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Welcome Aboard!

Posted on Fri Oct 17th, 2025 @ 2:43am by Captain Michael Murphy & Lieutenant Ilana Marquez

1,389 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Children of the Stars

It was not like Ilana to be nervous. However, not only was she transferring ships, but she was going to be a Chief Medical Officer. She had never done that before. Sure, she was confident in her ability but there were so many unknowns: What would the captain be like? Would he respect her? Would the crew like her? What about her staff?

Whatever doubts she might have, she squashed them down in her stomach. She inquired of the computer of the Captain's whereabouts. It was her duty to report in to him or the XO and she was going to try to make a good first impression by meeting the Captain first. So, following the computer's instructions, she headed to the Captain.

Once she saw him, she politely said in a melodic voice, "Good day, Captain. I am Lieutenant Ilana Marquez, your new Chief Medical Officer, reporting for duty."

Murphy was caught off guard by her youth. He must have skipped over her age when he read her file. “You’re Lieutenant Marquez?” He quickly composed himself. “Of course you are, welcome aboard the Montana.” He offered his hand.

Ilana politely took his hand and shook it lightly. "I am." She noticed the hesitation before he composed himself. "I'm older than I look, Captain. I'm 30. But this is my first time as a Chief Medical Officer. So, I hope that I will serve the ship well."

Murphy nodded, silently chastising himself for letting his surprise show. "I only meant that I thought most CMO's were...retirement aged. No matter. I have no doubt you will make us proud."

"Retirement aged?" Ilana asked laughing pleasantly. "Well, maybe it is a benefit that I'm young and you can have me for a long time?" Realizing the potential of a double entendre, she blushed lightly and turned away. She had no intention of making such a statement. After all, she had no intention of dating. Her husband died less than two years ago and the entire concept of being with anyone but him was greater than foreign.

She turned back to Murphy and asked, "What is it that I should expect from you and in my duties, Captain?"

The second meaning of Ilana's phrase went right over Murphy's head. "It will be nice to keep a long working relationship with one Doctor," he considered aloud. "You should expect the XO and I to make sure you're always properly stocked with supplies. Should you be in need of restocking and we don't seem to be acknowledging it, I hope you'll bring it to our attention. I'd expect you to make sure the crew are receiving their required medical checkups. I'd expect documentation and appropriate notification on those who either are not cooperating or are in Sickbay more than they need to be. I'll expect your expertise on the appropriate away missions, or another trusted person in your stead. I hope to see you in staff meetings and mission briefings when your schedule allows it."

"I do not think that any of those things will be an issue, Captain. I do like to keep a healthy crew and I will be making nutritional recommendations, as well. I may be sweet, but you will not find that I am shy. I speak my mind when it is required."

"That's good, Lieutenant," Murphy replied. "Even if you think I won't listen, I want to know what you need to tell me."

"Then you shall always have my opinion. Just be careful what you wish for, Captain." She chuckled lightly.

Murphy smiled. "I'm sure I can handle it. Now, for the important question, should I call you Lieutenant or Doctor?"

"Doctor is fine. Close friends call me Lana."

Murphy wondered if that was an invitation to call her Lana, but decided not to chance it. "As you wish, Doctor."

"Can you tell me a bit more about yourself, Captain? After all, if we are going to be working together, I should like to know you better as a person."

"That's fair," Murphy said, considering what to say. "I have a background in Security. I enjoy exploring new worlds. I like to read in my free time. How about you?"

"I enjoy reading too. What books do you enjoy? I also enjoy playing acoustic guitar. My singing can leave a bit to be desired. I also keep an herb garden in my quarters and in sickbay. I'm very much into natural health, yoga, and a bit of sketching." Her eyes became large and doe-like.

“I’m not sure I know what natural health is,” Murphy said. “But as far as books go, I enjoy a good fantasy story. I’m a sucker for good versus evil, where good triumphs in the end.”

"Good versus evil. Those types of books are charming tales. As to natural health, I mean things like healthy living, exercise, and organic foods. Our bodies need so many natural nutrients. While replicators do a good job, there's nothing like the actual foods."

“I can’t argue with you there,” Murphy said, imagining the last time he was home. “A home cooked meal with fresh ingredients is a treat, for sure.”

"Well, I can certainly make you a home cooked meal if you would like. The food processors are fine but fresh ingredients are the best. I assume that hydroponics is well maintained. I can assist there too," Ilana offered.

"I would like that," Murphy said, smiling. "I think we're going to like having you around."

"I hope so!" Ilana replied enthusiastically. "I should probably meet your XO soon and then get things set up in Sickbay and my quarters."

"Let me know if Sickbay is not to your standards," Murphy replied. "I don't spend a lot of time there."

"Hopefully nobody will except for me and my staff," Ilana replied honestly. "I would much rather meet people in the gym or the mess hall."

Murphy chuckled, "I didn't think about it that way. I suppose most people shouldn't spend a lot of time there."

"If they did, I would have to seriously consider whether their health would permit them to serve. I hope never to have to make that call, though."

“What a horrifying thought,” Murphy said, imagining his heartbreak if he were to be medically discharged from Starfleet.

"If I do my job right, then that should never be a problem," Ilana replied confidently and also hoping that it might reassure the Captain.

"That's true," he agreed. "So, I won't worry about it."

"Good! Just remember that worrying is interest on a loan that has not yet come due."

He smiled. "I'll keep that in mind, Doctor. Did you have any other questions for me?"

"Oh, I have a million more questions, but they're not specifically for you, Captain."

"So, they're more general questions?" he asked.

"Well, more questions about why the way things are and why do they have to work they way they do. I would think that there might be better ways to do many things." She paused and shrugged apologetically. "I think a lot."

Murphy nodded. “Well, I do recognize that change can be good. But I also know that people are naturally resistant to change. Myself included at times. But never be discouraged to suggest change.”

"Oh, I won't because the only thing certain in life, IS change," Ilana told the Captain confidently.

He knew whenever a new Department head took over, they looked for ways to improve things and leave their mark. He had done it himself as Security Chief. It was just the natural order of things.

“That does seem to be so, Doctor. Can you already predict change you’ll be bringing?”

"I'm going to make this crew so much healthier and happier that you will not know how you lived before I got here," she told him with a confident smile. There was no hint of conceit in her voice, just pride and confidence.

“I look forward to that,” he said, impressed.

"Wonderful!" Ilana enthused. "I suppose that I should find your XO now and introduce myself to him."

“If you insist,” Murphy responded. “This has been a genuine pleasure, Doctor.”

"Thank you, Captain. I look forward to working with you."


===================================

Lieutenant Ilana Marquez
Chief Medical Officer
USS Montana

Captain Michael Murphy
Commanding Officer

 

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