Mind and Body

Posted on Wed Sep 9th, 2026 @ 11:05pm by Commander Kenneth Hunt & Lieutenant Shawn Lao
Edited on on Wed Sep 9th, 2026 @ 11:07pm

861 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: New Horizons
Location: Sickbay

After speaking with the Captain, Kenneth continued with the day. The next on his list of things to do was to get his initial ship's physical out of the way. It didn't take long to arrive at his destination. Entering sickbay, he nodded at medical staff that was busy organizing. Gaining the attention of a Petty Officer who walking by, he requested to see the Head Nurse in charge.

Petty Officer Novikov greeted Commander Hunt and politely walked towards the Chief Medical Officer's office where Shawn Lao had been. Shawn had been utilizing the office momentarily, combing through personnel fles and putting the nursing staff rotations together, balancing them out. "Nurse Lao, we have a visitor" reported Novikov.

Shawn sat the PADD down atop the desk and made his way out of the Chief Medical Officer's office to the main section of Sickbay where intake occurred. He was quick to notice the visitor was Kenneth Hunt, First Officer. "Ah, Commander Hunt," said Shawn reaching out to grasp the man's hand. "I was hoping to cross paths with you."

Kenneth smiled as he accepted the nurse's hand. "I learned years ago never to make a physician track you down for a physical. How are things coming along down here? Everything arriving as scheduled?"

"You know... Who am I to argue with sound logic like that?" replied Shawn with a restrained chuckle. He did genuinely find it to be good advice. "I am glad you learned that, Commander. It will serve you well. As for things coming along? They are coming along fine all things considered. The medical department is shaping up."

"Hopefully, the rest of the ship is faring as well. But I am here hoping that you could squeeze me in for my initial physical."

Shawn half-chuckled then composed himself. "You are not the first one to stop by to see me about that, and I am going to presume not the last either. Do you know if we have received any information about the Chief Medical Officer?"

Kenneth simply shrugged. "No word relayed to me about that. But I'll look into it. Highly doubt we'll ship off without one on staff."

"It would be like walking into a Klingon bar fight without a phaser," replied Nurse Lao. Shawn walked over to a medical terminal. "Anything particularly note worthy in your medical history. Sir?"

"Injured my lower back on an away mission a few years ago," the Commander brought up. "Its been bothering me the last few days. Not really sure why its bothering me again."

Shawn nodded and approached with a medical tricorder. "Acting up," commented the Head Nurse. He could see from the tricorder that Hunt there was electrical and chemical activity indicating pain response. "Have you been pushing yourself a bit harder lately? You look the sort to have a fairly regular exercise routine. You may have overdid it recently, pulled something in your back?"

Kenneth nodded as he laughed a little. "Been hitting the gym pretty hard over the past two weeks. Wanted to look my best when I heard I got the first officer position. At my age, I should know better. Typically, I am in the gym three days a week. Turned that routine into a daily thing."

"A good exercise routine is what the doctor would definitely order," Lao's mentioned. Looking over the First Officer's vitals, he began humming to himself. Catching himself within a few seconds, he went silent briefly. "My apologies, it's a bit of a habit."

"It's no problem whatsoever. So will I live?"

Smiling at the Commander, he allowed himself to calm down. "You're going to be around for a long time, according to readings. How are you feeling with this big change?"

"Almost like every assignment I have taken on," Kenneth acknowledged.

"Not quite," the Nurse brought up. "The role of Executive Officer is moving to another level. Not to mention, according to your file, you're married with children. Embarking on this new journey without them."

Kenneth thought about the medical officer's words carefully. Several thoughts went through his head. "Suppose that leaving my family behind has left me with a certain amount of guilt. But my wife and I knew that this was a possibility when we married."

"Doesn't mean that it hurts less."

"You must moonlight as a ship's counselor," the Commander mentioned. "Do you typically psychoanalyze your patience during a routine check up?"

Shawn chuckled a bit. "Only when the need arises. The crew's mental health is just as important as the physical. So, if you ever feel the need to address your mental health, I am available."

"I will definitely be sure to remember that." Hopping off the bed, Kenneth stretched a bit. The last thing he wanted was to spread all his business to a stranger. Starships were tight communities, much like this one, and things spread rapidly. "If the need should arise, I will seek you out."

"That's all that I require. But on another note. You have a clean bill of health and are cleared for duty."

=================
Commander Kenneth Hunt
Executive Officer
USS Helvetia

Lieutenant Shawn Laos (NPC)
Head Nurse
USS Helvetia

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