A Reluctant Physical

Posted on Tue Apr 1st, 2025 @ 9:55am by Lieutenant Urushi Yaotome & Lieutenant Erin Cussen

1,188 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Sole Survivor
Location: Sickbay

Well, there they were. The doors that many Starfleet Officers dreaded, or avoided at all costs. The two doors that you should usually avoid at all costs. They were usually associated with something going horribly wrong, or in this case: being assigned to a new ship.

Before these doors stood the young Trill Science Officer. Safe to say, with her 'White coat sydrome', a rare thing for a joined Trill to have, Urushi was very hesitant to step through those doors. Beyond them was a highly advanced facility to assist in all needs of the crew which was to be expected on such a new Starship class.

Urushi took a deep breath, took a half step forward, then rocked back and continued staring at the doors of the ships sickbay. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the cold sweat running down her neck and the ringing starting to scream in her ears.

"It's just a simple physical! Damn it Urushi!" She scolded herself as she took another half step forward only to chicken out again. It was like an impossible barrier in front of her, one which her intense phobia held her back from overcoming.

Finally she took a step forward.

Anya looked from the reception desk when she noticed someone coming in. She smiled noticing that the Science Officer seemed reluctant to enter. She got up and walked towards her. "You must be Lieutenant Yuatome, the Chief Science Officer. Welcome to the Medical Centre. How can I help?" she asked warmly

"Erm... Wrong room?" Urushi said nervously. "New ship and all.. you know..." she said stumbling over her words.

"Well since you are here, why don't I introduce you to the CMO? She is new too and still get's lost here. I think she needs the distraction. She is nose deep into getting familiar with all our new equipment," Anya continued in a conspiratory tone.

"Oh, but she might be busy... You know..." Urushi said nervously starting to fidget.

'No, not to worry, she is only reading through medical records. She will be quote happy to meet someone from the crew," Anya said warmly, pressing the screen on her desk to contact Erin.

"Yes Anya?" came a voice in her in-ear earphone.

"I have the Science Chief here to meet with you," Anya responded. Anya and Erin had already established their own communication protocols. Erin understood that it was not an emergency, but the meet could not wait.

"On my way," Erin responded.

Moments later Erin appeared from her office. "Lieutenant Yaotome," Erin greeted the Trill warmly. "Nice to meet you," she said.

"Yeah..." Urushi said. "Same... I didn't mean to drag you away from your work. So if you need to go back to it... I can... you know... come back later?"

"Nope, I am very happy to have a break," Erin answered, sensing the scientist's reluctance. "You are here anyway," she said indicating the way to Urushi. "All my equipment had not arrived yet, but it doesn't matter, I have what I need," she added with a bright smile. They walked into the large office come examination room. There was another duty station, a diagnostic unit and a loose chair close to her desk. "Please take a seat," she invited.

Urushi seemed to hover around the chair. Eventually she reluctantly sat down.

"You seem to be uncomfortable. Is it me or this place?" Erin asked gently.

"Oh definitely this place. Have you ever heard of a Trill with Hemophobia?" Urushi smiled.

"I have heard of a lot of things. I was married to a joined Trill, and Dal the symbiont was rediculously afraid of drowning, so no swimming, but Trento loved it. I was glad I hadn't had to deal with that," Erin said with s soft smile as she remembered him fondly. "So who has the hemophobia, one or both of you?"

"Well. Leon was never afraid of it. Do we got it from me... Urushi..." Urushi said as she placed a hand over her middle where her symbiot rested. "I know it sounds silly and all, but I never intended to be joined either."

"That's unusual that you were joined anyway," and Erin said a little surprised. "That must have been really difficult", she said knowing the years of preparation involved for Trills wishing to be joined. "Please tell me how that came about if you don't mind?"

"Captain Leon... His ship was involved in an accident. Haruk was heavily injured..." she paused. "Haruk being the host." The ship I was on, the USS Phoenix responded to their distress call. But our doctor couldn't save Haruk, but could save the Leon symbiote. I volunteered to carry Leon to keep him alive... and he's still in my belly to this day..." she explained placing a hand over her middle.

"That was very brave," Erin said sincerely, noticing Urushi's hand on her stomach, like a mother-to-be would touch her unborn child. "Seems you have really accepted Leon," she said with a soft smile. "I was married to a joined Trill, he was joined after we got married, so I know a little about the process afterwards.

"At one point I thought I'd never be joined... well the old Urushi did..." she shook her head. "Sometimes it even confuses me. I never went through the training... but Leon helped. He even let me retain my family name. He's... different."

"I am glad he is supporting you," Erin said. She gathered that Urushi didn't open up easily. "I appreciate your telling me this," she said pausing for a moment. "I must say, I am enjoying talking with you," Erin said.

"Erm yeah..." Urushi said nervously. "So, do I pass?" She asked obviously eager to get out of sickbay as soon as possible.

"Oh yes, of course you are actually here for a physical," Erin laughed. "I ordered a new diagnostic chair, but it hasn't arrived yet," she explained as she got up and took a medical tricorder from her desk. She did a general scan of Urushi's body and the symbiont, noting the readouts on the trocorder. She put it down and grinned. "Unfortunately I can't think of an excuse to you here any longer," she said with mock disappointment. "You are too healthy, so you pass," she grinned.

"I'll take that!" Urushi said jumping up and starting to edge her way towards the door. "I... erm... hope you don't take this the wrong way... but I hope I don't see you soon... at least... not in here..." she said nervously, her voice a little shaky.

"Believe me, I don't want to see here soon either, but I do hope to see you around, get to know you a bit better outside of this," she said spreading her arms with a grin.

Urushi nodded. "Well, our departments do work closely together at times. So yeah..." She said as she started shuffling towards the door faster and faster. "I'll... see you around," she finally added before hastily disappearing out of the door.

Posting by:

Lieutenant Urushi Yaotome
Chief Science Officer

Lt Erin Cusson
CMO

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