Chapter 11
12311.09 - 0830 Hours - Starbase 71 Medical Centre, Pediatric Specialty Area
"We have a relatively light caseload today. Not a lot going on if you want to catch up on your Continuing Medical Education between rounds. " The Chief pediatric doctor, Aamid Seicad, noted.
"There will be a tour of 5th-year students from the Starbase School at 1330 this afternoon. Lieutenant Skyler, you will organize the tour. " Dr. Seicad grinned
"Excuse me, Commander, but I think there is a mistake. " Said Christine, obviously confused.
"Oh, there is no mistake," said Dr. Seicad
"But you just called me Lieutenant. " Replied Christine, still confused.
"Oh, right. " Said Dr. Seicad, "Ensign Janice Christine Skyler. By virtue of the authority invested in me by Starfleet Medical, on his date, you have hereby been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade with all of the responsibilities and privileges thereof. " Dr. Seicad pinned the black pip on her collar and shook her hand. "Congratulations, Lieutenant. " Dr. Seicad beamed.
"Thank you, sir. Christine blushed.
Unseen by the group, Commander Tresken whispered into Lynn's ear as Lynn beamed ear to ear with great pride. "Come on, let's go. " The pair slipped out and made a discreet exit to Julie's office.
Upon entering, Julie went to the replicator while Lynn sat on her couch. "Tea?"
"Please," Lynn smiled. Julie brought the cup over to her. "What did you want to talk about?"
"I'm just worried about Christine. " Julie took a seat across from Lynn.
"Shouldn't that be my line?" Lynn teased her friend.
"Maybe so, but she is a niece to me, and I don't want her to get hurt."
"Are you worried about Jacob?" Lynn raised her eyebrows.
"Him…" Julie gestured with her thumb."Hardly. Jacob has a good head on his shoulders. Christine has just been fighting the shadows of the past. She is seeing you and Skyler everywhere she turns."
"Considering Richard and I did much of our early work here, it isn't surprising that she finds our influence around her. She and I talked about that before she accepted the position."
"Talking about it and living it is another thing." Julie sighed.
"Professional opinion, how is she holding up?" Lynn asked seriously.
"Christine is holding up fairly well considering all she has gone through in the past six months. She has moved from being more of an older sister to a mother to Brielle. I have to say much of that has to do with having Jacob in her life."
"He has made quite an impact on her, that is for sure."
"My worry is what will happen when he isn't there for her to lean on." Julie sighed and swirled her coffee.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Jacob's rehab is going very well. He is excelling in the classes he has been taking. The station commander is using him for some diplomatic duties. Jacob is good at his job, and I'm worried he will be pulled away from Christine for it."
Lynn pursed her lips, "You are putting too much of Richard, and I's history onto the two of them."
"Likely, but I'm not entirely wrong." Julie gave Lynn a knowing look. "Lt. Commander Holtz is a competent officer, and if we can see it, you know others do too. I don't know how long he will be assigned to the station. But, I won't lie, even getting custody of his son has not put people off sniffing at his abilities."
"That is enough, Julie! Christine has faith in Jacob, and so do I. You can not put the past onto either of them."
"Remember, your faith in Richard nearly killed you and Christine."
"You are never going to forgive him, are you?"
"He nearly killed you due to his ambition and personal needs. And no, I haven't forgiven him. I've spent 20 years making sure others have the resources you didn't have. And I'll be dammed if I let it happen to Christine."
"Just remember something, Julie." Lynn stood and faced her friend, "Christine is not me. And Jacob is not Richard. They are both different people in different circumstances. And as you said, they have better resources than we ever did."
"But will they take the help?"
Lynn shrugged, "I can hope so, but that is up to them as parents as it is to ALL-star fleet parents. The help is there; they must be willing to take it."
"I'm still worried about them," Julie said stubbornly.
"I'd be concerned if you weren't." Lynn patted her friend on the shoulder, "Just remember that they need to make mistakes and learn on their own." Lynn squeezed her friend's shoulder. "I must meet up with Richard to return to the Haida. Call me if you need me."
"As my boss or Christine's mom?" Julie teased.
"As your boss. My daughter can call me on her own." Lynn waved as she went out the office do.
