Returning home

Posted on 22 Dec 2025 @ 7:34pm by Commander Suzanna Batenburg & Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn XMD & Crewman Clara Barton
Edited on on 22 Dec 2025 @ 7:35pm

1,149 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Displaced
Location: USS Arawyn Sickbay

/// Sickbay //

Dr McDavid, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer, approached the nurses’ station. “I’ve got a file to update right quick. Commander Batenburg has cleared the Decon and Amy has put her in exam room 1. Clara, could you see to her and I’ll be there straight away. Set the auto-scanner to run a standard report and try to make her feel comfortable. She’s been on that alien ship and through quite a lot between the mind-meld with the Eirian and then events on the away mission.”

Of course, Doctor," Nurse Barton quickly answered.

“Thank you. I’ll be there as soon as I catalog this treatment plan,” McDavid said, already tapping on the keyboard.

//// Exam room 1 /////

And as sudden as the away mission had started, it had ended. Suzanna had materialised in the decon chamber, normal procedure in first contact and visiting an unknown ship. Her main concern was that all of the crew had returned with her. Logic dictated that they were split up based on beam out location, to make it easier to transport. So anyone on the bridge with her, the team in Engineering would be in a different room. Her mind was suppressing the earlier panic still, she did not dare to let that control losen until alone and time to process, she had tapped her comm
badge, and had asked for confirmation that the entire Away team had safely returned. Everyone was safe and sound back on the Arawyn. Hopefully safe and sound, since Ensign Quinn had been in contact with the creature somehow. That was a concern, she had been out
of it. As soon as she saw Dr Amberlyn she would ask about her. Now she was waiting for the Doc to clear her.

She noticed a woman enter the room, one of the nurses, and nodded in greeting, "Nurse."

"Yes, hello, Commander," Clara answered softly. "My name is Clara. I'm an RN and I'm going to be performing some basic tests so we can get you squared away and the Doctor can clear you for resuming your duties."

Clara had been prepared to be a calming influence on her patient, but after being in her company for just a brief interlude, it was apparent the woman was a real trooper both in and out of the trenches. She seemed, for all outward appearances, to be in control of her emotions and was stoic. But who knew what was going on beneath the surface?

But Clara couldn't help wondering how her new friend, Mira, had fared. From what she had heard, the poor young girl had been temporarily possessed by some kind of alien entity on a ship that almost seemed sentient. Was "possessed" even the right term to use? Maybe "overpowered" was a better description. Clara hoped that in time she might get some answers from her friend.

McDavid entered the room with dignity. “Hello Commander. Dr Amberlyn is tied up with Cmdr Slovak regarding the creature and the Eirian ship. I’m happy to report all away team members, including yourself, have cleared Decon with no evidence of contamination of any kind.”

"That is good to hear, Doctor. How is Ensign Quin? She touched the creature, or was touched by it and had been unconscious for a short while, is she ok?" Suzanna asked. Nothing else mattered to her.

“She appears to be tired, as all of the away team are feeling the let down of all that excitement. She’s currently discussing the experience with Cmdr Slovak and Ensign Collingway. There do not appear to be any residual effects, at least none evidenced yet. Of course the entire away team has been instructed to let Medical immediately if there is any question of such effects. How are you feeling?”

"I believe I am medically fit. I was mainly on the bridge of the Eirian ship." Suzanna replied, "They have fascinating technology." She maintained her tight control, this was not the time. Later she would mediate, attempt to address the earlier panic that was subsiding on hearing from McDavid that the rest of the team was ok. "Do you need anything specific from me, Doctor?”

“Physically, the visit to the Eirian ship and even the physical encounter with the sentience of that ship and the creature, does not appear to have had any immediate negative effects. But I’m concerned about the psychological experience of being in the presence and perhaps under the influence of that alien sentience. While treatment for any related psychological effects who fall to our Counseling Department, and every member of the away team will be required to visit with a trained counselor, the body and mind are not separate entities. Would you say there was any psychological effects as a result of your experience of the ship, anything from anxiety to overt psychosis? This can observance can include but is not limited to your professional opinion as a very experienced leader of alien missions.”

Suzanna nodded to the doc as she explained, "I suspect that Ensigns Collingway and Quin may have some anxiety after the encounter on the ship. Your request is logical, Doctor." She sighed inwardly, not showing anything, her own panic had subsided, but she was not looking to discuss that. Her reaction was entirely logical at the time, and she had dealt with it efficiently. Yet, she too, would have to talk to a counsellor, if nothing to show the right example.

McDavid nodded but he did note the Commander did not include herself in that assessment. A curiosity. “That’s pretty much our expectation. Thank you. You and the other members of the team will be contacted by the Counseling Yeoman to arrange a post away mission meetings. If you do notice anything, physical or psychological, please give me a call immediately.

"I understand you follow the Vulcan way,” he continued. "Your advanced awareness of your own experience, and your coping skills, will serve you well. If you,/i> experience intense emotional reactions, other’s may feel it too, but not have the skills to manage it as successfully. Your insights may be invaluable in helping those who are less prepared to cope with those larger, more intense feelings. I trust you will let me know. You are free to return to duty, though I recommend a good night’s sleep for the next few days. And watch your dream life. Any other questions for me?”

"No questions, Doctor. Thank you." Suzanna replied.

“Then I wish you a good day, Commander. Thank you for coming in. Nurse Barton will see you out,” he said, nodding to Clara.

“Yes, Sir,” she replied to McDavid. “If you’ll come with me, Commander.”

~~~
Cmdr Suzanna Batenburg
Executive Officer
USS Arawyn
&
Lt Len McDavid, XMD
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Arawyn
(npc apb Kate)
&
Nurse Clara Barton, RN
Attending Nurse
USS Arawyn

 

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