J.R.'s Send Off
Posted on Mon Mar 31st, 2025 @ 1:34am by Captain Remy Johansen & Ensign Charlotte Dawes & Civilian Alexandra Winters & Civillian Sara Winters & Commander Maxun Spello & Lieutenant Commander Nash Winters & Lieutenant Commander Eirly Andersen & Major Clay McEntyre III & Lieutenant Xalanth & Lieutenant Alexandra Blackstone & Lieutenant Phaedrae Cyn & Lieutenant JG Jezra Siv MD & Lieutenant Dr. J.R McEntyre, M.D. & Lieutenant JG Kasper Andersen M.D
2,039 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
Side Plots
Location: Paddy's Loft (Ten-Forward), USS Astrea
Timeline: Near the end of shore leave
Remy walked alongside J.R. as they made their way to Ten-Forward for his farewell party. "It's been a pleasure working with you, Doctor. You really came through for us more than once," the Captain said. "I know the Winters family especially will always have a special place in their hearts for you."
“And it’s been my greatest joy serving with you all.” The tall Caitian beams at his Captain. “I promised to keep in touch with the Winters to keep an eye on Brunel’s progress. With the resources available to me at my new post, it shouldn’t be a problem to continue my work with them.”
"Oh, I'm sure we'll work together again at some point. This is a great opportunity for you. The Calypso is a great ship," Remy commented as they approached the doors to the forward lounge. "We're all very proud of you, and wish you the best."
The Captain paused in front of the doors. "I know there are a lot of people in there who will want to talk to you. So before you disappear into the crowd I just wanted you to know how much you've meant to me personally as Captain of Astrea."
The Captain extended her hand out to shake the Caitian's doctor's before they entered the party.
“I’ve been honored to have had the opportunity to serve with you” J.R replied accepting the hand, shaking it.
"After you then," Remy said. She gestured with her arm, then followed J.R. into the bar.
J.R nodded with a smile as he leads them both into the bar.
When the port side doors slid open, Maxun saw both the Captain and their outgoing CMO. "Doctor McEntyre!" He shouted happily over the din. Then, he stated to sing, "For he's a jolly good fellow...." and the rest of those assembled joined him, until the entire compartment was singing the old ditty.
Sara nudged Nash as they joined in the song. Alexandra sang too, bouncing on her feet and pretending to do a conductor's wave as she sang along.
He squeezed between Brunel and Sara, kissed the top of Alex’s head and put his hands on her shoulders, singing along as he did so. Nash watched to see Brunel taking in the festivities and was unsure how he would react to saying goodbye to his caregiver.
Brunel clapped excitedly as everyone started to sing. He would be sad when the good doctor left, but his parents had explained to him that his skills as a healer were needed more on the ship he was going to next.
Xalanth and Fulvia had started to sing along with their shipmates. Neither of them had interacted much with CMO, but a shipmate leaving would always be a sad occasion.
Jezra entertained the festive little song, giving J.R. a smile that was undoubtedly lost in the crowd. In the little time they had interacted, he seemed kind and skilled, a trait that would only continue to serve him well.
As the song wrapped, a quick round of applause went through the crowd and everyone broke to mingle with the Caitian doctor.
Eirly and Malcolm had arrived a little late on the account that Malcolm had needed to finish some paperwork so they'd missed the song. She was very thankful for JRs involvement and care for Brunel and how he'd handled things, "J.R, I definitely don't speak for the medical team, but I wish you nothing but the best of luck on the Calypso, you're going to do amazing work over there."
"Thank you. I am also hoping to keep working on the work we started here. Still much to be done, though, I am confident that Malcolm and the rest of Astrea's medical staff will do amazing in my absence."
"Aye, but none of us have your winning personality, now do we?" Malcolm teased playfully.
When a moment presented itself, Brunel asked for permission from his parents then, after receiving it, he moved to the large Caitian doctor, and hugged his right side as strongly as his young arms would allow.
J.R grinned a big kitty smile, warmly accepting the hug and reciprocating with his own hug of the young man.
"While I may be going, I still expect you to keep up with your studies and keep in touch. Can you do that for me?"
Brunel looked up at the Caitian and nodded. He then released his hold, so he could reply. "I will, Sir. You have my word. I will miss you. Thank you for everything you have done for me."
"Remember, I am always a subspace call away if you need anything. I still hope that we can continue our friendship." J.R beams down at the young man.
Brunel nodded happily, as he signed, "I would be like that very much, Sir." he hugged the Caitian again, then smiled up at him again, before returning to his family, a dew paces away.
Dr. Blackstone leaned against the bar, sipping a Risan Sunrise. As the song finished she turned her gaze to the Caitian Doctor and beamed broadly as she pushed away from the bar to step over. She was more than a foot shorter than J.R. though that didn’t affect the confidence she held as she approached. “J.R. Is that you?? I did not realize that I would be coming to the Astraea to fill a gap left by you!”
J.R’s ears perk up as he hears his old friend greet him. He smiles widely and closes the gap for a big hug.
“Alex Blackstone, I can’t believe it. How are you?” He says as he pulls her into a hug.
“I’m good, McEntyre; been a busy year but I can’t truly complain.” She embraced him in return before pushing him out to arms length to get a good look at him. “You on the other hand, look like the leftovers after a Dabo tournament at Quarks! What have you been letting Starfleet do to ya?”
“What can I say, they keep me busy.” J.R replied with a small chuckle. “You know what I say, I’m just an old country Doctor making his way ‘round the verse.”
“That is indeed your favorite catchphrase. What sort of condition are you leaving the medical bay in for me? Not too bad I hope.” Alex chuckled as she asked, “Where in the verse are you off to next?”
“I keep a fine sickbay. As for my next assignment, Calypso. It’s another Galaxy Class as Chief Medical Officer.” He replied with a beaming smile.
“Upgrading to paperwork instead of actual work, eh? In all sincerity though, congratulations on your new position. I guess it’s a good thing I’m going to be here to maintain sickbay with you leaving. What ever shall I do for all the broken hearts?” Alexandra gave him a broad grin before patting his upper arm.
“I’m sure you’ll manage. Astrea is a good ship with a good crew. Though if you ever have trouble with anyone, Clay is also aboard as the Marine Commander.” J.R beamed at his friend.
"I dare say that I don't usually have trouble in my sickbay... if it does arise then I will be sure to keep Clay as a ready friend." Alex laughed slightly, nodding as she did so and then stepped back and gave J.R. a quick, solid salute. "You can stand relieved now, Lieutenant. I have the watch."
“I stand relieved. God speed to you, Dr. Blackstone.” J.R said proudly with a nod and salute.
**[
Tag McEntyre
]It surprised Jezra how easily J.R. was able to disappear into the crowd, so when they finally spotted him they made sure to not lose sight. As the Trill got closer, she saw that he was talking to someone, the one she recognized as his replacement, and she picked up the tail end of their conversation. "I must say, you're leaving some big shoes to fill," they teased, giving the two of them a smile.
“You’ll not find a better surgeon than Dr. Blackstone. She and I go back a ways so I can confidently say she’ll serve you well.”
"Aye; I haven't seen J.R. here since our first duty assignment out of the Academy but he and I have maintained contact and consulted on each others cases before. I would have been Valedictorian of our class had it not been for J.R, He and I used to get into some pretty good, but troublesome, adventures back then. Naturally, as a token of our friendship I simply let him have the position and the speech." Alex raised a brow to J.R. waiting to see if he would respond to the small jab.
J.R took the jab with a big smile to his friend, and a small laugh.
“Not that she didn’t give me a run for my money” he mentioned to Jezra.
“Well; I couldn’t let it appear that I was letting you win, now could I?” Alex chuckled, looking to Jezra
“Besides, you wouldn’t have wanted me to make it easy for ya.”
The Trill smirked. "Well, his recommendation is good enough for me."
The room hummed with quiet conversation and the quiet clinking of glasses. Officers from different departments mingled, exchanging last words and well wishes with J.R. as he slowly made his way around the room.
Lieutenant Phaedrae Cyn stood near the viewport, a half-finished drink in her hand. Composed, observing rather than engaged. When she spotted the doctor weaving through the crowd, their eyes met. A moment of hesitation - then she approached.
"Doctor," she greeted, her tone measured. "I thought I'd offer my goodbye before you disappeared."
They had barely crossed paths. Aside from handling the issue with Mundy when she first arrived, Cyn had steered clear of Sickbay.
J.R turned with a smile.
“The pleasure was mine, Lieutenant Cyn. I hope you continue your good works here.”
She let the comment pass. The night was about J.R., after all, "The Calypso is a good ship," she said. "You'll do well there."
“I thank you for the encouragement. I’m hoping to still continue what I started here though but it’ll be a fantastic opportunity.” The doctor smiled.
Phaedrae nodded, studying him for a brief moment before offering a small, almost imperceptible smile. “Opportunities like this don’t come often. Make the most of it.”
She hesitated, then lifted her glass slightly in a subtle toast. “Safe travels, Doctor.”
With that, she turned back toward the viewport, letting him take his leave without ceremony—just the quiet acknowledgment of a parting between near-strangers.
Captain Remira Johansen
Commanding Officer
USS Astrea
Commander Maxun Spello (as Brunel)
First Officer
USS Astrea
Lt. Commander Eirly Andersen
Second Officer, Chief Security Officer
USS Astrea
Lt. Commander Nash Winters
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Astrea
Lt. Commander Phaedrae Cyn
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Astrea
Lieutenant Alexandra Blackstone
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Astrea
Lieutenant J.G. Jezra Siv
Chief Medical Officer
USS Astrea
Lieutenant J.G. J.R. McEntyre
Exiting Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Astrea
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