Here goes another attempt. Thanks to Lona who beta read this for me. This
is what happens when I keep getting moofed from chat and must vent my
frustrations G. I plan this to be several chapters each dealing with the
Battlestar Galactica characters as seen through the eyes of someone we
never saw on the mini-series G. Battlestar Galactica belongs to Glen
Larson and Ron Moore. The Lenna Dell is stolen from Crys (If I can steal
spidercats from Lona why not a whole ship? What will be next?). BTW if
Ron Moore can swap character genders..
"Standard of Care" by Lt Kathy "Doc"
Chapter 1
When I was a medical student those older and wiser would say, "Kylen, you have to remember this. The later you stay, the later you stay." It's nice to know some things never change, even in the post-apocalyptic world the 12 colonies have become.
Thank the Lords for scrubs and sneakers. I would be dead if I had to wear a dress and heels for over 24 hours. I had planned a short shift today given that I had spent the night treating a deck hand who had the misfortune of being in the wrong place when a lift stopped working and a few hundred pounds of metal went crashing down on his leg. He's doing better although it's still too early to tell about his recovery. Reminder to self: consult Dr. Tanis on the Lenna Dell about rehabilitation.
Anyway, here I sit, my desk littered with charts, medical supply requisitions, and requests for stationing medical personal aboard other colonial vessels. I started this about three hours ago and the pile is not getting smaller. Does paperwork reproduce asexually? If anyone had told me that I would be the Chief Medical Officer on a ready-to-be decommissioned battlestar and that its' Life Station would be considered a state-of-the-art medical facility I would have sent him to the ninth floor at Picon Fleet Hospital (medical slang for the psychiatric unit).
My posting to Galactica had started out as temporary, a favor because the original Chief was committed to leaving the colonial fleet for private practice and the decommissioning had been postponed for a few more weeks. In my former role as Chief of Trauma and Critical Care at Picon Fleet Hospital, I had needed to know if the Life Stations were working as they should and meeting the medical needs of the fleet. So I volunteered to fill in the few weeks and at the same time assess an operating Life Station, killing two birds with one stone. Now here I am, alive, all due to some chance. Oh by the way, my name is Commander Kaylen Salik, MD, Chief Medical Officer aboard the Battlestar Galactica.
The smell of coffee fills the air. Even though I know coffee is getting scarce, I allow myself the guilty pleasure of a morning cup. (I have a secret stash for my own private use and grind my own beans.) As I pour I hear a cough from behind me. Damn, that man is quiet and either has ESP, or my office video wired. He always manages to time his visits during my coffee break. Without turning to my visitor I state, "Commander, please come in. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
I have found Commander Adama to be a tough but fair man. I respect him. That's not to say we have not had differences of opinion, but with the exception of the time I wanted to integrate the Life Station's computers, our relationship has been very smooth. Unusual given that in the past other superiors have found me somewhat difficult to work with.
Commander William Adama walks into my office and sits while speaking "Yes. Thank you doctor. I wanted to talk to you about some issues that have been brought to my attention. This shouldn't take long. You look tired and I know you had a long night. How is crewman Mannis doing?" I take an irreverent moment to think they should bottle his voice and sell it. Lords, I must be more tired than I thought.
"He's going to keep the leg, but I'm still not sure how functional it's going to be. I plan to consult with a rehab specialist on the Lenna Dell in a few days." I state and hand him his coffee. He gives the mug a double take. I guess I should have used the one with Picon Fleet Hospital insignia instead of the one that reads: Doctors have great bedside manners. He takes his coffee black. We all do now that dairy products are scarce. I hate black coffee, yet I still drink it. Talk about an addiction.
He takes a sip from the cup, closes his eyes and sighs. "You make the best coffee on the whole ship. This tastes better than ambrosia." I wonder if he knows about my secret "medicinal" supply. I take a moment to look at the man across from me. Commander Adama, the "Old Man" as many on this ship refer to him, looks tired. I can see dark circles under his eyes and he seems to have lost a bit of weight. Hmmm, going to have to address that, but first things first.
We discuss the medical supply shortage, and timetables for training and classes in medical first aid and advanced life support so that all the fleet can have a few people trained on each ship. We also go through the number of baby deliveries and pregnancies. This meeting is winding down so I decide to take the bull by the horns.
"Commander, since you're here I want to bring to your attention that all the crew physicals have been done with the exception of one. You're the only person who has not had their physical. I know I sent you notification about 3 weeks ago."
I get the standard "I've been very busy." "Why can't we put this off for now until things settle down?" "I'm sure you have more than enough work." He eyes my desk and makes a sweeping gesture with his hand to include my office and the Life Station. Damn, I'm going to have to play hardball. Although I wonder given that he is The Commander, can the ship doctor's orders supercede his? I can only try. "You know, I can make this an order." The room suddenly seems very quiet and the temperature drops about 10 degrees. He gives me the "Command Stare". I, however did not become the youngest division chief at Picon Fleet Hospital because I crumble and I stare him right back.
He rises to his feet and so do I. He sighs and looks down at me. He has me on height by about 5 inches. "Ok, doctor, when do you want to arrange it?"
"Now is as good a time as any"
I get the big stare again. "You're tired and need to sleep. This is not a top priority."
"You're the commander of this ship and the fleet. If you get sick it becomes a big problem. Look, a physical takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Is there anything especially pressing in CIC that Col. Tigh cannot handle? A few minutes now and you don't have to see me for another year aside from boring meetings," I cajole and give him my most winning smile. Which is probably not too effective given that I am in scrubs, my short hair is askew from the nap I took a short while ago, and I am not wearing any makeup. Thank the Lords I brushed my teeth and washed my face. You know, in the vids doctors always look great even post call.
He sighs and I smell victory in the air. "Ok, doctor, let's get this over with." He looks like he is about to take the Galactica into battle against the Cylons.
I lead him down the hall to an exam room and try not to gloat. I give him the standard line to undress, put on the exam gown, and that I will be back in a few minutes. When I reenter the room he is sitting on the exam table, wearing the standard examination gown, and looking extremely uncomfortable. I quickly go through the usual questions. Aside from some more frequent headaches he denies everything. I check his vitals, check his vision, and complete the rest of the physical exam. You know, for a man his age he's in pretty good shape, he must work out, although not to excess. Kylen! Get your mind out of the gutter and back on business. I really must be tired. I ask him to meet me in my office when he is ready. Ha! It only took 35 minutes.
When he is seated I begin. "You have lost about 5 pounds, your blood pressure is slightly elevated and I think you need to have your eyes re- evaluated. Aside from that you are in great health. You can have your eyes looked at when the specialist from the Lenna Dell comes next week. I am going to want to follow that blood pressure for now, although I think the weight loss and the blood pressure are due to stress. You need to take time to eat and time off to relax, and I do not mean reading reports over supper. You need to take some time off for yourself. Set aside time to exercise, read a good book. If you want I can let you borrow a few of mine."
I get the big stare, then a smile crosses his face and I have the feeling that he knows something I don't. "While I appreciate the offer doctor I doubt I would find romance novels to my taste."
WHAT? How did he know about my one great (ok, not one) secret? I love to read those trashy Caprican romance novels. If I find out who told him, they are very dead, and as a doctor I know a lot of creative ways to make it happen. I try to collect myself and calmly state "I don't know what you are talking about. I was referring to some murder/mystery novels I have." He is about to speak when all hell breaks loose.
A very pregnant woman is being helped into the Life Station, by a Galactica marine. She is screaming, "NO! I'm not due yet! Where is Joe? I want Joe here now!"
The marine heads for the door as Cassie, one of my medical technicians, tries to help her onto a bed. The woman is fighting everyone and still screaming. Both Commander Adama and I leave my office. I am about to speak when a voice of authority fills the air. "Lt. Ares, what's going on here?"
You can suddenly hear a pin drop. The young woman gulps, and looking shocked, allows Cassie to get her into bed and put an IV in. While my team and I get things together, Adama comes over to the bedside and takes her hand. She stammers, "My due date is next week, sir. This is too early. Joe, I mean Lt. Harris, my husband, is flying patrol. I'm not ready for this."
He looks at her and says in that low gravelly voice of his, "You do know that the baby is the one in charge of this mission? Let the medics and doctor get you comfortable and take a look at you. I'll go over and call CIC to see if we can get Lt. Harris in from patrol and find a replacement for him."
Since when did I lose control of the Life Station? As he leaves we efficiently pull the curtains, get her into a gown and get all the monitors in place. "You're going to be fine. I just have to ask you some questions and do an examination," I state. The rest passes quickly. I tell Cassie to time the contractions.
Adama comes back and quietly pulls me aside. "How is she? Is she going to deliver?"
"She has been having contractions all morning but she told herself that they were Braxton-Hicks, uh I mean false labor pains. She is almost fully dilated and effaced. She is having that baby now. Any word on the father?"
"He is being recalled now but he's still about 20 minutes away. What can I do to help?"
I give him a grateful look. Not many people would want to be around a woman in labor. "You know that because of the supply shortages we don't use medications to dull the pain except in extreme situations. She listens to you and is calmer with you around. If nothing is pressing can you stay, hold her hand, and talk to her?" I knew I was asking a lot but Lt. Gina Ares had already shown herself to be very excitable and I was going to take any help offered.
He nods and stations himself at her side. As we prepare I am aware of their voices through the normal sounds that accompany a delivery.
"Lt. Harris will be here soon. However, the doctor says you're ready to deliver now."
"Lords it hurts!"
"Just hold my hand. Pant when the contractions hit." Lords, the man could run a birthing class with that voice. I know from his records he had two sons. I wonder if he got the delivery room experience then.
"I am NEVER going through this again. It's all Joe's fault. Next time HE can have the baby!"
"From what I hear this is going to make Capt Kelly a rich man. He is the one that chose today as your due date in the pool." That's it Commander good strategy, distracting her. He must be something to see in CIC during a battle.
"What?? They're BETTING on my...AHHHH!!"
"You know Dr Salik is one of the best. We were lucky to get her on Galactica." I decide now is not the time to tell the Commander my opinion of the OB-GYN rotation and the fact I had to review all the OB vids prior to my first delivery.
A sound and gasp from behind me tells me the father has arrived. He takes up his station on Lt. Ares' other side and grabs her hand, but Gina is unwilling to let go of the Commander's. Things fortunately progress quickly and I find myself presenting Lts. Harris and Ares with their healthy baby daughter. A very tired Gina and her husband profusely thank the Commander for all he did. Hey, I helped too! What about me?
We leave the new family alone. As Adama moves to leave I stop him saying "Let's go to my office. I promise no more doctor's orders." He nods and follows me. I close the door and go around my desk to the lower right hand drawer. I see his eyebrows raise in question as I take from around my neck a small chain with a key on it. I unlock the drawer and remove two small glasses and an old bottle of Canceran ambrosia.
"You aren't planning to report me are you?" I ask.
He smiles but when he speaks his voice is dead serious "I think given the circumstances I can make an exception. That is as long as you plan to share."
I pour a small amount into each glass and hand one to him. "Congratulations, Commander, on your first delivery. If you ever decide to give up command, you can have a job here in the Life Station. One word from you and calm reigns."
He chuckles. Did I say that his laugh is even better than his voice? Lords, I need sleep. He goes on to say, "We make a good team, and I will take your advice. Why don't we toast the newest member of the Galactica?" We raise our glasses as he continues, "May the Lords watch over and protect this new soul who has joined the human race."
I respond, "So say we all." Ahh ambrosia. Nothing quiet like it.
"Now, doctor, you look about ready to fall over. I order you to get some sleep, and then some food. For that matter you can join me in the officers' mess for dinner at 1800, just so you can assure yourself I am following your orders." I take and clean the glasses then put both them and the bottle away and lock the drawer.
"Yes, sir," I respond. We leave my office and the Life Station together. I watch him head off to CIC. The longer I know him the more I admire him. He manages not only to command, but somehow gets to know his people. I wonder why he never made Admiral, and then think about the Admirals I have known. Best not go there. Oh well, I better get some sleep. It's not good to disobey orders, and I have a "date" with the Commander.
End
"Standard of Care" by Lt Kathy "Doc"
Chapter 1
When I was a medical student those older and wiser would say, "Kylen, you have to remember this. The later you stay, the later you stay." It's nice to know some things never change, even in the post-apocalyptic world the 12 colonies have become.
Thank the Lords for scrubs and sneakers. I would be dead if I had to wear a dress and heels for over 24 hours. I had planned a short shift today given that I had spent the night treating a deck hand who had the misfortune of being in the wrong place when a lift stopped working and a few hundred pounds of metal went crashing down on his leg. He's doing better although it's still too early to tell about his recovery. Reminder to self: consult Dr. Tanis on the Lenna Dell about rehabilitation.
Anyway, here I sit, my desk littered with charts, medical supply requisitions, and requests for stationing medical personal aboard other colonial vessels. I started this about three hours ago and the pile is not getting smaller. Does paperwork reproduce asexually? If anyone had told me that I would be the Chief Medical Officer on a ready-to-be decommissioned battlestar and that its' Life Station would be considered a state-of-the-art medical facility I would have sent him to the ninth floor at Picon Fleet Hospital (medical slang for the psychiatric unit).
My posting to Galactica had started out as temporary, a favor because the original Chief was committed to leaving the colonial fleet for private practice and the decommissioning had been postponed for a few more weeks. In my former role as Chief of Trauma and Critical Care at Picon Fleet Hospital, I had needed to know if the Life Stations were working as they should and meeting the medical needs of the fleet. So I volunteered to fill in the few weeks and at the same time assess an operating Life Station, killing two birds with one stone. Now here I am, alive, all due to some chance. Oh by the way, my name is Commander Kaylen Salik, MD, Chief Medical Officer aboard the Battlestar Galactica.
The smell of coffee fills the air. Even though I know coffee is getting scarce, I allow myself the guilty pleasure of a morning cup. (I have a secret stash for my own private use and grind my own beans.) As I pour I hear a cough from behind me. Damn, that man is quiet and either has ESP, or my office video wired. He always manages to time his visits during my coffee break. Without turning to my visitor I state, "Commander, please come in. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
I have found Commander Adama to be a tough but fair man. I respect him. That's not to say we have not had differences of opinion, but with the exception of the time I wanted to integrate the Life Station's computers, our relationship has been very smooth. Unusual given that in the past other superiors have found me somewhat difficult to work with.
Commander William Adama walks into my office and sits while speaking "Yes. Thank you doctor. I wanted to talk to you about some issues that have been brought to my attention. This shouldn't take long. You look tired and I know you had a long night. How is crewman Mannis doing?" I take an irreverent moment to think they should bottle his voice and sell it. Lords, I must be more tired than I thought.
"He's going to keep the leg, but I'm still not sure how functional it's going to be. I plan to consult with a rehab specialist on the Lenna Dell in a few days." I state and hand him his coffee. He gives the mug a double take. I guess I should have used the one with Picon Fleet Hospital insignia instead of the one that reads: Doctors have great bedside manners. He takes his coffee black. We all do now that dairy products are scarce. I hate black coffee, yet I still drink it. Talk about an addiction.
He takes a sip from the cup, closes his eyes and sighs. "You make the best coffee on the whole ship. This tastes better than ambrosia." I wonder if he knows about my secret "medicinal" supply. I take a moment to look at the man across from me. Commander Adama, the "Old Man" as many on this ship refer to him, looks tired. I can see dark circles under his eyes and he seems to have lost a bit of weight. Hmmm, going to have to address that, but first things first.
We discuss the medical supply shortage, and timetables for training and classes in medical first aid and advanced life support so that all the fleet can have a few people trained on each ship. We also go through the number of baby deliveries and pregnancies. This meeting is winding down so I decide to take the bull by the horns.
"Commander, since you're here I want to bring to your attention that all the crew physicals have been done with the exception of one. You're the only person who has not had their physical. I know I sent you notification about 3 weeks ago."
I get the standard "I've been very busy." "Why can't we put this off for now until things settle down?" "I'm sure you have more than enough work." He eyes my desk and makes a sweeping gesture with his hand to include my office and the Life Station. Damn, I'm going to have to play hardball. Although I wonder given that he is The Commander, can the ship doctor's orders supercede his? I can only try. "You know, I can make this an order." The room suddenly seems very quiet and the temperature drops about 10 degrees. He gives me the "Command Stare". I, however did not become the youngest division chief at Picon Fleet Hospital because I crumble and I stare him right back.
He rises to his feet and so do I. He sighs and looks down at me. He has me on height by about 5 inches. "Ok, doctor, when do you want to arrange it?"
"Now is as good a time as any"
I get the big stare again. "You're tired and need to sleep. This is not a top priority."
"You're the commander of this ship and the fleet. If you get sick it becomes a big problem. Look, a physical takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Is there anything especially pressing in CIC that Col. Tigh cannot handle? A few minutes now and you don't have to see me for another year aside from boring meetings," I cajole and give him my most winning smile. Which is probably not too effective given that I am in scrubs, my short hair is askew from the nap I took a short while ago, and I am not wearing any makeup. Thank the Lords I brushed my teeth and washed my face. You know, in the vids doctors always look great even post call.
He sighs and I smell victory in the air. "Ok, doctor, let's get this over with." He looks like he is about to take the Galactica into battle against the Cylons.
I lead him down the hall to an exam room and try not to gloat. I give him the standard line to undress, put on the exam gown, and that I will be back in a few minutes. When I reenter the room he is sitting on the exam table, wearing the standard examination gown, and looking extremely uncomfortable. I quickly go through the usual questions. Aside from some more frequent headaches he denies everything. I check his vitals, check his vision, and complete the rest of the physical exam. You know, for a man his age he's in pretty good shape, he must work out, although not to excess. Kylen! Get your mind out of the gutter and back on business. I really must be tired. I ask him to meet me in my office when he is ready. Ha! It only took 35 minutes.
When he is seated I begin. "You have lost about 5 pounds, your blood pressure is slightly elevated and I think you need to have your eyes re- evaluated. Aside from that you are in great health. You can have your eyes looked at when the specialist from the Lenna Dell comes next week. I am going to want to follow that blood pressure for now, although I think the weight loss and the blood pressure are due to stress. You need to take time to eat and time off to relax, and I do not mean reading reports over supper. You need to take some time off for yourself. Set aside time to exercise, read a good book. If you want I can let you borrow a few of mine."
I get the big stare, then a smile crosses his face and I have the feeling that he knows something I don't. "While I appreciate the offer doctor I doubt I would find romance novels to my taste."
WHAT? How did he know about my one great (ok, not one) secret? I love to read those trashy Caprican romance novels. If I find out who told him, they are very dead, and as a doctor I know a lot of creative ways to make it happen. I try to collect myself and calmly state "I don't know what you are talking about. I was referring to some murder/mystery novels I have." He is about to speak when all hell breaks loose.
A very pregnant woman is being helped into the Life Station, by a Galactica marine. She is screaming, "NO! I'm not due yet! Where is Joe? I want Joe here now!"
The marine heads for the door as Cassie, one of my medical technicians, tries to help her onto a bed. The woman is fighting everyone and still screaming. Both Commander Adama and I leave my office. I am about to speak when a voice of authority fills the air. "Lt. Ares, what's going on here?"
You can suddenly hear a pin drop. The young woman gulps, and looking shocked, allows Cassie to get her into bed and put an IV in. While my team and I get things together, Adama comes over to the bedside and takes her hand. She stammers, "My due date is next week, sir. This is too early. Joe, I mean Lt. Harris, my husband, is flying patrol. I'm not ready for this."
He looks at her and says in that low gravelly voice of his, "You do know that the baby is the one in charge of this mission? Let the medics and doctor get you comfortable and take a look at you. I'll go over and call CIC to see if we can get Lt. Harris in from patrol and find a replacement for him."
Since when did I lose control of the Life Station? As he leaves we efficiently pull the curtains, get her into a gown and get all the monitors in place. "You're going to be fine. I just have to ask you some questions and do an examination," I state. The rest passes quickly. I tell Cassie to time the contractions.
Adama comes back and quietly pulls me aside. "How is she? Is she going to deliver?"
"She has been having contractions all morning but she told herself that they were Braxton-Hicks, uh I mean false labor pains. She is almost fully dilated and effaced. She is having that baby now. Any word on the father?"
"He is being recalled now but he's still about 20 minutes away. What can I do to help?"
I give him a grateful look. Not many people would want to be around a woman in labor. "You know that because of the supply shortages we don't use medications to dull the pain except in extreme situations. She listens to you and is calmer with you around. If nothing is pressing can you stay, hold her hand, and talk to her?" I knew I was asking a lot but Lt. Gina Ares had already shown herself to be very excitable and I was going to take any help offered.
He nods and stations himself at her side. As we prepare I am aware of their voices through the normal sounds that accompany a delivery.
"Lt. Harris will be here soon. However, the doctor says you're ready to deliver now."
"Lords it hurts!"
"Just hold my hand. Pant when the contractions hit." Lords, the man could run a birthing class with that voice. I know from his records he had two sons. I wonder if he got the delivery room experience then.
"I am NEVER going through this again. It's all Joe's fault. Next time HE can have the baby!"
"From what I hear this is going to make Capt Kelly a rich man. He is the one that chose today as your due date in the pool." That's it Commander good strategy, distracting her. He must be something to see in CIC during a battle.
"What?? They're BETTING on my...AHHHH!!"
"You know Dr Salik is one of the best. We were lucky to get her on Galactica." I decide now is not the time to tell the Commander my opinion of the OB-GYN rotation and the fact I had to review all the OB vids prior to my first delivery.
A sound and gasp from behind me tells me the father has arrived. He takes up his station on Lt. Ares' other side and grabs her hand, but Gina is unwilling to let go of the Commander's. Things fortunately progress quickly and I find myself presenting Lts. Harris and Ares with their healthy baby daughter. A very tired Gina and her husband profusely thank the Commander for all he did. Hey, I helped too! What about me?
We leave the new family alone. As Adama moves to leave I stop him saying "Let's go to my office. I promise no more doctor's orders." He nods and follows me. I close the door and go around my desk to the lower right hand drawer. I see his eyebrows raise in question as I take from around my neck a small chain with a key on it. I unlock the drawer and remove two small glasses and an old bottle of Canceran ambrosia.
"You aren't planning to report me are you?" I ask.
He smiles but when he speaks his voice is dead serious "I think given the circumstances I can make an exception. That is as long as you plan to share."
I pour a small amount into each glass and hand one to him. "Congratulations, Commander, on your first delivery. If you ever decide to give up command, you can have a job here in the Life Station. One word from you and calm reigns."
He chuckles. Did I say that his laugh is even better than his voice? Lords, I need sleep. He goes on to say, "We make a good team, and I will take your advice. Why don't we toast the newest member of the Galactica?" We raise our glasses as he continues, "May the Lords watch over and protect this new soul who has joined the human race."
I respond, "So say we all." Ahh ambrosia. Nothing quiet like it.
"Now, doctor, you look about ready to fall over. I order you to get some sleep, and then some food. For that matter you can join me in the officers' mess for dinner at 1800, just so you can assure yourself I am following your orders." I take and clean the glasses then put both them and the bottle away and lock the drawer.
"Yes, sir," I respond. We leave my office and the Life Station together. I watch him head off to CIC. The longer I know him the more I admire him. He manages not only to command, but somehow gets to know his people. I wonder why he never made Admiral, and then think about the Admirals I have known. Best not go there. Oh well, I better get some sleep. It's not good to disobey orders, and I have a "date" with the Commander.
End