Continuity of Care Has To Start Somewhere

Posted on Sun Sep 24th, 2017 @ 8:38am by Ensign Danael Stephens

Danael lay back on his bunk, fresh out of the shower and ready for bed, dressed in a pair of loose basketball shorts, his hands behind his head, a PADD laying on the bed beside him with a novel open. It was the day of his graduation, and he was elated at the opportunities presented before him. He'd gotten his transfer orders just a few of hours ago, right after the commencement ceremonies for the class graduation. Afterwards he went out with a group of friends for a drink, and some food, before spending the last hour or so of his day in the gym. Now it was time for bed, and with that, of course, the requisite thoughts that present themselves to a young man fresh out of the Academy, with his whole future ahead of him.

"Computer, begin recording personal log." he said, his soft, almost feminine voice almost whisper like in the quiet of the room. He heard the computer beep to say that it had heard him, and was recording. "It's official, I'm done with school, at least for now, though I do have the feeling this is where the real learning is going to start. I've already talked to mom and dad, and they are both so proud, and elated for me. They weren't able to get away for the graduation, but I don't mind. We talk almost daily, and both of them were watching the feed from their offices on Mars. It's been weird with them gone, even if it's not all that far. I'd been so used to being able to just wake up and be there with them. When they announced their move I was both shocked, and a little sad, but I'm not sure what I expected. Mom was from there, after all, and that's where all of her family is, well besides dad and I. Once I was out of the nest I guess it was just a matter of time.

"My transfer orders came in just after the ceremony was done, and right before we all headed out for the celebration. I've been assigned to the Musashi. an Ares class ship, which should be a very interesting place to begin my career. I've read up on the relevant crew, and I feel that it will be a great environment. I spoke to mom last night, about the ship's CMO. She's never met him, but she has heard of him. He's a brilliant doctor, according to her sources, and a very open, and friendly man. She did warn me that he's been through a lot though, serving through the war, and that I should expect some residual effects, especially when it comes to social interactions with him.

"I ship out tomorrow morning at oh nine hundred hours, on a transport to rendezvous with the Musashi, and take up my posting. It shouldn't be a long trip, just a few days really, and I'm excited, but nervous at the same time. I know I've got the best training available, I've got the experiences from my childhood with a mother in the medical field, and I'm smart enough for the job, but it's still a big step. I'm leaving everything I've ever known behind, and entering a world that even the best training can't truly prepare you for. Still, I have faith that it will go well for me. I have to, because honestly, if it didn't I can't imagine any other career I'd be interested in having. I have no desire to ever even visit Mars again, the one time I've been during my time here at the Academy it was terrible. How people who grew up on a class M world could ever get used to living in domed cities is beyond me, but they seemed to be well acclimated.

I guess I should wrap this up, I need to get some rest. I've been given a temporary position on the transport's roster, as a medical clerk, entering patient information from each day's sickbay schedule. It'll be boring, and tedious, but I guess I'll at least be useful. I just can't wait to finally be aboard the Musashi. I just want to dive right in and put my skills to work. Here's hoping I don't annoy the CMO with my abundant enthusiasm..." he said, letting the last though trail off. "End log." he added a few moments later.

Picking up the PADD he rolled over, tossing the blanket over himself, settling in to read, and not making it five pages in before the only sound in the room, other than the air cycling through the conditioning system, was the gentle snoring of his sleeping form.