"… Today is the first step to becoming the doctor you wish to become." The Dean of Star Fleet Medical spoke to the mass of students, family, and friends. "The long white coats you will receive symbolize a doctor's purity of purpose. Whether a doctor decides to wear a white coat after medical school, the students before you have spent four years in a rigorous and consistent curriculum based on science and clinical study. After today, these students will begin their specialized studies. Today, their professors will present these white lab coats to the students before you to symbolize this transition into their residency. This institution certified that each student had completed their studies to earn the title of doctor. At this time, I would like to call the students forward to receive their coats."
"You have quite the kiddo there, Skyler." Robin nudged Richard's arm as they watched the ceremony before them.
"Another kid out the door," he smirked. I'm glad Jack and Christine are achieving their goals."
"How is Lynn taking this?" Robin asked as she watched the procession progress.
"She is holding up well." Richard sighed, "It is Christine I'm worried about."
"She has to grow up someday if she wants to be the doctor she has dreamed about since she was little," Robin advised him.
"At least she is going to a medical program that we are familiar with," Richard smirked.
Robin started to remark but was interrupted by the master of ceremonies, "Doctor Janice Christine Skyler. Her coat is being presented by Doctor Lilly Lynn Rose Skyler, her mother." Then, they heard loud whistling from Sam and Bea behind Richard and Robin.
On the stage, blushing deeply, Christine accepted her long lab coat from Lynn, who was beaming with pride.
Star Date 12305.14- Star Fleet Deployment Center
"Are you ready to deploy Ensign Skyler?" Richard beamed at his daughter.
"Yes, dad." She smiled up at him.
"Do you have everything you need?" Lynn asked as she dusted off Christine's uniform.
"I have the pad of the family recipes. I have the cozy grey sweater that Aunt Robin made me. And…"
"And what?" Richard smirked.
Christine rolled her eyes, "And the bunny slippers you gave me, Dad."
"Good girl. Now, remember…"
"Message me when I get there. If I need help, contact the people on the list you gave me." Lynn looked to her mom.
"You are going to do great, pumpkin." Lynn gave her a hug and cheek kiss.
"Ditto," Richard then hugged and kissed his daughter.
"Boarding for Star Base 7" Came over the speakers.
"I need to go." Christine stepped away from her parents.
"Then get going, Ensign!" Richard chuckled.
"I…" Quickly, Christine went to them and gave them one last group hug before hurrying aboard her shuttle.
"Love you, sweetheart!" they called and waved to her until she was out of sight.
With a sigh, Richard and Lynn turned to each other. "Remy cuddles, Chocolate fudge ice cream, and red wine?" Richard laid his arm over her shoulders.
"Add some of your favorite pizza, and you have a deal." Lynn looked at him, wrapped her arm around his waist, and smiled.
"Deal," He grinned back and carefully led Lynn toward home.
