Wyatt Blackford stepped into the medical bay, the doors sliding shut behind him with a soft hiss. This was it—the final physical he needed before he could officially go on duty. A routine check, they had said. Standard procedure. But to Wyatt, it felt like something far heavier. To say he was nervous was an understatement; his pulse thudded in his ears as he adjusted his jacket and forced himself to keep moving forward.

The doctors here had full access to his medical records. They knew things about him that most people didn’t—things he rarely spoke about. They knew he had been born female. So far, he hadn’t encountered any disrespectful medical staff. No sideways looks, no cruel comments, no whispered judgments. Still, the fear lingered. After years of living with a family that had taught him to expect rejection the moment anyone learned the truth, paranoia had become second nature. Even in a place built on professionalism and care, he couldn’t quite convince himself that he was completely safe.

He slowed his steps, taking in the brightly lit medical bay. White panels reflected the overhead lights, casting everything in a sterile glow. Equipment lined the walls in neat, orderly rows, monitors humming quietly, the air carrying the faint scent of antiseptic. It was clean. Controlled. Predictable. And yet, his shoulders remained tense, as if bracing for something unseen.

Wyatt drew a steadying breath, reminding himself why he was here. This was the last hurdle. Once this was done, he would finally be cleared for duty—no more waiting, no more being held back by paperwork and procedures. This was what he had worked toward. What he had fought for.

He straightened his posture, lifted his chin, and took another step forward, determined not to let old fears dictate who he was now. Whatever this exam brought, he would face it.

Ensign Wyatt Jacen Blackford

Security Junior Officer

U.S.S. Ark Angel