It had been a grueling year. Between his constant course work, writing, rewriting, studying, research, reading, and interviewing - not to mention his normal ship duties and the transfer to the Saracen - Sinclair was mentally exhausted. But he only had one thing left to do… the dreaded thesis defense. Once that was finished, successfully he hoped, then he would be an actual Doctor of Psychology. Royal leaned back in his chair in his office and laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all. Turning to look at the Marine Corps Distinguished Service Cross set on the high shelf behind his desk, he spoke softly to no one who was present in that particular reality.

“Seanair…” he said, and the image of his grandfather filled his mind. “Who woulda thought it, eh? Big, dumb Rugger me; a Doctor…” and he laughed again, but this time there was a slight melancholy aspect to the sound. “You always said the galaxy is a big, strange place. Guess you weren’t wrong there…” and he sighed. Taking his eyes off the medal, he turned and looked down at the desk interface. Taking a deep breath, he tapped a few commands and waited for the subspace communication to link the Saracen to Star Fleet Medical. A few moments passed, and then the familiar face of Admiral Turner appeared, a big smile on her face. “They aren’t here yet, but just arrived. You ready, Royal?” she asked excitedly. “Yes, Ma’am. You know I am.” he said with the dazzling smile of his. She laughed in response and said “Good. This shouldn’t be too terrible… but it will be demanding. Bring your A game, ok Commander?” “Always, Admiral. You know me.” and she laughed again. “That I do.” and there was a sound from behind her. Her face turned and she said something away form the screen and then turned back. “Ok, they are here. Wait one while they get settled. Good luck.” and she left the console where she was seated and went off the screen.

Royal waited for several minutes and then the shot on his comms shifted. He could now see the Admiral seated to the side of three other individuals: A human male, a Vulcan female, and a Betazoid male. The Admiral stood and addressed the three and Royal for the record. “Good morning. We are here today to complete the doctoral thesis defense process for Lieutenant Commander Royal Sinclair, currently serving as Ship’s Counselor aboard the Star Fleet vessel USS Saracen. Commander Sinclair is joining us via subspace from the ship. Present for the interview are Captain Marcus Wellby, Chair of Star Fleet Academy Psychology Department. Doctor Mu’tah, Board Certified Psychologist and Senior Fellow of Psychology of Star Fleet Medical. And finally Doctor Damol Rissn, Director of Psychology Administration and Certification, Federation Medical Services. I am Admiral Melissa Turner, Commanding Officer of Counseling and Mental Hygiene for Star Fleet Medical.”

“The purpose of this meeting - ” she continued, “- is to allow for the Doctoral Candidate to defend his final thesis and complete the requirements for an award of PhD in Psychology with an emphasis on Counseling, Social Work, and Mediation and Conflict Resolution. Prior to this defense, I have reviewed Commander Sinclair’s thesis and given it my approval.” and she turned from addressing all those present and looked directly at the three new arrivals. “Doctors. Please confirm that you have read the candidates thesis and are ready to ask your questions.” After an affirmative acknowledgement form each, the Admiral then said “Very well. Let us begin. Doctor Mu’tah, please ask your questions.”

What followed was ninety minutes of strict inquiries into Sinclair’s knowledge base, research, application of scientific standards; and a drilling on his bibliography and conclusions based on those sources. Royal answered each question as thoroughly and logically as possible; even going so far as to admit that while he disagreed with a supposition on the part of one of his sources, he did not have sufficient evidence to directly contradict the source. After her time, Doctor Mu’tah simply said “Thank you, Lieutenant Commander Sinclair.”

Sinclair, CNS