Special Requests

Posted on Mon Oct 18th, 2021 @ 7:37pm by Captain Björn Kodak & Lieutenant Commander Emni t'Nai

Mission: The Place of Skulls
Location: Debbie's Diner
Timeline: Mission Day 18 at 1200

[Debbie’s Diner]
[MD 18 - 1200 Hours]

One of the perks of Debbie’s being made up, almost entirely, of holographic components was that it bore very few signs of the mining drones that had, only two days prior, been rampaging about the Sojourner. Of course, some of the holographic projectors had been damaged in a firefight that took place in Debbie's but, with repairs made, it was business as usual in the Americana diner.

From her seat at one of the corner booths Emni took in the room, noting who was out and about and taking the emotional temperature of the crew. She thought back to the evening she had spent drinking and talking with Sharrina barely more than a week ago when the half-Klingon woman had inquired if Debbie’s was “noisy” for Emni. Right now it was as though someone had turned up the volume on a low rumble--sounds resolving into something more solid as individual emotional signatures began to make themselves known.

The delightful Bolian man who had been her server at the opening of Debbie’s was waiting on her table today. Letting him know that she was expecting the Captain, she had waved him off, suggesting he come back once Kodak arrived. She was early for their planned lunch so she settled back into the far corner of the booth that gave her the greatest visual advantage and closed her eyes, shutting off the sensory input so that she could focus on what was going on around her.

She let out a long low breath, skipping from group to group, careful not to focus in too specifically, but also gathering a flavor of the various emotions, a theme quickly emerging as many vacillated between uncertainty and relief. Peaks of camaraderie and mirth painted the space as well, with blessedly few wells of true anxiety.

And then, effusing the colors of the local mindscape, came the familiar feeling of Captain Kodak. He seemed determined as he approached the booth in which Emni sat, but also tired; world-weary in a way that dragged him down most heavily. "What a surprise to find you here," the Chameloid rumbled sarcastically down at Emni, slipping into the booth to face her across the table. "Been waiting long?" he asked just as the Bolian server reappeared from somewhere. "I'd like a chocolate malted. Extra chocolate. Maybe with a few cherries on top?" Emotionally speaking, the order was accompanied by a spike of hope that the frozen concoction would ease the burdens of the day.

The Bolian took down the order on a PADD and nodded. "Can do, Captain! And how about for you, Doct--err, XO? Actually no," he shook his head, dismissing the verbal gaffe. "I actually like that a lot," he chuckled. "Doctor XO -- that's your new nickname round these parts. What do you think, friend?" he asked of Emni, his smile 12 parsecs wide.

Emni chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll have what he's having," she remarked, tipping her head in the direction of the captain, "And a basket of fried cheese curds please."

"You got it," the Bolian beamed, turning on a dime and parading back towards the counter. "Basket of curds and two chocolate malteds: extra chocolate. Skimp on the cherries and Debbie will hear about it," the jovial server joked with the staff behind the counter, fading once again into the background din.

Turning her attention back to Kodak she grinned. "He really is the most affable Bolian you'll ever meet," she remarked, before looking the man across from her over more carefully. She had already, unconsciously, begun narrowing the range of her empathic sense, leaving room only for Kodak's signature to rise above the low rumbly background noise.

"Are you sleeping?" she asked. Once a doctor, always a doctor, and she recognized the exhaustion etched in every feature. She didn't need to read his emotional signature to see that he was tired.

"Sleep? What's that?" Kodak flashed his customary smirk. It did not -- at all -- reach his eyes, however, and the lack of sincerity was certainly reflected in his emotional makeup. The Captain was -- quite frankly -- a deep well whose water had seemingly run almost dry. The more the bucket dipped, the less would come up these days. "In all seriousness," the Chameloid shook his head, "I've tried. Andrew can attest to that, Doctor," he held up a staying hand, as if Emni needed convincing that he had, in fact, tried to sleep. "There's just a tremendous amount on my mind right now." And a lot of that was guilt, though it went unsaid.

Emni nodded, certain that he was telling the truth, but also finding it hard to shrug off her older role. "That's understandable," she finally said, debating whether to point out the guilt he was holding or to leave him space to bring it up on his own. In the end she opted for the later. "If it helps, I can give you something to knock you out." She thought back to the hypo of sleep-inducing medication she had given Kennedy after their time at Ch'othil. "It would be dreamless and the after effects are minimal..." she trailed off, a small smile on her face. "If you want, of course."

"You know," the Chameloid said, looking up at Emni with eyes that now seemed more depthless than startling, "I think I'll take you up on that. Do you still have the key to the cookie jar?" Kodak smirked, referencing the fact that it was now Ryan Walsh who was in charge of Sickbay and its stores of medications. "I've been thinking heavily about making an appointment with Doctor Bracco. Not for medication," he shook his head, "and not that there's anything wrong with medication," he clarified further, "but maybe just to talk out some of what's keeping me up at night. Can't say I'd mind a little something to help me sleep a bit in the meantime, though," he trailed off, eyes turning to the star-studded windows to his left.

A small sly grin spread across her face at the Kodak's question. "I'm XO... I have nearly all of the keys..." she commented with a chuckle. But the gravity of the Captain's emotions rang through even as she did and she sobered quickly. "You should talk with Dr. Bracco," she encouraged. "We all agreed to do so anyway, and this mission has been nothing short of emotional whiplash for you. It's not wrong to talk to someone about that. I'm happy to listen, but..." she trailed off, not wanting to seem out of line. "When can you next sleep? I'll administer the hypo myself."

"What's good for the crew," Kodak's eyes drifted back to Emni, "is good for the Captain. I've been putting off talking to her for far too long. While I don't mind talking with you," he offered softly, "part of me knows you have a lot on your plate already. Bracco should be a little more available...now that she has her new chairs," he said, rolling his eyes. "It still galls me that -- amidst the ship falling apart around us -- she made that priority request. I get that people need to feel comfortable during therapy but chintz...really?"

With a sigh, Kodak shook his head. "Anyway, with today's to-do list, it'll probably be around 2000 hours before I'm free enough to try sleeping. Does that work?" he asked. The Captain had noted his XO's joke but little mirth bubbled up in response. It was likely owing to his tiredness more than anything else. "I'll let Andrew know I'll be dead to the galaxy for awhile. Maybe Irynya will take him out to a holodeck nightclub or something. They've been spending time together," he smirked, this time the expression almost -- but not quite -- reaching his eyes.

"2000. I'll meet you at your quarters. Easier than needing to come back from Sickbay," she said, doctor hat fully on in that moment. "I'm glad Andrew is spending time with Irynya. Everyone needs connections onboard. I'm sure if he asked her she'd make sure he had something to keep him busy."

Their drinks arrived then, Bolian server gliding over with a basket of fired cheese curds, garlic aioli, and two malts balanced carefully on a tray. "Captain," he acknowledged, placing the malt in front of him with a flourish. He repeated the motion with Emni's cheese curds and drinks. "Doctor XO," he said, blue lips spread wide in a grin.

Emni offered him a warm smile, "Thank you Crell," before turning back to Kodak. "So what is on the docket today?" she asked.

Kodak had nodded to Emni's plan just as their order arrived. With the malteds and food now delivered, the conversation was now shifting back to work. But the Chameloid's eyes phaser-beamed at the cheese curds and his stomach grumbling could be heard over the rock n' roll effusing the diner. "Maybe I am hungry," he said, moving to almost-but-not-quite touch one of the curds. "May I? Captain's prerogative to change his mind on lunch," Kodak gave a thin grin, the promise of sleep restoring some of his good humor. When the woman smirked back and gestured that he go ahead, the Captain popped one of the fried cheese balls into his mouth and truly smiled. "Those...are amazing," he breathed. "Thank you."

The Romulan woman grinned, nudging the basket a bit closer. "Have as many as you like. We can always get more," she remarked, snagging one with two fingers and dipping it into the cup of aioli before popping into her own mouth. The warm fried cheese taste made her grin anew.

Nodding, Kodak took a long draw from his malt and then popped another curd into his mouth. "Thanks Emni. And funny that you should ask about my list, XO," he continued around the half-chewed cheese ball. "I've actually got an action item to talk to you about something. And to be honest," he hmmd, "I'm not sure how you'll take this." His emotions mirrored his words; the Captain seemed concerned about how whatever it was would affect his XO.

"I've heard from Karim's mother. Apparently," another sip was taken, "our resident Counselor has decided to leave his caregivers on Vulcan and return to service. Light duty only and not in any capacity as a caregiver himself," Kodak noted. "Karim is en route with our new science officer to resume duties as our First Contact Specialist. But I think that's really just a cover to have you resume his care. I realize you aren't the CMO anymore," the Captain shrugged, "but would you be willing to help take a hand in his recovery? He's requested me to some degree as well, though I'm not entirely sure what I can do for him, to be honest."

Emni had stopped eating, a cheese curd forgotten in her hand as the Björn spoke. Her mind flitted back... nearly a month now... to her last conversation with T'Vel when it had been so clear that Karim would never be able to meet the Sojourner. The Captain's concern overlaying this news was evident along with a small dose of curiosity.

Carefully Emni popped the cheese curd in her mouth, chewing slowly to give herself a moment to gather her thoughts. "I... knew," she began carefully, "that he had requested to be returned to my care... It just... it wasn't possible. I'm still not sure how it's possible."

She tried to settle the neutral doctor's visage that was so comfortable to her in moments of uncertainty, but even as she tried she couldn't do so. The hope she had so carefully quenched before flared up anew and her cheeks flared slightly with it. "I... I'm sorry I didn't say anything... it's just... it wasn't possible. It didn't seem worth mention. But of course I'll continue to treat him."

"Well to be fair," Kodak nodded, "we'd originally planned to head right back to the Delta Quadrant. But our extended sojourn through Klingon and Federation space has afforded Karim time to decide on this course of action and cop a series of rides out to us. He'll have had a helluva journey to get here, Emni. Can only imagine doing that the way he must be feeling." Karim had always been a strong-willed character, so the drive to meet the Sojourner did not surprise Kodak. But the desire to actually resume at least some of his duties, however, did.

"I'm glad to hear you feel that way. I admit," Kodak continued, "I'm concerned about him returning to duty, however light, right from the start. But as XO and his caregiver, judgment of his ability to perform in role falls squarely on your shoulders." He snagged another cheese curd then, this time dipping it in the sauce and savoring the flavoring before masticating it into nothingness. "That really adds something," the Captain smiled warmly, as if his mirthy batteries were being recharged moment-to-moment. "In any event," he swapped back on subject, "I'm just hoping this is really the right environment for him."

Emni's head bobbed, nodding thoughtfully as she took a long draw from her malt. The chocolate coated her mouth making her smile despite the sudden turmoil of emotions she felt. "He can room with me," she finally said. "I don't imagine he'll make treatment easy. It would help to have easier access to him. It's been a few months since I last evaluated him. I'll have to review the record from those who have treated him until now."

She sipped again, pressing her lips together afterwards. "This was also a good call," she said, some of the uncertainty clearing from her voice as she indicated the malt with a nod. "I always forget how much I love these."

Kodak hadn't expected Doctor XO to room with her patient. "Do you...think that's wise, Emni? As I understand things, Vulcans are susceptible to bouts of violence when dealing with emotions. I remember hearing about a former Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet -- a Vulcan -- who positively destroyed his office over a woman. This was years ago," the Captain shook his head, "but it was a reminder for me that Vulcans aren't as calm and placid as they'd like us to think. Could you be at risk rooming with him? I'm sure we could arrange something else if needed."

As for the malts, the Chameloid's eyes shone with delight. "I'm glad you're enjoying yours as much as I'm loving mine. I hate to think that I'm food and beverage motivated but you know," he smiled, "maybe there's some truth to it," Kodak said.

Emni considered her friend's concern, choosing to focus on the malt rather than meet his gaze. She needed a moment to collect her thoughts. Finally, after sipping the malt just a touch too fast and giving herself an ice cream headache, she looked up making a face. "Ok... too fast..." she commented, squinting her eyes as if somehow a more comical facial expression might release the feeling that too much cold too quickly had caused.

When she had returned to some semblance of normal, she plucked a cheese curd from the basket, dipping it quickly and then holding it up. "Food can be medicinal in its own right," she commented. "There is something to be said for... is it Maslow? who came up with the Earth version of this..." she popped the warm cheesy bundle into her mouth and chewed quickly. "It doesn't matter... the hierarchy of needs. Food, water, warmth, rest... Basic needs being met go a long way to the less tangible needs being met."

She shook her head then, realizing she was off on a tangent.

"If Karim is going to try to hurt me it isn't going to matter if we're roomed together not," she commented. "If I'm going to help him, though, moments when he is like that are the moments when it may be most important for me to be present."

The Romulan woman very deliberately met her friend's eyes then. "I don't think he'll hurt me Björn. I've seen him in..." she hesitated here, torn between giving away more than Karim might be particularly comfortable with and making sure Kodak felt comfortable with this arrangement. "... highly emotional states. He's been aggressive and confrontational, but he's never tried to hurt me." She blew out a breath, the sudden memory of the feeling of Karim's pointer finger pressed extremely lightly to her forehead the very first time he had lost control in front of her flaring to life in her mind's eye.

"But even if he becomes dangerous, it's safer for me, another Vulcanoid, than it is for many others. If anything I'm best suited to minimize any harm he could do to himself or anyone else. He should room with me."

Kodak let all of this sink in. He could tell that there was more to the story than she was telling but...it was her story to tell. The Captain could only soak in what she was willing to share and give his tactic approval (or not) based on the information presented to him. "Alright then," he replied softly and with a nod, "if you feel that strongly, then I approve. But Emni, if that changes...if he does become a physical threat to you," Björn's gaze became steel, "I want to know. Immediately. No secrets, alright?"

The Romulan nodded her agreement. She understood where he was coming from. Karim constituted a significant unknown now, months after the last time either of them had seen him. And she was XO, at least in an acting capacity. That came with a number of responsibilities. But more than that, they were friends. She reached across the table, quietly placing her hand over his for just a moment. "No secrets. I promise."

"Alright," Kodak nodded. "Speaking of arrivals, we should also discuss departures. How are things going with Ellsworth and Pell? Will they be ready to take the shuttle back with Chaali?" The idea of the Bolian woman brought the Chameloid down -- the colors of his mindscape shifting in kind -- but there was also a bittersweet note of happiness for her. Chaali would soon be a mother; Kodak was glad she would be able to take an extended leave with her family and forthcoming newborn.

Emni noted the change in Kodak's emotional state even as her own mirrored it. She would miss the gregarious Bolian with her multiple wigs and enormous smile. But she, like Kodak, was excited for her as well. "Ellsworth should be fine to travel," she remarked, "But Dr. Ryan Walsh believes that Pell will need to remain in stasis for the trip. He's recommended that we send one of the technicians along as a precaution."

"Probably not a bad plan. But oof," the Captain sighed, "so many people coming and going from this ship. Makes it hard for anyone to settle down and buckle in for the duration." He reached forward again, snagging -- and dunking -- another cheese curd before popping it into his mouth. Chew, chew, chew, went the Chameloid's mouth until he finally swallowed the masticated remains of the curd with a giant sip from his malt. "Well, I think we've covered the main things on my list. Unless there's anything else on yours, I should probably get back to the Bridge. I appreciate the lunch," Kodak smiled kindly, "and I'll see you just before bedtime?"

As the woman nodded with a smile and a parting wave, the Captain rose from the booth and steered himself toward the double doors leading into the hallway beyond. His strides took him to the closest turbolift, where he called "Bridge" before leaning back against the smooth wall of the lift. As the floors whirred by, he found himself worrying about the imminent arrival of Karim and his own place in the man's recovery. Kodak could only hope that Karim would make his needs clear and that, and the end of the day, he and Emni would be up to the tasks required...


=/\= A joint-post by... =/\=

Lieutenant Emni t'Nai
Acting Executive Officer

and

Captain Björn Kodak
Commanding Officer