Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Jenyfer Lynset (Medical Officer) in Bandages, antiseptic, and other supplies

Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Commanding Officer) in Bandages, antiseptic, and other supplies

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Jenyfer Lynset (Medical Officer) in Bandages, antiseptic, and other supplies
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Short brunette hair framed a face that was cute, but not innocent. The eyes have her away. Jenyfer’s hazel eyes had seen things. At nearly thirty years old, she looked like a sprite from old Earth fairy tails. But she was anything but innocent and nieve.

Double checking her duffle for the umpteenth time, she watched the Chernov look into view out the front of the shuttle. She had originally been helping load the medical supplies before transferring to the ship. The shuttle pilot, in chatting with her, said he’d just take her up this trip and save her the hassle.

The docking procedures went as planned and Scott, the Lieutenant pilot, turned and smiled. “Your stop, Ma’am. Been a pleasure and I wish you all the best.”

Picking up her bag, she thanked him and stepped down the now open ramp, sidestepping those already scurrying up the ramp to begin unloading.

Once on the deck, she tugged down the front of her tunic and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder. Ships were nothing new to her, but she still left nothing to chance. Keen eyes took in everything around her. People, cargo, even the officer standing near the deck console watching her. Taking him in, she got curious. It wasn’t normal for a Captain to welcome a junior officer. Then it dawned on her. Nodding to the crate being carried by two Ensign to the side of the hanger, she saluted the Captain. “Junior Lieutenant Jenyfer Lynset, Sir. The special cargo is in those two amber crates. Deck Master said to let you know it’s everything you asked for.”

She dropped her salute and waited to be dismissed.

Lt JG Jenyfer Lynset
Medical

He smiled and saluted back. “Excellent! I hope your trip was not discomforting to you?” The tall man with the one piercing light blue eye said to her. He was dressed in his uniform and she would notice that one side of his attractive face, for someone in their forties, bore scars and an eye patch and the other side was normal. He was human and had a cybernetic arm and leg as well. It would seem that this man has been through a lot.

“I would hate to have your first trip to the Chernov be awful. I myself started out on this ship as the CMO, my first DH position about 13 years ago. And now look at me!” He chuckled. “I had no plans to take the center seat but here I am now. So a word to the wise. Just because you don’t seek something, doesn’t mean that it won’t seek you.”

“But let us get you to your room, which you don’t have a roommate by the way. I try to give everyone their own space as much as possible. Then we can get something to eat and I’ll show you around the Chernov. Does that sound OK to you?”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

The woman’s jaw went slack a moment before she caught herself and nodded. Not only was he going to show her her quarters, but then invited her to eat. She managed to find her voice and smiled.

“I’ll remember that, Sir. But I can assure you, at least for now,” she managed a slight laugh, “I have no desire for a Command position. Your chair is safe with me.”

He smiled. “Well. That’s good to hear. “

Resettling her bag, she let him lead her out of the bay and into the ship. As they entered the lift, she finally spoke again. “Sir, I can manage on my own if you have things to do. I mean, I know someone usually shepards the new crew men. But I don’t want you to feel obligated if no one else was available.”

She felt overly conscious and worried she would be seen as a bother because he had to take time from his hectic day to show a newbie around.

LT JG Lynset
Medical

He chuckled. “Trying to get rid of me already Lieutenant. I can take a hint. But seriously, it is no bother. I always have things to do and so does the the rest of the crew. But it’s these quiet times you will come to appreciate. This is a battle cruiser Miss Lynset and you of all people will understand that all too well soon enough.” Then he stopped and looked at her. “My apologies. I forgot to tell you my name. I am Christopher Taggart. Please forgive me.”

“Your room is the last one in this hall. I’ll wait here for you to drop off your things. When you come back we’ll get something to eat and I’ll answer any and all questions that you have. Savvy?”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

Jenyfer nodded and smiled. “Savvy… and thank you, Captain Taggart. I mean that.”

With that, the young lady jogged down the hall till her room light indicator made her halt. Palming in, she stepped in, set the bio pad to lock for when she was away, and tossed her bag one of the beds. It was small quarters, meant for two people. A bedroom on either side of a small common area with replicator, table with 4 chairs and a small couch. There were two waist high wall display areas for personal affects as well. The room was sterile, blank and void of visions of occupation. She make short work of that. But another time.

Quickly washing her face and running her fingers through her unruly hair, she was back in the hall jogging towards the Captain in less than five minutes. “Sorry… I’m ready now. The ship really is gorgeous, Sir. I’m looking forward to seeing more. You said you’d served on here for how long, now?”

He let out a small chuckle again. “I guess I should’ve said to take your time. I remember when I was new and running everywhere. But to answer your question it has been 13 years now Lieutenant. I started off as the CMO then while I was in recovery, I got news that I was being promoted and reassigned as the XO. Then after the second Captain I served under retired, Starfleet thought that I should be the Chernov’s new Captain and have been here every since. “

She fell easily into step with the man as he lead the way once more. She’d taken up along in his good side so he wouldn’t have far to turn to see her. She hoped, some day, to get him comfortable enough to tell her the story of his injury. Not now, not yet… too soon for sharing personal things. But someday. She had no plans to go anywhere. At least for the next four years of her contract.

Jenyfer
Medical

After walking for a few more minutes without saying anything Chris pointed with his good arm. “Ah! Around this corner. We are very fortunate to have one of the best cooks in the entire universe and I’m not saying that lightly. His name is Seg’a. He’ll get to know you and you him. He’s a very unique individual and sometimes I ask him for advise. I know, weird right. But you’ll understand soon enough. “

Getting his tray he went up to the counter and another NE behind the counter reached into a warming tray and pulled out the Captains favorite. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and brown gravy and three rolls. “Someday I’d like to know just how you all know when I’m coming here and what I want. ” He said laughing. “I guess I’m getting predictable.” The young man behind the counter just shrugged and in a flat tone said. “It’s Tuesday sir.” Like that was all he needed to know.

“Right. Anyway. This is Lieutenant Lynset. She’s just arrived and will be staying with us for awhile.”

The NE behind the counter smiled briefly. “Welcome ma’am. What can I get for you? We can have something ready in 10 minutes or less. Faster if you just get what the Captain has.?”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

“Impressive. I can’t wrap my head around being in one place for thirteen years. But I’m glad you found your calling. I’m sure I will do the same, eventually.”

“It wasn’t my calling Miss Lynset. Just my destination.”

As the exchange between the Ensign and Captain unfolded, she smiled. It’s funny how some people didn’t realize how predictable they were. As her choice came, she nodded. “I’ll have the same. Looks and smells delicious.”

“It is delicious.” He said flatly. Reaching into the warmer he pulled out an identical tray and food and handed it to her. “Here.”

After they got their food and drinks and the Captain chose the table, she settled in. Glancing out the vast expanse of windows, she inhaled deeply and smiled as she exhaled. Picking up her fork, she looked back at the Captain. “I may not fathom thirteen years in the same location. But when the view constantly changes, and it’s so amazing, I can see the appeal. I tend to change more often than not. I was a science officer till a couple years ago. Couple years ago, I never would have thought I’d end up a medical officer.” She laughed taking a bite full of meatloaf and potatoes.

Jenyfer
Medical

He smiled faintly. “I don’t stay for the view. I stay for the crew. We’re a family here Miss Lynset. We try to get along well and I will do anything and I mean anything for this ship and her crew. I’ve lost really good friends and my wife along the way but this crew has helped me through those times. They ones that are still alive anyway. But I get what you’re saying and know your meaning. I’m sorry for getting serious just now, but I wanted you to know what you’re getting yourself into by being here. This is the most decorated crew in all of Starfleet and I’m talking about high medals of Valor not the participation medals. Ask around about what we do here and the missions that we do. The XO, Kastarak and 2IC, Commander Grey can tell you the most, especially Grey. If you don’t want to be on this ship, I’ll get you a ship that meets your standards and we will part friends. But if you stay, just be prepared that any mission could be your last. Now, what questions do you have me madam?”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov

She ate and listened and smiled. To hear that the ship was a family was exactly what she needed and wanted.

“No, please. I want to stay.” Her response was a bit quick and eager. “Sorry. I mean, there’s no need to find me another ship. I’m an only child so the idea of a large family is appealing on more than one level.”

She poked at one of the bites of meatloaf before continuing. Looking back up at the Captain, she smiled. “I was going to be a scientist. Virology was something I was passionate about. But while I was on the Ogawa, there was an incident. A virus broke out. Struck half the crew. There was a living entity tied to it that made all those stricken, believe they were in a children’s fantasy story. I realized, then, that science wasn’t what I had been searching for. It was medicine. Science never took the human component into account except on a basic level. Humans, or whatever species, was merely another ingredient or symbol in the equation. But it’s not. The human, or Klingon, or Andorian, Orion, Vulcan, all of them… they were the subject. I asked to return to the Academy for cross training and changed my department. Just before graduation we were asked where we wanted to go. I actually picked the Ogawa, on paper at least. I wanted to go back and study what had occurred. What had inflicted so many and why.”

Setting down her fork, she took a drink and paused a
moment. When she continued, her voice was a little softer. She suddenly seemed fascinated with, and stared at, the base of her glass which was now rolling between her fingers. “The night before graduation we went out, to celebrate. I guess it’s what everyone does.” She laughed slightly. “I don’t remember who it was. But a man at the bar bought me a drink to congratulate me. We got to talking about dreams and goals. I said I had picked the Ogawa. He asked why would I pick a place flooded with more medical people than half the hospitals on Earth? He wore me down till I admitted I was scared to make the jump. I wanted a ship, in deep space. Exploratory vessel. Busy vessel. A vessel that was thick in the unknown every day they were out. I wanted to go out and make a difference. Discover something new.” She shrugged at finally looked up at Taggart.

“I wanted to be the eyes to see something new. Or even better… to see something new in what every one else had been staring at and missed. When he mentioned this ship, we looked it up on the bar padd. It was perfect. The crew… the record… the Command staff, the department heads… all of it. I remember laughing and saying I would remember next time to ask for a transfer here. When someone I worked for knew I was ready and worthy of the position.”

She took a deep breath, shrugged and held out her hands. “The next day at graduation, this was ship I was assigned to. I still don’t know who I talked to. One of my other classmates had a similar experience. Got a position they never dreamed of actually getting, but ached for in her private files.”

Putting her hands back on table, she nodded to the Captain. “I don’t know who he was. But I hope whoever made the choice made a good one. I know I’ll give my best and never let anyone down, if it’s in my control.”

Suddenly realizing her rant, she blushed and took another sip of her drink. “Oh, gracious. I’m sorry Sir. I never meant to ramble like that. I just. I still can’t believe I’m here. And…” She shook her head, “making a fool of myself on day one in front of my Captain.” She laughed embarrassed.

Jenyfer
Medical
(Foot in mouth girl)

Chris smiled and put his hands on hers and spoke reassuring. “You’re not. Don’t worry. That made me almost cry. To hear that others want to be part of this team and we’re talked about favorably. That makes this worth it. And that person saw that you were worth it and gave you that chance and so will I. Welcome aboard Miss Lynset. You’ve earned it. ” He smiled and took his hand away. “I’m glad you’re here and I could always get the files of Ogawa for you to look at and study.”

He took a drink before continuing. “I’m glad you told me what kind of doctor you are. That was my next question for you. I was a surgeon and so was the XO, Commander Kastarak. I also wanted to thank you for walking on my good side so to speak. You noticed that right away and that shows that you have a very good analytical mind and approach to things. But also common decency. Thank you. Anything else?”

Captain Chris_Taggart
Captain USS_Chernov