"Double Doctors"

[Guest Fiona Weber]

Fiona heard a bit of noise outside the office, popping her head out to see which of the physical-summonees had finally showed up. "Hello?" she called out/

 

Kania, having finally found the time, which wasn't much, called back. "It's me, Doctor, Captain Kawalas. I was tending the Bridge. Sorry for the delay."

 

Fiona shrugged. "No worries -- at least you came without bloodhounds and netted traps needed. Please -- take a seat." She gestured to one of the biobeds.

 

Kania nodded and did as requested. "Well Doc, I have to admit to you, my major in the Academy was medical as well. I have my doctorate, but there was no post available on the ship at the time for a doctor. So, I took a two-week refresher for Engineering and came aboard in that post. I wanted to be posted on the same ship as a fellow I had met in the Academy. He turned out to be my husband. He was the father to my daughter Schawana."

 

A nod. "I think you've mentioned him before." Fiona smirked. "I'd say that doctors make the worst patients... but I have had recent evidence to the contrary."

 

Kania looked up to Fiona after getting settled on the biobed. "And what evidence is that, Doctor? You now have me curious."

 

"Oh, nothing. Just a few people in lately from non-medical departments." She chuckled. "And you came here of your own free volition, no?" Reaching for the tricorder, she flicked it on.

 

"On my own, yes and then again no. I remember the orders that came in saying that headquarters wanted everyone's medical charts updated, no matter how long it had been since their last physical. I was cleared by doctors during the trial, but am still here per orders."

 

Weber nodded. "I wanted a fresh slate to keep everybody on -- and a good basis from which to go with further physicals. Now -- anything odd since your last exam?"

 

"Minor headaches but they are subsiding, I was told I might have them for a time with what I had been though. I wish no medication for it. I have been able to handle it on my own with meditation. But no, nothing else." She sat there watching the doc's eyes as she read the tricorder readings, watching for any odd looks coming from her.

 

She nodded. "Nothing unusual -- a few chemical levels somewhat elevated, though I'd say from stress. Nothing to worry about as far as that goes..." She continued her scans. "How's your daughter?"

 

Kania could tell by the doc's eyes that she was not holding anything back. She smiled slightly when the doc asked about her daughter. "Sh'es doing well since her last visit. But she's due again. I will have Jenna bring her in whenever you feel it can work into your busy schedule."

 

"Not horribly busy -- or try evenings. One of the juniors can always do it if I'm not available. A few of them are pediatrics specialists, as well..."

 

Kania nodded. "Very well. How's Doctor Jacobs doing. Is he handling the change to ship life all right? I haven't had time to speak with him personally." Kania shifted slightly on the biobed.

 

"Seems to be. He's a good worker -- I have no complaints. Good sense of humor, too."

 

"I'm glad to hear that. Anything else you need here, Doc? I need to return to the bridge. We are getting ready to approach the next planet in a line of many."

 

A sigh. "Stand, please -- arms above your head?"

 

Kania did as asked, wondering about this new technique and what it would be that the doctor was looking for. "Okay. May I ask why?"

 

"Routine -- just giving a quick look at the curvature of the spine." A quick lookover, and Weber nodded. "No trouble -- you're free to go when you wish."

 

Kania lowerrf her arms and smiled. "That's new. Are you finding spinal issues more prevalent now? I'm curious to hear how our crew holds up in that category. Will you send me a consensus of your findings?"

 

She nodded. "As you wish -- I toss it into physicals occasionally. Especially for the more sedentary crewmembers. Though I suppose you don't really count..."

 

Kania thought for a moment about that comment then dismissed it. "Very well doctor. I'll be looking forward to your report. Have a good day." Kania started walking towards the lift, glad that it was over with, She never did like physicals, but wasn't about to make a fuss, knowing the consequences would be ever worse than the physical itself.

 

"And good day." She smiled after Kawalas.