Indoc-Rhys

Posted on Mon Jul 20th, 2026 @ 2:02am by Commander Rhys Antaiko & Lieutenant JG Kell Asaa Dr

1,052 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: New Horizons
Location: Aux Medical Bay
Timeline: Current

[ Aux Medical Suite ]

Kell closes the file and looks up and out her door at another crew member that's come by. With all the open time, there hasn't been a specific schedule for incoming personnel but now she wished there was one anyway.

'Ah,' she thinks. 'A commander. That narrows down who it could be...'

Commander Rhys Arling Antaiko paused outside the open doorway, smoothing the front of his freshly pressed command uniform out of habit rather than necessity. The four solid pips on his collar caught the overhead lighting as he stepped inside with measured confidence.

At six feet one, he carried himself with the quiet assurance of someone long accustomed to starship corridors and bridge watches. There was nothing flamboyant about him only the calm, attentive demeanor of an officer who observed more than he spoke. His steelblue eyes briefly surveyed the medical bay before settling on the physician.

Offering a courteous smile, he approached the doctor's desk and came to an easy halt.

"Commander Rhys Antaiko," he introduced himself, extending a hand. "Reporting for my pre-assignment physical."

His voice was warm, professional, and carried the faint confidence of a seasoned command officer.

The lean lady stood and came around the desk, a bit harried perhaps but solid in her manner. Reaching out she firmly grasps his hand. "Dr Kell Asaa, I'm your CMO. Welcome aboard, or as close as it gets at the moment." She turns his hand, checking his pulse, then lets it go.

"Let's get right to it, shall we?" She indicated a door behind her, then a sweeping gesture to the open bay. "Privacy or..."

Rhys glanced toward the private examination room before looking back to Dr. Asaa with an easy smile.

"If it's all the same to you, Doctor, I'm not particularly shy. We can save the private room for someone who needs it."

He gave a light chuckle. "I've learned that medical officers are far less interested in preserving a commander's dignity than they are in making sure all the parts still work."

Stepping toward the nearest biobed, he added, "Lead the way."

Kell nods and smiles. "While the Liberty is a relatively large craft, it is a small microcosm we will exist in for certain. And yes, modesty is often overlooked unless requested. We tend to get a bit focused on the mechanics of the process."

Directing him to an indentation along the wall with the biobed, she begins a standard scan while looking him over, inquiring about changes to his file, any new sensations or issues for her to address, etc.

Rhys stood comfortably within the scanner's field, his expression composed as the diagnostic beams swept over him.

"We do have excellent counselors on board, so when I refer to 'feelings' I'm concerned with your biological systems normally, the rest I can refer to them."

At the moment the last crewman had left and her medical staff were taking care of other tasks. "Although given your redacted file, I assume you have specific channels for that." She says quietly, tapping a display as she works. "If there's anything I need to know, I'll expect you to notify me as best you can."

"Nothing new to report, Doctor. No lingering injuries, unusual symptoms, or concerns that would affect my fitness for duty."

At the mention of his classified record, he offered a small, understanding smile. "As for the redactions... if there's ever anything that impacts the health or safety of this crew, you'll be among the first to know within the limits of my authorization."

He inclined his head respectfully. "My intention is to make your job as easy as possible, not more complicated."

She nodded. "I appreciate that. From what I did read, I'm expecting that very thing. Not sure how long I can guarantee comfort but I can guarantee, things will not be boring. Well, once we're back underway anyway," she says, glancing up across the docking area. "She's a good ship XO, you just gotta treat her right, and she'll back your play..."

Rhys glanced toward the bulkhead, a faint smile forming as he considered her words. "I've found the best ships are much like their crews, Doctor. They respond well when they're respected and cared for."

He looked back to her, the amusement still present in his eyes. "And I have a feeling the Liberty is going to keep all of us on our toes." He settled back as the scan continued. "Fortunately, I've always preferred a challenge."

"Good attitude. We have a good crew, just exchanged a few, some fortunately, some unfortunately, but we're still tight-knit and I hope you find your job as uncomplicated as possible... although," she shrugs, "not as likely... and definitely challenges ahead." Kell smiles so he knows she means it in a positive way.

Rhys returned her smile, recognizing the sincerity behind her words. "That's the nature of any crew, Doctor. People come and go, but what matters is the ones who remain and the bonds they build."

He glanced briefly around the medical bay before looking back at her. "From what I've seen so far, the *Liberty* has exactly what every good ship needs—a crew that cares."

A small, confident smile touched his features. "As for the challenges... those are usually where the best crews prove who they are."

"The USS Crucible doesn't sound as cool as USS Liberty. I think I'll stick with her." She smiles as she hands Rhys a lollipop. "Here ya go, for being such a good patient!"

Rhys looked down at the lollipop in his hand, then back at Dr. Asaa with an amused raise of his eyebrow. "Commander of a starship, years of tactical training, classified assignments..." He paused, inspecting the candy.

"And this is somehow the best reward Starfleet has ever given me to finally behave."

A small grin crossed his face as unwrapped the treat and put it into his mouth. "Cherry, my favorite. Thank you, Doctor." With that he took his leave. humming to himself as he went.

Kell shook her head slightly with a hint of a smile as she closed the notes on his file. 'Behave indeed,' she thought.


OFF:

Dr Kell Asaa
Chief Medical Office
USS Liberty

&

Commander Rhys Antaiko
Executive Officer
USS Liberty

 

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