[snip]

Drudoc nodded, moving, not to the nearby replicator, but to a storage cabinet. From it she pulled a small glass bottle and two small shot glasses. Putting the bottle down Trax could see the label read, ‘MacQueens 32 Year Blended Scotch Whiskey - 2364’. “..Something to make the coming news go down better, its my last bottle from when I was given it by Admiral Janeway when teaching at the Academy..” She said pouring two small shots in each glass.

After both had finished the shot glass, Drudoc got to the bad news. “..Orders from higher up, effectively immediately you are to be demoted from your current lieutenant rank to ensign, and removed for now, from holding a department head role on the ship..” She said delivering the news bluntly but to the point.

”..I don’t like this ensign..” She said after quietly removing the extra pips, “..political pressure from Betazed, I assume from your family, originally wanted you stripped from the service, and have had you returned there. But I fought back as best I could to get this compromise. I want you to know you service as our chief medical officer has been excellent in the line of duty a fact I stressed to my superiors. Sadly my influence can only go so far given the political environment. You are of course free to challenge this decision up the chain of command. Unofficially I encourage you to do so, and whatever support I can provide I shall. For now Ensign....so to be junior lieutenant Marshall will assume your departmental duties as chief medical officer. I have no doubt you will serve and aide her well in this transition and in the times ahead..” She said.

”..Do you have any questions, Ensign?” She asked.

Drudoc Andone CO

Trax sat there in total and uder shock with a blank look on his face. At the news of his demotion and loss of CMO status. He knew it was not the captains fault or the crews. But his mother’s doing along with the matriarch of the governing body of Betazed.

As other questions finally penitrated his shock. “No sir.” Barely escaped his lips. Apparently he was not safe from his mother especially in starfleet.

“I will comply with the changes sir and give what I can to the new CMO.” He felt like he was betrayed by star fleet and UFP. The life and spirit he had was gone. He barely stood now. “Thank you sir.for the drink…am I dismissed.” Trax asked quietly.

But she was right the news was softened by the sooth scotch. Trax was not sure if he would be able to get back to his quarters. But he was going to try just for his dignity of the situation.

Ensign Trax Sider Jo doctor

”..You are dismissed Ensign. For what it is worth I am sorry this came to pass..” She stated.

Drudoc Andone CO