"Computer: Begin Log."
It's an audio-only file, and there's any number of odd sounds in the background, insect-like chirping, a churring noise that could be amphibian or mammalian, it's hard to say--even a clacking sound that is definitely not metallic in nature. The speaker, Cyrene, has a smooth, mezzo voice, almost alto, with clear diction and a soft accent blending a native Trill speaker from the capital city and someone who's lived in San Francisco long enough to pick up some of the pronunciation.
"Today I arrived at Deep Space Thirteen. It's a momentous day for me, because it's when I finally get to start my first year postgraduate residency. It's been a hard journey to get here, but so far, at least, it's been all school. Sure, I worked as a Research Assistant and we had a lot of hands-on stuff, but now I really get my hands dirty with deep space medicine and it'll be a great learning experience. As well as a challenge."
"I admit, this is a bit intimidating, and I'm a little worried that I might not measure up. I'm even more worried that I might accidentally kill someone. But that's what the senior doctors are for, right? It's nice to know that at least, at first, they'll be watching me! At least in the Pathology lab, I'll be right at home. I do look forward to seeing what pets everyone has on station and on the ships--the 38th Fleet is stationed here. I hear it's got a lot of ships!"
A rather insistent chirrup loudly interrupts. Her voice fades as she turns away from what is clearly the audio recording device and makes soothing sounds. Then returns to normal volume.
"My collection made the trip okay, although it garnered a few odd looks. I only lost a few leeches and such, but their compatriots will breed replacements. I hope that they won't feel too neglected between the amount of work I'll be putting in with the residency--my teachers gave me nightmares about it--and the new classes I want to sign up for, I think I'll work on that third degree, after all. No point in not taking an official degree in Interspecies Veterinary Medicine on top of everything else. I'm already prepared with all the prerequisities for it, and after Medical School, this should be a breeze!"
Pause.
"Assuming my residency doesn't kill me first."
There's a loud squawk and Cyrene's voice takes on a cooing note. "Oh, sweetheart! It's okay! Just new quarters is all! Computer! End log!"
8 Likes
"Computer, begin log."
There's no chirping in the background this time, all is silent. Cyrene's voice is low and quiet, as if not to wake anyone.
"Well, it's late, but this is the only time I've had. They warned me that a residency was long hours and was hard, and I wasn't going to have time for a social life, and they weren't kidding. I don't think I've slept more than 8 hours in the last 52. I'll admit, I've worked hard before, but this is going to be the hardest. Plus, the extra coursework."
There's the sound of liquid being poured.
"Thank the gods for raktajino. Anyhow, I got my classes for this semester and they let me off on a lot of the ones I've already taken. And ones that aren't applicable. 'Professional and clinical skills.' They said that's a little different than being a doctor, even for some of the more unusual species I specialized in, but that I should pick it up as we go. I've got small animal physiology and histology as two classes, along with veterinary immunology. Admittedly, the last shouldn't be too difficult. Not compared with immunology from medical school and all the species we dealt with there, too."
"I had a few moments last night to go to the Event Horizon Lounge. I kind of feel somewhere like it's a good thing and a bit out of place. After all, the next lowest rank there was a Commander--me being only an JG, that was a bit awkward. Maybe I should explore other options. But it was nice that people are starting to be known, if not familiar, faces. I didn't see Dmitri this time. He was in the medical bay, the other day, but I was too busy wrangling Romulans to say hi. Too bad. I want to meet his dog. Although it seems like everyone on the station has pets! I had no idea they needed a veterinarian so badly here. I might double up my coursework next semester to try and finish early... maybe start some classes halfway through this one if I can manage to wrangle some independent study..."
A loud CHIRRUP interrupts the silence. Then a soft chortling noise, as if the disturbed sleeping creature was resettling itself. Cyrene laughs.
"I have the feeling this duty station is going to work my non-existent tail off. We'll see. At least I'm not in trouble, yet."
There's no chirping in the background this time, all is silent. Cyrene's voice is low and quiet, as if not to wake anyone.
"Well, it's late, but this is the only time I've had. They warned me that a residency was long hours and was hard, and I wasn't going to have time for a social life, and they weren't kidding. I don't think I've slept more than 8 hours in the last 52. I'll admit, I've worked hard before, but this is going to be the hardest. Plus, the extra coursework."
There's the sound of liquid being poured.
"Thank the gods for raktajino. Anyhow, I got my classes for this semester and they let me off on a lot of the ones I've already taken. And ones that aren't applicable. 'Professional and clinical skills.' They said that's a little different than being a doctor, even for some of the more unusual species I specialized in, but that I should pick it up as we go. I've got small animal physiology and histology as two classes, along with veterinary immunology. Admittedly, the last shouldn't be too difficult. Not compared with immunology from medical school and all the species we dealt with there, too."
"I had a few moments last night to go to the Event Horizon Lounge. I kind of feel somewhere like it's a good thing and a bit out of place. After all, the next lowest rank there was a Commander--me being only an JG, that was a bit awkward. Maybe I should explore other options. But it was nice that people are starting to be known, if not familiar, faces. I didn't see Dmitri this time. He was in the medical bay, the other day, but I was too busy wrangling Romulans to say hi. Too bad. I want to meet his dog. Although it seems like everyone on the station has pets! I had no idea they needed a veterinarian so badly here. I might double up my coursework next semester to try and finish early... maybe start some classes halfway through this one if I can manage to wrangle some independent study..."
A loud CHIRRUP interrupts the silence. Then a soft chortling noise, as if the disturbed sleeping creature was resettling itself. Cyrene laughs.
"I have the feeling this duty station is going to work my non-existent tail off. We'll see. At least I'm not in trouble, yet."
5 Likes
"Computer, begin log."
Again, there's a mild cacophony of sounds in the background, but there's on chirper that seems to stand out from the rest, sounded like some kind of demented cricket. Occasionally, there's a cackling ack-ack-ack-ack sound that anyone who's ever heard a frustrated hunting cat will immediately recognize.
"So I'm back from Deep Space Nine. What a trip. It was an intense experience, with all the refugees and the wounded from battles. We took some overflow from some of the ships, too. It was a lot of work, and I'll be honest, I hardly got any studying done, so I have a lot to catch up on. I probably would have gotten more done in the last couple of days had I not went and spent time socializing, but I really needed to blow off some steam."
The ack-ack-ack-ack sound repeats.
"Morgan! You can't have the snow beetles. I'm breeding those!"
Cyrene sounded almost as amused as the feline was frustrated.
"Morgan is a visitor. She belongs to Captain Rosewood and is staying here while he was out and doing all the battle-type stuff. Smart move, really, right up until they called me out to Deep Space Nine, too, and I had to get someone to watch my menagerie, too. However, I'm back and she hasn't eaten anything of mine yet, not for lack of trying. For some reason, snow beetles are especially fascinating."
"Either way, I'm glad to be back. Already this place is beginning to feel like a 'home.' There's plenty of people to talk to when I've got time--which the shifts are pretty normal for a resident and it's Starfleet, so unless there's an emergency, they give me enough time to rest, but I'm the one who screws it all up by being stupid and over-studying."
She laughs a little and there's a faint tapping, like someone drumming their fingers on a hard surface.
"I don't know what else to say, really. I've got friends here, some really good. Been spending a lot of time with Captain Rosewood, so that's nice. I hope he ends up deciding to get his eye fixed, mostly because I think in the long run it'll help him. But if I pressure him, he'll just get stubborn. So I'm not bringing it up anymore. There's plenty of other things to talk about. I look forward to gettingn to know so many other people, too! That nice Counselor, Doctor Hawk, Alistair, and Alina... I spotted another Trill last night, but she was awfully quiet. Oh! Speaking of last night! I offended a Gorn (I think he was a Gorn, I've never seen one in person before) talking about my Interspecies Veterinary Medicine degree. He thought I meant people! I didn't!"
Her voice becomes rather strident with distress.
"I really didn't! He was off before I could explain! I don't know how to tell someone what it is I'm going to do if I can't use the term Veterinary... I mean, it means working with animals.. non-sapient creatures! How do I... I don't know. I just am not sure how to handle this. Maybe I just shouldn't bring it up."
"I don't know. But I should go. I have to study."
The recording clicks off.
Again, there's a mild cacophony of sounds in the background, but there's on chirper that seems to stand out from the rest, sounded like some kind of demented cricket. Occasionally, there's a cackling ack-ack-ack-ack sound that anyone who's ever heard a frustrated hunting cat will immediately recognize.
"So I'm back from Deep Space Nine. What a trip. It was an intense experience, with all the refugees and the wounded from battles. We took some overflow from some of the ships, too. It was a lot of work, and I'll be honest, I hardly got any studying done, so I have a lot to catch up on. I probably would have gotten more done in the last couple of days had I not went and spent time socializing, but I really needed to blow off some steam."
The ack-ack-ack-ack sound repeats.
"Morgan! You can't have the snow beetles. I'm breeding those!"
Cyrene sounded almost as amused as the feline was frustrated.
"Morgan is a visitor. She belongs to Captain Rosewood and is staying here while he was out and doing all the battle-type stuff. Smart move, really, right up until they called me out to Deep Space Nine, too, and I had to get someone to watch my menagerie, too. However, I'm back and she hasn't eaten anything of mine yet, not for lack of trying. For some reason, snow beetles are especially fascinating."
"Either way, I'm glad to be back. Already this place is beginning to feel like a 'home.' There's plenty of people to talk to when I've got time--which the shifts are pretty normal for a resident and it's Starfleet, so unless there's an emergency, they give me enough time to rest, but I'm the one who screws it all up by being stupid and over-studying."
She laughs a little and there's a faint tapping, like someone drumming their fingers on a hard surface.
"I don't know what else to say, really. I've got friends here, some really good. Been spending a lot of time with Captain Rosewood, so that's nice. I hope he ends up deciding to get his eye fixed, mostly because I think in the long run it'll help him. But if I pressure him, he'll just get stubborn. So I'm not bringing it up anymore. There's plenty of other things to talk about. I look forward to gettingn to know so many other people, too! That nice Counselor, Doctor Hawk, Alistair, and Alina... I spotted another Trill last night, but she was awfully quiet. Oh! Speaking of last night! I offended a Gorn (I think he was a Gorn, I've never seen one in person before) talking about my Interspecies Veterinary Medicine degree. He thought I meant people! I didn't!"
Her voice becomes rather strident with distress.
"I really didn't! He was off before I could explain! I don't know how to tell someone what it is I'm going to do if I can't use the term Veterinary... I mean, it means working with animals.. non-sapient creatures! How do I... I don't know. I just am not sure how to handle this. Maybe I just shouldn't bring it up."
"I don't know. But I should go. I have to study."
The recording clicks off.
7 Likes
"Computer, begin log."
The sound of shuffling feet is accompanied by chirrups and cricketing chirps as Cyrene's face comes into view. Her hair is mussed and she looks a bit tight around the mouth and eyes.
"It's been a few weeks since I've sat down and done one of these, but there's been good reason. We've a bit of a medical mystery, or we had one. Records from K-7 were going missing. Probably something to do with their conversion and closing. It's led us to a disappointing patient, well, disappointing in that we couldn't' get her to stay and accept treatment longer."
She sighs and leans back.
"I did it, though. I applied for the Joining. The Symbiosis Commission should have received my application by now. I hope this is the right decision. No, I know this is the right decision, I just don't know if I'll get it."
Huffing a bit, she runs her hand through her hair and fluffs it, sending it further into disarray.
"We'll see."
She reaches forward and the recording clicks off.
The sound of shuffling feet is accompanied by chirrups and cricketing chirps as Cyrene's face comes into view. Her hair is mussed and she looks a bit tight around the mouth and eyes.
"It's been a few weeks since I've sat down and done one of these, but there's been good reason. We've a bit of a medical mystery, or we had one. Records from K-7 were going missing. Probably something to do with their conversion and closing. It's led us to a disappointing patient, well, disappointing in that we couldn't' get her to stay and accept treatment longer."
She sighs and leans back.
"I did it, though. I applied for the Joining. The Symbiosis Commission should have received my application by now. I hope this is the right decision. No, I know this is the right decision, I just don't know if I'll get it."
Huffing a bit, she runs her hand through her hair and fluffs it, sending it further into disarray.
"We'll see."
She reaches forward and the recording clicks off.
4 Likes
Doctor Mavil, It is always pleasant to welcome the promise of a new Trill Initiate candidate to the program. I am Evaluator Kurvaall Fin and I have been assigned to deal with your initial communications. We received your application and dossier and are pleased to inform you that you are an acceptable individual to enter into the program. Now, as I'm sure you're aware, that is merely the hand on the controls. Flying the ship is entirely another matter. Being acceptable as a candidate means your background check showed no obvious flaws that would mean immediate rejection. From now on, every part of your life will be scrutinized, and every aspect of your personality. The Symbiosis Commission will invade your personal life to a degree you have never believed. By continuing on with the program, you are accepting this. You understand that there are only a few symbionts available at any given time and the competition for becoming a host is one of the most intense known to our people. So, the next step is to send you this list of questions. We expect full, thorough answers, of course. You have one week to complete it. //SIGNED// Evaluator Kurvaall Fin Initiate Introduction, Symbiosis Commission //ATTACHMENT// entryessays.doc |
Evaluator Fin, Thank you so much for your kindly greeting. It is my highest hope that I can aspire to the honor that is hosting a symbiont, and I am well aware that there are many efforts and, well, investigations ahead of me. It is a challenge that I eagerly embark upon. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, and let me begin by addressing these essay questions you have included. //SIGNED// Doctor Cyrene Mavil Resident, Deep Space 13 Medical //ATTACHMENT// answeredessayquestions.doc
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Security Level 1 - Open
TO CIV Mavil, Hielef CC -- FROM LTJG Mavil, Cyrene SUBJ Thank you |
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Father,
I wanted to thank you. I know it took a lot for you to write up a sponsorship letter to the Symbiosis Commission so that they would look at my application, and I'm so happy you did. They got in touch with me! I'm in the program! There's so much to do! Between school and work, oh, let me tell you. so much work!
But now I'm on the path to my dream, and it wouldn't be possible if it weren't for you. Thank you. Father, you and Mother always support me in my dreams, and this is just one more example. When I'm next on Trill, for the exams, I'll come visit!
Love,
Cyrene
//SIGNED//
Lieutenant Junior Grade Cyrene Mavil
Resident, Deep Space 13 Medical
2 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open
TO LTJG Mavil, Cyrene CC -- FROM EVLR Fin, Kurvaall SUBJ Written Examinations |
Doctor Mavil,
Congratulations on making it this far into the program. Your Essay answers and resultant interview questions have been received and analyzed.
We are aware of what has transpired at your duty station, Deep Space 13. We would like to extend our condolences not only to you, but to any who suffered losses during the attack. In addition, we would like to commend you for your exemplary dedication to duty in the time following the attack. We have also kept track of the awards you have received in the line of your duty in the last six months.
However, we also monitored and noticed that you were given a significantly lightened schedule recently. Are you well? If the pressures of the program are too much for you to accomplish in addition to your normal duties...
We would like to extend an invitation for you to travel to Trill to perform your written examinations. It will be a period of at least one week, possibly extending to two. If you can arrange the leave time, we will administer your examinations upon your arrival.
//SIGNED//
Evaluator Kurvaall Fin
Initiate Introduction, Symbiosis Commission
//ATTACHMENT// examsched.cal
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Security Level 1 - Open
TO LTJG Mavil, Cyrene CC -- FROM EVLR Fin, Kurvaall SUBJ Docent Assignment |
Doctor Mavil,
It is a pleasure to correspond with you again. And it is a pleasure to see you have managed to relegate your personal life to just that, an amusing hobby. Your renewed focus on your work combined with your test scores has brought the Commission a great deal of satisfaction.
In addition, we are reaching out to secure you a field docent. Your efforts in the Initiate program have made progress and we are certainly willing to reward that in the best possible manner for you: more work. Once we have assigned you a field docent, we will contact you to schedule a period of leave for which to travel to them, including all the details.
Your patience is commendable. Perhaps at some point you may even impress me.
//SIGNED//
Evaluator Kurvall Fin
Evaluator, Trill Symbiosis Commission
2 Likes
"Computer, begin log."
"Evaluator Fin has got it out for me, I think--no. I think he likes me. No. I think he wants to hate me, but he knows I'm working too har--I don't know. I don't even know how I can concentrate on the Symbiosis Commission right now. It's been how long since Ben came back hurt? How long has he been out? Every day he remains unconscious is a day he's slipping further out of reach and all the medical marvels I've learned and nothing, nothing is working."
The room is eerily silent compared to earlier logs still. There's the sound of her taking a sip of something and a hiss, as though that something were likely too hot. "I need to get them to look at my replicator. Everything has the wrong temperature. Coffee is undrinkable. I can drink coffee with a symbiont, right?"
Pause.
"Oh. Yes. I can. So the veterinary texts are essentially the same as my medical texts, dry and boring. Great sleep aids. But the pathology books, those are fascinating. I didn't know there were so many zoological diseases, and what's worse, when you add in the exobiology, and mutations of diseases, things go all cattywampus (like the new word I learned?) in someone or some animal's body."
After talking about zoonotic mutations, Cyrene's voice calms a bit. She takes a few breaths, and it is audible. "I have been contacted about a field docent trial, and trial I'm sure it will be. Someone I may or may not know, judging my every action. This'll be great." She grumbles quietly for a moment. "At least it'll get my mind off Ben for a while..."
"I should go out in public. Computer, end log."
"Evaluator Fin has got it out for me, I think--no. I think he likes me. No. I think he wants to hate me, but he knows I'm working too har--I don't know. I don't even know how I can concentrate on the Symbiosis Commission right now. It's been how long since Ben came back hurt? How long has he been out? Every day he remains unconscious is a day he's slipping further out of reach and all the medical marvels I've learned and nothing, nothing is working."
The room is eerily silent compared to earlier logs still. There's the sound of her taking a sip of something and a hiss, as though that something were likely too hot. "I need to get them to look at my replicator. Everything has the wrong temperature. Coffee is undrinkable. I can drink coffee with a symbiont, right?"
Pause.
"Oh. Yes. I can. So the veterinary texts are essentially the same as my medical texts, dry and boring. Great sleep aids. But the pathology books, those are fascinating. I didn't know there were so many zoological diseases, and what's worse, when you add in the exobiology, and mutations of diseases, things go all cattywampus (like the new word I learned?) in someone or some animal's body."
After talking about zoonotic mutations, Cyrene's voice calms a bit. She takes a few breaths, and it is audible. "I have been contacted about a field docent trial, and trial I'm sure it will be. Someone I may or may not know, judging my every action. This'll be great." She grumbles quietly for a moment. "At least it'll get my mind off Ben for a while..."
"I should go out in public. Computer, end log."
4 Likes
Doctor Mavil, It seems you were able to create a successful enough facade to be acceptable to your docent. I also am under the impression you have put aside any pretense at romantic relationships. I will grant you that this is a wise decision on your part and has improved your standing within the Symbiosis Commission. We approve of candidates who are willing to forgo risky relationships that likely won't survive Symbiosis anyway in order to pursue their goals of excellence. Let me be the first to congratulate you, Doctor. You are at the top of the list for a symbiont. We will have a process to determine which symbiont should be most compatible with you that is likely to become available in the near future. Expect to hear from us regularly until then. //SIGNED// Evaluator Kurvall Fin Evaluator, Trill Symbiosis Commission |
"Personal Log, 95559.2.
I received my approval letter from the Symbiosis Commission today. All the studying, tests, pain, tears... everything. I guess it was worth it. "
There's a shaky sigh, one that sounds like she's repressing tears.
"I can't decide if I should go thank Captain Lyn or avoid her for a while. I want to be her friend, and maybe now that the docent thing is just about over, we can do that again. I haven't forgotten serving under her and appreciating that. I just hope she remembers that when it comes time to deal with me adjusting... Ah well. I haven't all that much to say. I'm excited, but too tired to really think about more than Risa and Joining, now.
Computer, end log."
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Security Level 1 - Open
TO LTJG Mavil, Cyrene CC -- FROM EVLR Fin, Kurvaall SUBJ Docent Assignment |
Doctor Mavil,
I have received news that your fleet has taken shore leave at Risa. R&R is a requirement for some species and individuals, so I cannot fault you for falling into the trap of ordinary enjoyment.
You should, perhaps study, instead. Here are some materials for you to indulge in during your visit to Risa. They are written by our foremost experts on the subject of Joining and integrating personalities. Perhaps those, in addition to the preparations we will give you will lessen the necessary trauma of merging personalities.
Since you were deemed fit for Joining, one can only surmise you will survive the process successfully. This, however, should help.
//SIGNED//
Evaluator Kurvall Fin
Evaluator, Trill Symbiosis Commission
Attachments: psychosisdocs.doc
3 Likes
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Security Level 1 - Open
TO LTJG Mavil, Cyrene CC -- FROM EVLR Fin, Kurvall SUBJ Docent Assignment |
Doctor Mavil,
News has come to me that you have relegated your time on Risa to its proper place, an amusing few hours you have to spare whilst accomplishing your duties, little more. This sort of example will stand you in good stead once you have Joined.
You will find your interest in such mediocre pastimes waning as you find your life filled with the satisfaction of your new existence. Your current lesser situation is a temporary problem, which will, of course, be remedied shortly. You've spent time with the Commission, you've taken the tests. Don't let overconfidence make you fail now.
We can still take it all away.
//SIGNED//
Evaluator Kurvall Fin
Evaluator, Trill Symbiosis Commission
5 Likes
Spoiler: SummonsShow
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Security Level 1 - Open
TO LTJG Mavil, Cyrene CC -- FROM EVLR Fin, Kurvall SUBJ Docent Assignment |
Doctor Mavil,
You are required to depart for the Trill Symbiosis Commission at Stardate 95589.2. We will have a ship waiting for you at Risa. Do not miss it.
Congratulations. We look forward to seeing you.
//SIGNED//
Evaluator Kurvall Fin
Evaluator, Trill Symbiosis Commission
Is this... is this real?
5 Likes