What's Up Doc?

Posted on Sun Apr 13th, 2025 @ 12:24am by Lieutenant Dr. J.R. McEntyre, M.D. & Lieutenant Bela Swain

1,559 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: Sickbay

The thought of anyone new on board was always exciting to Bela. Even better was that it was a person in her department...well, at least the medical department, so maybe department adjacent was more accurate. The new doctor was supposed to be Caitian and since he had not yet met her, it was incumbent upon her to go meet him.

So, the diminutive Risian counselor with doe eyes headed into sickbay and looked for the Doctor. She could almost hear the snickers as she entered sickbay from underlings who knew was about to occur. Here, kitty, kitty, kitty she thought to herself with a mystical smile.

The Caitian, Doctor J.R McEntyre, was taking stock of the supplies on hand in his new sickbay. Much like the one on his previous assignment, he knew where all the nooks and crannies were on a Galaxy Class starship. Taking notes on his PADD, he hummed to himself as he worked, tail swishing behind him lazily.

As for staff, a couple nurses were on hand but beyond that, he was going to have to build a new staff from scratch. First on his mind was an Assistant Chief Medical Officer.

He stops as he hears the snickering, ears twitching as he turns to see what the commotion was.

Upon turning, Bela made a beeline straight for the Caitian and welcomed him with a warm embrace. "It is so good to meet you, Doctor. I'm Bela Swain, the Chief Counselor. All that is mine is yours," she concluded with the typical Risian welcome.

“What the…HELLO THERE,” he exclaimed as he was suddenly pulled into a massive hug.

“It’s good to meet you too Ms. Bela. I’m John Ross McEntyre, call me J.R” Was all he could say. “And I appreciate the offer of what’s yours is mine, but I should warn you’re climbing the wrong tree if that’s what you’re implying’ there,” he elaborated in his strong Texan accent.

Bela broke off the hug and giggled sweetly. "Bela is more than fine. There is no reason to be semi-formal with me. It is nice to meet you, J.R. And while sometimes my therapy can include climbing down the tree that you are referring to, I certainly would not do that without your desire or consent."

She smiled warmly up at the Caitian and continued. "I greet everyone with a hug, J.R. We all need to feel connected. I am certain that you are more than familiar with all of the studies regarding the therapeutic value of physical connection."

“I may need to catch up on my journals. My main specialty is Surgical Medicine but I am more than happy to sit and discuss the latest developments with you. As for the tree remark, that’s an old earth saying.” J.R explained, still wrapped in the hug, his hands pressed against his sides.

"Earth saying? How interesting? I don't think that I've ever come across that," Bela replied happily. "Just how in the universe would, if you don't mind me asking, a Caitian know about an old Earth saying? In fact, you don't seem to talk like a normal Caitian, either. Why is that?"

“Because I was born in Dallas,” the doctor said deadpan and serious in his tone. “My name, McEntyre, I’m a descendant of Josiah McEntyre, the MACO General who helped win the Earth-Romulan War before the Federation was founded. His granddaughter adopted my great-grandfather, Jeremiah, who was the sole survivor of a Klingon attack on the transport carrying his parents.”

"I have to tell you that I was not really good on history in school. However, I do seem to recall someone saying Dallas before. That was in a place called Colorado on Earth, right? Place with a lot of mountains?" She shook her head. "Maybe that's not right but it feels right. And I thought that nobody saw each other in the Earth-Romulan war. Isn't that why Kirk was surprised to see a Romulan when he had that one on one fight with them? I didn't think marines ever got involved."

“Dallas is in Texas, one of the largest Metropolitan areas in Texas. During the War, the MACOs found that the Romulans would usually use a device in their helmets to vaporize themselves to prevent capture. It’s a shame that the war is not really spoken off much, because it led to the founding of the Federation. A year after the war ended, the Charter of the Federation was signed in San Francisco.”

The doctor pauses. “But I doubt you came to hear me wax poetic about family history. What can I do to help you in the Counseling department?

"Oh, you are the sweet one, aren't you? Offering me help when I came here to offer my own, well, and to meet you. I require nothing, for all that is mine is yours. I live to serve."

"I am Chief of Medical Staff, I'd wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tend to the needs of the Medical and Counseling Staff. I'm currently taking stock of inventories and staffing levels so anything you need, just send me the forms and I'll get them to the Quartermaster."

Bela thanked the Chief for his graciousness again, but then said, "Well, that's all well and good, but why don't you tell me what brought you here?"

"Ship needed a Doctor, I volunteered. Needed to get out from behind the desk so to speak. Been spending the last few years on Deep Space 12 out near Baku, studying Metaphasic Medicine and assisting with the research into the Grey Tetrahedron. Rewarding work, but I missed being on a Starship, and the Caly is a lot like my last ship posting, The Astrea. A Fine ship."

"Tell me about your time there. Why did you leave it and head to DS12?"

"Astrea was recommissioned after the Romulan Evacuation fell through. I was staffed as Assistant Chief Medical Officer when the ship was commissioned. I worked with the Ataran refugees that were found on an abandoned cyroship. In that time we spent aiding them, we discovered that several common foodstuffs induced allergic reactions. I formulated treatments that helped to adapt their body systems. As for my assignment to DS12, I was requested by the Station's Medical Director. I had worked with him previously." The doctor elaborated.

"So is this your first time being a Chief Medical Officer?"

“Yes, though, I am looking forward to the challenge.”

"I'm certain that you will excel at it." Well, that was enough about work, as far as Bela was concerned. "So, tell me, J.R., are you in a relationship with anyone? Do you have any children?"

“I have not had a partner or relationship in some time, nor have I’ve been blessed with children of my own.” J.R elaborated as he took off his glasses and cleaned them with a cloth.

"Is there a reason for that?" Bela asked curiously. Her hand strayed to the Caitians. "It is unusual for people to want to be alone."

“No reason other than not having met the right guy.”

"But, are you even dating? Seeking anyone?" Bela asked in a soft, concerned voice. "How do you even go about finding the right guy, or are you just expecting him to fall in your lap?"

“I am not dating at the moment but am open to it.” The doctor replied, tilting his head.

"That's good. I'll keep my unofficial ears open. Is there anything that you would like to know about me?”

“Mostly your background, prior postings, specialties,” J.R asked curiously.

"Well, I'm Risian, as I said before. My parents did not really plan me, but they loved me all the same. They run a resort there on Risa, so I've met all kinds of species. I guess, I was just born to be a 'people person.' I was in Starfleet Academy from 2384 to 2387 and then spent the next two years post docking at Stanford University. I specialize in tactile therapy. Touch, as I said, is very healing. But, anyways, I started as an Ensign on the USS Jaguar, moved to the USS Ferari after getting promotion to JG, then obtained an Assistant Counselor position on the Gladiator, moved to the Raptor where I was promoted to Lieutenant and Chief Counselor. Now, I'm here." She smiled broadly and even bent a knee to look more adorable.

“It sounds like you’ve had a very rewarding career thus far. Are there any personalities I need to be aware of among the crew? Any particular issues or concerns that need to be addressed?” J.R asked putting on his glasses again.

"I'm not as concerned about my career as helping as many people as I can," the counselor answered honestly. "As to particular concerns, I cannot think of any at this time."

"When you do, Let me know." J.R smiles.

"But I'm looking forward to working with you."

"As am I," Bela replied sincerely. "All that is ours, is yours." She gave a slight bow as she said those words.

-----

Lieutenant Dr. John Ross "J.R" McEntyre, M.D
Chief Medical Officer
U.S.S Calypso

Lieutenant Bela Swain
Chief Counselor
USS Calypso

 

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