Medical Check Up

Posted on Thu Oct 2nd, 2025 @ 3:03am by Lieutenant Commander Oscar McDonald MD & Lieutenant Malcom Hunt
Edited on on Thu Oct 2nd, 2025 @ 11:30am

700 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Vinyl and Void
Location: Sickbay

It had been a few days since Malcom had been rescued by the Arcadia. The initial checkup had gone well and it was recommended that he get a few days rest. Now he was reporting for the follow up appointment to get the green light to return to duty. Apparently, the Arcadia was in need of a helmsman and Hunt just happened to be in need of an assignment. So naturally it all worked out. Reaching sickbay, he entered and spotted Lt, Commander McDonald. "How's it going doctor?"

The question caused the Chief Medical Officer to look up from the file he had been studying, his eyes zeroing in on the new arrival. “Ah, Mr Hunt,” he acknowledged with a nod as he began walking towards the helmsman, aided by a cane someone - he was certain who - had painted pink and covered in glitter.

The journey back to normal space had been a difficult one. Like many of his staff he had suffered a fair share of bumps and bruises while tending to patients. Sickbay was not designed for such wild and uncontrolled adventures. And now into his sixties neither was he. “Well, from looking at you I’d hazard a guess and say you may be one of the only people on this ship to actually follow medical advice! You look well rested. Biobed two.”

With that he gestured towards the nearest biobed.

Walking over to the biobed, Malcom quickly hopped on. "Trust me, after what happened. I wanted to ensure that I was back to peak condition to get back to work. This crew here saved me. I attend on paying that forward by being my best self."

McDonald sighed, wondering if this were some sort of test. “How … nice,” he offered. “Just lie back, let the scans complete and we can get you on your way.”

Leaning back as instructed, Malcom did his best to try and relax. "How long have you been on the Arcadia?"

“I’m sure most of the crew would say too long,” the doctor offered. “Only a few months. I came out of retirement as a favour to an old friend and here I am… your scans look good. No lingering aches or pains?”

"So, how long is that favor supposed to last?"

“Under consideration,” the physician replied as he completed his scans, gesturing for the younger man to sit. “About those aches and pains?”

"It's gone for the most part," Hunt admitted. "The occasional soreness at the end of the day. But no major pain."

"I'll schedule you time in with Ensign Rija, his speciality is physiotherapy," McDonald decided after a moment's pause. "No need to have any unnecessary discomfort. You and the ensign can then decide on the need for any follow ups. However, any major pain, I expect you to be reporting back here - nobody needs to be a hero and suffer in silence."

With that he stepped back to allow the lieutenant space to get back up, already making notes on his file. "If you haven't already, I am certain Lieutenant Alexander will want time with you as well. You went through a lot before your rescue and I've been told my bedside manner is not what it used to be. You will find the counsellor much more helpful in that regard I'm sure."

Malcom thought about the offer of seeing the counselor. The loss of his people was a lot to deal with. Currently he was handling it well. But at night, he was having some issues sleeping throughout the night. "Seeing Lieutenant Alexander is actually a good idea."

“I’ve been known to have them now and then,” the physician admitted with a rueful smile. “In that case, go forth and try not to darken my door too soon or too often. Those engineers think I have damn revolving door…”

With that he was off, muttering about the seemingly endless list of ways the engineers aboard had found of injuring themselves- one way or another.

Hunt simply smiled as he watched the doctor go about his business.

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Lt. Commander Oscar McDonald
Chief Medical Officer
USS Arcadia

Lieutenant Malcom Hunt
Chief Helmsman
USS Arcadia

 

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