House Call

Posted on Fri Feb 24th, 2017 @ 3:55pm by

5,154 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: New Faces and Terror Beyond
Location: Personal Quarters

BJ sat at a small desk in her quarters with a open metal briefcase near her right elbow that showed a tricorder, two phasers, a PADD and some miscellaneous stuff in it. In front of her was a open folder with several PADDs and isolinear chips in front of her. One PADD had the Security roster on it and another was a crew roster that she was taking her time getting familiar with since the Assistant Chief Medical Officer had basically confined her to quarters for a day.

Xavier was reminded by his preset notifications to check up on the new Chief of Security. He was surprised that she'd actually obeyed his instructions consider she not only outranked him seemed very insistent on getting active again. He left Sickbay with a kit in hand and waited outside her door pressing the chime.

***Door Chime***

"Come in," she called without looking over her shoulder as she switched to a new personnel file. She wore a black and white striped outfit and had her hair worn out and free instead of in a ponytail and a empty glass was on the other side of her terminal.

Xavier walked in and looked around. She didn't waste time setting things up in her new home that's for sure. Then he saw her, she looked incredible, very incredible in fact. "I...I uh, um." Clearly caught off guard by the exquisite view. "Um, check up. Yes, your check up."

BJ laughed when she saw his reaction and came to her feet. "Would you care for a drink?" she asked as she pointed out a round globe which was open to reveal an assortment of bottles. "I have something from every major race that I could get my hands on."

"Thank you." He was about to get off shift anyway. "Something smooth." Xavier couldn't peel his eyes from her. He opened his kit and pulled out his medical tricorder. "Any pains or discomfort?" He asked realising later he pulled out something other than the tricorder because he was distracted.

She walked over to the globe but not before a smirk crossed her lips at the way the handsome doctor was. "Something smooth," she mused as she looked at her selection. She bent over and selected a bottle of Acamarian brandy after a moment and two tumblers. "A bit of discomfort, but I'm nearly used to getting broken bones, torn muscles and being sore all the time."

Now came the next problem, she bent over and Xavier was helpless to not notice. "I'll just need to run a scan to see how things are." He was hoping the micro filaments were holding up, he doubted she'd stay still for long and push herself by what she said, now it was time to see if it had cost her.

BJ stood up again and went back to couch instead of back to her desk and set the drinks on the coffee table. "For the record, I haven't been pushing myself. All I've pulled out of my trunk, briefcase and my bar," she said, knowing he'd see if she had pushed herself.

"In fact, if you could help me, I'd appreciate it if you could get my vectorboard from my case," she said and smiled before she leaned forward to get her drink.

"Sure." He'd scan her afterwards. He grabbed the board and placed it against the sofa gently, it looked technically expensive. "There you go." He picked up his scanner again. "Ok." The scans revealed the filaments had bonded nicely, breaks were healed and showing no signs of instability or deformation, some muscle tenderness but otherwise the leg was doing just fine. "Leg is healing very well, I can't see why you can't resume duties in the morning."

"I doubt I'll be doing much more than meeting the Executive Officer and holding a meeting with Security," BJ said as she leaned back. "And for the record, I think I've just set a record of doing nothing for the past twenty-four hours. Well, other than get a drink or three and read up on files. How long have you been here, Xav?"

"Almost 3 years" Xavier replied putting away his equipment. "I used to treat the Admiral, former Commanding Officer of this ship. A Caitian." One of the few accomplishments of his career. "I'm just the ACMO, Starfleet has yet to appoint a full time CMO so I am just filling in." He took a seat and turned slightly towards her to be social.

"After three years?" she blinked. "That's more than just acting as CMO. You are the CMO for all intents and purposes." She looked his uniform over and nodded at his pips. "You should be running your own department, anyway. You already talked..well, threatened in my point of view, a senior officer into giving up twenty-four hours of her time."

"I used to treat a 517lb Caitian Admiral with the physical strength to tear me limb from limb. Now unless overnight you're going to fit several hundred pounds into that stunn......" He stopped himself. "Unless your going to size match the Admiral, I'm not worried."

"Oh, I'll just stun you," BJ said nonchalantly before she took a drink of her brandy. "It works on Caitians, too. I've seen all kinds of beings come at me, but you have a sneakier approach. I must learn your style, sensei." She gave an almost formal bow to him while still remaining seated.

She would never know the fortitude it took to keep his eyes decent. "Time will teach all." Xavier spoke smiling broadly. "So what brought you to the Dreadnought, not your typical assignment."

"I wanted a challenge," she said as she leaned back, seemingly not paying attention to where his eyes were going. She raised the glass to her lips, her tongue darting out to get a drop of the brandy on the rim. "You know about challenge, right?" she glanced over at him.

"I do indeed." Xavier spoke smiling. "Why, do you intend to become one?" He sipped his drink for the first time and he made himself more comfortable in the chair.

"A Chief of Security has to keep everyone on their toes," BJ said. "That includes certain Medical personnel." She finished her drink and set it on the coffee table. "I doubt you'd be up to that challenge, though." She knew she was baiting him, but it was fun.

"Really. I could, in my medical opinion remember that should you be injured in the future that I shouldn't compromise with a beautiful woman and instead keep her in Sickbay until I deem her fit for release." Xavier returned with a quip of his own.

She laughed, a rich throaty sound and gazed directly at him. "Flattery will not save you, Xav," she said. "And you didn't compromise. You threatened to make it longer if I didn't take twenty-four hours off."

"A threat I can still carry out mind you, there were some strange readings when I scanned you." Xavier chuckled. "No harm in flattery, call it part of my bedside manner."

"Then I'll accept it, but for the record, you did just admit to threatening a senior officer," BJ pointed out. "But I'll overlook that for now. Have you eaten yet?"

"No, but I was thinking about it. What did you have in mind?" Xavier asked actually looking forward to something to eat with her.

"How does a Philly Cheesesteak with sauteed peppers, mushrooms and onions sound?" she asked him. "I have very special seasoning to put on things from the replicator that will blow your tastebuds off. You'll swear it was the real deal. I have have some special dipping sauce for fruit and vegetables, and a spicy salsa if you prefer that."

"Who am I to turn down a meal like that." Xavier spoke. "But I'd like to change if I may, into something a little more comfortable if I may?" He asked, he'd been in the uniform all day and it was starting to get a little stuffy.

"Go ahead," BJ said. "Although you have to bring dessert. Say a half an hour, Xav?"

Xavier quickly headed home to change returning dressed in red silk shirt and black trousers following a much needed shower and a dab of aftershave. He also returned with a caramel frozen icecream slice that had the flavour get stronger the more you eat of it.

He stood outside her door giving himself a final once over with the cold storage container in his right hand.

***Door chime.***

BJ had taken the time to change into a red shirt with a plunging neckline and a pair of black slacks. She had just hung a few pictures by the time the door chimed and she smiled.

"Come in," she called.

Xavier walked in with a warm smile. "Beware the Romans when they bring gifts." He quoted holding out the container which within held the ice cold sweet treat.

"Well, aren't you all nice and sharp," BJ said with an approving glance that took him in from head to toe. "Would you care for a drink before we eat, Xav?"

"Thanks." Xavier did notice she changed herself out of the stunning black and white number. "I would, same again if it's going." He noticed the additional hangings on the walls, pictures and the like but without a doubt the most appealing item in the room was dressed in red and looking incredible.

She accepted the container and looked at it. "Caramel, huh?" she asked. "How did you know that caramel was my second favorite thing in the quadrant?" She stepped aside so he could come in and let the door closed. "Same drink as before or are you feeling a little more adventurous?"

"I'm a Doctor dear, I have my methods at finding out information." Xavier smiled as he stepped in. The doors closed once again sealing the two alone. "Adventurous, I'll take that challenge since apparently someone thinks I can't measure up." Xavier winked at her. Where the hell did that come from? Wondering what made him behave so uncharacteristically.

BJ laughed softly and headed over to the mini bar where she selected two Klingon metal mugs and picked up an opaque bottle. She opened it and filled both mugs which seemed to have smoke coming off of the liquid inside. She capped the bottle, retrieved the mugs and came back to hand him one. "Chech'tluth," she said. "Let's see exactly how you do in that case."

"Klingon beverage." Xavier gently took the mug and sipped the drink, he knew this drink was very potent so paced himself. Didn't stop the wince though as it went down. "Well if that doesn't sterilise everything nothing will." An unusual twist of events but not unwelcome ones in his otherwise boring routine on board.

"jaq loD 'Iv qaD QamchoH," she said, the universal translator interpreting the Klingon into Standard as 'It is a bold man who rises to a challenge.' She moved over to the couch and dropped onto it almost bonelessly. "Come and join me," she offered. "I don't bite...much."

"Oh really...." Xavier smiled as he sat in the chair next to her. It was good to just relax, unwind with someone other than himself and the same old decor that made up his quarters. He may have given her a once over, or twice as he sat and was seated.

"Tell me about yourself, Xav," BJ invited as she made herself comfortable and noted where his eyes kept roaming. She took a sip of her drink and turned her brown eyes on his blue ones.

"Well..." Xavier started, not often he had to talk about himself outside of being a Doctor. "28 years old, only child to Ivan and Susan. I play the Sax, Piano and Flute, I enjoy a good novel every now and then. Always been interested in medicine though I didn't originally intend to join Starfleet but a private practice instead. Father encouraged me to enlist. Previously I was on the Constitution, Vancouver and Outpost 12 before joining the Dreadnought and here I am on the dash B of the same name." Xavier filled in some areas with extra information where needed.

A basic biography, BJ thought, but tucked the information away. "I'm thirty-three, I have a younger brother named Michael. My passions are pilates, Gymnastics, Boxing, reading horror, knife fighting, Krav Maga, Aikido, Anbo Jyutsu and holo photography. I'm also terrified of shuttles and my trip to the ship has only reaffirmed my opinion that people shouldn't fly in anything less than a full sized ship."

"Well you don't get anymore full sized than this one." Xavier played as he took another sip and another wince as it went down. "This will be the third Dreadnought that I have served on."

"Are you talking about the ship or something else?" she asked playfully as he winced again. She took a healthy drink of her own and sighed in satisfaction while she waited for his reaction.

"It will cost you dinner and breakfast to find out." Xavier fired. He could be quick on the mark if the need demanded it, this situation presented such a need.

"Well, I did invite you over for dinner," BJ said with a smirk. She was enjoying the banter and saw that he decided to make a challenge himself. "Breakfast...well, breakfast is something that has yet to be decided. It all depends on how well you survive dessert."

"Oh ye of so little faith." Xavier replied smiling. He knew drinking on an empty stomach was not overly wise, food however would prolong his resistance to the potent brew. "Well, let's have dinner and see who becomes dessert."

She laughed as she set her drink down and came to her feet. "Oh my, you are a bold one. I had no idea that you had your inner beast on a leash. Could you get me my space cabinet out of the trunk, please?" she asked as she headed for the replicator.

"I'm known to surprise, though I think it would look better on you." Letter her think on that as she would. Standing up he went to the trunk and collected the cabinet and carefully placed it on the floor, then closed the trunk again.

Laying near the top of the trunk was a wooden rack that had spices in it with unusual names.

A spice rack, interesting selection. Xavier thought as he looked over them. "Done."

"That'll be the day," BJ said with a laugh as she went to the replicator and began to replicate a wide variety of ingredients and looked over her shoulder. "It would be more helpful if you put it on the table instead of the floor, though."

Xavier smiled and placed it on the table from the floor. "Anything I can help with?" He offered as he looked over the room and her again.

"Are you allergic to anything?" she asked him. So far, she had replicated sirloin steak strips, portabella mushroom caps, green pepper strips, sauteed onions and two Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese hoagie buns all in different bowls.

"Nothing." He replied as he watched off to one side out of the way. The aromas of the food was very flavoursome and they came together very well. "So, where did you learn to cook?" He asked softly sipping the Klingon beverage again.

"Bindoon, Australia," BJ said as she reached for the Bull Shit spice and began to sprinkle it over the steak strips. "I spent almost a full year there after I got out of the Academy and went for SAR training. I got my Level II Emergency Medical Certification there in the EMT course and the Search and Rescue Specialist Course. The last one was a lot of fun. Can you get me some provolone cheese, please?"

He looked round and didn't see anything resembling cheese around. "Where is it?" Wondering if it was in cool storage like most cheeses would be. "So was joining up a choice or pushed into it?" Waiting to be told where the cheese was.

"It was a choice," BJ said. "Toughest eighteen months of my life total, but it was well worth it. Only five people in my class graduated out of one hundred and thirty." She watched him look around and started laughing. "Try the replicator where I got the rest of the ingredients."

"Try the repli...." Xavier sighed like he'd been played. "Try you in a minute..." He grumbled as he walked to the replicator and fetched the cheese she wanted. "Here you go." Placing the plate of cheese next to her ready to use. This close she even smelt good too.

She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. "Thank you, Xav," she said and looked around. "Umm...I hate to ask, but can you see if you can find my knife set in the trunk, please? I need to cut these hoagie rolls in half. You'll know it when you see it."

He didn't have trouble finding it. "Something I should worried about if I get on your bad side?" He asked placing the set next to her within reach. "Counselor will have fun with you if she saw that."

"For what, having a knife set?" BJ asked as she took a medium sized one and quickly cut both hoagies down the center lengthwise and started to scoop out some bread. "As for getting on my bad side, don't. It's not a good idea."

"Would have been interesting seeing you try and stare down the Admiral." Xavier spoke. "Can I set the table or anything?" He offered to take things off her hands that she needed to do."

"Sure, can you get replicate some napkins and plates?" she asked. "I have silverware somewhere in my trunk. These things get messy." She began to assemble the sandwiches after she mixed the seasoning with the meat, laying a generous portion on each.

"Sure." Xavier set the table with plates and napkins, extra napkins if what he saw being made was happening. He didn't know what was to drink so set a wine glass and a regular glass for something else, extra cutlery was also placed in case the foods have wildly different flavours and not wanting to cross contaminate them "All done." As he placed the salt and pepper shakers.

BJ laughed when she saw that he had set the table with ordinary silverware. "That's actually the guest silverware," she said as she went over to the trunk and dug around for a minute before she pulled out a small plastic case and opened it to reveal skeletonware. "This is what I'm used to eating with, but I only have one set at the moment."

"Oh, ok." Xavier replied unaware she had a preference to utensils. He took the set he laid out for her and put it to the side of the table. Certainly an unusual design but who was he to judge on taste.

She set the case of skeletonware on the table by her place and went back to preparing the cheesesteaks. "Did you have any preference for topping? Onion, green pepper, mushroom, extra cheese?"

"Cheese please." He replied keenly watching her work. He could cook but something his style lacked that hers had and he couldn't put his finger on what.

"That's all?" BJ sounded a bit disappointed. "You don't know what you're missing if you don't get the works, Xav. Live a little."

"Life is to be experienced, not rushed. We only have one, besides.....I doubt this will be the only dinner we have so why rush to the top, isn't the journey there far more enjoyable than instant gratification?" Xavier replied to her.

"Remind me that when you finally go for everything," she said as she finished adding the cheese onto his and loaded hers down with onions, green peppers and sauteed mushrooms, then brought the sandwiches to the table. "What do you want to drink with dinner?"

"What would the Chef recommend?" Xavier ask as he walked to the table. The meal looked good, smelt good. He couldn't wait to tuck in but would wait until she was seated and ready.

"For this? A soda will do. It's certainly not wine or anything harder," BJ said as she headed for the replicator and ordered two cold dark bubbling colas and brought them back. "Watch your nose. The bubbles tickle when they pop."

She went back to her side of the table and sat down, watching him like a Terelian Hawk as she reached for her knife and cut the sandwich in half. "I hope you like it. I don't pull out the Bull Shit for just anyone."

"Oh....and what makes me worthy of such an honour?" Waiting till she was seated before sitting himself. The napkin in the lap he also cut the sandwich in half as she had.

"You fixed my arm and leg and didn't confine me to Sickbay," BJ said as she picked up half of her sandwich and took a bite. After she had chewed it and swallowed, she looked back at him with a wink. "Even though you did threaten me."

"Oh come now, you enjoyed having someone stand up to you." Xavier took a bite of his meal, swallowed before he continued. "Besides you like a challenge."

"That wasn't a challenge," she said after taking another bite of her sandwich and a sip of her drink. "That was you throwing your Medical weight around and knowing you could get away with it."

Xavier sighed, she just wasn't going to let it go it seemed. "Listen.." He said softly. "I understand you are new, I understand you want to make your mark, set an impression but on this ship while I fill the role as Acting Chief Medical Officer in matters of health my word is final. I had every right to keep you in Sickbay and you know it and I really want to be picky, technically you have yet to undergo a new arrival examination....."

"Calm down," BJ said. "I'm not out to make a mark here and now, nor was I disputing that you could have done all that in your capacity. I'm just giving you a hard time now. Let's just put that under the rug. Okay?"

"Fine." Xavier smiled but it was obvious he was unhappy at her repeated references about threatening her. He took a bite of the sandwich in front of him. He always viewed himself as a good Doctor, maybe not the best but a good, moral one. He didn't like people especially non medical waltzing into his domain complaining or poking fun.

She reached over and laid a hand on his. "I'm sorry I teased you, Xav. It's not often I take orders from others. I know you have a job to do and you have a damned good bedside manner, too. I won't bring it up again."

"It's ok." Taking hold of her hand. "I'm just...passionate about my job." He didn't tell her that he'd been thinking of reassignment, which prompted his declining Ayla's offer. He's still not made his mind up yet and he knew the Captain was putting pressure on him to do so.

"Well, you do a good job of it," BJ said after she took another bite of her sandwich. "I'm the same way about Security and have a half dozen protocols that I still need to see the Captain or Exec about. What are they like?"

"Captain Ra Havrelli, Efrosian. we are still feeling him out, only recently took over from Admiral S'iraa. He seems logical, thinks things through and acts. Currently Lt.Colonel Frost is Acting First Officer but it's normally Commander Ayla Bawden who recently lost a Daughter, you can't miss her, walking mouse really. She's a passionate one, can be a little headstrong at times but otherwise a good officer." Xavier explained between bites of his meal.

"Did you let them know that I was aboard, but couldn't make it to meet with them?" she asked as she worked on devouring her sandwich.

"I sent them a message after I beamed you here. Informed them you were on medical recovery until the morning." He finished off the last of his sandwich and the meal itself. "That...was very good, I enjoyed it."

"You're welcome," BJ said as she got up to put the empty plates in the recycler. "Thank you for letting them know, Xav. Do you want a glass of something truly special to relax with?"

"You know...that sounds great." Xavier spoke leaning back in his chair to relax while still at the table. "What about you, you having something?"

"Of course I am," she said as she headed for the mini bar. "Why don't you take your boots off and get the ice cream ready while I get some drinks for us?"

"Done." Xavier placed his boots by the door out of the way and opened the cold storage and placed the caramel icecream slice on the table. It even came with a variety of sauces, wafers, toppings and the like to enhance the experience. Xavier felt somewhat daring. Four moderate slices, with all the extras....one large plate to share it on.

BJ poured two glasses with a golden liquid that smelled like plums from a bottle with the label Jelinek Slivovitz Gold and returned to the table. "Oh, that looks really good," she said as she handed him a glass. "No spoons, or are we supposed to smear it all over each other and lick it off?"

"Tempting." He handed over the plate and collected two spoons. "Back." As he sat next to her on the sofa and held the plate again with a napkin and pillow under him to prevent thigh freeze.

She joined him on the couch and sat down beside of him before she reached for a spoon. "This looks amazing. I'm half afraid to eat it and half terrified that I'll be licking the plate before you get two bites.

"I won't hold it against you." Xavier promised. "There is more if you like it that much." It was actually pretty good, full of flavour, rich and creamy.

BJ selected a chocolate sauce for her slice and a wafer broken up on top of it. She took the spoon and dug a bite out with sauce and a bit of wafer and took a bite. Her eyes went wide at the taste and a moan escaped her lips as she let the ice cream melt on her tongue.

"Good huh?" Xavier spoke taking a bite himself. "So does my dessert pass the mark?" Since he was detailed to bring the delicious goodness since BJ cooked dinner.

"That was delicious," she said after she pulled the spoon from her mouth and resisted the urge to lick it. "Incredible! Where did you find that at? That can't be replicated, can it?"

"A good man doesn't reveal all his secrets at once." Xavier spoke as he licked his finger free of the caramel sauce he'd collected on it. A smile on his face as he was enjoying the moment.

BJ gave him a look, then reached to dip her own finger in the sauce and slowly licked it off before she sucked it between her lips and pulled back slowly while her eyes were locked on his. "I guess I can't blame on you on that, but I'd really love to know."

"I'll tell you later, maybe, if you are good." Xavier said as he smiled at her antic but he had to agree it was very good choice for dessert. "Would you like some more?"

"Of course," she said with a wink as she dipped her spoon in the delight once again and took another bite with relish. "Remind me to put a protection detail on you when you transport this stuff. Something so good needs protection."

"But then you would know when I am bringing it, it wouldn't be a surprise." Xavier spoke as he gathered another two slices of the dessert. He returned to the seat next to her. "Here you go." Offering her the plate.

"I had to try," BJ said as she took the plate. "But one of those is yours. I couldn't eat both of them without gaining ten pounds. Just looking at them has put on five pounds."

"I'll work up a diet program for you if you feel its that bad." Xavier joked. "And they are both yours." He smiled, glad that she was enjoying his surprise treat. Xavier was more interested in her than the Icecream

"I know better ways to work off the calories," she said before she ate another bite of the treat. "Far better ways. It's very cardio intensive, too."

"Care to share?" Xavier asked smiling playing innocent while watching her eat.

BJ dipped her finger in caramel sauce and offered it to him with a smile. "Let's start with a taste," she said with a gleam in her eyes.

Taking the hint Xavier leant forward and drew her finger into his mouth and sucked the sauce from it. Even the sauce by itself was divine. His eyes on hers with a mischievous glint to them.

She smiled and slowly pulled her finger back. "Did you like it, Xav?" she asked him with a slightly husky tone in her voice along with a faint accent.

"Always." Xavier smiled broadly. Her voice was angelic, almost to the point where butterflies could be felt.

BJ picked up a few packets of the sauce and reached for his hand with her free one. "Then let's see what else you like," she said.

Curious to see where she was going he gave her his hand. "Go on then."

With a smile, she headed for the bedroom and looked over her shoulder. "Computer, lights out."

There was no hiding the grin on his face, mild surprise, elation, joy but that didn't stop him from following her.

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