[snip]

Guy Fleegman had come into Sickbay and taken a seat; waiting to be seen by someone. He was now the next in line. “Borgovian Sand Worms!” he explained when asked.

Cross had just finished with Cameron when Fleegman approached her and blurted out ‘’Borgovian Sand Worms ‘’ the doctor’s failed to retain her composure as her jaw dropped open. After the initial shock she asked ‘’ And how the blinking heck did you consume a Sand worm …don’t tell me it was from the station !’’ .

This was sounding like a personal problem that Cameron ought not to be hearing about, so he made his way towards the Sickbay door, pills in hand, thanking the doctor as he went.

The CMO responded by waving before the Lt exiting sickbay.

“No, nothing like that,” Fleegman said. “I just have these bad dreams about them… from my earlier service… when I was aboard the USS Mary Celeste. The worms attack us and we try to shoot at their eyes, but then we realise… they have no eyes! No, I just need something to help me sleep, Doc! …on the other hand, you’ve just explained to me why I can’t drink Tequila!”

’’ I did ?’’ she asked perplexed ,when Cross realized what he was saying her demeanor changed ‘’ Oh I see … come ‘’ and she took him to a quiet spot in sickbay. ‘’I thought you had consumed a plate of sand worms that are used for fishing..silly me!’‘.

The doctor was more intrigued to know out of curiosity and fascination about Guys previous mission ‘’ Now calm down I learned about them while still at the academy ..em how come they did not devour you up? ‘’.

“Devour me up?” Guy asked, “Oh, no! I was never a member of that landing party. I try not to get deployed in case I don’t ever come back!”

‘’I guess you were lucky then…so tell me if you were not present then how come is this effecting you now, considering it has been rather a long time ago?’’ Cross asked while thinking what Guy was saying sounded rather weird.

Guy was puzzled, “I’m a Security officer, not a Doctor!” he replied, then helpfully added, “but if I had to guess, then probably PTSD. You’ve heard about that before, yes?”

‘’I know that!’’ Cross exclaimed wondering if the security was exhibiting some form of psychological or physical illness .Now in a more calm manner the female doctor went on ‘’Of course I know about PTSD having suffered from it myself ,so tell me what brought it on after all these years? Or perhaps you have had it all along and decided to seek treatment now?’‘.

“Well… I haven’t always had theses dreams, no! The anxiety I feel regarding security risks, and about going out on missions half-cocked, well that has probably been gaining momentum over time, yes! And the most recent mission, when the locals had the strength of the incredible hulk and the emotional personality of a Horta, well that was stressful too… and now… now we are in the middle of this nebula… the Honey Pot… where ships never leave again… she swallows her victims whole! It’s just that… I’ve seen how this all ends!”

Cross realized she must show sympathy to this security ‘’ Most of the crew are suffering from PTSD in one form or another ‘’ she spoke in a soothing tone “When we undergo events such as these, this will take its toll, and it doesn’t matter if they’re on this side or the other side.” .The CMO was feeling emotional drained but kept her composure and listened without passing judgment.

‘’The fatigue ,anxiety and lack of energy are symptoms of depression that is associated with PTSD , unfortunately Guy you did not seek help immediately and it kept piling on .I’ll prescribe medication which can alleviate some of your symptoms and something to help you sleep , I don’t know what the future holds for any of us but when you boarded this ship I’m sure you knew it was not just for a fun ride ‘’.

Cross stood up to give the medication to the security ‘’When I find myself thinking about my son I worry if he’s being taken care off , if he’s happy and even if he’s still alive …so I try to change such thoughts most often with carefree and peaceful memories which in turn experience a feeling of positivity, satisfaction, or enjoyment .If you are going to be among a team in the near future and still have the feelings of anxiety tell me and I shall inform the Captain that you are not yet fit for duty ,oh and Joe at the dragon bar is also a counselor ‘’.

“Anything that will help me sleep please,” Guy replied. “If I don’t have to get deployed to any of those upside down caves again, that will help… of course, we might never get out of this Honey Pot nebula at all!”

She smiled but her thoughts where .......is it a coincidence that two of the crew are experiencing more or less similar symptoms?.

“I mean, it isn’t my place to say this, but we aren’t equipped for this latest mission! They have ships who have the proper technology for conducting a survey on gaseous anomalies, and for searching within nebulae for missing ships. I have a bad feeling about us taking on this task, Doc!”

‘’As usual we pulled the shortest straw ,orders are orders ‘’ Cross responded ‘’ I bet everyone on the ship is apprehensive about this mission, I can assure you you’re not alone .Why don’t you occupy yourself by checking the security dept that there is everything we might need especially in case of an emergency …what needs stocking up you’ll find it among the cargo ‘’ the female doctor suggested maybe having something to do would keep his mind occupied.

“So Doc, you’re basically telling me to focus on the present, and to manage my stress by taking my mind off the worries, and concentrating on daily tasks and activities instead,” Guy said. “I’ve been given similar advice before, but yeah, I’ll certainly try, thanks. Good to know I’m not alone too.”

‘’Not quiet Guy, I told you to focus on what needs to be done in your dept to be prepared ,there is nothing to be ashamed off’’ Cross lowered her eyes ‘’I’m afraid and worried too but I have to concentrate on what needs to be done in sickbay while making sure that all medical personnel are prepared as well.Check with other security, plan what should be done in case of emergencies ..verify and confirm with the COS, keep your worries under control...........think back to when you first entered the Academy choosing security as a career ?’‘.

Cross knew that only he could answer that question in the hope of being optimism, giving him greater confidence, feeling of self belief and confidence.

Guy pondered upon the question, “When I first entered the Academy? …Well, I didn’t expect to spend every day wondering if I would return from a landing party or not! I thought that being a security officer would be standing around a lot, checking passes, checking locked doors and forcefields… you know, like lots of record keeping and box ticking… some intelligence gathering on folks who were a bit suspicious… maybe a little reception work at Starfleet HQ… possibly some detective work when office stationery went missing, or someone was selling contraband… No, they certainly didn’t tell us about Upside Down Caves, Time Travelling Anarchists, Borgovian Sand Worms and Salt Vampires. They said we had “Peace in Our Time” with the Klingons, but they failed to mention battles with the Bolay, or the Gorn, or Tholians! We are supposed to be charting new worlds and making diplomacy with new planetary governments, not fighting the armies of every new weird species we come across! And that’s just the intelligent species… some planets have plant life that is out to get you… or pools of black goo to step in, or lethal rock creatures that spray acid! It’s as if the entire Galaxy was designed just for one specific purpose: to destroy us!”

Cross gave a glance at the time ‘’I have to say, I’ve seen it all when it comes to security characters, some that will make your sides split with their eccentric ways, some that make you pull your hair out in frustration, and some that are just damn peculiar and you know what Guy you fit them all !’‘.

‘’Had you paid attention at the Academy you should be aware of what the security dept is all about , it’s possible to have personnel and ship combat running concurrently, whether with an away team on the planet or having security dealing with a defensive shields,deflector force beam, hand phasers combat and equipment ‘’the female doctor ran her fingers through her hair a sure sign that she have had enough ‘’ It seems that you have been hiding away throughout your stay on the ship ,as a security I’m seriously doubting your ability .....so I’m left with no other alternative but to contact the COS ‘’ .

Now Cross was pointing her finger at the sickbay door ‘’ As the chief medical officer I’m ordering you to see your D’H on the double’‘.

She flicked open her transmitter =/\= Lt McDuff , Cross from sickbay I’m calling to let you know about one of your security if he can be called that .To me he seem to do his best and stay away from his duties , the man is bloody paranoid..oh and his name is Guy Cross out =/\= .

“So, what about Doctor - Patient confidentiality?” Guy asked. “I thought you had a duty of care? That’s most unprofessional of you to contact my DH about my medical condition, and you can be sure that I will take it up with the XO… when we ever have one! And I understand that you have faced a Court Martial once before. I’m not too surprised now!”

At first Cross stood staring at him then burst out laughing , though it was not so easy to laugh and speak at the same time but between breaths she managed to address him ‘’Patient confidentiality goes out of the window if the doctor comes to the conclusion that the patient or a third party could be in danger and you my dear Fleegman fall in both categories’’ she was now taking slower breaths ‘’ The COS has every right to know what kind of a security he has and its up to him to decide what precautions need to be taken ....see if something did happen then yes I would have to shoulder my lack of responsibility and face Court Martial but I’m not going to let a guy like you throw me into that pit.........goodbye security , I did all that was required and essential .I know full well what is the appropriate conduct including the recommended moral ,legal and ethical duty which is in acceptance with the doctor’s oath to do no harm , while still taking into account your best interests ......... though you might not see it that way ‘’.

“Okay!” replied Guy, “So, I come in here with simple anxiety and PTSD, and you refuse to help me. You give me nothing to help me sleep, and instead you tell me to prepare my department for tragedy, and then you call my DH and falsely accuse me of shirking from my duties. I know my rights and I’ll certainly be taking this further! Good day to you!” Guy left, giving the sliding door a good kick on the way.

• Guy, Sec