The doors to the Science Lab whooshed opened, and Joshua cheerfully stepped into the lab. “Hey Meilo, how did Frontier Day go?” He said, setting his equipment bag at the station.

“You mean other than the Borg attacking and trying to destroy the Federation?”

“So it went off without a hitch?” Joshua smirked, which resulted in a disgusted look from Meilo. “Did you even get to display the equipment we curated?”

“I curated? And no,” Meilo replied.

Joshua powered up his display, “Let’s see what’s on the docket today…” A reminder chimed, “Oh, my follow-up with Dr. Brooks.” He powered off the console, left the office, and entered a nearby turbolift. Joshua directed it to the Main Infirmary.

Stepping out, he was greeted by a receptionist, “Can you help you?”

“Yes, I’m here to see Dr. Brooks for a follow-up.”

The receptionist looked at her console, “I do have your appointment listed, unfortunately Dr. Brooks is no longer on the starbase. I’ll see who’s available, please have a seat.”

Doctor N’Vea picked up the PADD where Joshua Bryant’s file appeared. She read quickly though his medical history and his basic profile before folding the screen under her left arm and exiting the back of the medical bay. As usual when working she wore her Starfleet uniform with a long coat over top, a signal that she was a doctor and often ended up with various bodily fluids on her. Approaching the reception area she approached the patient.

”Mister Bryant, I’m Doctor N’Vea, I understand you are here for an examination of your ribs. Can you please come with me and I shall perform the examination,” she said gesturing ahead of her with the intention of leading him to the private exam room.

Joshua nodded, “Yeah, okay.” He followed N’Vea through the maze of the Infirmary. “This is a lot less chaotic than last time I was here,” he said looking around. “But, then again, the Borg were on attacking.” Finally, they reached the exam room. “Should I take off my shirt or…?” his voice trailed off.

Doctor N’Vea nodded, not that she was looking for him to remove his top but a physical examination was as useful as a biobed reading. It was a bit old these days but she had learned her medicine on Earth and quite willing to use old methods as long as they were as effective as the newer ones, “Yes, take off your shirt and lay on your back on the bio-bed. I will perform an inspection. Thank you.”

He removed his shirt and laid down on the biobed. “You’re new here,” it was more a statement than a question. “Have you had a chance to partake in the Promenade shops? I can show you around sometime, if you’d like. Although I’ve spend more time off the station than on it,” He chuckled.

“Yes, I am new here,” confirmed the Doctor, “my ship was dry docked following Fleet Day and the crew mainly reassigned. I have little need for personal affects one can buy at the Promenade. However, knowing very few people on this station perhaps you could show me around. I have gotten food at a place there named Downtime, can you explain is that a humorous name for humans?”

“Oh boy,” Joshua chuckled, “that’s quite the first experience.” He thought a moment, “It’s a play on words. Since downtime typically means a relaxing time in between work, most people go to a bar to relax. Though I wouldn’t consider Downtime a relaxing place. Cadets consider it a rite of passage to go there, so they usually get drunk and cause trouble.”

Her hands gently ran down his ribs, as she looked at his chart to see which to pay particular attention to. Feeling something off she slowed and repeated part of the examination before activating the bed to confirm her suspicion. The Vulcan gestured to the screen, “These two ribs are slightly incorrect in how they are healing. The angle is wrong, I will attempt to readjust them but you will want to be careful the next week and not lift anything over fifty pounds.”

Taking a tool out from a cabinet she worked, using a hypo spray to numb the area and then cutting into it. It was delicate work, but well within the capabilities of even a first year doctor. Once the cut had been sealed and healed she nodded, handing him his shirt.

“I’m glad it’s not Dr. Brooks doing my follow-up.” Joshua said, putting his shirt. “I didn’t exactly follow his instructions for light duty and went to Galakail Minor for relief efforts. He seemed like a nice guy, but that would make him angry.”    

”I did not know Doctor Brooks, thus I am not amused by such stories,” N’Vea said, “You do notice I am a Vulcan do you not?”

“The ears gave that away, doctor,” Joshua said with a smirk. “I wasn’t trying to impress you, just making conversation. He shrugged, ”Let me know when you have some free time. I can’t get into Vandorin’s, but certainly somewhere nicer than Downtime. Or I hear they have a nice arboretum on the upper decks. I’ve been meaning to get up there.”

Joshua stood up and moved towards the door, “Do I need to come back for a follow-up? Or are things fine after next week?”

”I see. I am sorry, I had misread the situation. I am free next Thursday after my shift at 18:00, if you are also free book a follow-up, I will scan your ribs again and then we can depart,” she said, “Unless I should wear specialized attire. I will point out that I am a vegetarian, though most places are fine with accommodating that.”

“You got it,” Joshua said. “No, your uniform will be fine. I’ll see you… next Thursday.”

Putting the equipment in the tray she nodded, “It was a pleasure to meet you Mister Bryant.”

“Likewise doctor,” Joshua smiled as he left the room.