*** Orthopedic Dept.* SB Unity ***
Avril Hammond lay in her bed, the sole occupant of a side
room in the main orthopedic ward. From where she lay, the
lower ring was visible and she watched the various craft
moving to and fro, mostly worker bees engaged in repairing
the ships currently docked at Unity.
Sometimes she looked towards the door which remained
closed.People moved past now and then but noone came in and
she was pleased to be left in peace.
Her fingers plucked at the pastel green coverlet as she
watched a shuttle travel from right to left across her field
of vision.
++
Rangi was discussing Avril with Alan Jenkins, the doctor in
charge of orthopedics.
He was satisfied with the result of the osteoregeneration on
her femur and her arm was healing too, as were the multiple
bruises and other minor injuries she had suffered. He was
explaining his concern as to Avrils general well being when
his attention was caught by someone that caused him to break
off in mid sentence.
" She's very shaken up and I............do you know that
man?" he asked, frowning and looking pointedly towards the
figure.
Rangi turned her head to see whom Alan referred to and
recognised the tall, lean, bearded man with dark hair
peppered grey. He was staring at them but a lazy smile
dawned across his face when he gained their attention and he
began to approach them.
"Yes I do." Rangi replied and glancing back at Alan added
"...and he's just the man we need."
Alans expression stated he wasnt convinced of this as he
took in the slightly creased jacket, faded jeans and well
worn shoes the man was wearing but Rangi was greeting him
and turned back to make an introduction.
"Alan Jenkins, head of the orthopedic department...Stephen
Jacobs, Chief counsellor."
The two men shook hands.
"Were you looking for Commander Summers or for me?" Alan
asked.
Stephen shrugged slightly. " Either, Or." he replied. " I
understand you have the unfortunate young lady who was
trampled in a stampede staying here. " he said.
Alan replied: " Yes we do." and giving Rangi a quick glance
added :"...and we were just saying that she might need some
counselling."
His commbadge chirruped. "Ah...please excuse me." he said
and turned away to answer soon becoming engaged in a
conversation.
Rangi turned her head and saw Stephen looking at her.
" Do you want to see her?" she asked.
"Are you suggesting it?" Stephen enquired.
"It might help her, so yes I am." Rangi replied.
"Then yes I do." Stephen said and Rangi tried to work out
whether he was serious, sarcastic or amused.
Alan had glanced back at them, still engaged in his
conversation and Rangi indicated that she would take the
Counsellor to Avrils room. Alan acknowledged the fact.
"This way." Rangi said and they began to walk together. "
Physically she's not doing too badly but she's extremely
shaken by her experience, which is understandable ofcourse.
It was very traumatic."
Stephen made no reply.
They turned a corner.
" You need to see me again." he said, looking straight
ahead, striding along in easy paces.
"Do I?" Rangi asked in surprise.
" Yes........Make an appointment for the next day or so, no
rush for it." he said.
She thought about their first extremely short meeting when
he they had said very little.
"What are we going to talk about?" she enquired, slowing as
they neared Avrils room. She was expecting him to say the
recent mission,her transfer to Chimera and back again or
even the attempt on her life.
"Your parents." he replied coming to a halt beside her
outside the door. She stared at him and he gave a quick
smile at her expression of wariness.
"Are you one of those counsellors who lean to the view that
all problems relate back to parental upbringing?" she asked.
"I'm presuming you had parents." he replied " Do you have a
problem?"
"No" she answered indignantly.
"Well that takes care of that then doesn't it" he stated and
immediately opened the door and stepped into the room
leaving her standing in the doorway looking slightly amazed.
++
The hiss of the door opening had startled Avril and she
clutched the coverlet to herself as though for protection,
staring at Stephen with dark eyes set in a face that was too
pale.
Rangi noticed all this and followed Stephen into the room
saying, in a friendly tone:
" Miss Hammond..this is Doctor Jacobs.He's a counsellor."
"Oh" Avril replied without enthusiasm.
"How do you do?...a pleasure to meet you." Stephen said,
extending his hand for her to shake. She took it after a
moments pause, briefly touching his hand with the tips of
her fingers.
"Mind if I sit here?" Stephen asked pointing towards a chair
and Avril shook her head, looking decidedly uncomfortable as
he pulled it nearer to her bedside and sat down.
"Please excuse me then and I'll see you both later." Rangi
said. glancing to them both in turn.
Stephen gave a nod and a quick genuine smile. " Thankyou
Commander." he said.
Avril looked lost and unsure but Rangi gave her a reassuring
smile and retraced her steps to the door where she looked
back at them.
Stephen had said something and Avril had a wavering smile on
her thin, pinched face.
Rangi realised that however unorthodox Stephens approaches
might be, he was going to help Avril relax and, in time,
overcome the trauma she had experienced.
*** End Log ***
Commander Rangi Summers
CMO SB Unity
Med Adv 1st Task Force
&
Dr Stephen Jacobs
Chief Counsellor
SB Unity
&
Avril Hammond
Baggage Screener
SB Unity
(npc) Rangi
&
Alan Jenkins
Head of Orthopedics
SB Unity
(npc) Rangi
