A New Beginning
Posted on Thu Nov 16th, 2023 @ 3:49am by Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer
Edited on on Wed Dec 6th, 2023 @ 7:21am
1,049 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: U.S.S. Pioneer Various
Timeline: MD001 0830 hrs
The USS Pioneer, an Intrepid-class starship, was a sight to behold as Lieutenant Jordan Spencer approached it from the shuttlepod while it orbited Starbase Poseidon. Its sleek, aerodynamic hull gleamed under the starlit expanse of space, a beacon of hope and exploration amidst the vast unknown.
Stepping onto the docking platform, Jordan adjusted his medical uniform, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. It wasn’t as though he couldn't handle it, but he had not been assigned to a new assignment in a while. This was his new home, his new crew, his new chapter in the grand odyssey of Starfleet. Why he hadn’t been offered a counselor position, after all the days and years of training, they still needed medical doctors. That was fine with him, it just seemed unusual.
As he made his way through the bustling corridors of the ship, Jordan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. There was a palpable energy here, a collective hum of purpose that resonated throughout the vessel. The crew, a diverse mix of species and backgrounds, were quick to notice the outcast, the new blood. This wasn’t something that really bothered him, but it was something that he noted. This crew was truly a close knit family.
Arriving at the medical bay, Jordan was greeted by one of the medical officers, Nurse Evelyn Walsh. A seasoned veteran with a calm demeanor and a reassuring presence, she welcomed Jordan warmly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of curiosity.
"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant Spencer," she said, extending her hand. "I just arrived not a couple days before you.."
Jordan shook her hand firmly, his initial nervousness gradually fading. "It's an honor to be here, Captain?" He noticed a little too late. She was holding a marine rank.
Marine Captain Walsh led Jordan through the medical bay, giving him a brief orientation of the facilities and equipment. As they spoke, Jordan couldn't help but notice her passion for her work, her enthusiasm infectious. He could tell that she seemed to feel a surge of excitement, eager to contribute her skills and knowledge to such a dedicated team.
After the orientation, Jordan met a couple of the medical staff but Commander O'Rourke was not on shift. He made a mental note to schedule a time to meet her. But for now, he needed to get settled into his assigned quarters. He wasn't sure if he would feel a sense of belonging wash over him anytime soon. This was more than just a new assignment; it was a new family.
As he arrived in his quarters, he knew that the next couple days would no doubt be a whirlwind of activity for Jordan as he settled into his new role. He knew that he would need to familiarize himself with the ship's systems, reviewed medical protocols, and attended orientation briefings. He also spent time getting to know his fellow crew members, sharing meals, engaging in conversations, and forging new connections.
Despite the packed schedule ahead, Jordan couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had been with Starfleet for many years, but this assignment felt different. He was no longer a young, eager officer eager to prove himself. He was a seasoned veteran, scarred by the losses he had endured. He wondered if he would be able to connect with his new crew, to find a place where he truly belonged.
“Computer,” Jordan called out as he sat down slowly behind his small desk in his quarters. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding to the chirp of the computer. “Begin personal log…”
“I'm sitting here in my quarters,” he paused as he thought deeply before talking it through, knowing that this was a way to deal with stress. “The silence weighing heavily on me. It's been a few hours since I arrived on the USS Pioneer, and I question how I will find my footing. I'm surrounded by strangers, their camaraderie a stark reminder of the isolation that I know all so well.
“I've been through a lot in my time with Starfleet. I've seen the best and worst of humanity, and I've lost more than I can bear. The recent loss of my wife and unborn child has left a gaping hole in my heart, a void that no amount of time or counseling seems to fill.
“I came to the Pioneer hoping for a fresh start, a chance to escape the ghosts of my past. But the more I interact with the crew, I’m unsure if I am who I know or if I'm not the same person I was before. I'm haunted by memories, plagued by regrets.
“I know I should try to connect with my new colleagues, to find a place where I belong. But I know that I am not the type that typically searches for personal connections. The wall that has been there will no doubt come up, a barrier that I can't seem to penetrate. One wonders if they will always see me as a stranger, an outsider, or just another face in the crowd. I can't blame them.
“For now, I will try to focus on my work, to find solace in the familiar routine of medical procedures and patient consultations. But even in the midst of my work load, I know I won’t be able to escape the haunting emptiness within.
“As any other life form, I long for connection, for someone who can understand the depths of my sorrow, someone who can help me navigate the treacherous waters of grief. But to open up, to let anyone see the brokenness within me…” He paused and took a deep breath. He was a Marine for years before choosing to try and save lives, and not just know the quickest ways to defend himself and others.
“I know I can't hide forever, that I need to find a way to heal. But for now, I'm content to remain a lone traveler in the vast expanse of space, seeking solace in the quiet solitude of my own company… End log.”
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer
Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer
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