"Feeding Times & Clinic Hours"
Posted on 07 Aug 2026 @ 1:11pm by Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn XMD & Lieutenant Commander Steven Remington
1,453 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
The Doldrums
Location: Science Department - Arawyn
// Zoology Lab //
“Mike, you look a little thin. Have they been feeding you?” asked Remington, addressing the large snake in the oversized reptile environment.
“We fed him. We had bets on who he’d like best. You couldn’t bet if you wouldn’t feed him,” announced PO Taylor from across the room.
“Oh that’s a clever way to do it. Who thought of that? Casey?” asked Steve.
“Marleta actually,” replied Taylor.
The snake made no move at all, but remained motionless as death, eyes closed. Steve reached into the smaller cage of rat-like creatures and picked up one. “Sorry, buddy. You got the short straw today,” he apologized to the creature, opened the door at the side of Mike’s enclosure and gently set the animal down. It scurried away, already curious about its new habitat. Steve closed and securely latched the door.
“How do you do that?” asked Taylor. “Is he asleep? When we came around, he’d slither back and forth across the front of the glass and lunge at us, tongue flicking and that tooth in the front bare and deadly.”
“No, he’s not asleep; it’s dinner time,” replied Steve. “And if there were 5 people staring at me in my happy little home, I might slither around and snap at them too. And it’s not one tooth, it’s two, fused together,” he reminded Taylor. “And it’s not exactly deadly, just …torturous, for humans.”
A flash of movement caught Steve’s eye and the snake’s dislocating jaws bulged. “Good boy.”
Marleta, the lab technician entered, followed by Dr Amberlyn. “Commander? Dr Amberlyn to see you.”
Steve turned from the contented snake to his new guest. It was unusual for Riah to come to the Zoology department, and he smiled warmly. “Gee, you just missed me feeding Mike.”
“Mike? You finally named the snake Mike? Last week it was, what, Homer?” asked Riah; an equally warm reply.
“He’s very changeable. Nothing seems to really stick well. I’m trying out Mike today.”
“I see.” She took a couple steps closer to peer into enclosure. “Hey Mike. Looks …satisfied,” she observed. The lump in the Mike’s body had moved a few inches beyond his head now. “Yum, fur and all.”
“Wanna join me for a cup of coffee in my office, or are you interested in more info about Mike’s dietary preferences,” asked Steve.
“Actually, I came down to take another look at the zoology med clinic and then I’d love a cup of coffee,” she explained.
Steve’s curious expression changed smoothly into a nod. “Sure, right this way.”
The clinic was small and consisted of one room, which included a sophisticated exam table. The table was smaller, but no less complex, than its companion bio-beds in Sickbay. On the opposite wall was a desk, which amounted to the office for the small sub-department. In a smaller annex on the left, was a surgical table with proper lighting. And on the right of the exam area was an enclosed and sound proofed kennel area for moderate sized animals. To the rear of the space were two storage closets, one of which currently accommodated several crates, an extra chair, and six 3-gallon bottles of purified water for the fish tanks. The other room was also filled with a wall of smaller kennel cages for smaller animals. In that room could be heard little scratching, scurrying noises as the parents of the small creatures that made up a significant portion of Mike’s meals enjoyed their blissful couplings.
“Ok, thanks,” said Riah. “Let chat.” She stood expectantly waiting for him to lead the way to his science office.
“That’s it?” asked Steve.
“Just needed to get a fresh look. Seems pretty self-explanatory,” said Riah.
“Ok,” he said and set off to his office.
// Chief Science Officer’s Office //
This space was considerably more comfortable than a snake eating mice, or whatever his meal was. Steve’s laid back personality was evident in the addition of a large potted tree that was thriving in one corner, and a cloth wall-hanging or tapestry behind the desk, illustrating the Tree of Life, around and within which a multitude of animals, birds, reptiles and even a dinosaur were represented. A stream or river at the base of the tree also showed aquatic animals and fish.
A calligraphy sign the wall read: “Physics tells us how the universe works. Biology tells us why it matters.”
Steve approached the replicator. “Coffee?” he confirmed.
“Well, maybe a glass of iced green tea with lots of ice, and a lime slice,” she amended her drink preference.
“As you wish,” he replied and ordered her glass of tea and his cup of coffee. Bringing them to the desk, and setting them down, they both took seats and tested their beverages. Steve waited patiently to see what she would do next. This often offered a surprise to his curious mind. Something he quite liked about Riah Amberlyn. She was unpredictable. One time she could be free-spirited and even a bit flirtatious, and other times, strictly professional, or boldly frank, then quiet and reflective. Today, she had something on her mind but was not quite ready to open that conversation. That made him a little nervous, or excited, rather than wary or apprehensive.
“I have an idea I want to run by you."
"I'm all ears."
"There are a lot of animals on this ship, pets, cats mostly, but I know of 3 dogs, and a rabbit and a family of guinea pigs, who knows how many hamsters and at least one bird, and a dragon. They need regular and preventative medical care. I’d like to make use of the Science Department's veterinary space to hold two-hour clinics twice a week at the end of Alpha shift and the end of Beta shift, to try to allow clinic times for drop-in patients.”
Steve nodded, listening quietly as Riah continued.
“We’ve been using one of our decon-chambers to house sick or recovering animals, a section of our storage closet at the supply cabinet, and my desk and computer to manage a short list of clients. I’ve mentioned this to Captain Corbin and to Dr Dunross, who both agree this is a good idea. As a Xeno-MD, I’m qualified to act as a primary veterinarian, and I just see a need. What do you think?”
“Great idea,” he replied without hesitation. “And will animal related inquiries and messages go through Science or Medical?"
"Through Medical. Comms can set up a separate connection so it pings one of our technicians," she replied, obviously prepared for the question.
Steve nodded approvingly. "That specialized space is under-utilized and the only thing we use it for is the rare occasion we have an alien animal or need to store stuff. When did you wanna start this clinic idea?”
“As soon as I can get it set up and ready. Then I’ll announce the availability of the services,” she replied.
“If Corbin and your department are onboard. I say let’s do it. I’ll add your name to the door,” he teased.
“I want to make it clear that I’m not a member of the Science team, just using the clinic,” Riah added. “There’s no oversight here on your part, unless you see something critically out of place. I’ll bring a volunteer technician with me if you can’t spare one, though I know for a fact three of the animal welfare group on the ship will be happy to come clean cages, feed and water any in-patients, etc. Still sound doable?”
Steve just offered large head nods in the affirmative as she spoke.
They further discussed the times, and it was easy to find a schedule which she could take back to Medical and confirm with Dunross. So far, thought Riah, this is proceeding exactly as hoped. Maybe it was meant to be.
“Thank you Steve,” she said quietly as she stood, taking her glass of iced tea with her.
“Dinner anytime soon?” he said, standing.
“Did you know we are a thing in the gossip mill on this ship?” she asked, subtly changing the subject.
“Um, yeah. Clearly with reason!” his sarcasm barely hidden by the crack of a smile. “I repeat. Dinner?”
“Tonight, 1945, in the Officer’s Mess.” She winked and turned to leave.
“Shall I dress for dinner then?” he asked playfully.
“No,” she replied over her shoulder. “Thank you Cmdr Remington.”
~~~
LtCmdr Steve Remington
Chief Science Officer
USS Arawyn
&
LtCmdr Riah Amberlyn, XMD
Chief Medical Officer
USS Arawyn
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