Disclaimer: While the attempt has been made to be medically accurate, some artistic license has been taken, and statements made by Dr Bashir are not to be regarded as authoritative. Recognizable characters and plotlines are the property of Paramount and Viacom; all original characters and story © 2018 FemaleChauvinist.

Do not post without permission. Do not copy/print without including the above disclaimer in its entirety.

A/N: "Season" given for timing reference only; see my profile for the alternate history used in this story. Barbie

Season Three

Chapter One: Appointment

Trystmar Shan laced his fingers behind his neck, stretching his head back to get out the kinks caused by sitting in front of a computer screen for several hours. "That about wraps up the case, sir."

The lawyer Kelburr Bendris nodded in acknowledgement of his young aide's remark. "Good. I'll read it over, and you can start going over the briefs for the Stenhovron trial."

Trystmar drew a deep breath and slowly blew it out. "Actually, sir, I was hoping to have a chance to see the doctor while we're here on the space station."

Bendris looked at him sharply. "You look healthy enough to me. What do you want to see a doctor for?"

"I can't seem to get back to Trill for my physical," Shan explained, looking away. "I saw the science officer here is Trill, so I figured their doctor should be able to take care of it for me."

Bendris snorted. "Waste of time," he dismissed. "It's sick people who need doctors, not healthy ones. Still, I suppose you've earned some time off; if you want to spend it in the infirmary that's your concern. Just make sure I have those briefs ready by the time we leave."

"Yes, sir; thank you. I'll just make the appointment now and then get started on them."

"You do that, then."

oOo

Dr Julian Bashir sat in his office in the Deep Space Nine infirmary, reading the latest medical journal on his padd but finding it difficult to keep his mind focused on the text from sheer lack of activity. He had often noticed that patients seldom seemed to come to the infirmary at a steady rate. Either they all descended at once and he was left wishing he could be in two or three places at a time, or apparently everyone on the station was healthy and his duty shifts were achingly boring. He thought briefly of continuing the research he was working on but dismissed the notion, having reached the stage of boredom that becomes a lazy lack of motivation to do anything.

He would never wish pain or sickness on anyone, but the sound of the communicator's tone came as a welcome relief. "Dr Bashir," he responded.

"Yes, Doctor, this is Trystmar Shan; I'm a visitor on the station, and I was wondering if you treat Trill."

"Of course," Bashir responded instantly, his mind drifting to Jadzia.

"I know it's short notice, but would you have time to squeeze me in for an appointment tomorrow?"

Bashir smiled wryly. "I could see you now if you wanted?" he suggested hopefully.

"No, I have some work I have to get started on; tomorrow will be fine if you have time."

"Yes; would ten hundred hours suit you?"

"Fine," Shan said, a note of relief in his voice.

"May I ask if there's a specific problem you wanted to see me about?"

"No, no problem," Shan said a little too quickly. "It's just for a basic exam; I'm overdue for my annual physical, and I can't seem to get back to Trill."

"Right; I'll see you tomorrow then, Mr Shan. You know where the infirmary is?"

"I'll find it. Goodbye, Doctor."

Bashir leaned back in his chair, pursing his lips in thought. Something was off about the young man's manner; he was nearly certain there was a specific issue he wanted addressed, perhaps something of a private nature that he didn't feel comfortable sharing over the communications system. Certainly in his experience people had to be reminded of their annual physicals; they weren't so conscientious about the date that they would go to a strange doctor wherever they happened to be if they missed it and he wasn't available.

He could usually do even the most extensive physical in half an hour if he found nothing wrong; now he blocked off two hours the next morning — though he admitted to himself as he did so that perhaps it was merely wishful thinking that this patient would keep him busy for that long.

Then he stood up, deciding that being on duty did not necessitate sitting around an empty infirmary. Leaving things there in the care of his nurse, he went up to Ops to see if Jadzia had as little to do as he did.

Next chapter coming next week!

I proofread all my stories at least once before posting, but if you see any mistakes I might have missed, please let me know!

Please note that I have internet access only once a week, and may not have time to respond to all reviews/messages. If you have questions regarding my Deep Space Nine alternate history, check my profile first to see if they're answered there. Thanks for your understanding! Barbie