Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Captain) in Main Sim: Romulan Sickbay - An Unwelcome Homecoming [TAG T’Aria]

Posted by Ensign Kastarak (Doctor / Counsellor) in Main Sim: Romulan Sickbay - An Unwelcome Homecoming [TAG T’Aria]

Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Captain) in Main Sim: Romulan Sickbay - An Unwelcome Homecoming [TAG T’Aria]
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Snip

“As soon as this is over, and the Captain is recovered enough, I’m going to tell him. It’s going to be better this way.” Symar felt like a small weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

-Lieutenant Symar: Chief Medical Officer-

Kastarak nodded. “Prudent. How can I support you?”

– Ensign Kastarak

“Just… be there I suppose,” Symar sighed, this was going to be a very long few days.

-Lieutenant Symar: Chjef Medical Officer-

Kastarak looked into Symar’s eyes and said with a falling voice: “I am with you”.

– Ensign Kastarak

Symar placed a hand on Kastarak’s shoulder, greatful for the time to breath, “Thanks Doc, we should get back in there.”

-Lieutenant Symar: Chief Medical Officer-

“I agree,” said Kastarak, opening the door, and signalling for Symar to enter first. “We have a patient to check on.”

OOC:

I’m ready for you to tell me your big secret!

Travis

– Ensign Kastarak

Kastarak returned to Taggart’s bed. While scanning the patient for any further indication of injury or disfunction [OOC: please let me know!], Kastarak spoke to his patient.

“Sir, how are you feeling now?”

– Ensign Dr Kastarak

OOC: Everything is fine. Thank you.

IC: Chris was lying there in bed and looking out the window. Turning his head to face Kastarak, “I am doing very well now Doctor. I really appreciate all you and Symar have done for me. Great job. How are you doing Kastarak?”

Chris

“I am well, thank you,” Kastarak replied out of courtesy. He never understood the human desire to ask how people are all the time when it was not necessary. His question to Taggart was necessary, it was part of his job. Though, on the other hand, Kastarak was Taggart’s responsibility too. “And so are your data from these scans. Neurological functioning seem to be almost back to normal. In a day or two, your faculties should return to pre-surgery levels. A neuropsychological assessment should be performed before returning to duty, but it is likely to be short and it is padd-based so you can do it in your cabin.”

Kastarak returned to Taggart’s gratitude. He looked the captain in the eyes, and spoke softly and sincerely to him.

“I am honoured by your gratitude, captain, and I trust Dr Symar is too,” he said

– Dr/Ensign Kastarak

“Well that’s great news! Thank you again. When the time is right I’ll do your PaDD tests.” He looked at Kastarak for a long moment then turned to look back out the window for another couple minutes before speaking again without looking at Kastarak.

“Kastarak. What do you see when you look out of any window into space? I’ll tell you what I see. I see a literal and figurative window into space. Looking out these, I see portals going back in time but yet are in the present. I sometimes wonder how long that beam of light has been traveling and from where. I know others are used to seeing these views and ignore them but I can’t.” He turned back around to face Kastarak with a somber and heartfelt look upon his face.

“I say that to say this. These views, pagers, nebulae, Galaxies, planets, stars, etc.. are like my crew to a point. They help me navigate. They help me hide from the enemy and they bring forth new life. So Kastarak. I have been very busy with this mission but that has not stopped me from noticing my crew. I have noticed that like these stars out here now, you too are distant, following along a path. But you don’t have to follow a predetermined path, you can make your own. And just like I wonder about where this beam of light has been and where it is going, you to have a beginning and and end. You to hold onto a secret of something important and continue to function. Since we’ve started this mission, you have been very different. Melancholy, confused, strong willed and well, just not yourself sometimes. Do you have anything that you want to talk about? It’s just us here and it will stay that way. I promise.”

Captain Chris Taggart CO

Kastarak listened actively to everything Taggart said. His first thought was that Symar had given Taggart an analgesic that had caused an intoxication in Taggart. Though that was completely illogical. Taggart’s surgery was inside the brain – where there are no pain receptors – and an analgesic would be unnecessary. Moreover, he had just scanned Symar and there were no strange readings of any kind of hormone or neurotransmitter. Perhaps Taggart was simply having “a moment”. Having stood face to face with possible death, combined with the euphoria of being alive, of having survived a potentially dangerous surgery completely intact, combined with grief of what might have occurred. Surgeries can lead to questions of existential themes, it was not uncommon.

Taggart spoke a bit like an artist, or a poet, would. Kastarak listened, but was unsure what he should reply. He wanted to validate, but he found when he, as a Vulcan, validated humans, humans often took it as insencere, and it would often lead to counterintuitive consquences.

“You speak of existential themes, sir. These are common to experience post-surgery. It is logical to think of them, to feel what you feel, and think the thoughts you do. It is good to reflect over one’s place, or destiny if you will, and see how the path that we have metaphorically walked lead to where we are now, and where we might go next. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. I take it to heart, and will carry your words with me.”

This was not the time for him to open up to the captain. He was still his patient, and acting outside the roles would not be ethical. He did see in himself a small longing though to open up to the captain. Perhaps when they would return from Klingon space, they would find time to talk with one another about matters of the heart and existence. He looked forward to that hypothetical scenario.

– Ensign/Doctor Kastarak

Chris smiled.” “Thanks and you are welcome Kasterak. I am glad we had this non talk. Let’s do it again sometime. But you can come to me if you need anything ok. Have a good night.” He turned in the bed and tried to get comfy. “Thanks again for saving me.”

Chris

Non-talk? “But we did talk,” Kastarak quickly interjected. “And there is no need to thank me. I performed my duty, as you have done as captain, and will continue to do so, as soon as Dr Symar and I clear you for duty. Now, rest well, sir. I will be in my office, and Nurse Sutalo will do the rounds. He’ll check up on you shortly.”

– Dr Kastarak