Graeme Cook

I'm impressed with myself in my own sims they are coming on and have all of you to thank for reading, writing with and learning! Thank you for this opportunity! Congratulations to everyone a lot of well deserved rewards!!

Wow well done to you all well deserved!! Congratulations!

Wow a year has flown by thank you everyone for making this fun in and out of character! Congratulations to everyone's milestones!! With many more to come!!

Well done everyone who won those snappy awards, well deserved!! Check all those winners! Come on the Darwin crew!! 😜😀

Well done to you all in your awards won! I'm so happy to be part of such an amazing community especially since it has such a diverse and amazing people!

Hi any chance of this being moved rounds as I'm on my phone and it selected round 9 rather than 16. Thanks 😀

((Nicu Icavoc’s Quarters, Deck 7 - USS Darwin-A)) ::Maybe it was because Nicu Icavoc was already in an uncharacteristically bad mood that he decided to put the doctor on the spot. Maybe he wanted to understand what sort of knowledge the medical team were working with and how much support he could realistically expect from him. He watched Graeme closely looking for any signs of nervousness as he answered his question.:: Icavoc: Tell me Doctor, what exactly do you know about Dokkaran medicine? Cook: I know enough to know that most our drugs have no effect on your kind that's why we have a small amount of special analgesic in a hypo spray as I already said nothing is effective. I know your bones are called bone-wood and is a lot stronger than my bones. I could go on about your flesh being leaves that give the effect of flesh, I think the best medicine for the Dokkaran is ummm ::Pausing:: Ceata's soil... I hope I said it right? I also have learned that you are very similar to plants except you don't require sunlight but operate on a modified version of the Calvin Cycle or the Calvin-Benson cycle, where carbon dioxide is captured in a cycle of reactions, if I'm correct there are three stages, stage 1, the enzyme Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase or RuBisCO for short incorporates carbon dioxide into an organic molecule, 3-Phosphoglyceric acid or 3-PGA. ::Taking a large breath and smiling at Nicu:: Then in stage 2, the organic molecule is reduced using electrons supplied by Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphat or again NADPH for short. Lastly I n stage 3, Ribulose Biphosphate or RuBP, the molecule that starts the cycle, is regenerated so that the cycle can then continue. ::As a scientist and one who put a lot of value in knowledge Nicu Icavoc was impressed. Graeme had indulge his question and provided a smattering of facts the illustrated the range and depth of his knowledge. It did much to restore his confidence and reassure him of the quality care he could expect. In his long years with Starfleet few had ever been allowed to study Dokkaran physiology because of The Council of Elders had determined it in the species best interests not to allow those who didn’t sufficiently understand themselves to study his race in detail. Though Ceata was aligned with the Federation, the species was young and they were not fully fledged members. Years of diplomatic interactions had strengthened the Dokkaran understanding other the greater galactic universe and in turn they learned of his kind. There was a certain harmony about it that he appreciated.:: Icavoc: Very good. You may proceed. ::In a more friendly manner:: ::Nicu watched as the doctor unwrapped the bandages and inspected his wound. Even a few weeks on he was struggling with the reality of it. Sometimes he would wake up and forget his hand was no longer there. He would reach out to pick something up only to see not a hand but a useless stump. Much of the leafy flesh on his arm was discolored brown. His attention was drawn to the doctor as he spontaneously laughed. Nicu Icavoc could see no obvious reason for it and wondered what he was thinking about.:: Icavoc: ::With curiosity:: What’s amusing? Cook: I'm just going over things in my head and I laughed because I secretly complimented Isabel Pond on her work. I want to run some tests on your arm as in the amputated one I want to find and extract cells and run tests on them to help in aid you growing and replacing your arm. But I won't lie it's not going to be easy I will need to discuss this with Miss Pond and if she agrees I will speak to the capt… Or Maxwell Traenor... What do you think? Icavoc: I think we should take things one step at a time but I appreciate the support. I haven’t seen any new growth yet, however I am afraid the best case scenario for regrowing the limb naturally will take years. ::Their species was extremely long lived and were strong of body and mind. When they were injured they more often than not could repair the damage but it took a significant time. His soil was as close to Ceata as could be but it was still not home soil. The lights in his room simulated natural light as closely as they could and though he had them burning quite brightly for the time being to support his recovery, they could never quite be as good as natural light. His recovered was hampered by his circumstances right from the start.:: Cook: I have one more thing I would like to ask you... I feel a visit from Mr Scudder to help you I read that he was by your side more or less through the whole ordeal I shall request that he pays a visit? ::Paul Scudder was a newcomer to the Darwin but already he had been of great support to him. He had found he could confide in the counselor, he had helped him deal with overwhelming emotions that had gripped him and nearly prevented him from accepting life saving surgery. He felt a follow up discussion with the man might be incredibly beneficial in helping him come to terms with his new reality and move on with his life in a productive manner.:: Icavoc: Please. I would like that. ::Doctor Cook examined his stump and changed the dressing. They discussed the situation a little further with Nicu Icavoc’s manner being more calm and relaxed now that his confidence was restored. The Scot genuinely seemed to think there was potential to come up with a long term solution but what he would need to talk about was his immediate future. Were it not for the fact Graeme Cook was needed elsewhere very soon they could probably have got into it more.:: Cook: Well Nicu Icavoc my work is done here for now with your decisions I will strive to make them work. It was finally good to meet you. My door is always open even if it's for a chat and a drink! Icavoc: Thank you Graeme Cook. It is a pleasure to meet you. Take care. PNPC LtCmdr Icavoc - Acting Chief of Security and Tactical Fleet Captain Renos - Commanding Officer, USS Darwin NCC-99312-A * Executive Council & Captain's Council Member * Academy Commandant A238805EB0

((Planet PR-652, Pouiyeog Region)) Varaan: We should get going. If we hurry we can catch up to Jorey and R'Ven. Cook: What did...you.......::confused:: What did you just do? Varaan: I simply stopped the drone's autonomic functions. We should move. Cook: ::raising the tone of his voice, in a shocking but very concerned way:: You did what?? Varaan: "An end to pain and suffering," "Death is preferable to agony." Are there any other Human sayings that I have missed? Doctor, you have taken an oath to do no harm which, I assume, includes killing someone. While I applaud and support that, I have taken no such oath. The drone was in pain, and you said that nothing could be done to rectify the situation. I ended the drone's pain. Now, shall we go? Cook: You....You...numbskull....that drone ::gritting his teeth:: WAS not in pain........ He,she ....it...what ever it was. The nervous system was completely crushed and the nerve endings were destroyed to the point it was numb! I can tell you it was not in pain! You can't go putting thing out of its misery on... Well....One when it wasn't necessary! Two I could have put the drone to sleep and it would have died of its wounds anyways like a putting a dog to sleep! Three.....it wasn't necessary! ::The calmness of Varaan's response was a striking counterpoint to Cook's outburst.:: Varran: "It" was a she, doctor. During the meld our two minds were joined. I could hear her thoughts, and feel her emotions. Regardless of what your tricorder was telling you, I can tell you that she was feeling pain. Logic would say... Cook: I couldn't care if it was the "logical" thing to do. You are not a god, you cannot just extinguish a life at your say so. That makes you just as bad as the Borg! How do I write my report on this?? ::Varaan was confused. Doctor Cook seemed to he furious with Varaan's decision. Yet wasn't a doctor's primary purpose to end disease and cure illness, and whenever and wherever possible to make their patients feel better, even if they could not make them well? Cook had stated that he could not rectify the situation. Had he lied to Varaan? Was there a chance that the drone could have been saved, and that was why Cook was angry?:: ::Varaan doubted that assumption. From everything he knew of the doctor, Cook was an honest man, a man of principles and a man of compassion. He had dedicated his life to helping others through medical means. If there was a way to save the drone, Varaan was sure that Cook would have either thought of it or done it. So why was he so upset at Varaan? The Vulcan had done exactly what was needed.:: Varaan: Doctor, the meld acted in the same way as your analogy of sedating and putting an animal to sleep. She felt nothing when she died. I only accelerated the process for our protection. Should other drones arrive while she was still alive, they may have been able to extract information about us from her. Our position would then be compromised. ::Varaan was not human, but he had spent much of his life around humans, and other emotionally-driven species. Granted, he was no expert, but he had thought that after so many decades of exposure to them, and interaction with them, that he had a good grasp of human responses to different situations. After Cook's outburst, perhaps Varaan needed to reassess that evaluation. It didn't fit with the established results Varaan had experienced up to this point.:: ::Cook was a good man, a most efficient medical practitioner, and a valued and well-liked member of the Darwin crew. This particular incident between him and Varaan could possibly affect future interactions between the two. Actually, there was a 98.75% chance that it would affect future interactions, and in an adverse way. It was never good for crew morale, which of course affected efficiency, to have a pair of officers who could not get along. Varaan did not have a problem with Cook, nor with the actions that he himself had taken regarding the Borg drone. Cook, though, did have a problem with Varaan's actions. How could this problem be resolved?:: ::Should Varaan apologize for his actions with the drone? It would be disingenuous, of course, since Varaan was not sorry for what he had done. Would Cook be aware of this, and the problem be expanded? Or would Cook see it as a form of peace offering, possibly paving the way for a renewed working relationship between the two? Could this ever be "forgiven and forgotten?" And if it was Cook who had the problem, should it even be Varaan who tried to resolve the situation?:: ::Before Varaan could finish crunching the numbers of all the different permutations and possible scenarios, the doctor moved to the Borg's head and crouched down. He placed his hand on the drone's forehead and ran his hand down over its open eye. As he removed his hand the eye was closed, giving the appearance of peaceful slumber. Cook then stood up and turned to Varaan.:: Cook: Commander I must apologize for my outburst. However I guess you won't see it from my point of view. Varaan: On the contrary, doctor, I look at each situation from every point of view. I then weigh the positives and negatives, and analyze possible outcomes for future repercussions... ::Varaan realized that this was exactly the kind of response a human would expect from a Vulcan, and that Cook most likely wasn't exactly listening. He stopped and reassessed his response. Trying a different tact, he continued.:: Varaan: Doctor, I will accept your apology if you accept mine. I made what humans would consider a snap decision, even though there was much thought put into it, but did not realize how it would affect you. I will have to live with the consequences of my actions, but you should not. I will, in the future, consult with you and defer to you in all matters of a medical nature, and not take any action without your express consent. Is this acceptable? Cook: response ::With the situation as settled as it was going to be at this time and in this place, the two of them set out after Jorey and R'Ven. It was only Varaan's attention to detail that allowed them to follow Jorey's almost expert ability to their trail. Soon the doctor and the engineer were at the crest of a large furrow created by the forced deceleration of a spacecraft when it contacts a planet's surface. Their target was the Central Plexus, located at the far terminus of the furrow. Varaan pointed out the dozen or so Borg drones aimlessly patrolling the area around the large wreckage.:: Varaan: Since I do not see any sign of Jorey or R'Ven, and the drones do not seem to be on any kind of alerted behaviour, it is possible that the rest of our away team is already inside. Let us proceed. ::They continued along the near edge of the furrow towards the massive wreckage, taking care to make as little noise as possible so as not to alert the Borg patrols. Suddenly Varaan grabbed Cook's shoulder and pushed him down to a crouched position, pointing to a dark cloud rising from the wreckage ahead. It had a metallic sheen to it as it rose to approximately 15 meters above the wreckage, then stopped and "hovered.":: Varaan: Doctor, what do you think that is? ::Varaan hoped that Cook would be able to get some more definitive readings from his tricorder than from what he could get from his Vulcan eyes. Varaan kept his phaser rifle out and generally aimed in the direction of the cloud without actually pointing it there. The cloud did not seem to act like an actual cloud, and if there was any chance that it was aware of its surroundings, Varaan did not want to provoke it.:: Cook: response Varaan: ::tapping his combadge:: =^=Varaan to Jorey and R'Ven. Doctor Cook and I are on the ridge roughly 20 meters from the wreckage. Can you communicate?=^= Jorey/R'Ven: response --------------------------- Lt. Cmdr. Varaan Chief Engineering Officer USS Darwin-A, NCC-99312-A Serial: V237810V10

((Transporter Room, Deck 9 , USS Darwin-A)) ::Today was a day of mixed emotions. Lyna Namid was leaving the place she had called home since Sicarian agents had sntched her from her homeworld many months ago. She had once been so afraid of aliens she had been too afraid to leave the shelter of the Darwin to make the intimidatingly long journey home. Aliens still made her nervous from time to time, especially ones she hadn’t met but nowadays it was rooted more in a fear of offending them than an inbred dislike of them as it had been initially. She was excited to have this opportunity to spread her wings but it was tinged with sadness.:: ::Unexpectedly, the xenophobic Ash’lie had grown to see beyond her people’s prejudices. She saw value in these new people she had met even if she was still a pacifist at heart and did not agree with all she had seen and heard of. Many of these species histories had been plagued with wars and as much as she wanted to guide them away from violent tendencies she knew she did not have the influence. Perhaps this role as a diplomat would allow her to become an Ambassador for her people and someday have the influence to encourage different approaches to problems.:: ::There was one person above all else she would miss. Her feelings for him had grown in unexpected ways. Last night talking to Graeme about cross-species relations and realising the fact they were different species didn’t have to be a barrier had brought those feelings into sharp focus. Graeme was the most wonderful, kind man she had ever met. He had treated her better than anyone among her own people. Happiness filled her as he finished saying goodbye to Lyldra and approached her as well as sorrow in knowing they would not see each other again for some months.:: Cook: ::In a hesitant voice:: Hey I just wanted to say I had an amazing time last night! Here I want you to have this take it with you. ::Last night had been one of the true highlights of her time on the Darwin. Being in love and feeling loved was something she hadn’t experienced before - at least not like this. This was different to the familial bonds she had back home. She looked at the gift and gratefully received it - a wonderful light blue blanket with green squares and straight red lines crossing through them. It was soft to touch and Lyna was delighted to have such a practical gift. Hopefully where they were going she wouldn’t need it but it warmed her heart to know Graeme was thinking about her comfort. Every time she looked at it or held it she’d think of him and the great times they’d shared.:: Lyna: Thank you ‘mynameisGraeme’ ::With playful nudge:: I had a great time too and thank you for the beautiful blanket. Cook: I'm nae good at this goodbye malarkey! ::As Graeme choked up with emotion Lyna saw how much this meant to him. It was difficult to leave but easier on her being the one who had agreed to it. She couldn’t miss this chance to become a contributing member of the Federation. If everything worked out like she wanted she would be able to continue seeing Graeme regularly after the trip to Earth. Otherwise she would have to beg Captain Renos to let her return to the Darwin. The androgynous commanding officer had been beyond accommodating to her and she was always mindful of and grateful for it.:: Cook: I know it's not forever but it will feel like it! Lyna: The time will fly by Graeme as we will both be so busy. ::Lyna had often had to wait weeks at a time sometimes to be able to spend time with Graeme because his work kept him so busy. At first she had not understood this because the crafting professions she was familiar with operated in a considerably more relaxed fashion. In time she had come to understand how things on the ship work and just as importantly, why things were so. Now she would not be constantly available to him whenever he had the time to visit. It would be strange being around so many strangers, with Lyldra being the only familiar face. Graeme pulled her into a strong embrace. She felt safe in his arms and started to well up with emotion too - this was it. After she transported over to the Endeavour she wouldn’t see him again for a long time. She squeezed him tighter, wanting to make the moment last as long as reasonably possible.:: Cook: I will miss you. ::Her ears were highly sensitive and as he whispered in one, he could feel his breath tickling her skin, making her grin. :: Lyna: ::Whispering back:: And I will miss you. I wish you could come with me… don’t say it, I understand now. Your duty is here. ::Lyna released her grip of him as he let her go and took her hand. They looked into each other’s eyes, enjoying a brief moment of silent understanding.:: Cook: I will video message you when I can. As I know you and I will be busy..... ::As Lyna saw the tears start to fall she had to struggle to hold back her own. She was a sensitive, emotional soul, prone to tears and did not want to be engulfed by the sadness she felt over leaving Graeme behind. To get through the next few months without him she needed to remember and focus on the positives because the tasks ahead would not be easy, the training would be intense.:: Lyna: Don’t be sad Graeme. ::Touching his cheek:: We will see each other before we realise any time has passed. Lyldra: ::She looked to Lyna:: Are you ready. ::Lyna glanced over to Lyldra, suddenly feeling guilty for keeping her waiting. The Bolian had a number of people who wanted to bid her farewell but the petite Ash’lie by comparison knew very few of the crew and was close to very few of those.:: Cook: Look after each other.......... Don't forget my stick of rock ::He burst out with a sobbing laugh that broke Lyna’s heart. She didn’t get the joke but there was classic Graeme - trying to see the lighter side of life even when he was feeling down. She had such tremendous admiration of him for his strength and endlessly fun loving personality. She stepped onto the transporter pad near Lyldra and when she looked back to Graeme he seemed a little more composed. The floodgates that were holding back her own tears were starting to crack. She knew that as soon as she transported to the Endeavour the reality of leaving Graeme behind would it her full force and she would probably end up crying it out of her system.:: Lyldra: Fare Tidings to you all. Until the next time I see you all again. Anyone: response ::Cook looked at Lyna and mimed the words I'll miss you.:: Lyldra: Enginerize. ::Lyna felt a very slight, strange sensation as she was engulfed completely by blue light. This was still a new experience to her for there were only a very small handful of time she had used the transporters. She patted her stomach, hips and thighs on rematerialisation as she found to her immense relief and awe that she was still very much in one piece. She nervously shuffled a little closer together a someone approached - she presumed they would show the pair to their temporary quarters.:: PNPC Lyna Namid - Trainee Diplomat Simmed by:- Fleet Captain Renos - Commanding Officer, USS Darwin NCC-99312-A * Executive Council & Captain's Council Member * Cadet Steward A238805EB0

((Deck 6, VIP quarters)) :: They still hadn’t told her why her room was bathed in a sickly yellow glow. Probably because she’d been so intent in trying to escape this ghastly place. She wasn’t ready to drop the idea of borrowing a shuttle yet because no one had yet ruled it out as a possibility and now her hopes of returning home were pinned on it. :: Lyna: What is this yellow alert? Cook: It could be for any number of reasons. The ship has possibly come into contact with something and everyone is to be ready for a crises. :: All the more reason for her to get out of here then. She hadn’t forgotten about the Borg. If she had any idea about who they were or what they did she’d soon realise they were much much worse than she could possibly imagine. Ash’lie had been very fortunate in having so little contact with other species that they’d not suffered the wars and losses Federation worlds had. :: Lyna: ::Looking at him with big, round, pleading eyes:: Graeme, you pilot the shuttle and take me home. Then everyone is happy and you can return the shuttle after. I am certain my people will reward you well. :: Even Lyna could see how uncomfortable Graeme appeared. His speech became broken as he stuttered and with his head hung low, he looked off to the side. She could tell even before he’d said it that he would not help her. Her already low mood shifted again and she felt even more tired, listless and helpless than before. She was really beginning to regret her decision to remain here a little longer. Perhaps if she’d had more time to think about it, rather than having to rush to reach a decision she would have overcome her fear and made the decision to leave. Now she feared she may be stuck here for an extended time. She hadn’t realised how lonely and bored she would be here. :: Cook: I....I... I can't. As much as I want to see you returned home I have a duty. My duty is to everyone aboard this ship. ::Looking back at her.:: I don't want a reward. My reward is seeing you well and recovered. Lyna: I am well and recovered. I’m ready to go home. Cook: You are still recovering...... ::Looking away again.:: but I have to get back to sick bay I have a duty to keep. I promise you Lyna I will look after you! :: His intentions seemed sincere but Lyna did not believe she needed looking after any longer. In fact she was beginning to wonder if Graeme and perhaps everyone here was delusional. They certainly didn’t seem to be able to agree about things and it made her wonder who would get their way and what would happen to her. :: Lyna: Don’t let me keep you from your duty. :: The warmth and friendliness she’d had for him before was diminished now. She wondered how much longer she would have to remain here and what this impending crisis was. Would anyone talk to her about it? What was she expected to do in an emergency? :: Cook: I will personally speak to the Captain about what was said before. When I don't know as ne will be extremely busy as we speak. :: No promises then. Not that Lyna expecting anything to come of this any more. Graeme had shown himself strongly against the idea and had rejected her suggestion to allay his concerns. He had driven her guest out in the process. Now she was to be left alone again having not had the chance to ask any of the questions she had. :: Lyna: Of course. The Captain is too busy. Maybe it would be best for you not to trouble yourself with the matter further then. ::The corners of her mouth turned down and she looked to the floor:: ::The small, scared woman didn’t know what to think any more. He felt confused, exhausted and anxious about everything. Her concerns were colouring her view of the situation and people involved to the point she didn’t know whether she had made the right choice in trusting Doctor Cook. Maybe her initial assessment about aliens had been right, maybe her people were right to shun them all so. What was she to think for a moment that maybe she’d discovered something worthy about them that they hadn’t seen before. :: Cook: Before I go if you need anything just say 'computer tell Dr Cook I need him' I will receive this and I will call you back and then if I'm able I'll come straight away. ::He took her hand in his and caught her gaze.:: I'm sorry for before I really am. :: Lyna felt a flutter of emotion as she gazed into his blue/grey eyes. She wanted to trust him. Wanted to stay and talk to her, for him to tell her about himself and make everything okay. It didn’t seem to matter what she wanted, fate would not allow her to have it. She pulled her hand back and looked away. :: Lyna. You’d better hurry. Your duty calls. :: Her response was flat and maybe a touch bitter. She wasn’t really angry at him but she was disappointed with the whole situation and felt dreadfully alone. She did not have a place here. No duty to attend to. Lyna imagined the crew resented her for being here, using their resources and contributing nothing in return. Perhaps that was why none were willing to spare her any time. :: Lyna: oO It’s not them that’s the problem. It’s me. I’m not welcome here. Oo :: Once Doctor Cook had left she sat on the sofa with feet at the edge of the cusion and her face buried into her knees as she replayed the conversation with the Captain over in her mind, wishing she’d taken the hint and left when she had the chance. :: ​PNPC Lyna Namid - Guest Simmed by:-Captain Renos - Commanding Officer, USS Darwin NCC-99312-A Captain's Council Member =/\= Promotions Coordinator =/\= Cadet Steward Publicity Team Facilitator =/\= FWPA 2015 Co-Facilitator =/\= Training Team A238805EB0

Thanks for the welcomes just waiting to start training! Was meant to receive an email not received yet, dunno if I can ask here but my first pick was helmsman then medical as a second when do I find out which path I am able to choose?

Hi all My name is Graeme Cook and I come from Aberdeen, Scotland. I currently work for the maintenance department in the NHS, I found this by scrolling through Facebook and thought why not! Looking forward to training! Graeme.