Relief

[Chirakis 1]

Relief

A Joint Log by Cdr Lepage and Cdr Chirakis

 

Looks - some shocked, some questioning, but all curious - greeted Cdr Chirakis as she used the public turbolift on the way to Cargo Bay 3. She ignored the stares but listened carefully to each whispered comment and conversation, by far the best barometer.

 

The lift was empty by the time it opened on the cargo bay level. Access had been restricted for obvious reasons - fear of contamination, possible contagious infection brought in by the Deosi, and several other things Kirel had heard in passing, ominous sounding medical terms spoken in hushed tones lest the patients overhear.

 

Many of the survivors had been transported to sick bay, but there seemed to be just as many left, filling the cots in the cargo bay. Having escaped the Breen they became prisoners of perhaps a more nefarious foe, one not easily seen, one that attacked from within. Two hundred seventy three remained from the over six hundred who had escaped the colony on a hijacked freighter two years ago. Not exactly a good rate of survival.

 

Stepping from the lift, Kirel began to wander between the neat rows, listening, assessing their conditions with what little medical knowledge she possessed, watching their reactions to her, and fighting back the anger she felt at their former captors, the Breen. She spotted Dr. Lepage, nearly indistinguishable from his colleagues, bent over a cot and directing an assistant. She waited for an appropriate moment before approaching.

 

Nick was just done tending to a patient when he felt more than saw someone approach from behind. He turned around and was surprised to see Chirakis. He gave the nurse some instructions on further treatment of the patient before fully acknowledging the Commander. Whatever she wanted, now was not the best time. There were still about one hundred patients down here in the cargo bay and almost half of them hadn’t received anything but the most basic medical attention.

 

But it wasn’t just the number of patients that made Nick think this wasn’t the moment to discuss politics. He was acutely aware of the fact that his odor must be extremely offensive to anyone’s olfactory sense. This was largely due to a goo of various bodily fluids, which he didn’t care to identify further, spattered across his scrubs. Yet, Chirakis made the way down here and she was wearing her Intel uniform. So Nick supposed this was more than simply a social call.

 

Taking a step forward, he smiled. “Commander, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

 

Doing her best to return the smile, she replied, “Doctor Lepage, a moment of your time?” She ticked her head to the side, indicating they should speak privately.

 

“Of course,” Nick replied, following her lead to a quieter corner of Cargo Bay 3. Fortunately, someone had left a couple of crates behind so Nick sat down on one and smiled apologetically. “I’ve been on my feet for most of the day and I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

 

“I understand,” she said, pausing for a moment as though looking for words after taking another look at the former slaves. “The work you are doing here is... admirable. You and your medical staff. I extend my personal thanks to you, and to them. That said,” she pressed on, her expression and stance more formal, “I am here to inform you that I have been reinstated as executive officer of Sky Harbor Aegis, effective immediately.” She held out her orders, knowing that if he touched anything he would be contaminated. “You are relieved, Commander.”

 

Nick didn’t need to read the orders. He knew what they said anyway. However, considering the state of his clothes it was more a matter of him contaminating the PADD than the other way around. He just nodded briefly and tried hard to suppress a smile. “You bet I am,” was all he said, not sure Chirakis would understand what he meant.

 

She gave him a quizzical look.

 

Smiling broadly, Nick got up and stood at attention in all his gooey glory. “I stand relieved, Commander.”

 

Clipping the slim PADD to her uniform, she relaxed and gave a nod, sitting on an adjacent crate, inviting him to retake his seat. “Now, if you have time... a report on your findings so far? I believe you would call it a prognosis for recovery?”

 

Nick sighed and sat back down. “This is all preliminary and unofficial.” He paused briefly to collect his thoughts. “It doesn’t look good for Ocis. His DNA has degraded too much and we’ve only just begun our research. As for the others... it really depends on how soon we can find the reason for the degradation of their DNA and a means to stabilize it. Bottom line, they won’t have a chance unless we find something.”

 

Her expression darkened. “And Dr. Feretti is working on the problem as well?”

 

“Yes, she was down here earlier,” Nick replied. “I’ve made it clear that this task has top priority. We’re doing all we can, Commander.”

 

“Yes. I’m sure you are.” Her tone was sincere, though the words left a bit to be desired. “Carry on, Doctor. And let me know what I can do. Supplies? Medical personnel... from the Missouri? They are in the area.”

 

The CMO considered the suggestion for a few seconds and then nodded. “Yeah, we need all the help we can get. Their science and medical facilities would be very useful.”

 

“I will contact Captain d’Ka. Anything else?”

 

“No, Sir.” Nick couldn’t help but grin. He would still remain second in command until the new CO would come aboard but it would still leave him free to remain in sickbay rather than concern himself with politics.

 

“Very well. Carry on.” She stood abruptly, turned, and strode directly to the lift, bypassing as many cots as possible. Her eyes focused on the lift doors as they closed.

 

Nick got to his feet as Chirakis stood up. He nodded briefly though the Commander had her back already turned to him. Time to get back to the Deosi, he thought and moved off to the nearest cot. There was, indeed, still a lot of work to do.