Posted by Commander Brad Walker (Chief Of Staff/Second Officer) in Walker’s Office - 0930

Alexis already had Kane’s approval for transfer, and Myqian’s tentative approval, as long as Dr. Walker wanted her back as his assistant. So at exactly 0925 Alexis walked in, told the duty nurse where she was going and at precisely 0930 Alexis knocked at Walker’s office door.

Bonner

“Come,” Brad’s voice sounded, and the door slid aside nearly-soundlessly. “Ah, Dr. Bonner, punctual as ever,” he said, seeing her in the doorway, standing from his desk and gesturing to a seat at a small coffee table about half-way into the suite.

“Can I offer you any sort of refreshment?”

Cmdr. Dr. Brad Walker
Chief of Staff

Alexis entered the some what familiar office. “Good morning, Dr. Walker. Just ice water, thank you.” Alexis sat in the indicated seat, sitting more stiffly than normal. She respected Dr. Walker a great deal. Out of everyone on the ship, she knew she had probably let him down the most when she left.

Bonner

Brad retrieved two glasses from the replicator and set both on the table, taking a seat of his own across from her.

“So what did you want to speak with me about?”

Cmdr. Dr. Brad Walker
Chief of Staff

Alexis didn’t reach for the water, preferring to address that topic immediately. “I have applied for the AMO position. Cmdr Myqian called me to her office and said I had to speak to you. That it was your decision if you would want me to return to the position.”

Bonner

Whatever Brad had thought this meeting would be about, it was clear from his expression that this was not it. He sat back, with a surprised expression on his face, and didn’t speak for a moment, instead taking a hesitant sip from his own glass.

“Well, she’s right about that, at least when it comes to internal applicants,” he eventually said. “Though given the track record of those assigned by Starfleet Medical, I’m much more open to such an applicant right now.”

He paused again, taking another drink, before leaning forward. “I think this is the part where you tell me more about what pulled you away last time, what brought you back to the ship as a researcher, and why you want your old job back,” he said, fixing her with a serious look.

Cmdr. Dr. Brad Walker
Chief of Staff

Alexis didn’t sigh, she knew that would be a question he would ask. She took a moment to order her thoughts, the truth was simplest, but she couldn’t tell him everything. It was restricted, classified, need to know, or whatever ‘they’ called it. “I was asked to work on a medical development research project. I can’t tell you what it was or why I was asked - all I can tell you is I wasn’t given a choice.” That was true, she thought she had a the time, but that was an illusion that Alexis hadn’t been aware of until she’d arrived at her new location. “It was only supposed to last 3 weeks. We were settled here on the new ship, everything was caught up, it was three weeks. That turned into 6 months.” There was a flicker of faltering confidence that usually exuded from Alexis and then it was back.

“When we were finished I requested to be sent back here, but my position had been filled. I still wanted to be here, on Ogawa, so I joined the science department as a researcher. My skills are many and varied and it seemed a good place for me. If I couldn’t be treating patients, I could still be helping them.” It was the most emotionally weighted statement Walker had ever heard from her. She picked up her glass of water and slowly drank from it. Then she set it down and looked at him directly.

“I never wanted to leave the position; for all the things I could have done with my life being a doctor was the only thing I wanted. I know my bedside manor lacks where others may not, but I do care about the patients.” Even if she was social out of touch. “I’m a good doctor. I can help people from this position, patients and staff. Though I know I have a lot to learn there. Being AMO challenged me, not just as a doctor but as a person. It was hard, but I learned a lot and it made me a better doctor.” Alexis sat up a little straighter, resolved to something. “I never would have chosen to leave, and that project is the biggest mistake of my life. I want to return to what I’m good at, and that’s being a doctor. If not as your AMO, then as a junior doctor if you would have me.”

Bonner