A/N Hello. Okay, whilst I am not so new to FanFiction, this is the first story I've posted in the Star Trek category, and I'm practically giving birth I'm so nervous about it.
I'll be honest right from the start, I am not by any means a 'Trekkie' or 'Trekker' or whatever the 'PC' term for a massive fan is. I love Star Trek, and the whole universe it creates. TNG and Voyager are my favourites, although DS9 is starting to grow on me.
I am by no means an expert on Star Trek. I know there are fans out there who are much more well versed in the Trek Universe than I. That being said, I shall imagine I will get things wrong on a technical aspect. I'm relying a lot on Memory Alpha for my research.
As a request, if you're reading my story and you notice I've made an error in terms of Star Trek fact, then I ask that you have respect when you present your constructive criticism. I'm not perfect, but I am doing my best. If you're going to scream at me because I've made a mistake then I would ask that you not say anything. If you're pointing out a mistake because you want to help me grow as a writer, then by all means please help me out. I'm always willing to learn. Bottom line, treat me with respect and you'll get exactly the same back from me.
In this story, I've created my own ship with my own crew. I'm treating the ship as a new vessel with the designation of USS Melbourne. In addition, I've used my research on the Garrett family in this story. I don't know if Jason Garrett went to Starfleet, and I don't know if he had children. In my story, he did.
So, here is my first chapter. I hope you guys enjoy. Feedback/suggestions/constructive criticism always welcome.
The gentle, consistent hum of the turbo-lift's propulsion system did nothing to calm the young Commander's nerves. Hands clasped firmly together, they twisted against one another, wringing at the interlocking fingers. Clearing his throat, the short-haired brunette man squeezed his left arm tighter against his body. He felt some small, strange solace in the fact that the data pad he had placed beneath his arm was still there.
Repeating the actions he had taken about hundred times already this morning, the man pulled the pad out from beneath his arm. Holding it before him, his thumb pushed several keys in succession. The screen before him twitched to life, bringing a flurry of information to view. Both his large ocean blue eyes narrowed slightly as he re-read the words on the summons. Commander Nathaniel Garrett to report to the USS Melbourne at 0900 hours for re-deployment and official posting. The officer is to report directly to the ship's commanding officer - Captain Wilson.
Pushing another button on the key-pad, the block of text faded into nothing, leaving the standard Starfleet screen in its wake. Replacing the pad beneath his arm, Commander Nathaniel 'Nate' Garrett raised his gaze to eye-level once more. His tongue traced its way over his bottom lip in an effort to moisten it. Sighing softly, Nate was half tempted to lean against the side of the lift, taking the weight of his legs. Secretly, he felt his nerves would betray him to the point where his legs would give way. Suddenly, Nate found himself secretly wishing that he had taken the young Ensign up on his offer to escort him to the bridge. Now, he felt rather foolish for arriving alone.
Still debating on whether or not to relax, and why he had turned the Ensign down, Commander Garrett was caught unaware as the turbo-lift glided to a complete halt. With an audible 'swish', the doors to the lift opened. Swallowing air in a gulp, Nate took a hesitant step forward out of the lift. His eyes fell wildly across the room in front of him. He was stood on the bridge of the USS Melbourne, currently orbiting high above Betazed. The starship was currently held in a 'dry-dock' in orbit above the planet. It had arrived here not only to undergo a small refit, but also to pick up Commander Garrett.
Twitching his lips, Nate's eyes were drawn to the view screen directly in front of the Senior Officer's chairs. The rectangle showed Betazed in all of its blue splendour. Momentarily transfixed by the sight, Nate suddenly remembered why he was standing on the bridge of a Starfleet vessel.
Worried that several sets of eyes would be staring at him from officers of the bridge, Nate looked searching around…only to find that no-one had noticed his arrival.
Looking to his left, Nate spied a female officer stood at her station in the left hand corner of the bridge. Her head was bowed low as she concentrated on the control display before her, slightly obscuring her face from view. Even from the distance, Commander Garrett could see how beautiful she was. Dark rivers of her hair were pulled back into a low ponytail, exposing the leopard like markings running down her hair-line and further over her neck. Those markings led to Nate guessing she was a Trill.
On the opposite side of the bridge to the woman, a male stood behind a similar station. He was an attractive man, with fairly long brown hair and almond shaped brown eyes. Arms folded across his chest, he seemed heavily involved in a conversation with a junior officer, oblivious to everything around. Nate's eyes were caught on the earring attached to the man's ear, clearly paying homage to his Bajoran ancestry. Nodding softly, Nate glanced down past the science station attached to the balcony in front of him. On the lower level of the bridge, a human male sat in the Captain's chair. With the command consol opened on his left, he seemed engrossed with whatever activity he was performing.
Nate wasn't sure to be relieved or offended that no-one had addressed him. Privately wondering if anyone would have noticed him had he been wielding a phaser rifle, he shrugged his shoulders. Raising his hand to his mouth, Nate gently cleared his throat.
When no-one took any notice, he repeated the action, this time a little louder.
The man sat in the Captain's chair heard Nate the second time. Turning over his shoulder to face behind him, his dark eyes surveyed Nate for a moment. Standing to his feet, he turned fully to face the Commander. Nate's eyes fell over the man's collar, noticing the three gold pips attached to his red collar. Assuming the man was the ships' First Officer, Nate smiled weakly as color burned into his cheeks.
"Can I help you?" The First Officer asked, drawing the attention of the other bridge officers.
Shifting his feet uncomfortably, Nate tried not to focus on the other officers staring at him. Only imagining the intense shade of red he was blushing, he couldn't help but stumble over his words. "I hope so. I'm here for my meeting with Captain Wilson?" Consonants were the work of the devil when you're nervous, Nate mused.
The Commander nodded, not losing any of his authoritative if slightly aggressive stance. "I see. And you are?"
"Nate…Nathaniel, I mean. Nathaniel Garrett?" Realising his first introduction was going down about was well as a joke told by the infamous late Commander Data, Nate spewed forth more information that he thought the Commander might need. "Commander Nathaniel Garrett, reporting for duty sir. I've been assigned to the USS Melbourne."
Getting no response from the Commander, Nate clumsily reached for his data pad. Bringing up the summons report, he moved to hand it down to the First Officer. Nerves seemed to win over Nate, causing him to drop the pad. Landing with an audible thud on the centre seat, it clattered from the Captain's chair right down to the Commander's feet. Stretching down, the First Officer retrieved it from the ground. Briefly studying the information, he looked back up at Nate, who was relieved to see that the Commander's expression had softened.
"Commander Garrett, of course. Welcome to the USS Melbourne." With a warm smile, the First Officer tossed the data pad back up to Nate, who caught it awkwardly. In an instant, the other man's entire demeanour had changed before Nate's very eyes. "I'm Commander Lane Foster, First Officer to Captain Wilson." Nate nodded, smiling at the introduction. "Go on into the Ready Room. The Captain's expecting you."
Nate followed the direction which Commander Foster was indicating with his own eyes. Pointing at a door just below the station of the Bajoran male, Nate slowly trotted his way towards the door. Turning back briefly to thank the Commander, Nate was slightly disheartened to see that Foster had already gone back to his seat and was back to work.
Turning to the door, Nate nervously pushed the button for the 'bell'. He could just about make out the bleep of the alert behind the door. After a moment, a simple 'Come' emerged from behind the door. Taking one final breath for courage, Nate opened the door, and stepped inside.
The Ready Room was comfortably lit as a functioning room for the Captain. Opposite the entrance, on a raised platform, was the Captain's desk. Several data pads were scattered across the surface, along side a computer.
Realising the Captain was not sat at the desk; Nate looked further into the room. Against the left hand wall, a pale teal-green couch was situated, surrounded on both sides by green potted plants. Sat at the end furthest away from the door was the Captain. Looking up the data pad resting on her lap, her hand raked back through her deep brown hair. She glanced up from whatever she had been reading to see the figure of Nate standing just in her doorway. Smiling softly, she beckoned for the Commander to come further in.
Complying immediately, Nate scurried into the room, taking a seat on the couch just after the Captain patted it with her hand. Extending her hand to Nate, she smiled again. She was a handsome woman, with perfect, almost porcelain features. Her face was completed with high cheekbones and soft pink lips. As she smiled, her teeth were exposed, a slight gap obvious between the front two. "Commander Garrett?" Nate nodded as he took her hand in a brief shake. "I'm Captain Amelia Wilson. Welcome to the Melbourne."
"Pleasure to meet you Ma'am." Garret replied meekly, suddenly wondering what was the best way to address your superior officer aboard a Starship. It wasn't as though he'd never served on board a Starship before. Indeed, Nate had spent a while on board the USS Rhea, working as a medical scientist. But that had been several years ago, and the Captain of the Rhea was rather relaxed when it came to formalities.
"Oh please," the Captain smiled, "don't call me ma'am. It's far too grand for my tastes. Captain will do just fine." Nate nodded, making a mental note never to call her ma'am again. "And how is it you prefer to be addressed?"
"I beg your pardon?" Nate blinked, not quite sure what the Captain's meaning was.
"What would you like to be called," she clarified. "Commander Garrett? Doctor Garrett? Doctor and/or Commander Kaldarren-Garrett? Nathaniel?" Captain Wilson allowed her voice to trail off, feeling as though she had made her point sufficiently.
"Oh, Nathan is fine." Realising he might be committing some kind of Starship faux-pas, Nate rushed forward before the Captain could reply. "Or Doctor Garrett if you'd prefer?"
"We'll begin with Doctor Garrett to being with I think. Perhaps we can progress to Nathan once we know each other a little better? Whatever you're most comfortable with." Nate nodded. If he was being honest, most people addressed him as Nathan. Those closest to the Doctor called him Nate, but those individuals were few and far between.
Distracted by his own thoughts, Nate looked up once more as the Captain added something else, as if it were an after-thought. "Unless you'd like to be called Doctor Kaldarren-Garrett?"
"Oh no," Nate replied, shaking his head. "Nobody in the family uses my Betazoid family name. We're just the Garretts." Nate smiled, wondering if the Captain really cared about that nugget of personal information that he had provided.
"Okay. Doctor Garrett is fine for me, but I want to make sure it is what you prefer. I want you to feel as at home as possible aboard the Melbourne." Smiling broadly, the Captain took Nate's data pad from him, reading over the summons. Placing it down to her left, she extracted another pad from her side.
Holding it up before her, the Captain began to recite the information it held. "Commander Nathaniel Jerome Kaldarren-Garrett. Born on Betazed in 2354. Son of Patricia Ellen Garrett nee Cohen, a school teacher. Father is Admiral Jason Kaldarren-Garrett, currently posted at Starfleet Command. Grandson of the late Rachel Garrett, Captain of the Enterprise C."
Nate nodded softly at the mention of his grandmother, as Captain Wilson continued. "Enrolled at Starfleet Academy in 2369, passing the entrance exam at the age of 15." Looking over the tip of the pad at Nate, she nodded softly. "Very impressive Doctor. Graduated the Academy in 2373, and joined Starfleet Medical, from which you graduated in 2380, one year early, with an impressive list of honours. And you passed the Bridge Officer's test in 2383. Very good."
Looking back at Nate, Captain Wilson tossed the pad back onto the couch next to her. Her smile seemed oddly amused, as though there were something humours contained in Nate's personal information. "Now then. Tell me about yourself Doctor."
Swallowing, Nate shrugged his shoulder. "I think you pretty much just summed me up about one hundred words."
The Captain chuckled softly, pushing a rogue strand of hair from her forehead. "I know about the officer, Commander Garrett. But I want to get to know man behind the uniform. I want to hear about Nathan."
Nate licked his lips slowly, unsure of how to take his commanding officers' demeanour. "There's not much to tell, really." Going from the look gracing the Captain's features, the Doctor realised that she wasn't about to just let the issue go. "Well, I grew up on Betazed with my mother and my grandfather. My father wasn't around as much when I was child, because he served on board Starships. But I did get my interest in Starfleet from him."
Nate shifted position on the couch, watching the expressions as they changed on the Captain's face. "After I qualified in medicine, I interned with Doctor Katherine Pulaski, and I've been at Starfleet Medical ever since. This is my first posting on board a ship."
"You were on board the USS Rhea for eighteen months Doctor." The Captain raised her eyebrows. Clearly, she knew more about Nate than she had originally let on. And why shouldn't she? Captain Wilson was the commanding officer after all. It wouldn't do for her to know nothing about the officers under her command.
"On detached duty." Nate replied, hoping the Captain didn't have the wrong idea of his work on board the Rhea. "I was on loan from Starfleet medical, along with Doctor Pulaski, to study an outbreak of Anchilles fever on the Coltar IV colony."
"During which, your commanding officer Captain Jackson commended you for your bravery and tireless dedication, taking on official duties above your then rank. He said you had the makings of a fine officer, just like your father." The woman's smile was beaming, as though she were trying to lighten Nate with her exuberant praise. It hardly had the desire effect.
"Captain Jackson was a funny man," Nate smiled softly, the hint of sarcasm in his voice not going entirely un-noticed by Amelia. "Seriously Captain? I'm a little puzzled as to why you had me transferred to the Melbourne."
"My previous Chief Medical Officer went into a well deserved retirement. I needed someone to fill the vacant position. I studied the profiles provided by Starfleet command, and found yours to be the most suitable." The Captain shrugged her shoulders, as though her reasoning was the most logical in the world.
"Permission to speak freely Captain?" Nate blurted the words before he realised they had been inside his head. Regardless of that fact, there was no taking them back now.
"Of course." She nodded at the Doctor.
"I really cannot fathom my transfer to the USS Melbourne. I'm a Doctor, but I've worked as a medical scientist for the majority of my career. I've had very little field experience, and have only the bare amount of experience necessary to facilitate serving on board a ship." Nate swallowed hardly, finding the action very simple due to his excessively dry mouth. "What I mean Captain, is that I've never really had any desire to serve on a vessel. Besides which, I know for a fact that there are far more qualified Doctors you could have chosen to join your crew. I don't see why you picked me. It feels like something of a joke to me."
The Captain's expression hardened before Nate's very eyes. "I can assure you Doctor Garrett, when it comes to health and well-being of my crew, I take the matter with the utmost seriousness."
The commanding officer exhaled harshly through he clenched teeth. And as quickly as the flicker of annoyance emerged, it seemed to melt away to a visibly relaxed woman before Nate.
Leaning against the back of the couch, her eyes watched him in amusement. "May I ask you a question Nate?" The Doctor nodded. "I get the impression that you're not terribly enthused at the prospect on serving aboard my ship. If that is so, given your preference for laboratory work as apposed to active duty, why did you take the Bridge Officer's exam?"
Nate shifted uncomfortably in his seat. That was the dreaded question which he had been avoiding for months. And yet, conversely it was the question he had been asking himself on a daily basis. "Honestly Captain Wilson, it just seemed the thing to do. I'd completed the required Starfleet training, and taken all the necessary active duty assignments. It was suggested that the only thing I needed to complete my Starfleet service was to apply for the Bridge Officer's exam. I just thought…"
Nate's voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he had difficulty putting his thoughts into words. "…I just thought…"
"That you would pass the exam and that would be the end of it. That you'd jumped through the last Starfleet hoop, and would be then left alone to continue your work at Starfleet medical." Captain Wilson smiled, saying what it appeared Nate could not. "Unfortunately, it looks like you made a slight miscalculation. You unwittingly put yourself in line for service, namely aboard my ship. May I ask you a question Doctor?"
"Sure." Nate murmured, his shoulders threatening melt into his upper arms they were sagged so low.
"Are you incompetent? Do you lack in your ability as a Doctor? Would you either through negligence of apathy endanger the life of an individual under your care?" Captain Wilson leaned closer to Nate, crossing one leg beneath her.
Nate's face morphed into a mask of incredulity. How dare she, Captain of otherwise, insinuate such a thing? "Of course not Captain. I would never, ever -…"
Nate found himself cut off by the Captain. "And do you swear to protect and serve any life you come across, regardless of any other factors. Will you do everything in your power to save and heal the life of another?"
"Absolutely." Nate replied, puffing out his chest in some macho-display of dedication.
Captain Wilson chuckled softly, nodding her head as if in approval. "Then that's all I need to know Nathan. Whether you realise it or not, you will make a fine addition to any crew." Nate nodded. "However Doctor, I understand that serving aboard a Starship is not your ideal choice of career. So I am prepared to make a deal with you."
"A deal?" Nate echoed.
"A deal." The Captain affirmed. "Give me six weeks. Serve on board the Melbourne for six weeks as my Chief Medical Officer for six weeks. By that time, we should have completed our mission and will have returned to Deep Space Nine. If you still want off my ship, I will happily authorise your transfer back to Starfleet Medical. We'll leave you aboard DS9 from which you can take a transport back to Earth. How does that sound, Doctor?"
Doctor Garrett smiled at the Captain. "That is very gracious of you Captain. Thank you very much." In his mind, Nate had already started to count the days until his freedom was absolute.
The Captain returned the Doctor's smile. "Then it's settled. Now then, I think it's about time you were introduced to the Melbourne's sickbay. If you'll follow me please."
Standing up from the couch, Captain Wilson lead the way out of her ready room, stepping through the door that led to the bridge. Nate got to his feet, rapidly learning that the Captain controlled any and all conversations. All you could hope to do was keep up. Trotting after the Captain, Nate found himself led back out on the bridge. The Captain immediately addressed her first officer. "Commander Foster. Could you please organise and escort for Doctor Garrett. He needs to be shown our sickbay."
"If I may sir?" The Bajoran male stood at the tactical station addressed the Captain.
Turning to look, she acknowledged him. "Yes Commander Tai?"
Stepped from behind his station, Lieutenant Commander Tai Nuka, the ships' tactical officer and head of security rested his hands behind his back. "I'm just coming off duty now sir and am headed to my quarters. I'd be happy to escort the Doctor to sickbay. It's on my way."
Captain Wilson smiled at the Doctor. "Well then Doctor Garrett, if you'd like to accompany Lieutenant Commander Tai, he will escort you to sickbay. I'm sure he will answer any questions you may have."
Nate nodded, joining Commander Tai as he headed towards the turbo lift. Taking once glance back at the Captain, the Doctor disappeared behind the closing doors of the lift. Captain Wilson stood staring at the lift a moment longer, before turning back to face Commander Foster.
About to speak, she was cut off by the junior lieutenant replacing Tai. "Captain? I have an incoming transmission from Starfleet Command on a secure channel for you."
"Put it through to my Ready Room." The Captain nodded at the grinning Commander Foster.
Taking a seat behind her desk in her Ready Room, Captain Wilson powered on her computer. The standard Starfleet screen appeared, before being replaced. Admiral Garrett's face flashed onto the screen. His greying eyebrows rose as he noted the Captain Wilson. The resemblance between the Admiral and his son was striking. "Amelia, good to see you."
"Likewise Admiral Garrett. What can I do for you?" Captain Wilson asked the question, already knowing what the response would be.
The Admiral shifted position in his seat. "How's my boy doing?" Despite his age, Admiral Garrett knew he would always have a slight neurosis when it came to the well being of his only son. Indeed, if Doctor Garrett only knew his father's involvement in having him posted on board the Melbourne, he could just imagine the fireworks as a result.
"He's on board Jason." The Captain confirmed. "Although you should know, he's not too pleased at being posted here."
The Admiral's expression darkened on the monitor. "I thought as much. He's got too blasted comfortable at Starfleet Medical. He's a fine officer, with an exemplary record. He just doesn't have the guts to seize the opportunities when they arise."
"Jason," Captain Wilson soothed. She had known Admiral Garrett for a number of years, and was afforded the luxury of addressing him by his first name in private. "Don't you think you're pushing him a little too much? Some people just don't want to serve on Starships. As gifted as Nathan is, maybe he's just one of those people."
The Admiral seemed to consider the possibility on the screen in front of Captain Wilson. "He's a good officer Amelia. He just needs to get out in space to see it for himself. I'm convinced after he's spent time on board the Melbourne, he'll come around."
"And if he doesn't?" A lesser person would have had second thoughts about posing a commanding officer such a question. Amelia Wilson was not one of those people.
"Then I'll deal with it when we come to that stage. Keep me posted Amelia. Garret out." With the slightest of nods, Admiral Garrett's features vanished from the screen. Relaxing back into her chair, Captain Wilson pinched the bridge of her nose between her thumb and fore finger.
This was never going to work
Turbo lift.
Being stuck in a lift with someone could be one of the most uncomfortable situations imaginable. The unsure looks and shy smiles made it nearly unbearable. It would with most people, unless you were stuck in a lift with Lieutenant Commander Tai Nuka. Grinning at Nate as soon as the lift doors had closed, any thoughts of silence evaporated in an instant.
"Lieutenant Commander Tai Nuka of Bajor. Security Chief and Tactical Officer of the USS Melbourne." Grinning warmly at Commander Garret, Nuka held his hand out for Nate.
Taking the hand in a firm grip, Nate returned the hand shake to the Bajoran male. "Commander Nathaniel Garrett of Betazed. Apparently Chief Medical Officer of the Melbourne."
Nuka nodded, taking his hand back leaving it to rest at his sides. His eyebrows moved animatedly, expressing his interest. "So you're a Betazoid? I've never met one of your people before. Is it true that you're species is telepathic? Tell me what I'm thinking."
Leaning his head closer to Nate, Nuka's eyes rested firmly on the Commanders. Raising his hands as if in defeat, Nate smiled bashfully. "My father is half-Betazoid, so I'm about a quarter. More of me is human than anything else."
"So you're not telepathic?" Leaning back, Commander Tai sounded almost disappointed.
"Not exactly. If I concentrate hard enough, I can string a conversation together with another telepath, but that's about it. My empathic abilities are a little better. I can pick up on emotions." Stopping himself before he lied, Nate blushed a little. "On a good day…if the emotion is strong enough."
Nate shrugged, but Nuka continued to smile. "You're from Starfleet Medical. What made you transfer to the Melbourne?"
"Now that's a question to which I'd like an answer." The turbo lift came to a halt, the doors swishing open. "I didn't exactly volunteer for the job. More like, I was posted here by Captain Wilson."
"Well old Doctor Greyson did just retire." Nuka noted as he lead the way out into the corridor. Nate fell into step alongside his fellow Starfleet officer. "He's been friends with the Captain since you joined the Academy. We were all sorry to see him go. I won't lie to you Commander. The Doc had a real rapport with the crew. Those are going to be some pretty big shoes to fill."
"Great." Nate smiled sarcastically. The look was lost on the Lieutenant Commander as he became distracted by another officer. She was a human female with blonde hair and high cheekbones. A pair of green eyes glittered beneath her brow, both of which sent dubious looks in Nuka's direction.
"Lieutenant Dalgleish. How's it going? We still on for that drink tonight?" Commander Tai grinned at the young Lieutenant. By the look on his face, Nate could just imagine how often he used such a look to disarm women. But the Doctor didn't need to be part empath to know that Lieutenant Dalgleish was having none of the Security Chief's advances.
"We were never on, sir." With a polite but curt smile, the Lieutenant continued to walk, pushing past Nuka. Turning, he watched her continue down the corridor as Nate tutted.
"She wants me bad." Commander Tai chuckled, turning back to walk along side Nate. The Doctor couldn't help but smile to himself. She really doesn't. "She's a very attractive woman, right Doctor?"
"She's beautiful, yes." Nate agreed, taking a more analytical approach to the conversation.
"She is hot Doctor. Every guy on the ship wants to take her out." Nuka's expression changed as she watched Nate's face remained impassive to the idea of being involved with the Lieutenant. "What? Don't tell me she's not your type. That girl is everyone's type."
"Not mine." The Doctor assured, smiling at Nuka. The Lieutenant wasn't his type in every sense of the word. After all, she was a woman. And Nate wasn't interested in women. "And I'm not just talking about the fact she's blonde. It's more because she is a 'she'."
"How can she not be…oh…" Commander Tai's eyes lit up in understanding. "I see. Sorry Commander. I didn't mean to cause you any offence."
"You didn't." Nate assured. Thinking to himself, Nate honestly wondered if Commander Tai were this candid with everyone he met. At the very least, Nate felt a certain sense of 'openness' and transparency about Nuka. The Doctor could only imagine the kind of trouble such honesty could get an officer into.
"Well, you know I have a friend on Deep Space Three. You should meet him, because I think you'd…"
Doctor Garrett cut Nuka off at once. The last thing he needed on his latest assignment was other crew members to be setting him up with their gay friends. "Is this sickbay?"
Pointing to the doors in front, Nuka nodded. "That it alright. Come on, I'll introduce you to your staff."
Nate nodded as Commander Tai led him into sickbay.
As was to be expected, the sickbay was a hive of activity. Several medical staff stood in the corner of the room, next to what Nate assumed was the Chief Medical Officer's office. Glancing around, the Doctor was interested to see how different the room looked to what he had expected. Having studied the layout of Intrepid-class Starships previous to his assignment, Nate realised the room had been changed from the standard design. Beds had been moved, storage cupboards were not in the most efficient of positions, and the research section against the wall had been replaced by a cupboard. Not having a moment to ponder further on the list of anomalies, Nate found himself being approached by a man from across the room.
"Lieutenant Wells, meet Commander Garrett." Commander Nuka nodded in the direction of Nate. "He's your new boss."
Nate attempted to smile at the blonde male stood opposite him. Dressed in the standard medical personal colours, Lieutenant Wells looked less than friendly. In fact, Nate was almost taken aback by the waves of animosity pounding from the man stood opposite. "Lieutenant Avery Wells. Acting Chief Medical Officer for the USS Melbourne, sir."
Noting the last word had been said with a certain sneer, Nate raised an eyebrow. "Nice to meet you Lieutenant Wells. I'm Commander Nathaniel Wells, and the Chief Medical Officer of the Melbourne."
Lieutenant Wells' face remained unchanged. "If I can introduce your staff sir. On my left is Nurse Lucy Mills." Nate smiled at the petit blonde woman. "Next to her is Ensign Lianne Ashmore. And on my right is the ships' Counsellor, Lieutenant Commander Zara Rafa."
Nate smiled and nodded at each one individually. Surprising even himself, he took control of the situation as was custom for a commanding officer. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I hope to be able to speak to you all individually as soon as possible. In the mean time, I'd like to schedule a staff meeting for the medical personal on-board. We need to discuss the layout of this sickbay. It has to change. Shall we say sixteen-hundred hours today? Counsellor, you're more than welcome to join us." The staff nodded in unison. "Very good. Dismissed."
All the medical officers, aside from Wells, dispersed heading back to work. Saying his goodbye, Lieutenant Commander Tai Nuka had the sense to exit sickbay before Wells opened his mouth. Thanking the Bajoran, Nate turned back to face Lieutenant Wells. He was positively seething, and clearly needed to address Nate. "Lieutenant Wells, is there something else?"
"Permission to speak freely sir?" Gritting the words through his teeth, Nate slowly nodded. Indicating to the office to the left, Nate followed Wells in.
"Go ahead." Nate relaxed down to sit on the edge of the desk, folding his arms across his chest.
"With all due respect Commander Garrett, I think you should know the medical staff and myself have a certain way of working. The sickbay was altered to Doctor Greyson's design, and we find it works well for us. I think it would be best if you got to used to it, rather than changing things. In addition sir, having acted as Chief Medical Officer in the interim after Doctor Greyson's retirement, I feel it would be best that any and all concerns you have concerning the job and the crew should be addressed to me first. After all, I am familiar with the crew and the staff and…"
"You think you can do a better job than me?" Nate finished the sentence for Lieutenant Wells.
"I do sir." Lieutenant Wells nodded, resuming a more formal stance.
"Well Lieutenant, I can see you're not exactly pleased that I've been placed here. I'm sure you felt as though you deserved the position of Chief Medical Officer, rather than an outsider being brought in." Lieutenant Wells said nothing, but Nate knew he was right on the money.
"Well Avery, your concerns and suggestions are noted. However, the simple fact is, I am now your commanding officer. Any and all orders given by me are expected to be completed to the best of your ability whether you personally agree or otherwise. If you feel in any way that you cannot work as a member of my staff, than I will happily recommend your transfer to the Captain." Lieutenant Wells' swallowed briefly, clearly taken back by the Commander's tone.
"In any event, Lieutenant, Doctor Greyson isn't here anymore. This is my sickbay now, and things will be done my way. You either fall in line, or step aside for someone who is more capable. Am I clear?" Nate looked directly in his Lieutenant's eyes.
"Yes sir." Wells replied, perhaps with a little less gusto than he had had previously.
"Very good. Dismissed Lieutenant." Nate nodded, and Avery turned and walked out of the office. Taking a deep breath, Nate could feel his heart pounding in the very cavity of his chest.
Walking around the desk, Commander Garrett took a seat in the chair tucked behind it. Picking up the data pad, he sighed to himself. One case of insubordination dealt with. What's next?
This was never going to work.