Thirty-Six Hours

Posted on Sat Oct 24th, 2026 @ 9:27am by Captain Andre Hunt & Major T'Ria
Edited on on Sun Oct 25th, 2026 @ 9:39am

1,092 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Ashes of Vega Colony
Location: Emergency Triage Area

The huge, designated area that cordon off for emergency medical services was busy with medical staff bringing people in and providing various forms of treatment. Ambulances pulled in and out in heavy rotation, but there still didn't seem like enough people on staff for coming. Doctor Liana Chen rested her tired head in the palms of her hand. It was now thirty-six hours and she was feeling every bit of the time spent out here. Not only was this physically draining, but mentally as well. Reaching over at grabbing the cup of coffee, Liana took a big gulp as she tried shaking off the sleep.

Word going around was the Meridian had arrived in orbit an hour or so ago. Which meant that much welcomed help was due to arrive. After all this time, rescue teams were still digging people out of the rubble. It seemed to be a never ending battle of trying to save lives. Those who did survive this were likely to end up in some sort of long-term treatment due to a number of amputations, she found herself having conduct.

"Starfleet is here," one of the nurses called out.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Doctor Chen made her way over to greet the medical team from the Meridian. Not having a clue on who she was supposed to meet with, she simply called out. "Who is the medical officer in charge?"

The Vulcan doctor stepped forward, her pristine appearance--including not a single hair out of place--was in stark contrast to Doctor Chen's. “I am Major T’Ria. Chief Medical Officer of the Meridian.”

Her eyes moved methodically over the wounded, the medical personnel, and the incoming ambulances as impassively as if she were gazing out upon something utterly mundane. “This facility is operating beyond its sustainable capacity,” T'Ria observed. “How many casualties remain unaccounted for, and what is your current triage priority?”

"Doctor Liana Chen," she introduced herself while looking around. "Didn't really consider this set up to be a facility. Thirty is unaccounted for at this time. The priority is those suffering with life threatening injuries. We're also having a hard time treating those with lung damage due to being close to the site when the explosion took place. We're going through supplies fast as well."

T’Ria regarded Chen for several seconds, then surveyed the surrounding medical staff. The evidence of prolonged exertion was unmistakable: slowed movements, diminished concentration, and increasing reliance on caffeine.

She nodded curtly, as if coming to a decision or plan. “Noted. Supplies will be replenished. Your medical personnel are visibly fatigued,” she stated. “Both yourself and your personnel are approaching the limits of meaningful performance. If you would inform me of the status of all critical patients...” It was not only an observation but acknowledgement of the care the medical staff had provided thus far. However, she was Vulcan - so it was questionable how her statement would land.

Chen considered arguing about their status, but it would have been an obvious lie. "You're right. My staff and I are barely holding on at this point. Walk with me."

The doctor led the Major to an area where injured were in less critical conditions. "This section is for those who have a few bruises, nothing the least bit critical. It's a long wait, but they'll live." Moving over to another section, there was another group that worse off. There were a few moans, but no one looked as if they were facing death. "This group here is more battered and potentially could be facing serious injuries. We look them over the first chance we get. Any questions so far?"

T’Ria listened without interruption, committing Chen’s triage structure to memory. Her eyes moved across the second group of patients, noting the distribution of injuries and, more importantly, the number of personnel available to assess them.

"I do not have any immediate inquiries. Your prioritization is logical. Those with minor injuries can safely remain here. The second group requires reassessment before their condition deteriorates beyond your current capacity to respond."

Although T'Ria's statement was perfectly reasonable, it was her 'cold' Vulcan manner that made much of her commentary sound like some sort of implied critique.

"Shall we proceed, Dr. Chen? Resuscitation and treatment capabilities have just improved exponentially for those injured, however that advantage does not release us from timely reassessments.”

Chen looked at the Vulcan and gave a weak smile. "I'm really happy to have you here. Certain my tired face isn't really showing much gratitude. But it's there."

A nurse approached both doctors. "I'm sorry to interrupt. But we have?" one of the injured who insists that she wishes to speak with you. Claims that she may have seen something. But she is also suffering from a serious head injury."

"Which one is she?"

Pointing over to a woman who had bandage wrapped. "That's the one and she refuses to allow anyone to assist her until she speaks her mind."

Liana sighed in frustration. "We'll head over and speak with her. Thank you." The nurse turned and headed back to assist more patients. "This is part of the craziness going on. Let's see what they want and make this super quick. We don't have time for this."

Pulling out a pin light, Liana approached the patient. "Ma'am can you give me your name?"

"Nadia."

Taking a hold of the woman's head, the doctor shined the light into her eyes. "What's your full name?"

"Nadia Reyes," the woman answered. From her tone she sounded a bit lethargric.

"Well, Miss Nadia Reyes. I'm fairly certain that you have a mild concussion and need to receive an MRI ASAP."

"I need to speak with someone about the man..."

""What about the man?"

"There, there was someone putting some suspiciousssss things," in the tunnel," Nadia spoke. "Itsss all blur right now."

Liana looked over to T'Ria and then back to the woman in front of her. "Honestly in your current state, I can't honestly say that you may have seen something. Let's get that head scanned and then we can assess if you can give a clear statement. The last thing you need is to say that wrong thing and recant at a later time."

Nadia was clearly upset by that response, but in all honesty, she was too weak to fight back. Being directed to a bench, she sat down.

=================
Major T'Ria
Chief Medical Officer
USS Meridian

Doctor Liana Chen (Apb Hunt)
Colony Physician
Vega Colony

Nadia Reyes (Apb Hunt)
Witness

 

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