Doc, help me sleep

Posted on Sun Apr 17th, 2022 @ 9:09am by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton

Mission: Free write
Location: Sick bay

Xavier walked into the sickbay along with Tony, for some reason, she figured he wouldn't go there on his own, so here they were, it was something he had been hesitant since admitting the issue, although, he knew he should have a long time ago.

"Hi RJ." tony said. "Do you have a minute. I would like to consult with you on a patient."

"Always have time for a collegue." Milton said from his checking of the calibration of the Biobed. "Hello Captain, should I pour the tea?" He referred to the pot of fresh tea he brewed on a regular basis in his office. "WE would be more comfortable and ... private consultation rather than the Open Sick Bay?"

"Private please." Tony said softly. "And I think we could all use a cup of tea."

"This way." Milton lead them into his office and gesture to the two chairs across from him; he went to the pot of tea in a tray with four settings. Removing one he brought the others around and placed cups infront of the two guests.

"Door close." He instructed and made sure it was seal before he spoke.

"SO what can I help with that is binding up the Captain? Milton said as he glanced up. "My predessor had some reconds and Knowing Commander SToffel's background I could make a few guesses. " HE nod. "But best to get from the source and then see what I can do?

'He is not sleeping well." Tony said when they were alone. "And even when he does he has nightmares." She looked at Xavier to tell the doctor more.

"Started halfway into my previous posting. Dealt with everything from the death of 2/3rds of the crew, my father massacaring innocents. I'm seeing those of the dead when I close my eyes, not just when I sleep. Every time I blink. Seeing scorched bodies of massacres caused by my father. Images of friends as their insides boil yet unable sedate or remove the pain medically. In the dreams their faces are replaced by this crew."

Milton sat back in his chair to contemplate this for a second or two.

"I have had Post Dominion War patients with severe PTSD; Post Tramatic STress Disorder, and had to use ant-depressants and such prescribed by Counslors." Milton explained. "No medical reason why they feel what they do and react uniquely to the stress. The medicines helped slow the brain from a biochemical means but dulled a little." He look at the Captain thoughtfully. "Medical science can aid the symptoms but not likely cure them.

He lean forward and put the cup on the desk.

"A Captain needs to be sharp and the medicines might take away his edge, I can recommenda vitamin and medicine to adjust the biological effects to a degree; the fatigue and maybe a Melatonan sleep aid that is not addicting nor too strong. That will keep you functional but will not solve the root Problem... He sat back again. "That will take trusting Tony and a little bit of a forgotten cure... some magic that I know is around you."

Tony had kept her face completely impassive. But it was even worse then she had guessed. The memories of his father were coming back as well and they had been as good as gone when they stopped working together. She knew they had their work cut out for them. But first he had to be in a state in which he had energy enough to heal. She was a little peeved that Milton was talking about drugs before consulting with her first. But maybe he was not used to working with counsellors who were allowed to prescribe meds. Most weren't as they had been trained as therapists or psychologitst. But she had gone to Oxford and done a medical degree in psychiatry. Still for officers on active duty medication was a last ditch solution.

"And that would be, RJ?"

Love is said to be the strongest magic; people caring enough to take a part of the burden you have. Drugs will not really cure the mind and that is what runs the body, Drink some Lavender tea, snuggle someplace warm can do a good turn but what will help is the Magic of Family; both blood and chosen. No man in an island; You have two women that would do anything for you; I know that a Betazoid can be helpful in more ways than one." He glanced to Stoffels. "You have a trusted person to talk to.

Milton look at the two.


"We all have Demons to face and we can face them alone, but having pure loving hearts with us and friends that will not back away from us in times like this is what makes the magic to deal with any Demon past or present." He shrugged. "I can give you vitamins and things to help yo physically, and will work with Tony to keep your body as healhy as I can until you really face this demon that haunts you Captain. Tony is some of the best medicine for helping you if you trust her enough. May sound strange but I believe in a healthy mind body and soul; if one is weak we can build up the others until all are balanced." He nod. "I can keep a dialoged with Tony and support her lead in this and help keep your body healthy during the process, I do not want to dull your mind but balance you biochemistry for best results and a clearer mind and body."

He explained.

The Melatonan is to promote an essential sleep hormone that sends signals to your brain when it’s time to sleep, wake, and eat. Shown to help regulate your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), melatonin can help regulate your body temperature and other important hormones needed to fall asleep soundly. Most Sleep aids are artificial and fight the natural process that is why I thought a low dose of Melatonin as it is a natural supplement."

Tony nodded her head agreeing with the doctor. She hoped melonin would do the trick. But like him she preferred not to use heavier meds if it was not needed. and this might just give Xavier the edge to relax a little and be able to open up to her. The fact that she had told RJ more about the waking nightmares than he had done her had stung but she was not going to show either of the men. She would just have to work harder to regain his confidence.

Xavier looked to Tony, "My fathers memories came back within the past year, when we came back, i looked on more allegations, they have looked into the death of my mother... upon request of her family. There is evidence that she did not take her own life as my father indicated. I didn't really want you to start thinking your time with me as pointless. Tal doesn't even know those memories are back."

Inwardly she groaned but again showed no sign of it. "Maybe we can do a few family sessions as well." She said softly. "You have taken an important step today, by telling us the full extent of the problem. Now we can start healing you."

"So Doc, am I still fit to command." Xavier had to ask... "As your professional opinion..."

Rutherford took out his tricorder and ran a scan of the Captain almost casually.

"Physically I could run a scan to determine; but my Gut tells me that can wait and the scan shows Concentrations of lactic acid and lactate dehydrogenase.
The increase of some biochemical variables leads to increases in muscular acidosisthat in turn decreases the physiological abilities of muscles and induces fatigue. Your levels are at a point similar to an anthlete after a marathon. You need sleep and recouperation naturally. But not where I would call you physically inhibited as yet."


He looed between them while putting his tricorder away.


"Commander Stoffels has not put in any concern other than you need sleep, I am inclined to 'observe' for now and work on helping you. Neither you nor Tony seem all that energetic right now but no signs yet that concern me. I might drop by the bridge once in a while for conversation." He mentioned. "Nothing that would be disruptive, and then I can more effectively evaluate the situation." He nod. "Your Command Status will not be revoked at this time but I will have to start evaluating that status in the near future, after we try a few things to get you some kind of rest and recuperation. I will say once off regular duty you are under medical order to R-e-l-a-x in any way possible." He said slowly. "No extended shifts or hours on paperwork mulling in a Ready Room, if needed I will confine you to quarters in between shifts should you not heed my prescription Captain. The safety of the ship is my concern as well as your health at this point."

"I will take over your paperwork, sir." Tony said. "So you can just concentrate on relaxing and getting the nightmares under control. Once you have rested a bit more we will start the serious work. I have pulled you through once and I can do it again." Although she had no idea where to find the extra hours of paperwork. Less sleep for her most likely. Thankfully the doctor did not know how tired she was.

"I will keep the paperwork, there is a lot of time on shift to do said paperwork, its not all center seat, Commander, however I will go over the paperwork with you so you can learn when the time is needed."

"Yes sir, I would appreciate that." Tony smiled. She was really starting to like the way he was teaching her. He was a very good teacher.

"Are we all done here." He asked as he looked to the doctor then to Tony.

"I think I should lay off the therapy for a few days to give the captain a chance to rest, do you agree doc?" Tony asked.

"The key word is rest." Milton nod. "Aside from that I think most of your recovery will be done with Tony; I can heal the ody but the Brain runs the body and needs to be maintained before the Physical domino effects can be cured."

" that's going to be a first... resting."

"How about you take 24 hours off. "Tony said. "Do fun stuff relax, make the women take it off as well. And after that you and I get started."

"Fine." Xavier replied as he paused.

"Good. Now go! I will take care of your ship!" She made it sound like an order.

"Aye sir."

OFF

Commander Antonia 'Tony' Stoffels
First Officer

&

Captain Xavier Carey
Commanding Officer


&

Lieutennt Rutherford Milton
Chief Medical Officer