Ep. Five-"The Enemy Within" (The Doctors)

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1945 Hours
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary 

Roger sat in his office. He was fast moving out of "Chief Medical Officer" mode-his role on the Sun Tzu-to simply "Dr. Harrison" the Shrink. He was OK with that-Roger had never been one for the politics that came with leadership nonsense, and the paperwork! Oh, the bloody paperwork. No thanks, he'd much rather spend his time helping people to adjust than to fill out forms about where they were best served medically. Forms bored him-to the point that he'd almost flunked out of medical school because he couldn't discipline himself enough to do it. Good thing he'd been dating a woman who loved paperwork-she did it FOR him. Then she proved herself to be just as stupid as he was and married him. Lucy. He glanced at the photo of her he kept prominantely displayed on his desk. He missed them. On the other hand, he knew that Luce was independent and would be JUST FINE without him. 

He moved his gaze to the clock. Just time for thier staff meeting. He shut his notebook, where he was making treatment notes about some of his patients, slipped it into the pocket of his lab coat, and made his way to the medical staff's breakroom. He found it empty-he was usually early, as he made it a point to set his clocks five minutes ahead. It was the only way he made it through life-tricking the mind. Otherwise, as most psychologists, he'd be a neurotic mess, living on a corner, preaching the Word from a cardboard box while chasing his demons with the bottle. Kind of like his brother. He was glad, then, that he was more like his mother and sister-sensible, but prone to sensitivity. He assumed that was what had made him excellent at his job. 

He wanted to talk separartely to Dr. Kells, as well...Fiona wouldn't do well seeing a male doctor, and while she didn't currently need MEDICAL attention, if and when that happened, he worried for her emotional well-being if Dr. Kells was filled. He wanted to ask the woman to keep a spot for Fiona open. They also should discuss treatment plans...The three would need to work together to make sure each member of the Meropis team was fit for duty. 

Finally, the other two appeared. 

Good Evening. I made coffee... He indicated the pot with his right hand, while his left was busy writing. 

Tag:Dr. Caiden West, Shauna Alice Keys 

[Deleted]

1945 Hours
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary 
 
Siobhan rubbed her eyes as her alarm on her watch reminded her of the meeting which had been arranged by Dr. Harrison with her and the other head doctors. She had not even got through half her paperwork, the last thing she wanted was to leave it hanging over her head and having to return to it later. The last thing Síobhan wanted was a meeting, she understood the importance and agreed with them but she was at the stage were she just wanted to catch up with her work. The nurse who sat not two inches away from her didn't even twitch at the sound of the alarm, she was engrossed in her own part of the paperwork. She had worked along side Síobhan since coming here. The nurse Jana Chitty was from South Africa and good at her job. She worked in tone with Síobhan and had become vital to Síobhan's work when she wasn't there, been able to continue on till she'd return. Jana paid notice when Siobhan moved her own chair out and stretched her legs out. Jana just smiled knowing she'd be on her own. As Síobhan stood she smiled back feeling a bit guilty leaving her on her own. As she made her way to the door she grabbed some files which lay on the counter and continued out the door.

Along with her normal duties and been up all night she had also been assigned with a number of patient's who requested a female doctor specially. If it hadn't been for Jana she'd be weeks behind in her work, thankfully the slow nights had helped and paper work was all that was left.

As she entered the break room she was greeted by Dr Harrison,

Good Evening. I made coffee...

She could get the smell of the fresh aroma of the coffee, the smell was vile and just reinforced why she hated coffee. She grab a teabag from one of the compartments that her and another nurse kept hidden.

Wouldn't touch the stuff, thanks anyway. "

She had little contact with any of the other Doctor having been to rapped up in her own work since arriving here. But at the moment the only thing that had her attention was making her tea. With her tea made she took a seat.


<tag Dr. Roger Harrison , Dr. Caiden West >

[Dr. Caiden West]

1945 Hours
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary

1945 very late for a meeting, Caiden preferred working at night and sleeping every morning, morning was well morning. However he didn't have to go to work yet, he did however have to go to the morning doctor meeting. Caiden had enough things on his plate, like catching up on paperwork, he was a surgeon afterall and he could cut people open in his sleep, but the part he hated the most was the paperwork he has to do after. Paperwork though is the bloodline of the medical field since they're on a city far from home, they have to know about the medical problems and conditions of everyone here in case they needed to do an emergency procedure and they were unconscious and not able to tell the docs what they're allergic to or if they have a serious medical condition they need to know about. But paperwork could wait until later as they were having a meeting.

Caiden was glad he isn't the CMO since that is more work and more paperwork, he would rather do surgeries 24/7 than have to do an hours worth of paperwork...

"Good Evening. I made coffee..." Doc Harrison said but Caiden raised his hand to show him he already has a cup of coffee from the cafeteria before going to the meeting. Caiden took a seat placing the coffee and his tablet down on the table. "Evening Doctors." Caiden said as he was checking up on his patients statuses on the tablet.

<Tag: Dr. Roger Harrison Shauna Alice Keys> 

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1945
Medical Area
Meropis

Roger sipped some coffee. He liked his black; oddly, the Brit took cream and two lumps in his tea, but the American drink he took regular. Probably some psychogenic reason; he'd explore that later. He made some columns, preparing his notebook for the meeting. He didn't know how it would play out; normally, staff meetings went sort of like they all bollocked for awhile, did a small amount of ACTUAL work, and then went on their various ways. But this Siobhan Kells seemed a little bit by the book, so far.

Wouldn't touch the stuff, thanks anyway. Roger shrugged. Oh, well, more for him. He may be a Scot from England, but there was also a feckless Catman on the loose and he was going to need all the stamina he could get.

Then, Dr. West entered.

Evening Doctors... He nodded at the man.

Evening. I suppose we should get started...I have a few things, unless someone else has something pressing... He inquired, not wanting to Bogart the room.

Tag:Shauna Alice Keys, Dr. Caiden West

[Deleted]

1945 Hours
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary 


As Síobhan sat she took a deep breath trying to give herself some fresh air in hope it would bring some life in to her but instead it brought out a yan. The last thing she wanted was to go in to a meeting after been awake for more than twenty four hours, but as she looked at it also, it was better than been awake for more than thirty six hours and having to deal with this meeting. Their was item's she need to say but her view was to let Dr Harrison have the floor for now and after he was finished she'd speak of her progress in the bacteria she'd discovered and of the analysis of the blood samples they had taken from the people to which worlds they had visited.

" I'v made some progress, but I shall wait ." Taken a sip from her tea and placing her own mug down she stretched out her spine as she sat trying every trick to keep herself awake.

As she waited for Dr Harrison to speak she couldn't help but think of the bacteria the teams had found on the different worlds. Most were harmless, there was some bacteria which she had found that had traveled to different worlds. Her concern was that one in particular which she had found on a number of different worlds, she still had a lot of work to do with that one bacteria and she had yet to give it a name. The only name it had was from one world which called it The blue. With that she clicked her finger to draw her brain back to the present and to Dr Harrison.

" Ready when you are " , given a quick rub to her eyes with her left hand she woke herself up.


<tag Dr. Roger Harrison, Dr. Caiden West >

[Dr. Caiden West]

1945
Medical Area
Meropis

Caiden sat in his seat ready to go through the meeting, not sure exactly what we'll be covering here. There wasn't anything on Caiden's list that he has to do, at the moment, paperwork was always piling up but what'd they expect he is a Surgeon not an author or whatever. Give the man a scalpel and he'll go on for 24 hours without needing any sleep but hand him a pen or make him type it, ehh he'll fall asleep from the boredom.

Caiden was waiting for Dr. Harrison or Dr. Kells to begin, Evening. I suppose we should get started...I have a few things, unless someone else has something pressing... Doc Harrison said, Caiden looked at him and shook his head.

"I'v made some progress, but I shall wait." Doctor Kells the new CMO replied. Caiden just kept his mouth shut and was listening. "Ready when you are." Doctor Kells said.

"Same here, Doctor. I have nothing to say." Caiden replied to Doctor Harrison while looking his way.

<Tag: Dr. Roger Harrison Shauna Alice Keys>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1945
Meriopis
Doctor's Lounge

Roger waited for his collegues to get settled before he started in. Once they were settled, each replied in turn.

I'v made some progress, but I shall wait...Ready when you are Roger shook his head. Dr. Kells was still into the Laboratory sciences-it was kind of interesting, he supposed. At any rate, she seemed excited, so he planned to make his spiel short. Dr. West repiled in kind.

Same here, Doctor. I have nothing to say. He nodded at the man. Dr. West was, by trade and training, a surgeon, and while they needed THOSE guys in the field, and Roger knew damn well he could've used the mans help on the Sun-Tzu and then when Paisley turned up, now, the man must be losing his mind. At least Roger had a steady flow of patients in and out of his office...sadly, a shrink was always needed.

He started.

Thanks. Well, it's pretty straightfoward-as you both know, I've been doing the psych evals of the team, and I am nearly completed-it's a large group, larger than I imagined. Anyway, Dr. Kells, I was wondering if you'd feel comfortable to be hand for a few of the girls, particularly Ms Maccafferty, and Almeda, after she's sorted by the science team. Both girls are....struggling here, I think, and would appreciate a hand. He sighed. It would benefit him to talk about some of his other issues with them, but neither had the training he needed. Of course, he'd not go into details, but it was always nice to speak up, and have others confirm that one is not also growing crazy. He wracked his brain-there had been something else. He should have made a note, but oh, well. He finished up with a reminder.

Don't forget to come by for YOUR psych evals. There was something else, but alas, I've forgotten it. Ms. Kells, how's your bacterium? At that, he settled back for a listen, hoping that whatever nugget he'd forgotten would come back to him. He motioned for the woman to start, interested in her topics.

Tag:Shauna Alice Keys,Dr. Caiden West

(sorry, guys, this stupid Physics class fried my brain. If I remember what it was, I'll edit. If I don't edit by 10 PM my time, go!)

[Deleted]

1947 Hours
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary 

Síobhan sat there and listened to Doctor Harrison's every word.

Thanks. Well, it's pretty straightfoward-as you both know, I've been doing the psych evals of the team, and I am nearly completed-it's a large group, larger than I imagined. Anyway, Dr. Kells, I was wondering if you'd feel comfortable to be hand for a few of the girls, particularly Ms Maccafferty, and Almeda, after she's sorted by the science team. Both girls are....struggling here, I think, and would appreciate a hand. 

Don't forget to come by for YOUR psych evals. There was something else, but alas, I've forgotten it. Ms. Kells, how's your bacterium? 


Síobhan couldn't help but be reminded of the time been on the
HMS London on earth, when all she got for a week was Ms Kells by every crew member.

" Bleeding hell call me doctor or as me and my ma would prefer. Síobhan ." As she spoke she gave a small grin to the side of her mouth with the idea of having to go through all the Ms over again, let alone how common her Irish accent sounded.

" That's fine, just throw over there medical reports with any other notes not in the them. First before I start, we've just about caught up with are back load so me and Caiden should only have the stragglers left in the physicals. I'd also like to pull nurse Jana Chitty off bandage rapping duty and keep her attracted to my team, as she has a head on her shoulders I could use and of course if you two are OK with that. Now to the problem, on are little adventure I picked up a few samples and got some results. One to be precise which is common in are little neighborhood of gates and the worst I found it doing was turning insects blue on one planet and now to here. Now don't ask me how but this Bacteria I've found here and remember were still in to early results but it seems to be no differences from the blue expect this..." she stopped to think of a word to say." It becomes a necrotizing fasciitis at the most worsts case. As I said I'm still searching for a difference but I ain't going to stop there. On that note I have a lot of items I'd like you to keep the lookout for. As for Virus and friends that I'll keep you updated and you me a. Please and thank you.[/b] Her eyes gazed back to Harrison wondering if he remembered what he was going to say.

<tag Dr. Roger Harrison, Dr. Caiden West >

( Hope it makes sense, tried to come up with something to fill post)

[Plot Twist]

1955
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary

The late evening meeting had been going reasonably well up until this point. This point being the point where the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness.
The doors around the infirmary audibly slammed shut and locked.
Emergency lighting and power to essential systems booted up.
"Ah..." One of them said.

<Tag Dr. Caiden West Dr. Roger Harrison and Shauna Alice Keys>

[Dr. Caiden West]

1955
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary

Caiden sits at the table listening to the Doctors and not having anything to say.

"Thanks. Well, it's pretty straightfoward-as you both know, I've been doing the psych evals of the team, and I am nearly completed-it's a large group, larger than I imagined. Anyway, Dr. Kells, I was wondering if you'd feel comfortable to be hand for a few of the girls, particularly Ms Maccafferty, and Almeda, after she's sorted by the science team. Both girls are....struggling here, I think, and would appreciate a hand." Psych evals, something Caiden definitely enjoys not having to do, thus the reason he became a Surgeon over a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist, talking about feelings and emotions wasn't and isn't Caiden's cup of tea, or coffee in his case.

"Don't forget to come by for YOUR psych evals. There was something else, but alas, I've forgotten it. Ms. Kells, how's your bacterium?" Right... Caiden will act like he didn't hear that, he isn't a person who talks about his feelings especially when he is pretty bored and that is surprising being in another galaxy and all...

"Bleeding hell call me doctor or as me and my ma would prefer. Síobhan." Okay... Caiden thought, she is clearly not an American girl... woman or she must be Irish... Caiden thought, though he hasn't seen her personnel file so he is just guessing. Although he never heard bleeding hell... he did however hear bloody hell which is more Gordon Ramsey or Dr. Carson Beckett than most people Caiden knows.

"That's fine, just throw over there medical reports with any other notes not in the them. First before I start, we've just about caught up with are back load so me and Caiden should only have the stragglers left in the physicals. I'd also like to pull nurse Jana Chitty off bandage rapping duty and keep her attracted to my team, as she has a head on her shoulders I could use and of course if you two are OK with that. Now to the problem, on are little adventure I picked up a few samples and got some results. One to be precise which is common in are little neighborhood of gates and the worst I found it doing was turning insects blue on one planet and now to here. Now don't ask me how but this Bacteria I've found here and remember were still in to early results but it seems to be no differences from the blue expect this..." Caiden was fine with it, he is a one man wrecking machine... uhh one man fixing machine...

Just as Caiden was going to respond the lights went out. "Ah... I think we're stuck in here unless that noise from the door was..." Caiden got up and walked to the door as the emergency lights came on and he walked out the door or was trying too when he walked right into it face first... "Yep, doors are locked, most likely sealed since I never heard that vacuum sound when the doors shut before." Caiden put his hand on his forehead and rubbed it, he'd be fine but he'd have to deal with the embarrassment of walking head first into a door although he doesn't think anyone saw...

<Tag: Dr. Roger Harrison Shauna Alice Keys>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1955
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary

Roger nodded when Dr. Kells replied.

Bleeding hell call me doctor or as me and my ma would prefer. Síobhan... He nodded, noting the difference in this woman's Irish accent to Fiona's. Probably due to the birthplace of each woman; Fiona's family was poor, and from a suburb of Dublin. A rather poor suburb, actually, if his memory served him. Luckily, he himself was a Scot from London, so he could handle the accents. He'd lost his brogue several years ago, and it had long been replaced by a slighty cultured but not upper-crest Oxford style accent. It wasn't affected, just softer than it would be had he been born in London.

I can do that, Siobhan. He let her continue.

That's fine, just throw over there medical reports with any other notes not in the them. First before I start, we've just about caught up with are back load so me and Caiden should only have the stragglers left in the physicals. I'd also like to pull nurse Jana Chitty off bandage rapping duty and keep her attracted to my team, as she has a head on her shoulders I could use and of course if you two are OK with that. Now to the problem, on are little adventure I picked up a few samples and got some results. One to be precise which is common in are little neighborhood of gates and the worst I found it doing was turning insects blue on one planet and now to here. Now don't ask me how but this Bacteria I've found here and remember were still in to early results but it seems to be no differences from the blue expect this... He blinked. What? Laboratory sciences had never been his forte; he found them stuffy and boring. He'd rather interact with people instead of microscopes. He realized that he should probably understand the gravity of the situation, but he couldn't get past the word "blue".

Pardon, did you say that they turn things BLUE? He raised an eyebrow. He had a few more questions, the scientific part of his brain kicking in. Are they terrestrial or areosol bacterium? I remember learning about some bacterium in medical school that turned human urine certain colors; it was terrestial, but existed in the human gut already. Only caused problems when we got too MANY of them. For the life of me, I can't recall the name, though... He said this, hoping it wasn't too daft, and would be useful.

It becomes a necrotizing fasciitis at the most worsts case. As I said I'm still searching for a difference but I ain't going to stop there. On that note I have a lot of items I'd like you to keep the lookout for. As for Virus and friends that I'll keep you updated and you me a. Please and thank you... He nodded. He understood now. A sort of Streptoccoccus or Staphlococcus thing. LOVELY. That could have some devastating effects if it got out.

Let me know what you need. As for Miss Jitty, I don't care...I don't use her as much as you two; her training is strictly medical. I'd like to suggest to the General letting me train one of the medics in psych emergencies, just in case, though. He said this, matter-of-factly. In case there was a major battle or something...some of the team were fragile already, and a big stress event might push someone over the edge.

Just as she was finishing up, The doors locked and the lights went out. A moment later, the emergency lights came on. He raised an eyebrow was Caiden stood.

Ah... I think we're stuck in here unless that noise from the door was... Roger winced as the man walked into the door, but he didn't say anything. Yep, doors are locked, most likely sealed since I never heard that vacuum sound when the doors shut before. Roger sighed.

Me, neither. Well, I guess if we're going to be stuck in here, we might as well make use of it. He extracted a box of cards from his pocket; he used them during play therapy, and had been doing inventory right before, and entertaining himself involved solitarie, usually, so he kept them on hand. Anyone up for a game of Chicago high/low? The one American thing that Roger had grown to love was poker. He wasn't GREAT at it, but he was analytical, so he usually did OK.

Tag:Shauna Alice Keys, Dr. Caiden West.

[Deleted]

1955
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary


Suddenly the doors locked, the lights went out and the emergency lights came to life sending a O from Siobhan's mouth. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck here when she could be getting her work done and getting some possible sleep. She could only hope it wouldn't take to long for the power to return.

The doors been locked was enforced by Caiden walking head first in to the door. Inside she felt like laughing, but she held it back, instead just sat back and sipped her tea. From a distance and first glance it looked like only a minor injury

" Anyone up for a game of Chicago high/low? 

Síobhan just made a frowned her eyebrows, not to Harrison having the cards, but to more picking a game she was useless at. She was about to say no when she jumped up with her tea and approached Harrison.

"Go on then throw me in,"[\b] placing her tea down carefully she spoke again. "What's the difference with Chicago and normal Poker. " She turned to Caiden You up for a game or you going for a an encore with the doors. "

As she sat there her mind began to race to possible reasons to the power been out. Her mind then began to think about the rest of the medical staff and how they were reacting to the Situation.

" On second taught, we can't just sit here, we have to at least try to leave this room.*

Tag:Dr. Roger Harrison, Dr. Caiden West.>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

1955
Meropis

Roger started to shuffle the deck, intent on his game. This was the only vice he allowed himself to give into-he considered it healthier than alcohol, and wiser than gambling, even though it was cards, he never played for bets. Just to keep his mind sharp and make him think of something else, even for twenty minutes. He grinned when Siobhan agreed.

Go on then throw me in...What's the difference with Chicago and normal Poker. Roger raised an eyebrow.

Um, it's a variant of Stud poker; you recieve some cards face down and some face-up. Depending on which we choose-high or low-the Spade card is the Ace. In High, the person with the highest Spade wins the dealer's (half) pot, and opposite for Low. If you get both, you win it all. I don't usually play with a pot, per se, just a treat if I win. He looked back at Siobhan; it was pretty straightforward if you had a basic grasp of the basic game. He smiled again as Kells harassed Caiden. You up for a game or you going for a an encore with the doors. He chuckled, and fished his reading glasses from his pocket. He put them on and then looked to Caiden. Siobhan was feeling her oats today, obviously. As Roger finished his complicated shuffle, Siobhan spoke again.

On second taught, we can't just sit here, we have to at least try to leave this room. Roger shrugged noncomittally.

Mayhaps, Siobhan, but on the one hand, we're just civillians. We're likely more in the way than we would be helpful. Secondly, unless Dr. West is weaker than he looks, those doors are SOLID. How do you propose we get out, Miss? Roger was game, if she had an idea. Otherwise, he had some poker to play. He figured soon enough that they'd be sorted out and then chaos would be begin, and he'd have to go back to Doctor Harrison. But for the moment, one sweet moment, he could just be Roger.

Tag:Shauna Alice Keys, Dr. Caiden West

[Dr. Caiden West]

1956
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary

"Go on then throw me in," "What's the difference with Chicago and normal Poker." "You up for a game or you going for a an encore with the doors." Looks like the CMO has jokes...

"You know how to kick a man when he's down, eh Doc?" Caiden says automatically without even thinking it first, not like he would've changed his mind or wording at all anyways.

"On second taught, we can't just sit here, we have to at least try to leave this room." Kells said, Caiden shook his head but before he could say anything Doc numero dos beat him to it. "Mayhaps, Siobhan, but on the one hand, we're just civilians. We're likely more in the way than we would be helpful. Secondly, unless Dr. West is weaker than he looks, those doors are SOLID. How do you propose we get out, Miss?" Mayhaps, what the hell does that mean? Caiden thought but didn't say aloud.

"Technically I am a military officer, I am a Captain in the Air Force, but yeah I agree we're medical doctors, not exactly engineers or electricians... I say let the other nerds fix this one. Nothing we can do, door is sealed and well yeah its not budging." Caiden said leaving it at that.

"Doc Harrison aren't you British? I would've thought you more of a... truth be told I don't know. But I do know I am no good at that game, 21, or Texas hold 'em or 3 card flush, even. I didn't exactly play much except for my cheating at casino's but I can't help it I am good at math and the numbers just run through my brain sometimes." Caiden said although he could be bluffing... Although he did play often with other officers off-hours.


<Tag: Dr. Roger Harrison Shauna Alice Keys>

[Deleted]

1955
Meropis City-Ship
The Infirmary


She sat up and got to her feet, still feeling the strong urge to do something and not just wait around for rescue. Taking a last gulp of her tea she spoke with defiance.

" Not acceptable, by J's sake we can't just leave the staff to them self's and who knows what had happened. "

She approached the door taken a detailed look over it hoping it would reveal it's secrets. Her view was this was a safety feature of the city, so in her view there had to be a trick to opening the door. It could of been like watching paint dry, no help.

"Technically I am a military officer, I am a Captain in the Air Force, but yeah I agree we're medical doctors, not exactly engineers or electricians... I say let the other nerds fix this one. Nothing we can do, door is sealed and well yeah its not budging." 

"Doc Harrison aren't you British? I would've thought you more of a... truth be told I don't know. But I do know I am no good at that game, 21, or Texas hold 'em or 3 card flush, even. I didn't exactly play much except for my cheating at casino's but I can't help it I am good at math and the numbers just run through my brain sometimes." 

Síobhan stood at the door continuing to look it over talking in a low tone to herself which helped her train of taught .

" There has to be some way to open the door, if they help me or not I'm not going to just sit around. Any way what happens if something bad happened, are they two just going to sit around and wait till it comes to you. What about air vents can we get out from them."

Síobhan began to twitch her fingers, she felt the urge to do something and standing around talking to herself didn't help. This time she spoke loud, " He's bleeding Scottish, were you got British I don't know as he don't sound a all bit British. Captain West this is why us Irish got are independence, we didn't just give up and have a game of cards. She turned to Harrison raising her eye brows hoping it would stir him up to do something constructive.

With a devilish smile and worst Yorkshire accent possible she spoke " Well would you agree Little Scot boy? "

<Tag Dr. Roger Harrison ,Dr. Caiden West .>