Lieutenant Junior Grade Ryan Rabbit
Posted on 22 Apr 2026 @ 1:41am by Lieutenant JG Ryan Collingway & Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn XMD
Edited on on 22 Apr 2026 @ 3:28am
925 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission: The Starfall Carnival
///USS Arawyn////
///Sickbay///
The two engineers slowly walked towards medical, holding the rabbit. "This is ridiculous," Sorensen said. "There is no way this rabbit is Lieutenant Collingway. We're going to look like idiots."
"Yeah, I know," Walkins said. "But...I dunno, maybe the doctor could scan him or something? Besides, she helps run a cat daycare. Maybe she knows what to do with a rabbit?"
They entered sickbay a minute later. The rabbit was in Wilkins' arms, still wearing an Arawyn uniform.
The nurse on reception duty looked amused as the two engineers approached. One carried a surprisingly docile white lop-eared rabbit into the lobby. “Which one of the three of you needs a vaccination?”
"None of us do, Nurse," Walkins said. She felt silly for even being here. "We um...erm..."
"Ryan-Lieutenant Collingway ticked off a magician who turned him into a rabbit," Sorensen said flatly. "At least, that's what he claims."
"Well we couldn't find him afterwards, could we?" Walkins said. "I dunno...could you....make sure, somehow? Check his DNA or something?"
"*Animal* DNA? How would that even work?" Sorensen said.
The nurse looked mildly intrigued. She stepped around the corner of the reception console and petted the very docile rabbit’s head. Lifted an ear gently. “Lt Collingway? You in there? If you are we’ll try to help.” It was unclear whether she was being facetious or not. She dropped the ear with care and looked at Sorensen. “I have to get Dr Amberlyn’s permission to use the scanning system. Have a seat and I’ll be right back. She returned less than 5 minutes later, following Amberlyn.
“Are y’all joking?” she asked.
“No Ma’am.”
“Have you reported the disappearance of Lt Collingway? Explain. And follow me.”
"Well, no," Sorenson said, sheepishly. "We don't know if this is a practical joke on us or not. Plus, the Starbase is a pretty big place, ma'am. We could have just easily lost him somehow."
"He doesn't want another department laughing at us," Walkins said.
She led them to the secondary decon room, where Baylee, the kitten had been kept until someone from the Feline Community group took her. Riah lifted the small rabbit from The engineer’s arms an held it close so it would not feel unsafe dangling from her hands. She walked to the table and set the rabbit down. “Kinda hold him here while I turn on the scanner.”
Walkins obliged.
"I mean, this can't be real, right? It's a joke."
"Shapeshifters exist," Walkins pointed out under her breath. "Anything is possible."
"No one's seen a shapeshifter in ages," Sorensen pointed out. "I doubt this is the case here."
The scan was complete. "He has a minor ear infection which I can prescribe eardrops for," Riah said. "And unless this 'magician' aged Lieutenant Collingway as well, they are not a match. This rabbit is about middle-age, based on the scan. I would suggest returning him and finding out where Lieutenant Collingway is. Reporting it to security is a requirement at this point. Even if it's just a prank."
"Yes ma'am," Sorensen said, and moved to so just that.
Walkins scooped up the rabbit. "Hopefully he doesn't change me into anything.." she said.
///Starbase 369////
A few minutes later Walkins returned to the store, carrying the bunny.
"The next show isn't for another ten minutes," Maryann said.
"It's quite all right," Zelanski said. He was lounging in a chair on the stage and smoking a pipe which blew small purple glowing bubbles.
"We know this isn't Lieutenant Collingway," Walkins said, as Maryann took the rabbit away. "We even treated him for an infection. So what did you do with him? Really?"
"What indeed?" Zelanski said, feeling his pockets in mock panic. "Did I transport him to the moons of Vulcan? Inside a Volcano? Perhaps Vice-Admiral Maclaren's quarters? All have their fair share of dangers for sure. Where did I put him?"
"For heaven's sake, Zelanski, stop tormenting the poor girl," Maryann scolded.
"Oh fine," he sighed. "Like any trapped animal, I very humanely released him back into the wilds of Starbase 369. I don't know where he went from there."
Walkins' combadge chirped. It was Sorensen, confirming that Ryan had already been to security to have his combadge exchanged. "You gave us a bit of a scare, you know," she scolded.
Zelanski smiled and patted the empty chair next to him. Reluctantly, Wilkins sat down.
"My dear woman, I gave you all a story. A joke. Most of all I gave you magic. I have heard about the Arawyn's troubles. You *all* could use some magic in your life, even your sour-puss little friend," Zelanski said. "Would you indulge me with one last performance?"
"I...I guess so," Walkins said.
Zelanski stood and gave her a flourish. "Your doctor took care of my companion. In exchange for her free veterinary service, and for your bravery at trying to find your lost companion, I present you with a gift. Maryann?"
Maryann emerged with a vial in a small glass case. Zelanski waved his wand, and smoke emerged around it.
"I offer this to you both-a mystic concoction that will cure all aches and pains! But beware!" He said. "Too much of it can lead to harm, even death!"
Walkins took the glass case hesitantly. "What is it?"
"Booze my dear," Zelanski said with a wink. "My finest Andorian wine as thanks. Do come again."
Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn
Chief Medical Officer
USS Arawyn
Sorensen, Walkins, Zelanski and Maryann (NPC)
Apb
Natasha
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