Over the past year Doctor Beverly Crusher had come to enjoy many aspects of her job as head of Starfleet Medical. While there were times where the administrative side of things annoyed the brilliant redhead, there were other aspects that left her feeling truly fulfilled. Today's tour was one of those things.

Beverly loved giving tours of her command to the upcoming cohort of medical students. Each student was a recent graduate from the Sciences stream at Starfleet Academy, and each was extremely excited to be entering their first year in the Starfleet Medical program.

Like a proud mother goose followed by a gaggle of goslings, Dr. Crusher escorted her protégés through the various departments, labs, and surgical wings of the largest medical facility on Earth. In each area she would take the time to explain what the students saw around them as well as answer any questions the students were brave enough to raise.

Beverly Crusher was by no means domineering or intimidating, but her reputation as the finest doctor in the Federation held many in awe. It didn't help that she had a temper to match her intelligence – Dr. Crusher did not suffer fools lightly.

Beverly did not believe any of these students were fools. She had personally interviewed each one prior to their admittance into the medical program, and she was fully versed on their records and performances at the Academy. Drawing on that knowledge, she sought ways to bring them out of their awed silence and into engaging dialogues about science and medicine.

"Ensign Matthews," Dr. Crusher addressed a pert young brunette at the front of the group. "I understand that your thesis on unicellular propagation of Tholian Ivy drew heavily on the research into the subatomic structure of the cellular walls of climbing plants."

Surprised, Ensign Matthews nodded, then quickly found her voice. "Yes, Doctor. I was fascinated by how such a rigid cell structure could lend itself to the fluid nature of Tholian Ivy."

Dr. Crusher smiled then replied, "Then you will be interested to know that similar research is being done here in our botany labs. In fact, Dr. Xarses is currently looking for ways to apply our knowledge about such cell structures in other settings."

Ensign Matthew's eyes widened with excitement. "Organic metals," she whispered.

Dr. Crusher nodded, her blue eyes sparkling. "Perhaps, if you are interested, you would like to join Dr. Xarses' team as a junior research assistant." Dr. Crusher stifled a laugh at the look of amazement on the young woman's face, "But only if you have time between your regular studies."

Ensign Matthews practically bounced with joy. "I will organize my time and my studies to make it work, Doctor."

Dr. Crusher smiled. She had no doubts that Ensign Matthews would find a way to handle the additional work. She had no doubt that any of these students would love the opportunity to do some extra work in their fields of interest, which is why she always tried to informally pair each student up with a mentor.

As per usual, Dr. Crusher was planning on ending the tour in the heart of the medical facility. A firm believer that medicine is about people, she liked to reinforce this idea by ending the tour in the clinic itself. Here students could see medical practice in action, and they could take home the message that medicine is about saving and preserving lives.

The clinic was busy as they entered. Doctors, nurses, and patients were bustling around in what appeared to be ordered chaos. As the group came to a halt in the main foyer, Dr. Crusher turned to begin her last informational speech for the day.

Just as she was about to speak, she caught sight of a familiar bald head in her peripheral vision. Her heart stopped. It can't be, she thought as she quickly scanned the crowd. Whatever she had thought she'd seen was nowhere to be found. Mentally shrugging, she turned back to the medical students in front of her.

Immersing herself in the tour, Beverly promptly pushed away all distracting thoughts, and proceeded to explain how the clinic served as the true heart of the facility. As they toured the area, she spotted her second in command crossing the foyer with what passed for consternation on his Vulcan features.

Dr. Crusher excused herself from her students and caught up with Dr. P'Taph just as he was about to enter the hallway where several patient exam rooms were located. Seeing his superior officer approach, Dr. P'Taph stopped.

"Dr. P'Taph, is everything all right?" queried Dr. Crusher.

"Yes, Doctor," replied the older Vulcan. "I am simply dealing with a matter that does not often occur."

Puzzled, Dr. Crusher raised an eyebrow.

Taking that as a signal to elaborate, Dr. P'Taph explained that there had been several complaints about an uncooperative patient and he was going in to deal with the situation.

"Is this patient violent?" she asked.

"No, Doctor," replied P'Taph. "From what I have been able to discern from the three interns and two physicians who have tried to work with this patient…"

Dr. Crusher felt her ire rising quickly. "This patient has harassed five of my staff?"

Dr. P'Taph almost let out an un-Vulcan like sigh. "Doctor, I understand your desire to protect your crew, however I suggest you let me address the issue. While I do not condone the patient's actions, I feel that the head of Starfleet Medical stepping in is not a logical use of your time."

"You're right," she replied as she let out a deep breath and ran her delicate fingers through her hair. Now visibly more relaxed, she began to turn her attention back to the students and their tour. "Let me know how it goes."

"You will have my report on your desk before the end of my shift, Doctor," replied P'Taph.

Dr. Crusher nodded her thanks as she walked back to join the medical students.