Pondering the Future

Posted on Fri Oct 22nd, 2010 @ 5:32am by Commander Curtiss Drake

1,036 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Structured Shoreleave - Marchwiel
Location: Personal Quarters - LTJG Sharat th'Zun
Timeline: Current

The light was dim in the small quarters, the soft blue glow from a lamp in the far corner of the room the only source beyond the stars in the distant sky beyond the viewport. It was late night by the planet's time, and the long black fingers of night embraced the entire ship. Alone in his quarters, Doctor Sharat th'Zun quietly and meticulously sharpened the edges of his Ushaan-tor, letting his mind wander off int he monotony of the task and wrap itself around the questions lingering within.

Doctor th'Zun had been around Starfleet for a few years. Freshly out of Starfleet Medical, he'd served his time as a resident and it was coming to an end. He just hadn't expected it to come to an end quite so quickly. By his estimation, he had another half a standard year to go, but that estimate had been shattered by the message he'd just received from Starfleet. The message currently displayed on the screen that he powered off.

It told him that per Starfleet Medical licensure and regulations, all Starfleet Doctor's were required to complete a term of residency aboard a Starfleet vessel under the supervision of a licensed and ranking member of the Department. From that point, said Doctor or Doctors would sign off on his education and residency as substantially complete and then allow him to continue on in Starfleet as a fully-fledged Medical Officer. The message he'd received today indicated that one, Doctor Cailean Fox, had signed off on his papers and that he was now ready to take a position as a real Doctor... not just another resident. The question on his mind now was... did he stay here, or did he request transfer to somewhere more... substantial.

Though his hands moved carefully and expertly over the silver weapon in his hands, his antennae were alive with movement and expression, shifting subtly atop his head as the workings of his mind meandered on about their way. He was lost as to what he should do. In his heart of hearts he knew he wanted nothing more than to heal and to help, but on some level he felt the need to be something or someone important. He wanted to save lives in a dramatic way, or to do so in a way that contributed to Starfleet medical science as opposed to just being another Doctor and he wasn't sure he could do that on the Ranger. As much as he enjoyed the ship and her crew, her command staff and the friends he'd made so far, he couldn't help but wonder if the ship was just too small for the kind of plans he had in his head. While the Voyager had certainly made history being such a small vessel, it was done at the expense of getting lost in the Delta quadrant for seven years - not something he was keen to get involved in.

That left the question of who and where. Did he try to get a position on one of the larger ships, a Sovereign or perhaps even an Ascension-class ship? Did he try to get a position back on Earth at Starfleet Medical doing important research or did he simply find another vessel like the Ranger where he could cut his teeth in more of a leadership capability? The questions abounded in his head and for a moment, he closed his eyes to quiet the noise of his mind.

He took a few deep breaths, reigned in his thoughts and exhaled slowly, letting the noise calm down. He was finding that happy place... but it was interrupted by the soft chirp of the computer panel he'd turned off. Shaking his head, he gently set his treasured weapon down on the soft fabric he kept it wrapped in and stood up, pacing over to the small desk in his quarters and powered the screen on.

It only took a moment, but the grizzled visage of Rear Admiral Sojab appeared on the screen. The elder Indian man nodded politely at Sharat and flashed a polite smile. "Good evening, Doctor." he said with a strong Indian-lilt. "I hope I am not bothering you."

Sharat shook his head, even though the Admiral was in fact bothering him. Being that he was an Admiral and he a Junior Grade, there was no need to share that tid bit. "Not at all, sir. Just relaxing off-duty." he said, trying to return the smile though his antennae were shifting nervously.

"I will keep it brief then." Sojab replied, "I need a Doctor for a vessel that I am transferring to another Command. Starfleet requires one last physician and then the transfer is complete. I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter Doctor, effective upon the Ranger's 'rescue', you are to be transferred."

Both of his antennae swept back in surprise and he couldn't help but smirk at the screen. It would appear his questions and doubts had been answered for him by Starfleet. There would be no debating now, it was a done deal. "May I ask to where, and in what capacity?" Sharat asked.

"Of course." Sojab replied with a nod. "Assistant Chief Medical Officer, on the USS Odin. You'll be catching a ride with a Dilligent-class vessel heading out to Starbase Ninety-Nine and will rendezvous with Captain Crittengen and his ship along the way." he said, "Orders have been transmitted with this message." he said, pausing to lean in towards the screen. "Orders aside. Doctor... this is a magnificent opportunity that I have had more than a dozen applicants for." he said, almost conspiratorially. "Applications from Physicians more experienced than you. However. The recommendation of Doctor Fox carries significant weight in my book and so I have taken his advice and given you the assignment." he nodded seriously. "Perhaps a bottle of Scotch for the old man... I suspect he's earned it." he smiled, leaning back away from the screen.

"You have your orders, Doctor. Good luck to you." he smiled, "Sojab out."

Sharat th'Zun
Medical Officer - Resident
USS Ranger

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