Marcus D. Ming, CO of Bravo Flight, was worried.  His wingman…Now former wingman…was in serious condition and was just transferred to Vulcan for further treatment. The Dominion projectiles that exploded in such proximity it overwhelmed the shields of Ranger three and, even more so, Knight five resulting in both ships being irradiated along with their pilots.  It was a miracle, as folks in the past liked to say, that both survived.  Their survival was an indication that the star fighters were well built, and the medical teams were top notch. 

Always worrying about his flight Ming decided to swing by sickbay to verify the process that Erickson, former Knight 5, would be going through on Vulcan with regards to the prognosis and healing process. That was how he was as a person and as a commander.  

The pilot got to sickbay and entered but he paused once inside.  Once he got his baring he made his way toward the CMO’s office to see what he could find out.   He understood that the new CMO was a Denobulan.  That made him even more curious.  Either way he’d be getting an education in about three seconds.  He paused at the entryway to the office and knocked on the door as a courtesy.  

Tavana looked up from her console and smiled at the young man standing there. “Hello. Come in!” She stood up behind her desk and motioned for him to come and sit. “I’m Dr. Tavana Malax.” Resuming her seat, she looked at him curiously. “By the looks of you, you don’t seem unwell. Though looks can be deceiving, to be sure.” She set her elbows on the desktop then proceeded to put her chin on her downturned hands. “What can I do for you?”

Ming smiled and, taking the offered seat, he said, “I’m well enough anyway. The primary reason for my visit is that I wanted to introduce myself since I haven’t had the opportunity to do so officially.  I am trying to do so with all the other department heads.  My name’s Lieutenant Marcus Ming and I am in command of the Denver’s flight of fighters.   Rumor has it you tend to use naturopathic remedies wherever possible.  If that is true then I’m even more glad to finally get a chance to meet you. Is that true Doctor?”

Tavana gave Ming a Denobulan smile. “But of course, Lieutenant. If I recall my history at Starfleet Medical, many of your Earth cultures used such techniques before more so called ‘modern’ techniques caught up. I feel that’s as important as any drug that can be synthesized.” She looked over his head and cooed at something. Chuckling, she admitted, “Some plants need a little…tenderness, I guess you could say.” She got up and walked over to a shelf where an ivy like plant was. It looked as though its leaves were waving a little in the breeze…but there was no breeze. Tavana reached up and a small vine curled around her finger. “Hello, my dear! I hope you’re doing well.” She murmured lovingly. The doctor reached up and to her right to a small glass jar of dirt and something…wriggly. Opening it with 1 hand, she pulled a few wriggly bits and put it in the pot. The whole plant seemed to implode on itself, even the vine that encircled Tavana’s finger had retreated. Grinning like a proud mama, she looked at Ming and said. “It’s an ivy type plant I found on my homeworld. Very interesting. Eats bugs like Earth’s Venus Flytrap.” 

Tavana stepped away and sat back down. “The neat thing is, the vines make a wonderful fiber for making paper or a gauze depending on how you treat it.” The doctor clasped her hands before her on the desk and regarded the Fighter Commander. “Does that answer your question, Lieutenant?” 

Ming paid attention to the doctor’s presentation with genuine interest.  When she finished and retook her seat he gave the doctor a nod of understanding and acknowledgement before saying, “Quite so.  My mother actually practiced some of the old ways passed down from generation to generation dating back to ancient Chinese practices.  Some of the homeopathic treatments were remarkably effective.  I picked up some as well as some remedies from some of the remaining Native American tribes.  It’s great for emergency treatments in the field and, at times, as good or better than some modern techniques it seems.  I know a bit…Likely just enough to be dangerous as the Earth saying goes…But I find it fascinating.”  

The doctor chuckled. “Yes, I understand that phrase well. During my time at Starfleet Medical, some Humans explained it to me in detail. I find those turns of phrase most intriguing.” She sat back again. “I’d be happy to teach you what I’ve gleaned since i was a youngling on my planet.” Tavana felt herself flit into a nostalgic moment. “I fully admit I spent many a leave on your planet in many of the different climates, entranced at the diversity of the flora.” Her shoulders shook a little before her gaze returned to Ming. “I would welcome discussions on what you know and compare notes as they say.”

Tavana stood then. “My apologies, Lieutenant. I have a nurse trying to get my attention. If you would excuse me…” She walked around her desk and bowed her head to him. “Thank you for talking with me, Lieutenant Ming. It was most stimulating.”

Ming had hoped for a few more questions but he knew and had been close to enough medical professionals to know now wasn’t the time.  The pilot stood and turned to walk with the doctor toward and past the office door.  As he did so he said with a sincere smile, “Of course doctor.  Duty calls.  Please consider this conversation … to be continued as that particular saying goes.”