Braxton hicks, and baby kicks

Posted on Thu Jul 14th, 2022 @ 5:11pm by Callie Marshall & Chief Petty Officer Noah Reed

Mission: S1 Episode 3: Phage
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: Mission Day 1 at 0715
600 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Given the onset of braxton hicks lately, Callie had decided it was better to drop into Sickbay ahead of starting her shift, if only to put her own mind to rest. Making her way to Sickbay she walked in, and made her way across to the nearest nurse, requesting to see whoever was available.

Noah Reed turned off the protoplaser and looked at the temple of the crewman sitting on a biobed. The swelling had subsided and there wouldn’t be much of any bruising as far as he could tell. “There, ensign. You’re all patched up. Next time, duck and then do a right hook on your opponent."

The younger officer nodded, though still frowning about the outcome of the mess hall fight, slid off the biobed and walked out of the ICU.

“Good morning Doctor” Callie offered a smile as she approached next. “I thought I’d put both my, and Troy’s mind at rest. I’ve been experiencing what I hope is Braxton hicks, from what I’ve been reading they’re normal at this stage of pregnancy?”

“Good morning, lieutenant, and yes, they are very normal at this stage but let’s take a look anyway, shall we?” He gestured for her to lay down on the main surgery table in the center of the room and brought up the main wall display, activating the sensors and pulling up her bio-readings. “Besides this, how are things going?”

Callie looked at Noah as she made herself comfortable. “No complaints apart from backache, and swollen ankles!” She grinned. “I just want to be sure everything is okay with my son. He’s been moving regularly, so I’m not worried in that respect.”

“There’s no such thing as too many checkups, although if you come in more than once a day I’ll have to start charging you,” he said with a ready smile. He moved to activate the ceiling-mounted sensors and they obediently began scanning the lieutenant. Reed moved over to the display and shook his head. “Your son is really animated. That’s a great sign. He’ll pop out and be ready to serve the empire.”

Callie couldn’t help but grin at that comment. “Animated is one way of putting it, I’m surprised I’m not covered in bruises from the way he kicks! I take it there’s no sign of him being ready to make an appearance early? I was worried incase he’d decided he was ready.”

Reed glanced at the wall display, his eyes reflecting the light of the monitor for a few moments as he took in all the information given before he shook his head. “Not quite yet, I’m afraid. But don’t worry, as soon as he says he’s ready, he will definitely let you know.” He chuckled softly and gave her a knowing grin.

“Of that I’m sure.” Callie grinned. “I’m not sure whether I feel excited, or terrified.”

“I’m sure that you’re experiencing a healthy combination of both,” the doctor said with a light chuckle. “And that’s perfectly normal for an expectant mother.”

Callie nodded. “It is indeed. I’d best be getting back to work, I don’t want to be late.”

“Oh, of course,” Reed said with a ready smile as he moved to lend her a hand so that she could scoot off of the bed easier. “Let me know if you have any further concerns.”

Callie nodded. “I most certainly will, thanks for all your help Doctor.”

{OFF}