((USS Victory – Captain's Quarters))

::Julia got to the captain's quarters just as two crewmen were
carrying the four bags out of the room. Gasping, she took a deep
breath.::

oO She's been relieved of command! Oo ::taking a deep breath::

HARDEN: ::quietly since the crewmen were still within ear-shot::
Captain, reporting as ordered.

PHOENIX: ::gesturing the doctor in.:: Ah, hello Julia.

HARDEN: Robin, what's going on? What's happening?

PHOENIX: Ehr... well, actually... yes. Please, sit down. ::the doors
swooshed shut:::

HARDEN: You've been relieved of your command, haven't you? Who?
Admiral Decilla? Why?

PHOENIX: All I can tell you is what I am going to tell the crew later
this evening. ::pause.:: I perhaps should not talk to you about this,
before I inform the others I mean, but I just needed to talk to
someone about this.

HARDEN: Then talk to me, Robin. What happened?

:: Robin turned as she walked to one of the big windows in the now
very sterile living room. Resting her hands against the wall, she
gazed outside while talking.::

PHOENIX: ::sigh.:: It seems Starfleet Command has recalled Admiral
Decilla's earlier order to return command over the Victory to me. In
fact, I have been recalled to report to Starfleet Medical as soon as
possible. ::turning to look at Julia.:: I have been deemed unfit for
duty as a Starfleet Officer and ordered to undergo full-time medical
examination and treatment.

HARDEN: There's nothing wrong with your command sense, your
responses...

PHOENIX: ::shaking head.:: You do not have to tell me that. I have
been over the same thing with Admiral Decilla. No, I am afraid
Starfleet has made up it's mind.

HARDEN: And our treatment? The Lab Rats have done an excellent job.
Tina's massage treatments have eased the pain... I don't think Star
Fleet has looked at all the options. They didn't talk to me. They
haven't asked for my report...

:: Robin secretly smiled at that. He knew Julia would not take
anything for granted. She was an excellent medic, something Starfleet
clearly underestimated. Their excuse Harden's treatment was faulty
would never be believed by her.::

PHOENIX: I am sorry, of course you know something is wrong here. You
know me too well not to notice it.

HARDEN: Tell me... We've been friends far too long. You know you can
trust me. Whatever you say will be kept between us.

:: Robin walked to one of the chairs in front of the empty glass
table and sat down.::

PHOENIX: Sorry Julia, I am not at liberty to tell you anything. ::she
then looked at Julia closely.:: But you and I both know no one will
be able to reach me at Starfleet Medical or at any of their
departments throughout the Federation. ::smile.:: All I can say is, I
will be registered as `under treatment' for the duration of my...
absence.

HARDEN: As a medical officer, I'll be able to see you, won't I?

PHOENIX: ::smile.:: Well, keep watching those medical reports then
doctor. You'll know when I return once I officially get released
from... `treatment'. ::pause.:: I really can not say more. ::pause.::
But thank you for listening, I had to share it with someone, although
it is not much I shared.

HARDEN: ::sadly:: With you gone, what about the crew? They...
everyone of them... is loyal to you. It's going to be hard to break
loose.

PHOENIX: I will disclose that at the wedding... speaking of which, I
believe you should get ready. It's only an hour away for the
festivities.

HARDEN: Yes, of course, Jacen's wedding. I've come to like Himeyu a
great deal, Robin. But I'm not in the mood for a wedding right now.

PHOENIX: I am not either, but life goes on doctor. Now... I am
looking forward to my last party with my old crewmates, and I do not
intend to let Starfleet intervene with that. ::smile.:: What do you
think, with or without my pips? ::pointing at her collar.::

HARDEN: With! Absolutely! ::giggling::

PHOENIX: ::laughing.:: You will never change, will you

:: They both laughed. But it was somewhat of a hollow laugh, for they
both knew a chapter was coming to an end. And this, made them feel
somewhat empty, uncertain. A loud silence followed, words were not
needed as the two friends looked at each other and understood. ::

:: Their hug almost brought them to tears but as officers, they held
themselves in check. Julia left her friend standing in the middle of
her rooms. There was a wedding to attend.::


Lt.Cmdr. Julia Harden
Chief Medical Officer
USS Victory