Renovations

Posted on Wednesday 25 July 2018 @ 21:22 by 1st Lieutenant Cara O'Reilly MD

Mission: Shoreleave
Location: USS Merlin - Sickbay
Timeline: Current
673 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

“No no. The CMO's Office should be here where the old Isolation/Observation Chamber was and three of the walls should be transparent so he has a view of both suites but can be darkened when he wants privacy,” Cara said, pointing to the floor plans on the large PADD that she and one of the base's Engineers were looking at.

Both stood in the middle of Merlin's old Sickbay. Around them were members of the Base's Engineering staff working, feverishly, to rip out the old rusting walls, floor and ceiling, old lighting and equipment and demolishing the old Nurses' Station, Isolation/Observation Chamber and the CMO's Office.

“Ahhh....I see what you're saying,” the Commander said with a nod. “That makes more sense.” He made a quick change in the illustration and moved to another screen. “OK. Now. The Nurses' Station.”

Cara looked around the noisy area and moved over to what used to be the Emergency Surgical Chamber and opened her arms. “Here,” she said. “So the nurses can view both sides of Sickbay.”

The Commander made a notation on the main diagram then switched to another screen and the rough drawing Cara had provided. He moved over to the area and gestured as though he were seeing the finished product. “Semi circle desk and counter from here to...here. Back wall. Lots of visual aids installed on the wall....emergency comm system.” He moved to a spot that wasn't quite accessible yet, said “excuse me” to a worker and said, “secured Medicine Room,” then glanced up at Cara for confirmation.

Cara nodded. “With a pharmaceutical replicator,” she added.

“Right. And in this space behind the Medicine Room you want the reception area for both sides of Sickbay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Cara said and joined him pointing to the diagram. “The Receptionist Desk here and this area will be the waiting area for non emergency patients with access to both sides of Sickbay.”

“Gotcha,” the Commander said and moved back to the wall that, currently, separated the two sides of Sickbay. “This wall comes down, right?” he asked.

“Yes,” Cara said, joining him. “And so will that one,” she points to the one that separated the small lab and patient areas. “Since the lab is being expanded and moved out of Sickbay we can utilize the space for patient cubicles. This will be the B Suite and will be for non-emergency patients and those moved out of the ER,” she thumbed to the area behind them, “when they are stabilized.”

“OK....so that's these cubicles?” he asked, showing her the illustration.

“Yes. The more technically elaborate ones will go in the A Suite,” she confirmed.

“And that's 12,” the Commander said more to himself than to her.

“Yes,” Cara said with a nod as she dodged a worker carrying a container of debris.

The Commander made a few quick notes then looked around. “Quite an upgrade,” he said. “It will take us working day and night to make the due date but I don't foresee any problems. Most of the upgraded equipment was ordered as soon as we got your list a week before you guys arrived so it is already on its way and should be here within the week. Two at the most.”

“Excellent, Commander,” Cara said with a sigh of relief and a grin. “Main thing is....lots of chrome and clear acrylic. I want to get away from the depressing gray metal.”

“I promise to make your baby sparkle, Dr. O'Reilly,” the Commander said. “Now....if you will excuse me I need to get to work on updating this rendering.”

“Yes. Of course. Thank you,” Cara said and shook the Commander's hand. When he had left she turned and looked around her, picturing the end product. She smiled and gave an approving nod then left. It was time for a cup of coffee and she had been looking forward to trying out the new coffee bistro on the base's Promenade.

OFF

Dr. Cara O'Reilly
ACMO
USS Merlin