A Quiet Moment

Posted on Mon Aug 8th, 2022 @ 9:43am by Lieutenant JG Gavin Ross & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Mess Hall
Timeline: Current

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-Mess-

Robert sat in the mess hall on the Leto.His son Tom trying to make up for his recent shenanigans with his twin sister. Had drawn him a picture. The young boy was quite good at art. He took after Roberts sister Nadia who was a professional artist.

He dug a fork into his plate of tomato and cheese pasta. As things went the replicators did quite a good job. Robert saw someone come in he had not seen before. He knew there was a new CSO but had not met them yet.

Entering the mess hall, Gavin had his tall silver mug of coffee replicated. What would be a typical morning if he was back at the Academy Teaching was now spent in a soft nestling into a well-operated Sciences Department. Lt. Jg Samantha Blake had done a great job as acting Science Officer, and he had hoped to learn a lot of her given her background on the Leto.

Turning, Gavin noticed it was early morning as interlopers had come in and left quickly on their way to their shifts. They were catching a tabletop seen seated with a distinguished-looking gentleman, Officer, along with what looked to be a six-year-old young boy. Surprised to see a child on the ship; nonetheless, it was a more common thing, and Gavin praised it. The family needed to be with Family, and the frontiers needed young eyes.

"Hello. My name is Gavin. I'm the new Science Officer onboard the Leto. I just finished a meeting with Capt. Sterling. "Might I have a seat with you?" Ross lent a nod to whom he suspected was the... "Are you by any chance Lt. Commander Dr. Robert Hendon? Ships Doctor?" Ross’s eyes momentarily gazed towards the child and his drawing, which was quite well done.

Tom backed away from Gavin.

“ He’s a little shy. Tom why don’t you take this to mummy.” Robert said

The child grabbed the picture and charged out of the room.

“ Please join me. Yes I am Doc Hendon and once again sorry about my son. He’s a little skittish at the moment.” Robert said

"Children..." Ross took the offered seat kindly.

"They are an ongoing species that we must invest even more research into their ways." Ross joked. He shrugged. "Children either flock to me, because.. I am a child at heart. I've been known to throw a few children's parties for friends on other vessels, it was. Exhilarating! The energy of them." He then shrugged. "I completely understand their shyness. It is a very big vessel with little children around to make friends, common development at their age."

"Dr. Hendon. How do you manage with a six-year-old child on board?" Gavin asked what seemed the next obvious question. He took a drink from his mug of coffee.

“Like a Gorn with a sore nose. Actually there is two of them. Tom has a twin sister Petra. They have their moments but my wife Alice is very good with them. Plus the Leto has excellent childcare facilities. How about yourself do you have any family onboard?” Hendon asked

Ross shook his head. At this point in his life with RJ, they weren't thinking about children. While their dating was going very well, they just both were currently focused on their careers. "At some point. Yes. I am getting to that point." He then grimaced. "Just not looking for those early morning diaper changes!" He browed Dr. Hendon. "Let me guess was that your patrol?"

“ Sorry you have me at a loss? Patrol?” Robert asked

"Diaper Patrol. On Duty. On Doodie Duty." Gavin turned red embarrassed he used such an immature term. "Well. I should let you get to your work. I've been here for only hours, and I've yet to review my labs. I must have work piling up somewhere!"

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Doctor. I will be in for my full physical." Ross got up. "I've been having issues with quitting smoking. I know old Earth habit. If I could get a few inoculations for it, then that would help me stop." He shrugged. It had to work this time. He needed it to work because he had promised RJ he would quit.

“ Actually their both six and way past the Diaper stage…….Hang on……You mentioned you have a smoking habit?” Hendon asked

Gavin waived at the Doctor. "Oh, just a small habit. We'll have to discuss it on my physical?"

“ You do know that it is against starfleet regulations to smoke on a starship?” Hendon warned.

"Hence my habit Doctor. I definitely could use a good patch, if they still make them?" He jovially winked. There was no way he was telling the Doctor that he was halfway done with his last pack. Mount Everest was easier!

“ Well. Yes they still do. But mainly now for conditions that need a slow release of medication. But there is a series of shots I could give you. That would stop your smoking habit for could. Only thing is once it’s completed if you ever tried to smoke again. You would seriously do some projectile vomiting. It’s up to you.” Robert warned

Gavin gave an amused look. “Projectile vomiting. Delightful Doctor.” He shook his head. “Yes, I must do something about this… The vomiting would be almost a Super Power?”

Robert blushed.

“ Sorry. Having a couple of young children. You tend to get used to hearing things said that should be kept quiet. Plus coming from a large Easten European family language tends to get polluted. I was just trying to warn you that if you have the treatment. You body will not take kindly if you try and smoke again.” Robert said

“Of course Doctor. I was only jesting.” Gavin paused. If you have any appointment times I would likely drop in sooner than later.”

“ We could do it now if you like. It just takes a moment to get the medication ready. One press against the arm and a sit down for a few minutes. Then a top up each month for six months.All done. But you have to want it. Because once it’s done it cannot be undone.” Hendon warned

Ross started to bite on one of his nails in nervous thought. "Know what..." He stopped. "I gracefully accept your invitation to this medication... I need mental preparation for the shot and.... Oh lord." Gavin paused. He rubbed his face. "I have some reports to do. So I will definitely be getting back to you Doctor Hendon."

oO I think I need one right now Oo "Well. It has been good to see you. I will come in for my standard physical. I have not had one since transferring to the Leto, Sir." He addressed the Lieutenant Commander.

“ When your ready. Now I need to go myself got a few physicals and officers to catch.” Robert said

With that, a simple nod, and both officers went on their way.

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Lieutenant Commander Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto

&

Lieutenant Gavin Ross
Chief Science Officer
USS Leto