Posted by Civilian Aiofemi T. Oshiro (Director of Medical and Social Services) in Synergistic Alliances [tag Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer]

Posted by Lieutenant Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Synergistic Alliances [tag Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer]

Posted by Civilian Aiofemi T. Oshiro (Director of Medical and Social Services) in Synergistic Alliances [tag Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer]
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Ai was glad Mikah had proactively set in motion the action to schedule a meet and greet with the Starfleet CMO. It truly coincided with the next steps Ai needed to take in gathering a medical consultation team who would be interacting with the Vren.
Samikah had sent a draft of the text transmission that was to go out to Lieutenant Fayth:

Dear Lieutenant Fayth~
I am sure you are aware that the Vren will visit our colony in few days time and in light of this, the Governor has proposed strategic medical alliance of the colony’s medical staff to engage the Vren’s medical personnel while they are on planet.

I have been tasked with leading this group and Governor Hyrushi has specifically asked that you are placed on the team. Seeing that we will be working together to mitigate any medically (including social and mental issues) that may arise and potentially affect the colonists due to the visit of the Vren, I would like to take this opportunity to consult with you and your team on management logics for this effort. Please let me know an optimal time in which we can meet within the next 24 hours. I was hoping we can have our meeting over a lunch at one of the restaurants here on Oed, where we both can contribute my our expertise to this project. Of course since I am new to the colony, I am not yet acclimated to the best eateries here, therefore you will have to pick the meeting spot.

Best Regards , Dr. Aiofemi Oshiro , DMSS

After reading the draft Ai pressed send.

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

It was just under two hours before Dr. Oshiro received a reply. Sharah had stopped by her office to change out of her scrubs and make notes inthe patient’s file about the surgery before going on into recovery. She saw the flashing urgent message and opened it. She read the memo and typed a very quick reply.

Dr. Oshiro,

I am aware of the impending arrival of the Vren. As you mention there is much to prepare for and to consider for the people whom place their trust and care in us.

Unfortunately, I can not leave the hospital until my shift is over. Also given the time line and the classified nature of the topic should we not discuss this in private? I can meet you for lunch at the café in the hospital. The food is quite lovely and there is a private dinning room for the staff or we could meet in my office. If you prefer to meet off hospital grounds I will be available at 1800. There is a restaurant a block south that serves indulgent comfort food from around the quadrant. The nurses rave about it. It might be possible to get a private dinning room, but I am unaware if how secure it might be. I feel quite strongly that we should practice the utmost care in not being overheard. We do not want to cause panic before the Governor and Lt Governor are ready to make an announcement.

Dr. Lt Fayth, SFCMO

Aiofemi grimaced at the fact that she would have to remain in the building. She was looking forward to going out and exploring the shops and eateries on Oed. She reluctantly wrote back to Dr. Fayth:

Very well, Doctor Fayth. I acknowledge your concern for discretion and in light of it I shall meet you at your office where we can then go to the café in the hospital. How about we meet at 18:30? Just in case you need time to wind down from work. Is there anyone else you think should join us? If so, please let me know and I will ensure my assistant notify the promptly.

Dr. Ai Oshiro

Sharah was stepping out of her office to go back to the recovery ward when her console beeped. She turned back to her desk.

Dr. Oshiro. 1830 will be fine. Is there anything specific you would like to eat? The food staff is very talented, and I would be happy to put in a request. The only person that comes to mind would be Dr. Helaky. He is the assistant chief of staff. He has been here on Oed for years and has been supremely helpful. He also knows more about the colony than anyone else at the hospital. Unfortunately, there is not currently a head of the psychiatric department.

Dr. Lt Fayth.

Gratitude, Doctor.
I would like a bowl of Kohlanese stew and a cup of Sencha tea. I will make sure my assistant send an invitation to Dr. Helaky and I will see you soon.

Dr. Ai Oshiro

Sharah called down to the cafe and made arrangements for herself and Dr. Oshiro on her way to the recovery ward. When her shift was over at 1800 she closed out the last of her patient files which gave her just enough time to refresh before Dr. Oshiro arrived.

Fayth, SFCMO

One of the things she was looking forward to when she accepted her job was separating herself from food being prepared in a replicator, therefore she hoped the food would not be replicated, however if it were she could tolerate it. She activated her comm and asked Samikah to send an invitation to Dr. Helaky.

Ai arrived in the café before Dr. Fayth and was escorted by a young human man to a section that seemed to have been prepared in advanced. She was surprised despite Dr. Fayth assurance that the food was good and staff were quite talented, as she didn’t expect much from the hospital café. “Thank you,” she said as she gave a pleasing nod to her escort. The man left briefly then came back with a glass of water and her Sencha tea. He carefully placed them both on the table.
“All the food is scheduled to arrive at the same time. Can I get you something while you wait?” The man asked.
Ai thought for a moment then asked, “Do you have any salmon bites?”
The waiter paused then said, “I don’t think we have that particular fish but we can make a comparable version from the local fish here in the colony.”
Ai smiled then nodded, “I would love to try it.”
The man nodded then disappeared.

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Helaky’s office was on the same floor as her own along with the other chiefs (surgery, nursing, obstetrics, etc). Helaky’s door was closed and she didn’t feel his presence inside so Sharah moved on. She took the lift down to the ground floor and made her way into the café 5 minutes ahead of time. The same man greeted her, carrying a platr, “We have the private area all set up Dr. Fayth. Dr. Helaky isn’t here yet, but Dr. Oshiro is.”

“Thank you Damian. How did your sister do on her exam?” she asked as they walked.

He told her all about his sister her placement exam. “She hasn’t gotten her scores yet though.” He opened the door to the private dinning area and set the plate down in front of Oshiro. “The chef’s take on salmon bites, ma’am.” He turned to Fayth, “Anything to drink?”

“Ooh,” said Ai as she rubbed her hands together. “Thank you, these look delicious.”

“Water please Damian, thank you.” She turned a warm smile to the woman at the table. “Dr. Oshiro, I’m Dr. Fayth. It’s a pleasure.” Despite her personal preference, Fayth held out a hand for a brief shake before taking her seat.

Ai appreciated that she called her doctor and not director. She smiled back as she took her hand and said, “The pleasure is all mine, Dr. Fayth. Thank you for setting this all up.”

Fayth nodded, “Of course. I do understand the chaos that is settling into a new place, especially when that place is Oed. Speaking from personal experience, I can say the chaos is worth it.”

“I am glad to hear it. I imaging the chaos can be substantial, especially with 4 million people cohabitating together. However, I am looking forward to being a civilian. I am currently staying in a hotel but of course, I intend to find permeant residence here. I am hoping to find a place that will allow me to create a small herb garden, something I was never really able to do effectively on a starship. Hopefully, this world, with its fresh air and rich soil will give me a better green thumb. How is the housing here on Oed? Can you recommend a realtor of sorts who can help me find a place to live?”

Sharah shrugged, “I’m afraid I don’t. My accomodations are in the fleet complex. I know there is a building about a block away where a lot of the nurses and other medical staff have apartments. However I believe that the governor’s office has information for cabinet member’s to help with that.”

A moment later the door opened again and a much older Deltan man entered with a warm smile. “Sorry I’m late. I had a patient I wanted to check on very quickly. I’m Dr. Helaky.” He held out his hand.

Fauth, SFCMO

Aiofemi stood to greet the man, “Dr. Helaky welcome, you are not late at all. So glad you could join us.”

He shook her hand with all the care and compassion of a doctor with a life time of experience. “I appreciate the invite. Please call me Ano.” He sat and smiled at Fayth. “Sharah, how are you doing today?”

The woman smiled and nodded, “I am doing well, thank you. Things seem to have calmed down around the hospital. CCDA will be gone soon and I think I’ll feel quite lost without them to butt heads with every day.” Helaky laughed and nodded knowingly.

“Why were CCDA here?” Aiofemi asked.

“General Harris, the head of CCDA, and Lucas Holloway, CEO of HHI, were the victims of a terrorist attack. Hospital security is not equipped or trained to deal with terrorists or assassins. So CCDA took over their security.”

“Terrorists…Assassins?” Her eyes flashed a quick look of concern as her thoughts went back to what her assistant was trying to tell her about past Governors that had been assassinated. “Hopefully, they were able to detain them?”

Fayth and Helaky exchanged a look and then Ano spoke. “No official report has been given as to the source or apprehension of those responsible. Four days after there were organized protests across the colony. The biggest were here at the hospital and at the government tower. A dissident group took credit for the attack, but when investigated that proved to be false.” He wiped his fingers on a napkin. “Look, Dr Oshiro, you need to understand that assassination attempts and mass attacks are par for the course on Oed. Be prepared for and accept it will happen. Our job here is to ensure we heal those affected, that we are prepared to do so. CCDA, Oed Police, CIA, the colonial leadership, they will and do work to prevent it. We focus on doing our part and don’t interfere by trying to do others’ jobs.”

Aiofemi nodded at Ano’s words then said, “I know you are just trying to convey realistic expectations for me, while I admit I am a bit cautious in nature, I do not fear danger, nor do I easily scare. I have served in Starfleet for many years, encountered many dangers, and even had to keep a colleague alive when he and I were captured by an aggressive race of aliens, much like the Vren, who imprisoned us and ultimately swapped us out for some of their own who had been captured by our ship. I am merely concerned about the morale within the colony and the persistent assassination attempts which are certainly going to affect my job. You can be sure I understand what comes with this job and that I am ready to stand and/or fall with my name attached to it. I would not be here otherwise.”

“You misunderstand me, Dr Oshiro. I do not know you, this is the first time I have met you or even seen you. I have no opinion. My words were not meant to offend or challange, and I sincerely apologize if they did. I simply want to give you an accurate picture.” Ano had been on Oed a long time, he understood the people and how volitile and quickly the people of Oed could change their opinion. And once their good opinion was lost, it was lost.

As she sat back in her chair she offered them some of her appetizer, “I ordered the Oed version of salmon bites. Don’t they look and smell delightful? Please, I hope you both will help me eat them. It would be a shame to let the ones I can’t finish go to waste.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Sharah stood and walked over to a side bar and brought back a couple of plates. Ano wasn’t one for eating off the same plate and set them down. “Thank you, I do think I’ll try one.” Sharah set one on her plate. “Our cafe is really wonderful. It was something Ano and the previous chief of staff implemented.”

“Very nice,” said Ai impressed. “It has a very....formal feel. I like it very much. I will now have to think of it as a highly prized benefit that comes with working here.”

Helaky smiled. “It pleases me to know that you like it. A lot of effort went into this. Dr Fayth is working on a magnificent garden for us. I can’t wait to see the final result.”

Ai raised her eyes, “A whole garden? It seems you may know something about growing things. I would love to get your advice when I start my herb garden.”

Fayth nodded and laughed softly. “Oh yes. Botany is my secondary degree. I helped the Lt Gov with her own garden when she arrived. I would be happy to help. I suggest the farmer’s market that is at Sloane’s Square on Saturdays for finding the best plants. It’s very rich and diverse and excellent quality.” Helaky nodded, “The Farmer’s Market is one of the treasures of OED. The chef here in the cafe gets a lot of his groceries from there every week.”

Helaky nodded, “We were doing replicated food, but we found home cooked had such an impact on patient morale. Maybe not as balanced as replicated, but mental and spiritual well being is so important to whole health and wellness. We do have replicators for emergencies. Say for instance food supplies were short during the time of the domes or if we had more patients than the cafe could handle, or a bad year for crops. But over all we don’t use them much.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“I am not against replicated food, but I am glad it’s only used for emergencies. I served in Starfleet so I rarely got to enjoy a meal that was not replicated.” She took of the fish bites from the platter and bit into it, then said, “I don’t know. I may not ever be able to eat replicated food again after tasting this.” She picked up a napkin, wiped her hands, and then said “As you know we must prepare for the Vren’s arrival. I have heard things about them and the information has not been inspiring, so I have to admit I am feeling anxiety over their arrival and having to directly interact with them.” She paused and then said, “At the same time I am excited about their impending arrival. I am optimistic that they have come here to really mend bonds with the colony, also we will be able to exchange information and learn things from them. What do either of you think about the situation? I am eager to hear your thoughts.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Sharah knew nothing more about the Vren than what Oshiro probably did. Old reports ad occasional mentions by people in passing.

Helaky cleared his throat. “The Vren? The Vren are coming here?” He took a slow breath and looked behind him to make sure the door was firmly closed. He turned back to look at Oshiro and took a deep breath. “I have been here a long time. The Vren have always been elusive and a mystery. I was here the last time they attacked. More like small skirmishes, but scary. The Vren are the boogie man parents tell their children about, except this is no myth. They are very very real. The people of Oed are not going to respond well to this at all. And those that were part of the last attacks and their families are going to need mental health support.”

Ai listened to Dr. Helaky carefully, then asked, “When they last attacked, did they make any demands? Why do you think they are suddenly trying to create a diplomatic relationship with the colony? Do you think it is a ruse to infiltrate us and take over the planet?”

“You would have to ask that of those trained for such things. I am a doctor, a good one, but nothing more. I am not a tactician, a diplomat, or a spy. I would not even begin to guess what their purpose is,” Ano answered.

“Yes the Vren. We have only just been informed. Everything is to stay very quiet until the Governor makes an announcement. But I felt your insight would be invaluable, Ano.” Sharah nodded, “I only know as much, which really isn’t, that you know Dr Oshiro. I do have experience with alien species and tense and possible hostile situations. As far as medical emergencies go, I don’t think we will have a problem. We’ll pick people as a team ahead of time. But I assume if they arrive on their own ship they will have their own medical facilities. What are your plans?” she asked turning back to Oshiro.

Fayth, SFCMO

“Well, Governor Hyrushi has asked that we organize a tour and familiarization seminar with Vren medical staff. I am intrigued by this because I think it will be a great opportunity to learn new things about and from them.” She looked at Dr. Helaky with some sympathy then said, “Ano, I was briefly aware of the Vren and the extent of their attacks on the colony. I certainly was not aware of all the trauma they left behind, so I thank you for sharing that information. I had initially wanted to make emergency preparations to accommodate all Oed citizens should the conference with the Vren were to go…not as planned.” She clasped her hands together on the table and continued, “However with so little time till their arrival, I will not get to fulfill my entire vision, but I am confident now,” She looked at Sharah, “since you said you do not think medical emergencies will be an issue. In light of what Ano has shared about how the Vren will be received and the trauma that will no doubt resurface from the last encounter with them, we are going to need to provide some type of trauma-informed care for the citizens who were affected by the attack.” Ai slowly ran her hand across her forehead, “We are at a disadvantage there because we do not yet have a Chief or Head Counselor to help facilitate this. Are either of you aware of anyone in the colony who can take on the role in the interim to assist us with organization and planning?”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

The two doctors exchanged a glance. Ano cleared his throat. “I would severely limit what you show them. No one holds more of the vulnerable than a hospital, except for our schools. I would make maternity, the nursery, pediatrics, ICU, CCU, actually all patient rooms OFF limits. And anywhere there are active procedures taking place. The last thing you want is for people to feel like you are allowing the Vren near our most precious colonists. Unless of course you want a riot. We may have to do this, and the colonists will not take to that but recognize that yet again we have no choice in the matter. The Federation does not care. But you must always remember the colonists come first. I understand this is supposed to be a peaceful encounter, otherwise I doubt Hyrushi would be going along with this. However, I will check my records for details about injuries sustained and prepare for those types of injuries.” Typical of most Deltans his speech was smooth and thoughtful, but the feelings boiling under the surface were quite clear to Fayth.

Fayth sipped her water before speaking. “I think it would be wise to put the civilian staff front and foremost. Myself and one or two key medical Fleet staff of course will be there. The last thing I want, after we have worked so hard, is for the people of Oed to think we are washing our hands of the situation. But given the collective trauma I think it is important that the civilian staff gets to be in the forefront and see the Vren up close and direct. I would but the ER, medical research labs, surgical suites on that tour. We will make sure to keep a part of each area clear so they can see but not upset the patients.”

“I agree with you, civilian staff should be at the front. I am grateful you are willing to be there as well. I will have my assistant reach out and see who is interested among the civilian staff in being a medical ambassador at the event.”

Ano cleared his throat, “With all due respect, Director,” and he used her title deliberately, “I think it would be best if you approached each person individually with myself or Dr Fayth. You are an unknown asking them to face their living demons. No offense to your assistant, but it’s a lot impersonal. I gather there is a short timeline, but it would be well worth your effort.”

Ano made very valid points and she was grateful for the confirmation he offered as she had thought along the same lines. “I think you have a point in limiting the Vrens’ access to the patients. To be honest I had not considered an actual tour of the hospital even though it was a term I used earlier. I was thinking more like we would host a seminar-like event for them and some of the medical professionals here at Sacred Heart. Somewhere where we can meet and collaborate. I would need to find an optimal area. Maybe the Government tower has space to host it. I hoped we can set up the space to showcase some of our medical technology, allow questions, discussions, demonstrations, etc… and they would in turn have a place to showcase their technology as well. I think there should be speakers, and experts to share knowledge in their respective areas of work. I am wary of allowing them any type of access to the hospital in any capacity and considered it very risky therefore a chance I didn’t want to take. Maybe we can grant them access to the hospital in the future when we are sure they are allies, but certainly not for the first visit to our planet.

Fayth spoke up, “The best place would be Rabbitus Memorial School. It is the old school building but still houses quite a bit, and has meeting and lecture halls. Director Enger is in charge of all the educational facilities, and I am sure she would be happy to help you select a space. We can easily find extra equipment and have it transported over for the seminar.”

“As for someone to help head up counseling and psychiatry I would suggest Derjoss Peviad. He’s a joined Trill with a lot of experience currently and past hosts with trauma,” Ano added.

Fayth, SFCMO

“I will contact him and see if he is interested in contributing.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Ano spoke up, “He is here today. I am happy to take you and introduce you.”

Fayth, SFCMO