Disclaimer: Obviously I do not own nor have had any input in this series that started a cultural movement. I'm just a huge fan that got inspiration from another artist.
Serena followed McCoy, Spock and her mother to Sickbay. McCoy gave an admirable show in showing off the USS Enterprise's medical facilities but as always Dr. Reese was not in the least bit impressed. She often times chimed in with thing McCoy could do to better stock their supplies or equipment that would be better suited then what they had. When her mother finally decided she was ready for the tour of the Enterprise Serena stayed back and thanked McCoy for his patience when she was out of earshot. "Not meaning to offend you Serena but does anyone like that woman?" McCoy said fully exasperated. "Her supporters don't even like her but she knows what she's doing and they cannot afford to lose her. Her advisement is sound she just doesn't put things across in a manner that doesn't sound like she's insulting you." Serena explained. Before McCoy could ask her how she survived childhood Serena excused herself to go find her mother and continue the tour of the Enterprise.
Spock took everything Dr. Reese through at him with ease, not even once hinting that the Dr. might be annoying him. When they reached the science labs Dr. Reese stopped talking all together. Spock spoke of the experiments and accomplishments of the science department but all Serena knew her mother heard was all the times Serena's name was brought up in those accomplishments. When her mother asked just how a medical officer could accomplish such things Serena cringed when Spock told her of all of Serena's extracurricular activities with the science department. "It is most commendable; I don't believe there has ever been an occurrence of a medical officer being so proficient in both medical and scientific fields such as these." Spock finished but his eyes had moved over to her by then. While her stance was the same her face must've shown just a glimpse of torment with every word Spock spoke. Her mother glanced at her as well but her silence spoke volumes. "Let us continue." Dr. Reese said, her voice flat as Spock nodded and continued the tour.
When her mother retired to her quarters Serena was forced to follow. "What in the world do you think you are doing!?" Her mother roared at her as soon as they were clear of everyone but her father. "I thought we got this silly nonsense of chemistry and geosciences out of that thick head of yours! Why are you wasting your time in those disgusting labs when you could be founding new neurons or discovering new brain way activities in other species? I knew this assignment to a Starship was a silly idea but I thought that at least you could find unknown biological discoveries on a five year mission in space. Instead almost a year has gone by and what do you show for yourself? A few honors in science and dead crew on your missions? " The last part truly hurt. The loss of the two security officers had truly left a wound on her soul. Her father spoke up now. "Serena, what part of geosciences is productive to understanding the body of humans or any other species? Sure you've found a few single celled organelles, and even found yourself a pet animal but how does that coincide with your medical career? Separate yourself in two fields and you will be only average in both. Medicine is in your blood my dear. You have no other choice."
Serena left their room feeling fully torn down. She was a disappointment to both parents and if they could pretend she wasn't their daughter they would do it in a heartbeat. Despite all those beatings to her mental confidence she found herself in front of the science labs. She looked at the door and just stood there in the hallway. Was it all worth it? What had she gained from her interests in the sciences? A few times her knowledge of the sciences had helped her correctly diagnose a patient but what would be the point of furthering her studies? And now that it was almost a chore being in there with Spock she questioned if she even wanted to continue. She punched in her security key and walked into the lab. There were so many memories in here. Her eyes went to her cultures and then to the botany in the next room. Was her parents' right that all of this was a waste?
Her parents left the ship and it seemed the whole crew let out one giant breath at their departure. McCoy had been in a foul mood, when her mother wasn't there one of her assistants were and they were no better. At one time McCoy had even lost it and kicked one of the assistants out of his Sickbay. Kirk was still laughing about how the assistant had come to him to report his misconduct. Kirk of course hadn't done anything about it besides apologize just to get the case to rest. Everything seemed to go back to normal. Everything except Serena, she was in the labs less and less. Tiffany had even talked to her about it but she refused to talk about it. Serena was sitting in her quarters when her door buzzed.
"Come in." Serena said as she sat staring at her wall, her mind lost in thought. When her eyes moved to the door she saw that it was Spock. He stood there in her doorway as still as a statue. Nothing in Serena responded to this, she just sat there and waited for him to say why he was there. "Forgive the intrusion but I just wanted to let you know 13% of your cultures are failing." Spock started. "Disintegrate them. They've been failing for weeks now." Serena responded her gaze moving back to the wall. "I believe if we simply institute serum C we might-" "Spock. Let them go." Serena interrupted as she got up and moved to the other room. Spock followed, silent as ever as he watched her movements. "You are going to let them all go?" Spock asked. "If this is about your parents-"Serena turned and put a hand over his mouth. "Stop Spock." She said her voice low. "Just stop. As you would say I'm emotionally compromised right now and you being a Vulcan cannot understand. I tired Spock. I'm tired of fighting, of fighting everything. I'm tired of fighting my parents. I'm tired of fighting with my schedule. Will I be in the lab or will I catch up on the sleep I've denied myself for 3 days? And I'm tired of fighting you." Spock's lips parted under hand as if to say something but she pressed harder slightly as she looked up. "I lost you that day after we came back from that away mission. You might still be physically here but you are not mentally anymore. And neither am I." She dropped her hand. "I should've let you have the space you desired from the start." Serene straightened and raised her chin her demeanor changing. "Commander Spock I request permission to remove my name from security access to the science labs. I will clean up and destroy any unnecessary experiments and turn in any outside equipment effective immediately." Spock was silent, something played in the depths of his eyes but she didn't allow herself to think on it further. "Is this what you want Serena?" She flinched at his use of her name but her body stance turned cold and strict. "It is sir." She stated firmly.