Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in side-sim: The Reckoning

(snip)

Elbbirt let the Cmdr demand and bluster. Now normally he would tell other staff to leave while he gave the slap of reality talk. But Elbbirt knew that although he was an excellent NP Randy’s specialty was mental health. And this was a lot for Alden to take in. With a glance at Randy he leveled his gaze on Alden. “I expect you to do as you’re told Cmdr Alden. I’ll make it a direct order if I have to. You are known for your strict adherence and compliance in your labs. Well your in my lab now, or Dr. Haadok’s. You can follow the treatment and when finished return to full duty, or you can be discharged from service because you are physically unfit for duty. It’s harsh but that’s your option right now.”

Roman gave a long, frustrated sigh. He would not disobey a direct order, which this essentially was, even if Elbbirt hadn’t technically made it one yet. Getting discharged had to be avoided any way possible. He had no choice.

“A week of bed rest. But after a couple days if you follow instructions you can do that in your quarters. The meds are non negotiable Cmdr. I understand Randy used to be your yeoman, we can reassign him to help you with work. Then two or more weeks of light duty…so only sitting no walking or long periods of standing up. The length of light duty will depend on how fast your physical therapy goes.”

Elbbirt (laying down the law)

“A week?!” Roman said in another annoyed outburst. He’d have nothing to do! He’d be stuck here in Sickbay! And with that much time Rand would have to do her duties, so he’d be there alone. He hated the meds. He frowned as Elbbirt called them non-negotiable. Roman doubted feeding and cleaning the animal cages would be considered “light duty.” He’d have to have his lab staff that he’d trained for it do it. Absolutely no walking or long periods of standing… Might as well put him on paperwork duty. For two weeks or more. Roman scowled. “This is ridiculous.”

Elbbirt stood up and stared down at Alden. Alden might be his XO, he was young and had earned the position no doubt, but Elbbirt was more in the grandfather or older uncle stage of his life and he wasn’t taking any crap from a man who was acting like a kid. “No, what’s ridiculous is your behavior. You let this go on for 3 years. If you had reported the problems when they first started and continued to report them, a pill 3 times a day for 2 weeks would have fixed your leg and you wouldn’t need surgery. That is ridiculous, Cmdr.” His voice and demeanor were not rude or unkind, but he wasn’t taking any crap from Alden when he’d done this to himself.

Roman glanced at Randy. His yeoman Randy may have been, but they hadn’t gotten along very well. Roman would prefer Randy stay at his preferred job, in medical. “No, no need to take him away from his work here. I’m sure it can be handled…” he sighed sounding defeated. “When will the surgery be?” There was a note of nervousness to his voice. He wanted to see Rand. She was still out in the other room, waiting, without knowing what the results were. If it were him, and she were hurt, he’d be going crazy.

~ Lt Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“There is absolutely no point in putting it off. I’ll have everything ready in an hour, maybe a bit more. The longer we wait, the longer you are off duty.” He let that sink in. “What can I answer for you before I go get ready?”

Randy watched, sure that Roman would dig his heels in more, but so far Elbbirt’s direct take no crap approach seemed to be working, he hoped. “Alright, you can stay back here, it’s more private and quieter and you don’t have to move,” Elbbirt said and then left the room. Randy didn’t bother to ask if he was okay or if he wanted to talk. Right now the only response that would get him was evasion and demands to leave. “Do you want me to bring Rand in?”

In the main medical area Rand was staring hard at the door Randy and Roman had disappeared into. They had been in there long enough that Shrine and one of the docs she didn’t know had finished with her ankle. It was propped up on pillows, the bed reclined a bit and she’d made herself busy trying to process three days of reports. The meds only made her dizzy if she sat up too fast. But it had been a long time and not even the mountain of reports waiting for her were distracting. Randy had stuck his head out once and refused to look at her and then disappeared again. What was wrong?

Randy walked out of the back and waved Shrine off as he walked over to Rand. “Come on.” He lifted her and swung her down to her good leg. Rand didn’t ask, not out in the open, but Randy wasn’t joking or teasing her, so that made her more worried. He mostly carried her into the back where Roman was. He helped her up onto the table next to Roman. Then set a stool with blankets and a pillow on top in front of her. He lifted her leg onto it and told her not to move it. He pointed at a button on the wall next to the bed. “Press it if you need anything.” Then Randy left the room and let the door close behind him.

Rand and Randy