a talk

Posted on Sat Jan 17th, 2026 @ 4:15am by Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton & Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Those who are left behind

Toni knew she had to have a serious talk with RJ. So she could not put it off any longer. When she had a rare few spare minutes she went over to medical to see if he had time.

She greeted the nurses with a smile and walked up to the doctor. "Hi, do you have a minute to talk in your office?"

Milton was checking the levels in the Emergency Stock in a cabinet, glancing up at her with a grin he nod his head.

"For you... anytime." Milton answered and placed the PADD aside and gestured to his office. "You know that the Tea is still fresh.

"That would be lovely. I haven't had tea yet today." Toni smiled as she followed him.

Entering his office Milton went straight to the Tea Pot.

"You sound quite serious Toni." Milton began making the two cups of tea before looking over his shoulder. "I just wondered what had taken you so long?" He joked. "I half Expected to be pulled aside after my Bridge Duty." He chuckled.

"I need to have the talk with you that my superiors had with me when I was offered the promotion to first officer." She took a cup of tea and then sat down in one of the chairs in his office and waited for him to do the same.

"I think I am very qualified to do this as we share a similar background. So I need you to think long and hard if you want to move to command so quickly. You see as second officer you can combine both careers. As first officer or captain it is nearly impossible to do both. I had to give up 95% of my patient list when I became first officer. I still see a few long term patients through video calls but it is one or two a week. And I do miss that aspect of my life very much." She paused. "I know you are good doctor and you love your work. You now have to make this difficult decision as well."

"I fall upon the wisdom of a Wise Vulcan." Milton began. "As I have said I expected this conversation. But to the point, an old saying about the needs of the many outweighing the few."

He seemed comfortable in the seat he had chosen to speak 'with' Toni and not us his desk as a Buffer or anything.

"But also that same Vulcan was very effective in both duties; it is a balance. I knew as 2nd Officer I would be on a path of Elevation and Promotion. As Ambassador Spock was a great Science Officer and Executive Officer; I hope that I can live up to the same standard being Medical rather than Science?"

Toni saw that he was not really understanding how hard a mix of both jobs would be. "What if you are on duty on the bridge in an emergency situation but at the same time you get a call from medical that you are needed for an operation that can save someone's life? What choice would you make?"

"Spock was always a Scientist, I will always be a Doctor, and have a very talented staff." Milton replied casually. "When that chair surrounds you , the ship is the patient I need to keep healthy, but I will always be a Doctor." He nodded. "But if I am on a routine duty and that same Emergency in medicals comes while the ship is no danger; I am allowed to answer the call... right?"

Pix came from seemingly nowhere to land on his shoulder and wave at Toni.

"I can maintain distance from Sick Bay, trust those I have help train carry on the duties." He tried to assure. "Spot inspections is a Command Requirement every once is a while though."

He winked in that way he does so often when understanding.

"I am the neck that supports the head allowing it to breathe and move; I will be your best Executive Officer 'Captain' Stoffels and will always be your friend as well."

Toni had been both listening to RJ and interacting with Pix. She was not completely convinced yet. "We will see how it goes, RJ." She said. "Any concerns and you come talk to me right?"

"I know we will get a new Chief, as by the Book I am the one who is mostly responsible for away teams." He told her. "I will be part of a two person team, you and I for what is best for the Resolution. I know that my life is for the ship and it will be a change; when I just got used to the bridge it seems I will be getting more as I am the connection between us and the Crew allowing you to Command."

"Thank you RJ. It's good that we get along, that should make the transition easier for both of us and of course Pix will be a big help as well."

Pix smiled in that all -knowing way as she does when Pix seems to know something others obviously missed.

"I hope you will come for a sleepover soon." Toni said to Pix. "You know I keep a room ready for you."

Pix kissed Milton's cheek just as she fluttered over and sat on Toni's shoulder.

"I guess that is an invitation accepted." Toni smiled. Pix would keep a close eye on her she thought, to make sure she took time off from being the captain once in a while.

No one really knew that Pix had a habit of fluttering about checking on the Baby, Larissa, Toni , the Captain's family and of course a close eye on Her Rutherford. With Toni most times she was in the venting but did not enter without permission; just a check and go system.

"Sometimes I think 'You' are her favorite." Milton joked. "But I know she also talks with Jen-Jen so I'll let it slide this time." He winked.

"You know you are her all time favourite." Toni was in a much better mood now. "I am just glad she is willing to spend time with me."

"She is not easy to get rid of." Pix stuck her tongue playfully out at Milton. "You two need some sleep over time."

"We are going." Toni said with a laugh.

OFF