the Nasuican kids as he came front and punched Carter straight to his groin as he began shouting “Penguins Penguins Penguins.” as he circled the Doctor as he fell to his knees like he was circling his prey.

“Thanks… good luck.” Nathan said as he felt bad, he could even help but this was not his fight as he quickly began to back away as he made a beeline for the nearest turbolift.

— Free Clinic: 10 Minutes Later —

Finally, quiet, thought Nathan as he began to walk up to the front entrance. There stood a man, handsome to some degree but seemingly completely oblivious to all around him as he wore his smock as he watched as Nathan approach.

“Civies only, we can’t help Starfleet.” Nyguen immediately said, before Nathan came to a halt in front of the man who seemed to be far shorter than himself as he towered slightly over the dullard.

“I know, but emergencies as they are I need to see the Starfleet Nurse on duty, I was told she was here. Main sickbay can’t do my check in, she’s the only other medical staff who can… you wanna get her or should I just come back and do your job for you?” Nathan said, he wasn’t in the mood to get turned away after all that had happened so far. He hated check ups as it was, all fellow medical professionals did.

“Oh… sorry.... uhmmm yeah you want Ms Kendricks…” the man said as he cowardly inwardly at the threat before he turned around to shout the name out as a shuffling could be heard coming to the front from whoever Ms Kendricks was.

“Did you say Kendicks?” Nathan asked with a quizzical look across his face. It’s a sign… everything is going to be alright. Nathan thought to himself as he took a deep breath as a smile came across his face. As he looked on behind the Nyguen he could see as the name he had called came forward as all happiness seemed to drain from his face as the Nurse came forward.

“Whatcha got Patel,” Chloe said walking up the desk with a smile on her face. Working nights was exhausting especially after all day with her kids but it helped keep her focused. Since she was no longer on Prozac, she needed something to keep her head clear and to get her back onto her feet. Lying in bed for hours a day was tearing apart her and her kids. Right now she needed to repair and not destroy any more parts of her life. Placing her hand on his shoulder she looked down at the intake form on the console.

“Chloe!” Nathan shouted, his brow furrowing as he looked sharply at the Ms Kendricks, who was clearly his wife before him as Nathan felt a small rage burn under. Why was she here? When did she get here? Were his kids here? He didn’t know what to ask first as he just stood with his stare seeming to be able to melt durasteel as he eyed her up and down.

The sound of his voice made her knees go weak. She had not heard that voice in weeks. She did not need to see who spoke to her but raised her eyes anyway. “Nathan,” she said in a breathy voice. It was not the breathy voice one used when they were out of breath from excitement at seeing an old friend. It was the sound of air being ripped from your lungs overlaid with the sounds of a name imprinted on it. Her nails dug into Patel’s shoulder as her gaze went from relaxed to icy daggers before his full name left her lips.

“What in God’s holy name are doing here you whore.” came the first words, which Nathan instantly felt a small pang of regret over. Despite all the rage, just a half hour ago he was praising her and wishing nothing more for her to be on the outpost. It was just a testament to how fast thirty minutes could change someone.

Nathan Harland

“Patel call security,” she said smoothly as if she had no idea who was in front of her. “Tell them we have a man here that is aggressive and threatening.”

“Wha,” he looked at her slightly stunned. Shaking his head he stumbled for words feeling more like a kid caught between two parents fighting than in danger from a hostile patient.

“He is Starfleet, not injured, and does not need medical services. Do it,” she said before turning her back on Nathan and walking towards the back of the clinic. Her hands were white-knuckled holding the edge of a PaDD but it was the only thing containing her rage.

Patel had no idea what was going on but Chloe handled aggressive patients all the time with the patience of a saint. He knew she was a single mom so maybe the guy was someone she was dating. He seemed to recognize her name and was none too pleased to find her here. Reaching up, Patel activated the comm line to the Starfleet security desk. Whoever this Lt. Harland was, his own people could deal with him. =/\=Boomer we have,=/\= was all Patel could get out before the man in front of him reacted.

“Belay that, always remember who has the most chips…” Nathan said in a stern low tone as he pointed at his shoulder before leaping over the counter past Patel in a stunned silence as he looked on unsure at all what to do.

Patel stopped talking as he pulled up Harland’s file hoping to gain a glimmer of what was going on. The second line of the dossier made him slink back in his seat. Rubbing a hand over his face Patel let out a deep breath. Assistant counselor meant not only was this man trained to pick apart your brain, he also had the rank to tear you from limb to limb if the situation arose.

=/\=Patel whats your status =/\= Boomer’s voice rang out over the comm systems.

=/\=Up the creek and all out of paddles. You heard the Lieutenant. Belay that request for security…for now=/\= Patel added ending the comm call.

“Nathan I am pretty sure that comment can get me a restraining order if I give it to my lawyer so go away before I change my mind about calling him,” Chloe yelled over her shoulder hearing Nathan’s remark to Patel and the sound of his boots clicking the floor behind her. Darn it she mouthed trying to increase her speed and add more distance between her and him.

“That was out of line of me, Cloe wait up!” Nathan shouted as he began chasing Chloe down the hall. He still wasn’t quite sure what was going on, one moment he is planning when to tell her the news of his posting the next she is the Nurse he was sent to see.

“No, it was well within your rights because I am no longer your concern or problem,” she bit back increasing her pace to almost a brisk jog. Right now her medical jacket was running interference however if she faced Nathan his comment to her earlier would be confirmed. “Get out of my sickbay,” she ordered feeling herself starting to get out of breath. Chloe was in great shape but that didn’t mean she was able to do the hundred-yard dash without getting winded.

“Please come on Cloe bell stop.” Nathan said as he reached up as he quickly pushed himself in front of her to block the path to the office she was heading to, only to be stunned silent as his eyes widened as he looked her completely up and down. Before his eyes stood his wife, very much pregnant. This was not the state he had left her in, so as his mind began to process as he wondered what to say he very much began to process that the odds were high it was his, but her past behaviors always left that as a maybe.

“This is new… he said as he crossed his arms as he put his hand in front signifying he wished for her to move into the office.

“Mmmmm no it’s about six months old,” she spat out sarcastically holding her ground in the hall. Their gazes met in a showdown with neither of them moving. Long moments passed where she stood immobilized, yet Nathan stood rigid with his hands still gesturing in the direction he wanted her to go to. After being married to the man for over a decade and knowing his profession, Chloe gave up the idea of out waiting him. He had the patience to stand there all day if needed. He also had the professional courtesy, for now, of not airing any more than needed of their personal life to be dramatic fodder for everyone within earshot. Groaning, Chloe followed his gesture into her office. It would be the quickest way to get rid of him.

“So… is it mine?” was the first question he poised, it was simple and abrupt. Many married couples this would be a no brainer on, but Nathan was never one to look past the many sins of Chloe Harland.

Nathan Harland

“No, and it is none of your business,” Chloe’s tone was cool and aloof as she moved to sit behind the desk. It would create a natural barrier between them and Chloe needed that barrier. Her body began to shake as she relaxed back in the seat. The reaction was involuntary and not one out of fear. Over the years she had experienced every emotional reaction possible with Nathan. Fear however was the one thing she never felt in his presence which was why the trembling was hard to explain away. Being married to a psychiatrist for so many years, Chloe had picked up a few tricks of the trade. The first was that there were only two emotions from which all the others emerged: fear and happiness. She had focused so long on fear and anger, they were the easiest to channel.

“Why are you here?”

Chloe Kendrick