Back in the Saddle

Posted on Sun Jul 26th, 2026 @ 4:46pm by Commander Samantha Howard & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis MD

757 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Sins of the Empire
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: BACKPOST

Dr Samantha Howard was tired. Sickbay had been stretched in every which direction lately and they'd been struggling to cope. She received a message to say that Shon was returning, which brought a smile to her face. Soon she wouldn't have to manage it all on her own.

Turning around in the mirror Shon noticed her body looked more muscular than she would have liked, especially in uniform, "Shas what do you thi..." she called, her voice ringing out into the soft hum of the life support then realising Shasta was on Vulcan with Sage and Seth had already left for his office. Smiling she shrugged and, for the first time in a really, REALLY long time felt ready for whatever the Washington could throw at her.

Saying hello to a couple of people she knew she picked up the pace. Everything looked the same...yet it didn't. The enhanced choroid and fovia of her replaced eye could see certain changes almost like a snowstorm as she focused on the separate particles in the air...... she stopped blinking for a minute until the turbolift door opened. Stepping in she said "Main sickbay." The words sounded good, almost like returning home.

The door to sickbay opened almost silently and there she was, her boss, The indomitable Doctor Samantha Howard. Shon noted the tiredness in her bosses face and he enhanced left ear could hear weary breathing. Hurrying towards her she said "Sam, it's so good to see you but damn woman you need a vacation!" She took Sam in her arms and squeezed, not too hard. "I'm so glad to be back."

Jon had received word the Seth and Shon Travis were returning to duty aboard the Washington and that brought a smile to his face. Seth was an accomplished and skilled diplomat and Shon was atop notch doctor and surgeon who would be a huge help in overseeing Sickbay and giving Sam a break.

Leaving his office he took the life to Sickbay, he wanted to welcome Shon back personally as she and Seth had been greatly missed. Stepping out of the lift he stopped Shon giving Sam a bear hug. Moving swiftly and as silently as possible he came up to stand a few feet behind her. "Got one for me Shon?" The smile in his voice evident at just how happy he was for her to be back.

Shon turned quickly smiled happy to see their second in command and her friend. She gently enfolded him giving him a squeeze working out the correct amount of pressure she could use before she injured him. For a moment she was back on Vulcan working on her arm, the days and weeks it too to...... she pushed it out of her mind. "So happy to see you Jon. We must get together I know Seth was talking about it, he has missed your talks."

She let Sam move them into the office, "I am glad to be back my friend, take some of the strain from you. As you will see I have been cleared physically and mentally." Shon noted the dark rings around her bosses eyes and the lines around her mouth, the droop in her shoulders and the blood on her coat. Get me up to speed you two, obviously things have been difficult?"

"It's good to have you back Shon" Sam started, ushering them back into her office. The rest of her staff were finishing up patching up the Kllngons, leaving Sam to do the paperwork and record keeping. A smear of blood stained her uniform, who's it was she wasn't sure, but sickbay was going to need a thorough cleaning after this.

"Difficult? No just the usual chaos that seems to haunt this ship." Sam retorted with the ghost of a smile. "We've been shott staffed and very busy" she continued, motioning to the crowded sickbay and mountain of padds waiting. "Very...busy"

Jon gave a smile that lit up the room. He hugged Shon back. "Shon, it is so good to see you, to hear your voice. You have been greatly missed and I would like us to get together. Perhaps have dinner and nice conversation."

The three of them shared a hug "Drop by tomorrow maybe and we'll have a proper chat? I still need to finish up these reports for the Captain" Sam apologised, motioning towards the mountain of padds on her desk. "I'll catch up with you then, excuse me" She turned and headed back to her office.

OFF

 

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