Medical Check In

Posted on 17 Sep 2017 @ 10:42am by Lieutenant Commander Kit'rin'e & Major Keisha Afton

1,626 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Errand of Mercy
Location: Sickbay

ON:

Kit'rin'e had dropped his effects off at his Quarters, it still lingered with the scent of the previous occupant, male if his scenes were correct. He set the rooms controls to deodourise the quarters, homes were important to Caitians and his smelling of another would a home it not make. As he walked towards Sickbay he found some looking at him, puzzled no doubt having never seen him around before and for the odd one or two shock and light fear. It came with being a Caitian however that some might react that way, as big as he was, heavy as well it was understandable to that some might find that intimidating or cause for fear. For the most part Kit'rin'e opted to smile and walk on by, if anything his primary worry was someone stepping on his tail, an unfortunate event should anyone be unaware enough to accidentally do so.

As he entered Sickbay he sought out the Major, it was not long before a Nurse approached him, mostly through it being too difficult to miss the Caitian physical presence. "I seek Major Afton." Kit'rin'e replied to the male Nurse who promptly left to find the Major. He knew he was in shape, healthy, within his weight range for his age and size for a Caitian at least. His fangs and claws were treated just last year and the collar he wore new just a month prior to replace a damaged one due to age.

"You're early" came the cool voice of the Major from behind him as she walked in fastening her collar. A contented smile hovered at her lips as she pulled the sleeves down to cover her extensive tattooing.

"I wanted to get the pre-assignment checks completed so that I make get to work promptly. I hope that is not inconvenient." Kit'rin'e replied as he looked at the Major, around Sickbay then back at the Major as she finished composing herself.

"well you're definitely an improvement on the last chief engineer." She indicated for him to take a seat on the Biobed but at the end of the column, it was the only one reinforced enough to take his weight.

As directed Kit'rin'e sat after winding his tail about his waist, sitting on it as he had learned, was a most uncomfortable and often painful experience. Once seated he waited, he remembered his first ever medical and the surprise the medical officer had when they had to reinforce a bed just for him.

"I have difficulty interpreting the physical cues of comfort of your species, is everything adequate at this moment"

"Enough for this examination, though more padding for next time would be ideal, I doubt these inlays were intended for one of my weight." Kit'rin'e replied. It was comfortable, for now at least.

"the bed that you are on is designed up until I believe 1200 kg so I don't wager that you'll be there for a while if at all. But I can certainly replace the padding

"I would be concerned if I were to reach such a weight." He replied looking down his frame failing to picture such a mass. "However I suspect now that I am on board I am the heaviest amongst the crew."

"I believe that you might be right"

"Is there anything you wish to know about me, racial traits, related medical questions?" He was not sure if the Major knew much, any or enough about Caitians, so offered to help if required.

"I have a cursory knowledge of Caitian physiology, but I am always looking to expand my knowledge. Any personal or family history of disease that I should be aware of."

"None." Kit'rin'e answered. Health was important because a lack of severely impacted what a Caitian could do and to some, made them question if they were still Caitian if symptoms came with permanent side effects.

"Very good." She commented, quietly adjusting her tunic witch was binding a little. "Anything you want me to be aware of?"

"I wear a collar, it must always remain unless removed by a Mate." Then came the more awkward of elements. "Fangs and claws are considered....personal...intimate. We are...hesitant to show them willingly unless for defence or combat."

"Understood. Are either of those areas prone to injury?".

"Claws mostly due to use, fangs only during eating. Both have been treated and sealed just last year. The neck is mostly protected by the collar but as it anyone, injuries can occur." Kit'rin'e answered.

"Are there consequences for you if I have to touch you or take the collar off if you happen to be injured?

"The collar can be removed if life saving requires it. If you were to touch me, to prevent the transfer of scent gloves might be prudent." Last thing he needed was to start bonding to the Captain's Wife of all people. "Scent plays a major part in our lives, I wish to avoid your entanglements in it as you are Mated to the Captain."

Keisha chuckled "That would prove awkward as I just got him back."

"Indeed." Glad she was understanding of the situation. "I should tell you that every 6 months a period of 2 weeks leave will be required, Appearance is important to us for obvious reasons however we shed the seasonal coat of fur, an unsightly ordeal and it leaves us vulnerable."

"How so?"

How to put it in a context easier to understand or explain. "If for example you were to remove your hair." Pointing with his hand to her white hair. "When you look in the mirror, would you still see yourself or feel part of you was missing?"

"Ah so it's a psychological vulnerability rather than a physical one. I'll make a note of it."

"Caitians are mindful of injuries, it effects who we are but also what. Is a Caitian still a Caitian without his claws or fangs for example. The answer is no and in such cases he would disgraced amongst my kind." Kit'rin'e explained, a lot rode on understanding what made him, him and how things were seen.

"My people have a similar philosophy if one hasn't produced offspring by a time in their life they are considered dead. I was dead for many years to my people."

Kit'rin'e nodded. "Shall we begin?"

"Indeed." Drawing a scanner from her workstation, she drew it over his white fur.

Sitting patiently, quietly Kit'rin'e let the Major do her thing. It was no different to any other medical so routine in nature and scope.

"Everything looks to fall into your species norms. I would ask only that you allow me to view claws and fangs so that should there be an injury I know what yours are supposed to look like. Is that acceptable?"

As medically sound that notion was it was still a difficult request. He saw that nobody else was about, he lifted his hand and then palm up his claws appeared to the fullest length.

She examined them for a moment, did a quick scan and then nodded. "Thank you."

Kit'rin'e next opened his mouth, came as no surprise how wide he could manage or the 4 dominant fangs, long and sharp as they were flanked by smaller but equally sharp teeth.

"Alright, you seem fit enough. Nothing is out of balance enough for me to be concerned with. Do you eat a balanced diet?"

"I do, regularly and vary it as physical demands require or outlined by a medical professional." Kit'rin'e answered. He did try and keep it balanced, there were times when he perhaps enjoyed fish too much but he made up for it later, if reluctantly.

"Very good. So you will enjoy the fact that the redemption has quite an advanced hydroponics bay with fresh produce."

"I will, are there any conditions of use?" He asked as he considered his options between fresh items and replicated.

"Indicate your preferences to the botanists and they can have extra of any favorites. They can also create the ecosystems for native plants if you wish them."

"That would be ideal." Kit'rin'e made a note to speak to them at some point but for the moment until he was settled he would stick with replicated meals. "Is there anything else you wish of me?"

"No. You're cleared for duty, but I suggest you take some time to get your quarters fixed up. You might not get a chance later.

"I understand that I have replaced the former Chief of this ship, is there anything I might expect in his wake, on going projects, investigations, upgrades or maintenance?" Kit'rin'e asked.

"Honestly I have little idea of his purview, only that Azura quite often bent my ear in complaint.". The white skinned woman could only shrug her ignorance.

"I see, then I shall find out when I arrive in Engineering later." Kit'rin'e liked to know prior about any warning signs, issues or complaints. Hearing that the Captain had complained often about the man he replaced meant he had much work to do in setting a new standard if such complaints filtered to the men and women in the department. "Will there be anything else Major?"

"No, thank you for being so accommodating Kit'rin'e."

"With permission, I will depart and tend to my quarters as you suggested." Kit'rin'e asked standing upright again.

"Enjoy your free time" she called to him as she waved him out the door.

Kit'rin'e bowed and then turned to leave, his new home needed a homely touch and as the Major had said, he had little reason to doubt her, he had better do it now that later.

OFF

Keisha Afton
Major
Chief Medical Officer
USS Redemption

&
Kit'rin'e
Lieutenant Commander
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Redemption

 

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