Doctor, Doctor

Posted on Sun Jan 8th, 2023 @ 4:44pm by Lieutenant Commander Anna Bagwell & Lieutenant Jackson Blake Dr

1,101 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 114 - A Time and Place for Everything
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: MD1, 0800 hours

ON

So quiet, so peaceful… Jackson Blake paused for a moment to simply watch his youngest daughter sleep in her crib. He had been away from the station when she had finally arrived, three weeks later than planned. Now she was fast approaching six months and he was determined to make up for all the lost time.

Balancing work and family was no easy task and he was fortunate to have a wife who understood the demands of his profession and had supported him from day one. Still, he had seen first hand how easily marriages fell apart if you did not commit to them one hundred percent.

Leaving the room he began to get changed into a fresh uniform. Slipping on his uniform jacket he quickly looked in on the rest of the family before heading out the door, recalling how his first day back in the medical bay had gone just a short time ago…

Prior to departure to Dewa System

Everything was the same and yet different. Or, at least, that was the initial impression Jackson Blake had when he first stepped into Sickbay. Several familiar faces were amongst the unfamiliar, curious eyes following him as he crossed towards the office belonging the Chief Medical Officer. His former office.

Coming to a brief pause at the open door he cleared his throat, "Dr Woodhouse?"

Anna looked up from the padd she held in her hands. She walked over to where he stood and looked at him, a welcoming smile. "I am Doctor Woodhouse, how may I help you?"

"Dr Blake, reporting for duty," he explained, offering her the PaDD confirming his transfer back under Admiral Bremer's command in the position of Assistant CMO.

Anna handed off the padd she held and took the one he held out and looked at it briefly. Looking back at him, she once again had a warm smile on her face. "Dr. Blake." she said, holding out her hand. "Welcome to sickbay."

Relieved to have a friendly welcome at the very least, Jackson took the offered hand, his more commonplace easy smile appearing. “Appreciate that,” he admitted. “I admit, it feels rather odd being back. I barely had my foot in the door before I was off again…”

Anna smiled. "I haven't been in this position that long, myself. Soon, you will feel like you have always been here." She paused. "Let's grab a cup of coffee and head into my office." She wanted a more comfortable setting.

“Sounds perfect. Though decaf if you don’t mind,” he added.

"Of course." Anna said with a nod. She led him into her office, indicated that he have a seat and prepared them each a refreshment. "I'll admit, this is a weakness I always allow myself." She smiled. "Caramel mocha."

“You’d get along great with my wife, although her inclination these days remains with the triple chocolate sundaes with hot chocolate chasers she craved during her last pregnancy,” Blake lamented, “and to be honest even on my best day I am not brave enough to get between her and the chocolate…

If I may say, I like knowing where I stand. I’ve been in your shoes, and served in medical bays you couldn’t swing a cat in - to starbases. And in that time I have learned the importance of working well with our CMO. Whatever you need, I am here to support you and our staff in whatever way you feel is best.”

"I appreciate your honesty and candor." Anna replied. "I prefer to work as a team and I only step in when necessary. I observe my staff and I trust everyone to do their best and to follow the medical protocols of Starfleet." She smiled at him. "And there is never a question too small to ask me. I prefer to be approachable."

"Appreciate that," Jackson nodded, taking a drink. "I'm glad to be back. I was needed elsewhere for a bit but well, I have five children to think of and we were - are - determined to try and make this home. Give the kids some stability."

"Five." Anna said with a smile. She and Zeke were hoping for one at the moment. "They must keep you busy!"

“Oh that they do!” Blake agreed, although his smile and look of genuine affection when he thought of his children took away any sting from his words. “I can’t imagine a life before them anymore and couldn’t wish to have a better wife or mother to raise them with me. She does the lion’s share for sure. And you? Any family?”

"I am about to be married." Anna confessed. "We are hoping to start a family as well." She didn't know him well enough to discuss their wanting a baby and it didn't seem to have happened for them as of yet.

“Getting married was the best decision I ever made,” Jackson enthused. “And I wish the same for you. In my experience, everything that comes afterwards is a bonus and rarely goes as planned. If you love each others then that is the most solid foundation any family can have. Listen to me! Ha! My wife tells me I sound like a Hallmark card at times.”

Anna smiled. "I like people who are honest and open. Zeke is the best thing that ever happened to me." She paused. "He is the captain of the USS Falcon. It's been an adjustment not serving there."

"Understandable, a Starbase medical facility is a very different beast, let alone the surroundings are different. You are in one place, kind of like the adventure usually has to come to you," Blake grinned. "There are things to like about both and I'm sure you will settle in just fine."

“I love it so far.” Anna replied. “This job is very fulfilling and I like being able to help so many.”

“Nothing quite like it,” he agreed brightly.

"Don't get me wrong." Anna said. "I loved my position on the ship but this...it feels like it is where I belong, at least right now. It was a good fit for me." She smiled at him. "And I am even feeling more so now that we have met. It's important to have friendship with colleagues."

"I couldn’t agree more," Jackson agreed.

“I am glad we are on the same page.” Anna said with a smile. “Let’s take a walk through sickbay and you can meet some of the new people.” They headed out and started their rounds.

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