Walker's computer beeped at him as he was deciding what to do with Beverly's lab coat. He'd meant to give it back to her earlier in the day when she stopped by but she had been so worked up that he'd completely forgotten about it. He decided that if she really had wanted it back she'd have taken it and found himself shaking his head in amazement. What countless others had tried to do over the course of years, Jean-Luc evidently accomplished in minutes. Supposing that it was probably a good sign that the two of them weren't too much alike for their own good, he returned the lab coat to it's spot in the drawer.
The computer beeped again as Walker grumbled, "I know, I know," then pushed the button to activate his monitor.
He ran down the list of assignments, looking for one in particular.
He'd taken a gamble and was hoping it paid off. As much as he loved having Beverly for his CMO on his last two commands, she was limiting herself and deserved better. He'd heard the rumors that the Surgeon General was looking to retire in the next two years and while serving as the CMO on any of the new Galaxy Class vessels would give Beverly an advantage, if she got posted on either the Enterprise or the Yamato, it would give her the edge she needed if she wanted the Surgeon General job.
He focused on the second to last line on the senior staff roster:
Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Katherine Pulaski
Walker sat back in his chair, smiled and steepled his fingers in thought. Given that there were only two captains choosing CMO's ahead of him, and she was the highest rated applicant, that meant Beverly got the opportunity she'd long since earned. As much as Walker wanted to know which of the two ships Beverly got a posting on, he had a feeling he'd know soon enough.
It was a tradition for new ships. The visits and communiques from the new officers to introduce themselves and report in began as soon as each person was notified of their assignment.
Jean-Luc's new First Officer Will Riker, and his wife Deanna, his Diplomatic Contact Officer were first, having contacted him via subspace from their home on Betazed. The man had a reputation for being a quick learner and likely to get a command in the next year. His wife had applied for two positions aboard the ship; one as Diplomatic Contact Officer and one as Ship's Counselor. What had surprised him, particularly given that both Riker's were clearly career driven, was learning that they had three children under age two.
Before he'd finished speaking to them, his new Ship's Counselor, a rather casual and amiable man named Reggie Barclay, had stopped into his office, introducing himself and offering his assistance as they all began their new assignments. He'd barely had a moment to speak when his computer had beeped again, notifying him of three more subspace transmissions. His Second Officer, Natasha Yar, Operations Officer, Elizabeth Shelby, and Chief Engineer, Michael Argyle were all currently serving on other vessels and had sent messages that each would be making their way back to Utopia Planetia in time for the Enterprise launch. All three were also known for their hard work and dedication. Having such a group of officers aboard the Enterprise would certainly set the standards high for the rest of the crew.
Having spoken to them, Jean-Luc had finished getting a fresh cup of tea when Data, his new android Chief of Security, and K'Tin, his Klingon Chief Science Officer arrived. He'd chatted with both of them, reassuring K'Tin that any specific suggestions she had for improving the science laboratories would be taken quite seriously and just as with their first meeting two years earlier on Starbase 38, Jean-Luc was surprised that Data wasn't actually human.
Upon ushering the last of his guests for the day out the door of his temporary office, Jean-Luc deposited his tea cup in the reclaimator and checked the chronometer. Realizing that it was quite late and that Dr. Howard would have long since left the bar, he felt his shoulders slump as he turned back toward his desk to ensure everything was in order before leaving when the door chimed again.
"Come."
"Good Evening, Captain." Beverly began in a cool, yet formal tone as she stepped into the room, tugging at the hem of her sleeve. "My apologies for reporting in at such a late hour; I was in surgery and just got the news a few minutes ago."
"Not a problem," Jean-Luc smiled, noting her hair was in a long braid that ran down her back and still had the small red marks of a surgical uniform near her ears, "I'd understand if you need to be getting back to Medical."
"No, it's all right. I was assisting another doctor with a unique case. My work there is completed actually."
"Indeed." With a wave of his hand, he added, "Would you like to sit down?"
"No thank you. I just wanted to report in." Beverly added as she crossed her arms in front of her, then uncrossed them and continued to fiddle with her uniform sleeve, "I know it's customary to do so when assigned to a new ship like this."
Jean-Luc nodded briefly, taking note of her nervousness in the form of constant movement. "I'm glad you did. I was honestly beginning to get worried that you were upset by the assignment. I take it you're heading back toward quarters?"
Beverly nodded as she wiggled her fingers at her side, then balled them into a fist before releasing them as she stood near the door.
Jean-Luc crossed the room toward her, indicating toward the door. "I'll walk with you; I happen to be going the same way."
The two began walking side by side as Jean-Luc continued, "I wanted to make clear to you the reasons why I've taken certain actions recently; specifically, why I recused myself from choosing a CMO and why I couldn't tell you anything more than that the other night in the bar."
Beverly raised one eyebrow as she scrutinized him.
Recognizing that he now had her attention, he continued, "My primary concern was simple. I didn't want you or anyone else to believe that you were chosen for any reason other than your qualifications for the job. I knew that potential existed and I wanted to eliminate any suspicions of favoritism or discrimination based upon my choices of whom I spend my off duty time with."
Beverly nodded, crossing her arms, "You did it so it wouldn't look like Walker asked you to do him a favor."
"That wasn't my motivation, no. I don't think it crossed Walker's mind either; he was surprised that I recused myself and left the room voluntarily." He smiled, noting the confused look on Beverly's face. "I did it because I didn't want you to think you were chosen for reasons other than professional."
"Would you have chosen based on reasons other than professional?"
Jean-Luc replied without hesitation, turning to face Beverly and causing her to stop short as he searched her eyes. "No. And that is the perfect example of how easily something like this could be misinterpreted."
Beverly thought for a moment, then nodded as she dropped her arms to her sides and met his gaze, "Thank you. I appreciate that you recused yourself. And I'm glad you told me why." She finished with a small smile.
The two continued their walk in silence until they were nearly in front of the Temporary Officer's Lodging Facility Beverly was assigned to.
With a sidelong glance, Jean-Luc asked, "I was wondering if you were still taking our conversation yesterday evening under advisement?"
Beverly spun her head toward him, surprised. "You do realize we're both assigned to the same ship." She shook her head adding, "I'm not a girl in a port you can have a fling with and leave." Her voice returned to the cool tone she'd used in Jean-Luc's office earlier, "And as a doctor, I also have to maintain a certain level of professional detachment, as I'm sure you do as well. You may want to take that under advisement."
"I all ready have." He answered with a calm smile as they came to a stop at the door. "Life is full of risks. In Starfleet, it's part of the territory. And while I agree that professional decorum must be observed, I also know that we're both human."
"Well, of course--"
"Good. I'll take that as a yes." Jean-Luc turned and walked away.
Beverly opened her mouth to say something more, but then gave a tiny shake of her head as she watched him disappear into the darkness.
