The Doctor is In

Posted on Tue Jun 3rd, 2025 @ 8:23pm by Commodore Elias McEntyre & Commander Cressida Vale MD
Edited on on Tue Jun 3rd, 2025 @ 9:43pm

1,273 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Prologue
Location: U.S.S. Guinevere
Timeline: 2386 - Three years before the Expedition

Dr. Chase's death came suddenly.

Without warning.

The man had been Elias' doctor and friend for a long time. One of the crew from the Decker he'd brought with him when he assumed command of the Guinevere almost two years ago. It stung the Caitian. Death wasn't an easy thing. It was painful, even in this day in age.

Still, he remember the good times and Elias was grateful for that.

Elias stood before the docking port. Starfleet had dragged their feet for six weeks, making Elias wait for a new doctor to become available. So when Dr. Cressida Vale became available, Elias had cut the orders before anyone else did.

He waited excitedly. Well, as excitedly as a Caitian could. He was a Commodore after all. He had to at least project confidence and calm, even if he was happy to be getting a top flight doctor.

Cressida had not met the late Dr. Chase in person, but had seen his name on countless papers and reports over the years. Though they had never collaborated, she knew him as a major contributor to the medical sciences, and from certain words used in the correspondence she’d had with her new CO after receiving her transfer orders, she knew that Chase would be missed.

Her work on the Tucker had been fulfilling, but it was time to move on. She managed to pack her life into two duffel bags and had them each slung over a shoulder when she walked across the gangway onto the USS Guinevere.

The Caitian wearing Commodore pips was hard to miss. “Commodore McEntyre, I presume?” she said with a smile as she closed the distance.

Elias nods, a smile on his face as he saw the new doctor cross the gangway from Deep Space 12 onto the Guinevere. He wasn't hard to miss, being almost 7 foot tall and as big as a brick house.

"Dr. Vale, " He greeted cordially, his Texan coming out as he spoke. "Welcome to the Guinevere. I trust your trip out was good?" He asked.

“The transport ship had a good gym and a pool,” she replied, her own accent tougher to place. “And a couple of holodecks. It was a good journey, but I’m glad to get back to the job.” Her smile faded and she looked up at the Commodore sadly. “I was sorry to hear about Dr. Chase.”

Elias nods, somberly.

"He was a good man, a good friend. He'll be missed." He mused for a moment before refocusing his attention on the matters at hand.

"But, We're grateful you were able to step in. I think you'll enjoy your time on the Guin. She's got a lot to offer. Shall I show you to your new domain?" He asked with a smile.

“I’d like that,” she said, following him down the corridors. She had taken the time to study the deck plans of her new posting but no amount of preparation would replace experience. In a hopefully short time, familiarity and muscle memory would guide her to every corner of the ship. “So how long have you and the Guinevere been out in space?”

“About two years now.” Elias spoke as he gestured towards the corridor to the turbolifts.

“Guinevere is the second of a series that was developed to explore the Briar Patch. Enhanced sensors, impulse manifolds and computer controls.” Elias explained a bit as they got to the turbolifts.

"Ah, a specialized explorer," Cressida observed they waited for the 'lift to arrive. "I like that. So often we in Starfleet make a ship -- or an officer -- that can do everything but only sort of well, instead of specialists that can do a few things exceptionally well."

“Guin is special, that’s for sure. As Captain Naros described her to me when he presented the plans, a thief in the night. Not sure how accurate that is, but I like the turn of phrase.”

The turbolifts open, Elias gesturing to Vale as he steps on, her following right behind.

“Now, I must tell you that our former ACMO is taking the CMO spot, and I requested someone for their job, which is where you come into play. At least until this current tour of duty is over in 5 months. We’ll be exploring some of the regions in the Patch that houses some of the most interesting creatures and places it has to offer. Supporting DS12s current initiatives with the Bak’u. I hope you’re ready for some excitement?”

Lieutenant Commander Cressida Vale, MD, Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS Guinevere. Has a nice ring to it. And a possible advancement in five months!

"Always ready for excitement!" Cressida replied, grinning. "I've never been to the Briar Patch; it sounds fun! We read about the Ba'ku in med school, and I've always wanted to visit their homeworld."

“We’ll be at DS12 for some time. I’ll make sure you have a chance to visit the surface while we’re taking on supplies.” Elias beams.

"Oh that's incredible!" she said. "Thank you, sir."

“It’s a beautiful world. My husband is Bak’u. Our Chief Science Officer. I’m sure you two will get along smashingly.”

"How long have you two been married?" Cressida asked as the turbolift announced “Sickbay” and the doors opened.

She followed the Commodore out, so he could lead her to sickbay. In truth she hoped she'd find long term romance while on assignment. It was pleasing to see a Captain and senior officer married and stable. It gave her hope for herself.

“About 4 years now. But we’ve been together since 2376” Elias replied as the pair headed down the corridor to the sickbay.

"And do I understand you have a son together?" Cressida asked. She had skimmed his biography before coming aboard, and knew he was married and that he and his husband had a son. She thought pressing a Starfleet file for details might be creepy so happily waited to learn more from him.

Elias pulled a small holophoto from his jacket pocket and showed it to the Doctor.

“Emery. A very rambunctious 4 year old.” The Caitian beamed with pride as he showed the picture of his son. A small Caitian child with the same fur as Elias but very blonde hair atop his head, with his caitians ears poking out of the mop of hair. Some human like features on his face as well.

“Adorable,” Cressida said, smiling. “That’s a full head of hair on him!”

They reached the sickbay door, which parted before them. Inside was a medical facility on par with any of the most equipped hospitals! Bigger and more advanced than her old facility on the Tucker. “Wow…”

Elias lets her explore her new sickbay. It was recently updated with the latest tech from Starfleet.

“Does it meet your approval?” He asked.

“I could get used to this!” she exclaimed. “Assistant Chief Medical Officer. With the possibility of dropping that ‘Assistant’ part when Dr. th’Chalov’s tour ends in five months?” She had not met her superior yet, but saw his name on the chief’s office door.

"Then I'll let you get settled in. The Quartermaster should have your quarters assigned and ready in a few hours. Welcome Aboard, Doctor' Elias nods to the new doctor.

Cressida nodded back, and then went about exploring her new domain.

-----

Commodore Elias McEntyre
Commanding Officer
U.S.S Guinevere NCC-80518

Lieutenant Commander Cressida Vale, MD
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Guinevere NCC-80518

RSS Feed