Special Delivery: A Course Correction
Posted on Wed Nov 4th, 2026 @ 12:25am by Rear Admiral Nevin Enor
812 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
Chimera and Deep Space 16
Location: Medical Shuttle Juneau, Deep Space 16 / USS Chimera
The medical team had regrouped aboard the Juneau following Commander Vale's consultation with Doctor Kellerman. Bell and T'Varek were reviewing neurological scans while Chief Morgan supervised Ellis as he prepared the portable diagnostic equipment. Venn sat quietly at a workstation, studying Enor's medical records.
Vale entered the treatment compartment and set her PADD on the counter.
"Alright, everyone. Before we head over to the Chimera, we need to address something."
The room fell silent.
"During our consultation, Doctor Venn allowed her personal feelings to interfere with her professional judgment. Her conduct toward Doctor Kellerman was unacceptable, and it will be addressed formally."
Venn looked up. "Commander, I've already acknowledged that I was wrong."
"And I appreciate that, Elara. But this applies to everyone." Vale looked around the room. "We're not here to investigate the Chimera's medical staff or assign blame. We're here to evaluate a patient and transport him safely to Betazed. If you have legitimate concerns, bring them to me. Professionally."
She paused before continuing.
"Now, some of you may be familiar with the Enor family and their standing on Betazed. I couldn't care less. As far as this team is concerned, he's a Starfleet Senior Chief Petty Officer who needs medical attention. That's how he'll be treated."
Bell folded his arms. "Good. I've never been particularly comfortable around royalty."
"Then this should be an easy assignment for you, Marcus."
Morgan smirked.
Vale turned toward Venn. "Elara, you're my deputy and our neuropsychiatric specialist. I need your expertise, not your personal attachment to his family. Can I count on you?"
"Yes, Commander."
"Good. And there will be absolutely no telepathic contact without his informed consent. Understood?"
"Understood."
Vale picked up her PADD. "Bell, general medical assessment. T'Varek, neurological diagnostics. Venn, you'll work with me on his cognitive and neuropsychiatric evaluation. Morgan and Ellis, support. Take only what we need for the initial assessment."
Morgan glanced toward the equipment trolley. "So we're leaving the rest?"
"We're examining a patient in his quarters, Chief, not establishing a field hospital."
"Music to my ears," Bell muttered.
"One last thing," Vale continued. "The Senior Chief is nonverbal, not incapable of understanding us. Speak directly to him, give him time to communicate, and explain everything before you do it. We work at his pace unless there's a medical reason not to."
She looked around the compartment.
"Questions?"
There were none.
"Alright. Grab your equipment. Let's go."
Location: Deep Space 16 / USS Chimera, En Route to Senior Chief Enor's Quarters
The six medical personnel departed the Juneau, making their way through Deep Space 16's docking corridor toward the Chimera. Vale led with Venn alongside her, while Bell and T'Varek followed, still discussing the neurological findings.
Behind them, Ellis struggled to balance one of the diagnostic cases against his hip.
"You're going to wear yourself out before we even see the patient," Morgan remarked.
"I'm fine, Chief."
"Then stop carrying that thing like it's an antimatter containment unit."
Bell glanced over his shoulder. "Careful, Chief. He's trying to impress us."
"Then he's doing a terrible job."
Vale shook her head, suppressing a smile as they crossed onto the Chimera.
"Commander," T'Varek spoke up, consulting his PADD. "Given the extent of the patient's neurological trauma, prolonged diagnostic stimulation could produce considerable fatigue."
"Agreed. We start with the basics. Anything more extensive can wait until he's aboard the Juneau."
"I would also recommend establishing his current communication capabilities before proceeding," Venn added.
"Which is why you're coming in with me first."
As they continued through the corridors, Vale glanced toward the others.
"Something else to remember. This man is the ship's Chief of the Boat. He's spent his career looking after other people, and now he's being medically relieved and transferred off his own ship. That's a hell of a change for someone who's accustomed to being in control. Give him some room to adjust."
Bell nodded. "Senior enlisted aren't exactly known for taking orders from doctors gracefully."
"Neither are most starship captains," Morgan added.
"Believe me, Chief, I've met a few," Vale replied.
The exchange drew a quiet chuckle from Bell before the group settled back into their work.
A few minutes later, they reached Enor's quarters.
Vale stopped outside the entrance and turned to face the team.
"Alright. Venn and I will make the introductions. The rest of you stand by out here until he's comfortable proceeding. No sense overwhelming him with six strangers and a pile of medical equipment."
Morgan directed Ellis to place the cases beside the bulkhead while Bell and T'Varek stepped aside.
Vale looked toward Venn.
"Ready?"
"Yes, Commander."
"And Elara?"
Venn met her gaze.
"Remember what we discussed."
"I will."
Satisfied, Vale stepped toward the entrance, glanced at the nameplate beside the door, and pressed the chime.
She adjusted the PADD beneath her arm and waited beside Venn for the Senior Chief to answer.
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