一 | video

[anidiotchild]

[The feed clicks on to show Simon back in his quarters, which are sparsely decorated and pretty small, all things considered, although most of what you're seeing is just the wall behind him.

He's well dressed, polite, and speaks formally, and has spent a fair amount of time thinking over exactly what he wants to say about himself, because he can't just announce to everyone that he's been on the run, but he needs to assert that he is a medical professional, and they're not handing their infirmary over to someone who has no idea what he's doing. Anyone who's been in the infirmary lately might have seen Merlin showing him around.]

My name is Simon Tam. I was a trauma surgeon, but I've been working as a medic on a transport ship for the last few months because I [And here's where the real lie is kicking in, because while he doesn't want it to sound like he was fired for malpractice or something like that, he also doesn't want to come out and explain the whole thing to a bunch of strangers. Who knows who else is on the ship?] needed a change in scenery. I'll be working here as a warden for the foreseeable future, and I'll be lending a hand in the infirmary.

Merlin's already informed me of usual proceedings here, and - I'm sorry to be the one telling everyone this - but Doctor McCoy's vanished? [It almost sounds like he's asking if that's the correct term to use, here.] As in he's left the Barge unexpectedly. Merlin said that happens often, here.

[Which Simon doesn't like the sound of AT ALL, but any discomfort is brief and quickly leaves his expression.]

I - we don't know if he'll be back, but in the mean time, if anyone has any medical issues or questions, come find one of us. Or ask me, here.

Comments

[liaisedalittle]

[ Sally makes a mental note to get him to calm down and talk less at some point later in their acquaintance. Also, the change of scenery lie is one she's told, so maybe put a pin in that. ]

Well, that's useful. Welcome, although I just got here and probably am not qualified to welcome anyone.

[anidiotchild]

You've been here longer than I have. I'd say that means you're qualified.

[impure_tale]

A shame. He's a rather pleasant person.

Welcome to the Barge, Doctor.

[anidiotchild]

Thank you. I wish it could have been under better circumstances.

[video]

[useofaswhat]

[Oh, Simon, Mal sees your lie and he is unimpressed with it. It's passable, though, so he lets it alone and nods, heartened to see the doctor's familiar face. He's probably working to help River or secure his safety with the Alliance, neither of which he can blame Simon for.] Wasn't expecting to see you anytime soon, Doc. Hi. Needed another change of scenery?

[video]

[anidiotchild]

[Hey, he's made impressive strides since you guys talked him into pretending to be a buyer back on Canton, he didn't stutter at all during that post. :C

Simon looks surprised, because honestly he didn't expect anyone he knew being here, especially the Captain, because what would ever make him want to leave Serenity?]

I guess you could say that. I wasn't expecting you, either, Captain.

Video

[burnmythoughts]

[Have a weak but warm smile from the infirmary, Simon.]

Nice to have you, Dr. Tam.

Video

[anidiotchild]

Thank you. Do you need anything?

[yeahscience]

He what??

[It's not the new dude's fault. He knows it's not the new dude's fault. Technically, it's not McCoy's fault, either. It's not anyone's.

He takes a second to, like, mantra this to himself, and not totally freak out on whoever this Dr. Tam is. He's also damn sure going to check Arya's room as soon as he's done with this conversation.]

Christ. Okay. Welcome, uh, aboard, I guess. Are you taking over the infirmary? Like, head guy?

[anidiotchild]

[Simon waits for him to wait it out, looking a little confused, but doesn't comment on it. He knows the other doctor must have had friends here, and the sudden disappearance wasn't something he felt like he'd accept, if it ever happened to someone he cared about.]

I was under the impression Merlin and I are going to be working together, for the most part. I'm sorry about Dr. McCoy.

[truth_is_cold]

Of course. Disappearances must come at the most inconvenient time. [He's still angry at the boat and everything right now. Not at Simon in any way.] In any case, welcome to the ship and know that at least you'll have a period of deceptive but relative calm soon.

[anidiotchild]

Thank you?

[video]

[vainqueurdeluxe]

Well, at least you seem to be settling in just fine.

[Cashmere offers him a winning smile and leans towards her video feed.]

Welcome aboard, Dr. Tam.

[video]

[anidiotchild]

Thank you. It's been an [What's the polite way to put this. :|a] Interesting few hours, so far.

[thestarspangledman]

Welcome to the barge, Dr. Tam. [A little pause.] I'm sorry to hear Doc McCoy's left us, but -- I'm willing to help out in the infirmary if you ever need an extra hand. Picked up some stuff from my mom, back home, she was a nurse.

[anidiotchild]

It sounds like we would appreciate any amount of help we can get, considering the amount of people who were injured in port.

[strangehistorian]

Hi, Simon! Welcome to the Barge.

[anidiotchild]

Thank you. I'd say it's a pleasure to be here, but I'm starting to get the impression this is a little more unusual than I thought it would be.

[hungryanhorny]

Guess this would count. [Far as changes in scenery go, anyhow.]

[anidiotchild]

Count?

[janesaid]

[Simon fucking Tam.

Jane can't reply right away, because she has to put on make-up and figure out what to wear and it's not like she's going to hit on him but it's Simon Tam. She's glad Jesse has the medical situation under control. She's not sure freaking out privately goes well with 'so, I'm a heroin addict'.]

Welcome to Dante's Liferaft, enjoy your stay. Hi, I'm Jane.

[Useless comment]

[yeahscience]

[He's not gonna interrupt, but he may be side-eyeing this thread a little. Why do you look way nicer than when he left, Jane...]

[persuadeyou]

[Oh hey. She sees you talking to Mal there. That's interesting.]

Welcome to the Barge, Doctor. Did you get the crash course?

[anidiotchild]

Merlin went over many of the finer details, but I wouldn't say no to some more information.

[ Video ]

[surfaceshine]

[Here's an odd one - pure reaction, a gobsmacked hunter:] He what? [And then he realizes that's just not going to work and cuts the feed immediately, also cutting off his swear.] Godda- *

[But he's back a few minutes later, calmer, one of the volunteers that's been working (and staying) in the infirmary unknowingly alongside its newest doctor. Dean looks tired and pale but at least some semblance of friendly.]

Hey - I'm Dean. Bones had me on the list for people to tap in an emergency, and you can do the same. I got field experience and... I dunno what you wanna call it. Make do training, I guess. Nothin' formal.

[ Video ]

[anidiotchild]

[Simon just tries to be polite, still feeling kind of awkward just showing up and basically stealing this other guy's job without warning. It wasn't exactly something the Admiral had warned him could happen before offering the job.]

I appreciate it. It's my understanding we'll need all the help we can get. [Because holy shit, it is a bit different taking care of like, eight people versus a hundred. :|]

I'm sorry about Doctor McCoy.

[buildindreemz]

McCoy's stuff - is it gone?

[Ariadne's a little sadfacey at the news for a moment, but then she remembers - oh, right, new guy.]

I guess at least he's got a replacement. Hi, Dr. Tam. I'm Ariadne. I'm a warden, too. I run the art room, if you're ever inclined that way. Or if you get assigned to an inmate who is.

[anidiotchild]

Thank you. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

And I'm afraid so. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but Merlin seemed fairly convinced he wasn't coming back.