It's Good to Be Back

Posted on Wed Sep 21st, 2022 @ 11:21am by Lieutenant Jayla Kij MD & Captain William Maddox

734 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Song Of Silver Wings
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: A week before launch

After leaving Silver- who was used to following her absolutely everywhere- in her quarters along with her personal effects, Jayla had no time for anything else except reporting for duty. It had been so long since she was on a fleet vessel, she had almost forgotten that they could lead you anywhere by way of the running lights in the corridors. But, she found her way to the Captain's ready room eventually.

And with a minute to spar.

She pressed the chime and waited cheerfully for a reply.

The door opened, revealing an office bereft of decoration or memory. In fact were it not for the active holographic display filled with data files, and hard copy padd's on the desk, it might be mistaken for an office fresh from the maker's yard. Even the deck liner had that new carpet bounce to it underfoot.

"Ah, Doctor Kij. Welcome aboard the Daedalus," Maddox said, turning only slightly from the display panes he was working over. "Normally I'd offer you some refreshment, but the replicator hasn't been installed yet and there's only one chair in here. In fact, up until four days ago, there wasn't even atmosphere in here."

“It’s okay, sir; I don’t mind standing,” she replied with a grin. Here are my orders,” she added, handing over the PADD she carried. “Attached, you will find a special permit for a domestic horned fox, as well as his vaccination records and therapy animal license."

Maddox took the padd and studied it.

"Starfleet medical will just print a medical licence for anyone or thing these days. Swear my next chief medical officer is going to be a Galapagos tortoise," he said as he looked over the attached file. He looked up from it and handed it back. "Seems to be all the stamps and seals you need. Happy to have you, onboard Doctor. This mission could really use a medical officer with your credentials."

Jayla grinned again, thinking maybe the captain could use Silver’s services, but not voicing that opinion at all. “Thank you, sir,” she replied. “I shall endeavor to meet your expectations.” Was she being cheeky? Only a little.

"My expectations are high. The Daedalus is going where only one other Starfleet vessel has gone before, and we're the rescue party. The ship's medical facilities have been augmented to meet the needs of our mission, but any additions you want to make will have to be quickly done. We have a Starbase and its industrial replicators, so if there's a matter file for a particular tool or pieces of equipment you need, get it into the hands of our Chief Op's officer and she'll get it ordered up." Maddox took a breath. "Sorry to rush you to work the moment your feet hit the deck, but we're operating on a timetable of hours not days."

Jayla grinned again- or maybe she had never really stopped, but it was hard to tell. “It’s quite all right, sir,” she replied. “I’m a Doctor; I’m used to jumping right in.”

"A doctor with centuries worth of experience backing up their learned skills from Starfleet Med. I hope this turns out to be a boring tour of duty for you doctor, I truly do." Maddox said.

She opted not to explain that she was the very first host in Kij’s history to actually go through medical school. It was a technicality, after all. “Those of us in the medical profession always hope for boring days,” admitted Jayla. “We rarely get them, though. Still,” she added with another grin, holding up crossed fingers. “We can always hope.”

"I can get behind that sentiment," Maddox nodded. "If there is anything you need, just let me know and I'll see what I can do about getting you resupplied."

"Absolutely, sir," replied Jayla cheerfully. "Although I'm sure this ship is fully stocked with all the latest equipment, right?" she added cheekily.

"If its not here its on a fast shuttle. But I'll let you tell me if that's not the case. Anyway," Maddox gestured to his desk. "I'll let you unpack and get squared away. I'll introduce you to the senior staff at a later date."

“Thank you, sir,” said Jayla, even more cheerfully and with an even brighter smile. With that, she turned and left the office to get herself and Silver settled in.

 

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