Intelligent Physical

Posted on Thu Mar 2, 2017 @ 6:08pm by Lieutenant JG Jacob Hartley & Lieutenant JG Mar Megara

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Location: Sick Bay
Timeline: MD 1 || <0945> [Backpost]

Meg was getting tired of physicals.

Sure, she'd only been here a day, but it seemed like she was getting all the junior officer physicals. She tried to remind herself that this was good experience, but this was to be her ninth physical of the day.

At least this time, they'd forwarded her the officer's medical file so she knew who- and what- to look for.

While she waited for him to arrive, she checked her trickster to make sure it was properly set and calibrated.

Jacob walked into the massive sickbay, and looked around. He was impressed; normally sickbays this size were for Starbases only. As he looked around, he made a mental note of everything within the place - he liked to know every part of the ship he was going to call home.

He approached one of the medical officers, with a smile on his face. His voice was warm and inviting. "Hi. I'm here for my physical. Lt. Hartley." He said, by way of introduction.

Meg smiled brightly up at him. "I am Dr. Mar," she replied in her Spanish accent , still tickled to be able to say that. "I've just started my internship and I will be performing your physical. Please, sit here," she added, indicating the nearby biobed.

Jacob nodded and sat down. "Pleasure to meet you, Doctor." Jacob said, smiling back at her. "How's your internship going so far?" He asked.

"I am only one day into it," she replied, taking out her tricorder and starting preliminary scans. "So far, I have done eight physicals. It is rather dull, but I keep telling myself it is good experience."

"Any experience is good experience if you learn something." Jacob said, still smiling. "After all, as they say at the academy, the learning doesn't begin until after you graduate."

She grinned and nodded. "That is very true," she replied. "The application of what we learn in the academy is different. It feels like learning all over again."

"Isn't that what life is? Learning?" Jacob asked. "It's important to always keep an open mind. You can do something for years and still not know everything. That's the beauty of life."

"Very true," agreed Meg, switching to secondary scans. "My step father always said if you're not learning and growing, you're not living."

Jacob nodded. "Wise man. I try and learn something new all the time. Granted, it's part of my job, being an Intelligence Officer, but it's a good philosophy to live by." He said.

"Indeed," she replied, though it was unclear on whether she was agreeing with his assessment of her step father or his philosophy of learning. "Intelligence?" she queried, interest piqued. "Have you had any interesting experiences? That you can talk about, that is," she added with a cheeky grin.

"Not much to talk about. It's funny, but when I tell people I work in Intelligence, people think it's exciting. Most of my career has been simple system analysis reports, paperwork and attending meetings. Sometimes, there are missions, but never anything exciting. No, I believe you have the better profession, learning about new viruses and diseases, and finding ways to cure them." Jacob said. "My spare time is more fun. I enjoy working out, and training myself. I'm a master of Parkour, which is more enjoyable than Intelligence most days."

"I have never tried it," she replied, scanning his lungs and heart. "I studied Ninjutsu and Jiu jitzu. My mother thought it would help me to focus the natural aggression common among Klingons. It seems to have worked."

Jacob nodded. "I find the same for Parkour. I also use a number of methods for patience and meditation. For example, when I was at the academy, I was very impatient. So just before my second year, I was beamed aboard a platform that was just big enough for me to stand or sit on, and I was left there during the day, and beamed back at night. After two weeks, I knew the meaning of patience. I found out it was just a simulation, but I still use it to help maintain my composure." He explained.

"I suppose it's either that or go crazy," she said with a smirk. "I suppose I would choose to learn patience as well."

Jacob smiled. "Indeed. I also took up a number of hobbies, including writing. I keep a journal; I use an old fashioned method, with pencil and paper. I think that there are times when we depend too much on technology, and forget that sometimes the older ways are of great, practical value. It's amazing how many people haven't used a pencil and paper in years, and yet there was a time when not being able to do so was a hindrance."

"Hm, I cannot remember the last time I used a pencil," she replied. "Perhaps I shall have to do it just so I remember how." She snapped her tricorder closed. "Well, the good news is that I do not have to do any blood tests," she told him. "You appear to be in perfect condition."

"I do try, as best I can. I believe in taking good care of one's self, because when one does, life is easier." Jacob said. "I'd be happy to show you the methods of Parkour, and what I use for training myself with patience, if you like. I'm always happy to pass on what I know."

"I may have to take you up on that," she replied. "I am always interested in learning new skills- especially useful ones."

Jacob nodded. "Let me know and we can work something out." He told her. "Anything else needed? I need to get set up."

"Nope, that is all I need," she answered. "If the doctor needs anything after reviewing my report, she will be in touch."

Jacob nodded, standing up. "Hopefully I'll see you around." Jacob said, with a smile, before he turned and left sickbay. He knew he would pass the medical - he kept himself in good shape. Now he needed to make a few other calls, and to make sure he was set up, ready for duty.