For the Benefit of All

Posted on Mon Jul 27th, 2020 @ 9:11pm by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke
Edited on on Tue Jul 28th, 2020 @ 1:35am

961 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 10 - New Home, Same Pioneers
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD006 1100 hrs

Richard drew in a deep breath and previously tugged at the hem of his tunic. He was looking good, much better lately than he had been but what he was about to ask required courage and a bit of humble pie. He reached for the chime and pressed it knowing he had set up the appointment and was sure the Captain would be waiting for him.

When the Doctor requested an appointment Tyler took it right away. He knew that his daughter had been kidnapped during the Battle for Empok Nor. The Captain hoped that it had not effected the Doctor too badly. So when the time came Tyler simply called to the door before the chime rank, he knew Richard to be punctual. "Doc come on in and have a seat." He motioned to a chair in front of the desk.

As he heard the words from inside Richard stepped forward and the door hissed open he smiled as he walked in, "thank you, sir, I'll try to keep this brief. I know your time is valuable."

The physician took the offered chair and nodded, "I imagine you already know what this is about."

"Well I am hoping that it is an update on your little girl. She is a wonderful little one. Is she ok... We have been assigned a new Counselor if she needs. And of course, you know that she is welcome to reside on the ship if you wish. I am so sorry that something like this has befallen your family. However, relieved that Sobel's men were there to save her." Tyler leaned forward as he spoke, he really felt for the doctor. Tyler worried that if he and Kat had a child would something like this happen to them.

"Thank you captain for your concern," Richard replied, "and she is doing better. She still has her moments but she will at least talk to me now." He drew in a deep breath, "evidently her captors tried to turn her against me and Lei'halla stating that I was the cause of all this has really proved to be a serious issue." Nodding the man continued, "I think she may be willing to go to counseling now. " the smile that was on his face faced and a more serious look replaced it, "but, for the good of everyone sir I think I should step back from my position as the Chief Medical officer. I need to focus on Abigail's mental health. She's been through a lot sir, the murder of one of her mothers and being kidnapped, when I think back at all that I have been through personally over the years, I'm not sure how I would have taken losing a parent, sometimes not knowing them is better than the later loss."

The Doctor's request caused two things to well up withing Tyler. The first was that he was surprised, this was the last thing that he expected. The other was it brought his fears of having his own children into sharp focus. Before Tyler could accept or approve this request he had to try to dissuade the Doctor. If for no other reason than for Tyler to understand that one could be an officer and a father. "I understand the reasoning behind your request. However, do you not think that by simply moving your family aboard the ship and remaining in your position would solve the issue." The moment the words left his mouth Tyler knew he was wrong. Richard's request was the best thing a spouse and father could do. Tyler would do well to learn from it.

"I," Richard began, "don't believe it would be fair to you, the crew in general, and especially the medical department for me to try and juggle both responsibilities." He tilted his head and continued, "if, I had a spouse to share parental responsibilities with that might be acceptable but as Abigail moves back into daycare, school, she's almost eight now, my time may be required with her and so my undivided attention to the crew would be jeopardized."

The Azzian drew in a breath, "I realize this is an inconvenience and I will need to be demoted, sir but it is for the benefit of all.

Tyler ran his hand through his hair. He hoped that when he became a father he would have the courage to do what Richard is doing. "No Richard your family comes first, the Pioneer's family comes first. If you feel that this is what is best for you then I will process it through with Starfleet. You will be reduced in rank to Lieutenant and made the Assistant Chief Medical Officer. This will be put on your record as a request from you not a reprimand." Tyler paused for a second and looked at Richard. "It is my hope that when I become a father I have the same courage as you."

"When the time comes," Richard replied with a smile, "you'll find your way Captain, every circumstance is different but you will make the right one."

"Well if there is nothing else. You are dismissed Lieutenant." Tyler said and as Richard rose and left the office Tyler found himself reminiscing of sorts. Tyler thought back to all they had been through and how Ballston had kept his crew alive, kept them moving. He hoped that was not at the cost of his family. There goes one brave man... Tyler thought.

A Joint Post By

Captain Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer

Lieutenant Richard Ballston M.D. PsyD
Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer

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