Meeting the CMO

Posted on 15 Jul 2026 @ 10:31pm by Lieutenant Commander Kennedy Monroe M.D. & Lieutenant JG Tevik

1,908 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Acceleration
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: Current

Tevik was pleasantly pleased. He not only had he reunited with T'Mari but they had a true relationship not just one built around sex. he found her to be intelligent, an excellent conversationalist, eager to learn more about Vulcan teachings and also quite attractive. he also could not wait to see her again which he would do after he got this required visit out of the way.

He was headed to Sickbay for his boarding physical which he viewed as totally unnecessary. He had left his previous assignment with a clean bill of health and he had been nowhere except on the starship that delivered him to the Blackhawk.

Entering Sickbay, he didn't see anyone so he called out. "This is Lt. Tevik I am here for my boarding physical. = to be conducted by the CMO Dr. Monroe."

Under most circumstances the Lieutenant's announcement, no matter how loud, would have been lost in the hum of Main Sickbay's natural rhythms. While it was true there were times the ship's main medical facility could appear quieter than others, it would be a mistake to assume the medical heart of the ship lay mostly dormant even outside of combat or mass casualty events. What was visible to the naked eye, or not visible as it were, didn't tell the whole story.

Fortunately for Tevik, his announcement met the ears of a very seasoned Bajoran nurse who was used to keeping track of what was happening in his domain using skills as pedestrian as listening to the sounds that were novel for the setting.

"Well then, right this way your Royal Highness," he replied with a touch of sarcasm and good natured mischievousness, approaching Tevik and gesturing for him to follow along.

Tevik cast a cool Vulcan eye at the Bajoran nurse. "I see the story of Bajorans not having a sense of humor is false. You do have a sense of humor, minor as it it." Tevik replied as he followed the nurse.

The nurse chuckled at the dig, appreciating the bit of banter. As an experienced medical professional
he had too many more important things to worry about than being offended by a jab. "The Prophets could have chosen to give me minor medical skill and excellent comedic timing, I suppose, but the next time you are unwell,
you can tell me what you would have preferred."

"I shall do so, should that occasion ever arise and perhaps your comedic timing will have improved. As for your medical skill, the fact that you are on staff implies you already have medical skill. Whether it is minor or not remains to be seen." Tevik replied simply.

The walk to Monroe's office wasn't short, but it was reasonable considering their healthy pace, which the Bajoran clocked as a sign of good current health. Soon Tevik was in front of Kennedy Monroe who was seated at her desk but with the door propped open. She wanted to demonstrate an open door policy, not just talk of one.

The nurse knocked on the door frame anyway. "Special delivery for you, Doc. Lt. Tevik here says he’s here for his boarding physical and it’s to be conducted by you.“

Kennedy looked up from her desk,, taking in the two men for a moment. Normally, boarding physicals didn’t have to be conducted exclusively by her, just reviewed, but if the new arrival was requesting her specifically, she wondered if there was something delicate or important that needed attending to.

She stood and came around her desk. “Thank you, Sean,“ she offered to the nurse as she watched him take his leave. Turning back to her now newly arrived patient, she offered her hand “Dr. Kennedy Monroe. Welcome to the Blackhawk. If you like, please feel free to make yourself comfortable and we can discuss any specific medical needs. You might have before I conduct your physical.“

Tevik looked at the offered hand and hesitated only briefly before clasping it in a firm (but not overly so) handshake. He remained standing despite the offer to make himself comfortable. "Thank you Doctor, it is good to be here." He replied with the well known Vulcan capacity of using as few words as possible to coney a message or idea. "As your nurse already stated I am here for my boarding physical and I was told to have it conducted by the CMO which according to the Blackhawks' current manifest and you your nurse's greeting is you.." He paused and then continued, "What is it you wish to discuss? I know of no underlying health conditions nor am I being treated or taking any medication for any health issues. Both my mother and father are in excellent health with no health issues if that helps you."

“Thank you for clarifying that,“ Kennedy offered, shaking the man’s hand before releasing it politely. “I’m not aware
of any fleet regulation that requires a CMO to personally conduct boarding physicals, but perhaps whoever you spoke to mistook the CMO‘s required oversight for personal examination. It was I who assumed you had a specific medical reason that required my personal attention, but even if that’s not the case, I am happy to examine you myself. A medical chief can only take so much administrative work before she starts to go stir crazy,“ she added with a smile, gesturing for the Vulcan to follow her into a private examination room, as it was the easiest space to access given where they were.

"I see." Tevik replied slowly before continuing. "It seems I am the victim of a joke and for what purpose I do not know. However, I apologize for my insistence that you perform the boarding physical. I was in error and I regret it." He finished as he followed her into the nearest examination room and sitting on the biobed as he waited for the CMO's next instructions.

"You've done nothing wrong," Kennedy reassured. "You were just trying to follow what you thought was the regulation for physicals and there are much more challenging things for medical personnel to deal with than people demanding to be given their physicals. You've actually done me a favor by insisting I do the exam as it gives me a break from less stimulating administrative tasks and gives me a reason to do what I like best - talking with others."

Monroe gestured for Tevik to have a seat on the biobed and after logging into the computer and pulling up his medical record, she offered, "I see this is your second required physical in a short time. I know they can be a bit of a nuisance, but Starfleet Medical likes to be sure you haven't picked up any illnesses in transit. Did you like where you were last posted?"

"You are most kind Doctor and I thank you for that." He nodded his head, "Yes Doctor. I was previously assigned to the USS Custer, a Nebula class starship. I did like my posting. Yet when a position became available here, I applied to be with T'Mari and as the saying goes, the rest is history. I believe being stationed together will be beneficial to our being bonded T'Mari is very much in favor of it, so that bodes well." He paused as he looked at her, "Is everything in order Doctor? No surprises?"

Just then, it dawned on Kennedy who her newest patient was. “I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection before now, but T’Mari has mentioned you to me. She and I are friends and I know it’s not been easy on her to be separated from you. I’m sure she’s looking forward to spending more time with you.“ She looked down at her results and offered, “I’m not seeing any cause for concern. Your results are well within your past baseline. Just to be thorough, is there anything you think I should know that might not have made it into your medical file? I know Starfleet is fairly thorough when it came to documentation, but sometimes important information could be.

Of course, Kennedy also now made the connection between her patient, and the fact she was now aware he was going to be a father while he apparently did not yet know the news. It was likely a happy secret, but still not one she could reveal to him because it would break patient confidentiality. She reminded herself to school her facial features so as not to betray anything.

Tevik inclined his head fractionally as the CMO made the connection as to who he was. "I am pleased that T'Mari and yourself are friends. I am also pleased she values your friendship in that she spoke of me to you. I share your belief that our being together will be beneficial to her. I view our being together as a most logical arrangement where we both benefit." He paused as Kennedy said his results were all within past guidelines. He shook his head, "Nothing comes readily to mind Doctor however, should I recall something I will be sure to let you know. Oh, on different subject I hope we can become friends as well."

Monroe offered a genuine smile. "I'd like that, and I'd say we're off to a great start. Perhaps when you've had more time to settle in, we can all meet for a meal?"

"I agree with your assessment of us being off to a good start doctor. I also think that having all of us meet for a meal is an excellent idea. I'm also sure T'Mari would be quite agreeable to all of us getting together for a meal." Tevik replied formally.

Inwardly, Kennedy beamed at the thought of sharing a meal with the two (and soon to be three) of them. Surely by then, everyone would know about the new arrival and all of them could celebrate. “Great. Just reach out when you’re both ready and we can set something up. For now, you’re free to resume your duties unless there’s anything else I can do for you?”

"I concur Doctor it will be or should be an excellent opportunity for all of us to interact in a less formal atmosphere. I will discuss the matter with T'Mari and either she or I will reach out to you with the particular details as to where and when we may get together." he paused for a moment. "I thank you for your time as well as a most enjoyable conversation. I look forward to many more such conversations.'

"The feeling is mutual, Lieutenant. I'm looking forward to speaking soon."

As Kennedy watched him lower himself from the biobed and depart Sickbay, Monroe was filled with happiness for her friend. Service aboard the Black Hawk had been especially difficult of late and no one should have to endure it alone. Thinking of the baby to be, Kennedy smiled, focusing on the joy to come.

Leaving Sickbay, Tevik allowed his Vulcan reserve to relax slightly as a smile played at the corners of his mouth. It seemed he had just made and gained a new friend and he was most pleased . The CMO was intelligent, dedicated to her craft and a good conversationalist. Yes, he was most pleased with the prospect of this new friendship and what lay ahead.

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