A Davis

This log takes place during the ten hours before the last sim. Two Cups of Tea A Joint Log by Nicolas Lepage and Amanda Davis Amanda Davis had never been more thankful for her ancestry. As she entered the station's medical complex the tension hit her human sensibilities full force, and she could not imagine what it must be like for Lillian and the few other telepaths who worked here. Stress levels everywhere were high, but facial expressions in medical were one step away from get me out of here - now! Seeing a psychologist fairly screamed psycho even in this century, so Amanda was used to being ignored, but today more backs were turned than usual, more faces disappeared behind equipment. Politely greeting the few who actually did acknowledge her presence, she wove her way through the main area towards Nick's office, half wondering why he had not asked for her help, especially with the psychological profiles and the overflow of stress-related conditions that had appeared in the last few days. But when, through the half-open door of his office, she caught a glimpse of his expression - ten times more intense than those she had just passed - she realized he was on the brink and desperately in need of a rescue. "Nicolas?" Rather than take the chance of a rebuff, she peeked in. "I've brought you fresh scones. And your favorite blend of Irish tea." Shielded by her willow picnic basket, she urged the door open. "May I come in?" When Nick heard Amanda enter his office, his immediate thought was that Drankum had now ordered a psych evaluation on him. His trip to the bridge a couple of hours earlier had only put him more at odds with Drankum. Knowing the Ferengi, Nick had tried to tread carefully around him. At least he had managed to find out more about what was going on, not that it did anything to explain the situation. The fact that Drankum had completely ignored Nick's position as second officer and made Jorahl XO of Aegis irked him more than he cared to admit. At first he had told himself it only bothered him because no one of Starfleet was in charge anymore. Even Porter as the Operations Manager had been relieved of his duties and replaced by a low ranking officer. As much as that was a problem, in truth Nick was also ticked off because Drankum obviously didn't think him capable of doing the job. So it was not surprising that Drankum might want to make sure his CMO wasn't about to lose his marbles. And Nick wouldn't put it past Drankum to take revenge on him for his own psych evaluation. The offer of tea and scones was unexpected but not unwelcome, so despite being somewhat suspicious of Amanda's motives, he offered her a smile and gestured for her to take a seat. "Under normal circumstances I might decline the offer saying I'm not good company at the moment but I have a hunch that's one of the reasons why you're here." "No one's good company lately, Nicolas. And yes, that's partly why I'm here," she said with genuine concern as she immediately began arranging her offering on the one tiny area of the desk that was available. "But I'm mostly here to help - if not in my professional capacity, then as a friend." At his look of strained patient endurance, she pressed on, her Gaelic accent becoming more pronounced with each word. "And I do mean that sincerely, Nicolas. I won't mince words. You look horrible, your staff is struggling to keep from tearing each other apart, and there are more people hiding from me than seeking me out - which speaks more loudly than any rant or rave." Nick couldn't help but smile despite himself at her mention of him looking horrible. She was right, of course. He hadn't slept in a real bed in days, only allowing himself breaks for a short nap or a bite to eat. He sat down slowly in his own chair and nodded. "I really appreciate what you're doing. The thing is, I don't know what to tell you." He paused and considered his current predicament for a long moment before going on. "I have no idea what Drankum's and Chirakis' motives are. I don't know who to believe. But the worst thing is that I don't trust myself to make the right decision. Things seem to be getting more complicated by the minute and I'm not sure what to do." Instead of offering further explanations, Nick fell silent and simply shrugged. This gesture expressed more than any words his feeling of helplessness facing this particular situation. After passing a cup of tea to Nick, Amanda took one for herself and settled into the chair opposite, then took a minute to truly settle in - not just her body but her nerves. When she felt more in control and had a chance to mull over his last, she began thoughtfully, pausing occasionally for a sip of the aromatic blend. "And why do you feel you need to make a decision either way?" It was a simple question, one that people often forgot to ask. "Why do you feel pressed to judge the motives of either the commander or the ambassador?" Sipping his tea, Nick sat quiet for a few seconds before answering. "I'm a Starfleet officer. I was taught to follow orders, not question them and to do my job to the best of my ability. I serve Starfleet and the Federation. So did all of my superior officers until now. I'm not sure about Drankum. I'm not sure about Chirakis either. We've been at odds a couple of times already and I can't say for sure that neither of them has ulterior motives. My duty is to the people on this station. If I blindly follow orders and it turns out that either of them takes advantage of their position, I'll also be responsible for any consequences." He spoke in a calm voice, not betraying his true emotional state. "I'm going to make a few observations, Doctor Nicolas Lepage, and I'd like you to consider them carefully, since I'm here out of friendship. And please, I don't intend to pass judgment on anything you've said, only make an observation or two that might help you sort things out." Here she paused to set her cup on the desk and gather her thoughts. "I suppose you could say I'm playing devil's advocate." Nick nodded ever so slightly and made a gesture that clearly meant go ahead. But he remained silent. "True, you are a Starfleet officer, taught to follow orders. Then you say you are to do your job to the best of your ability. But it seems to me that in the political and military mess that has developed on the station - and yes, it is a mess, I'll grant you that - you've forgotten what exactly your job is, your first priority. You say that your first priority is to the people on this station, but then you turn one hundred eighty degrees and move right back to the Starfleet officer responsibility. So, which is it? Are you primarily responsible to the people - to their health and well being - or to Starfleet? And where are you going to draw the line? If you don't draw the line you won't be any good to anyone for either, and it is very apparent that the line needs to be drawn very soon, before you lose what little sanity you have left." Nick gave a non-committal grunt, carefully considering Amanda's words. "So you suggest I just be the station's doctor and let Drankum and Chirakis work out their problems on their own?" Here he leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk between them. "But what if we get attacked before they find a solution? I find it difficult to stand back and watch in a situation such as this. We might be attacked any minute, Amanda." "And if they do attack where will you be, Nicolas? Will you be up there fighting them or down here taking care of patients?" "Sickbay," Nick muttered quietly. Then he leaned back again, closed his eyes and sighed. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's about time to realize that there's nothing I can do." He shrugged again. "I don't have answers for everything and maybe I should stop trying to find them." "If you had the answers to everything, I'd be out of a job." She waited for him to look up before giving him a soft smile. "And there is something you can do. You can focus on the things that really matter, your true calling, and leave the political shenanigans alone for a while." Amanda's suggestion sounded good. Worrying about station politics always gave Nick a headache, even under normal circumstances. That's why he had always been glad to be down in sickbay, never even considering to move higher up than CMO. Down here everything was comparatively small and manageable. True, a wrong decision might have fatal consequences but at least he knew what he was doing and he knew he was good at it. "I think that's not a bad idea." Nick took another sip of his tea which had turned cold. He put the cup back on the desk and grinned sheepishly. "Now that I'm concentrating on the important things again...can I ask your advice on one more thing?" "Of course," she said, a bit intrigued. "What kind of flowers do I buy if I want to say sorry for being a jerk?" Amanda's smile broadened a bit, then softened to confidante. "I find that saying you're sorry is much more effective than flowers, Nicolas. Just say you're sorry." Nick nodded. "Sounds like good advice." He cocked his head an impish grin spreading on his face. "Have you ever considered doing this for a living?" "Frankly? Never. But it seems that people are always coming to me for advice, so I try to make the best of it." She returned the impish grin. "Have a scone. You're getting to be too much your old self and you need something to settle you down," she said as she gathered her things. "I find the cranberry orange ones to be my favorite." "Thank you," Nick said sincerely, knowing Amanda would understand he was thanking her for more than just the scones and tea. He took a scone and took a bite. "Hmm...they're delicious. One of these days you should join DJ and me for dinner." "Thank you. That would be lovely." Basket in hand, she turned and gave him a traditional Welsh curtsy. It seemed to her that, as a more relaxed Nick stood in the door to watch her go, a few who had turned to watch had changed expressions as well. And all it took was two cups of tea.

Sky Harbor Aegis Biographical File Amanda Lyn Davis, PhD Name: Amanda Lyn Davis Species: Human Born: August 19, 2348 Aberporth, Wales Parents: Stephan Davis Caitlin Davis Height: 1.7m (5’ 5”) Weight: 57 kg (126 lbs) Hair: Red Eyes: Green Distinguishing Marks: none Education: University of Exeter, Cornwall: BSc Biological Sciences 2370 University of Exeter, Cornwall: M Psychology 2372 University of Exeter/ Starfleet Academy: PhD 2374 Born in the small coastal town of Aberporth, Wales, Amanda Lyn Davis spent her formative years scouring nearby beaches and inlets for anything collectable, especially shells and shiny rocks. As she grew she developed a passion for biology and progressed to collecting animate objects, filling her parents’ cottage with indigenous fish, shellfish, and seaweed. Her parents drew the line, however, when it came to birds, insects, and larger animals, telling her that they were made to be free, and how would she feel if she were caged and forever seeking freedom? Her passion for biology developed into a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Exeter in Cornwall. During her time of study, however, a professor noticed her innate ability to observe and analyze human behavior. He suggested she take a few courses in psychology, she was immediately hooked, and made that field her life’s work. After receiving her Master’s degree in Psychology in 2372, she entered the Doctoral program at Exeter. With the onset of the Dominion War in 2372, Starfleet stepped up recruitment for all professions, especially in the fields of medicine and psychology. Amanda began her Doctoral program at Exeter but moved to Starfleet Academy to complete her degree and, along with several colleagues, join Starfleet. Amanda spent the first year of her practice on Earth, counseling combatants and non-combatants alike, primarily for post traumatic stress. During this time she realized the need for programs of aid and diagnosis closer to areas of conflict. She applied for deep space deployment and was accepted. After several assignments on Starfleet vessels, in 2383 she was assigned to Sky Harbor Aegis.