Certainly the Most Memorable Check-in - Part 2
Posted on Fri Oct 24th, 2025 @ 5:01pm by Lieutenant Commander Rafael Montoya & Lieutenant Tahlira Serin
Edited on on Fri Oct 24th, 2025 @ 7:37pm
1,828 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission:
A Day In The Life
Location: USS Ocrist & Earth
Previously...
Handing a set of reins to Tahlira, "We will let the Captain know...", climb up into the saddle. "...but know promises."
His grandmother waved him off again as she turned away towards Liana and the house. "It's settled. Now where is Marcelo....when I get my hands on him he will think he was 12 again!"
From his horse Raf hung his head shaking it.
Tahlira glanced from Raf to his mother as she accepting the reins. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. It would be a lovely way for the crew to spend time together and get to know one another before the maiden voyage.”
The thought lingered as she recalled the Captain’s request, that she take on a role not only as diplomat but also as a kind of morale officer. “If you don’t mind, Mrs. Montoya, I’ll be in touch to see what we can arrange.”
Raf's head shot up and towards Tahlira.
Liana saw her son's reactions and was also surprised at the offer. "Not at all. We have plenty of space. Enjoy your ride."
Bringing his horse alongside, he leaned forward in the saddle. "Well that was unexpected."
Tahlira slipped her foot into the stirrup, and swung herself into the saddle. She looked at him. "Perhaps." She said as she adjusted in her seat. "But your mother made a generous offer, and the Captain did ask me to find ways to bring the crew together. I'd call that an opportunity worth seizing."
She smiled and gave her horse a gentle nudge to get it moving. "Besides, I have a feeling you're no stranger to surprises."
He wondered what that was supposed to mean then looked back towards the house and was shooed by his grandmother. Grinning he looked back in the directing Tahlira and gone and galloped after her.
Riding through the foothills they soon found themselves by the several inlets from the lake that bordered the families estate. Turning to the east they rode along insight of the water and into a notch, almost squared off by the waters of the lake. "Enjoying yourself?"
Tahlira guided her horse alongside his, the reins loose in her hands as she took in the sweep of water and the sunlight glinting off its surface. A breeze lifted strands of her hair from her ponytail, and for a moment she simply breathed in the fresh air.
“I am." She replied. “Not quite what I imagined when I came to sickbay to check in.”
"Well I am an unconventional CMO. A hypo isn't the answer to every situation. While there are time and situation where modern medicine is the immediate and even the best route. However there can be situations were old school techniques can be better in the long term. Then again sometimes all someone need is an empathetic touch, a friendly ear, or...", gesturing to Tahlira, "...a little sunshine."
Tahlira glanced over at him. “There’s wisdom in knowing when to treat the person, not just the symptom.” She smiled, genuinely appreciating his unconventional methods.
She turned back to the water, letting the sunlight wash over her, savoring it while she could. She knew that soon enough she would be back aboard the ship, and moments like this would be impossible to come by for a while.
"Why thank you." Riding up next to her he pulled out a tricorder and gave her a scan. "Vitamin D is on the rise...it's an improvement. Not were it needs to be but we haven't been out that long. I'm sure we can program the lighting in your office and quarters to boost your UVB exposure."
Tahlira arched a brow at the tricorder. She smiled with a slight head shake. “Efficient and resourceful." She remarked, before turning her gaze back toward the water. She added. “Your mother and grandmother seem very kind.”
"They can be...when they aren't making assumptions. Though I have a feeling I was being set up by Marcelo."
Tahlira looked over at him again, curiosity flickering across her expression. “Marcelo is…?”
"The ranch hand I spoke with that I needed another horse saddled up. The same one that told my mother and grandmother that I was bring a woman home and not a patient."
"Sounds like Marcelo is a bit of a troublemaker." She said with a amused tone then added." Look at it this way. It'll make for a fun story to tell once we're back aboard the Orcrist."
He had to laugh at that even if the story was at his own expense it would be a good one. "That it will. Shall we head back?"
Tahlira turned her horse toward him. “Are you sure I’ve had enough sun, Doctor?” She asked with a grin.
He returned her grin, "Well I wouldn't want you to trade a vitamin d deficiency for a sunburn."
“Fair point. I suppose moderation applies to medicine and sunshine alike.” She adjusted the reins and turned her horse toward the trail. “All right, lead the way before your patient overdoes her treatment.”
"Yes ma'am." His horse started with a bound and they headed through the foothills once and toward the stables. Topping a rise he turned, lifting his hand to shield his eyes, looking out over the Andalusia as the sun drew closer to to setting. "Every time I come out here I never get tired of this view."
"I can see why." She said riding along side him. "It’s beautiful and peaceful in a way holodeck can never quite replicate." She glanced at him. “I think I’m starting to understand why you prescribed this particular treatment.”
He lowered his hand and glanced over grinning, "Not everything can be fixed with a hypo." Pulling his horse to the side led off again. It wasn't long before they were approaching the stable when a very humble looking Marcelo walked up between them taking both horses by the bridle. Raf leaned back looking over to Tahlira.
"My apologies, Miss. if my prank on Mr. Montoya caused you any embarrassment."
Tahlira dismounted, handing over the reins with a smile. “No apology necessary, Marcelo.” She said. “It was a harmless misunderstanding and honestly, it made for a rather enjoyable afternoon.”
Looking up to Raf he grinned sheepishly, "Sorry Raf...it won't happen again. I'll take care of the horses, and ahhh, your mother wants to see you before you leave."
Swinging down from the saddle with a smirk. To show that there was no hard feelings, it was only a prank after all, he flipped up the stirrup unbuckling the saddle and pulled off the saddle and put it up in the stable. Clapping him on the shoulder, "We both know I've pranked you more than you've gotten me. I'll get the other saddle, you can brush them down."
Tahlira stood a few steps back, watching the exchange between the two men.
After putting up the other saddle Raf gave Marcelo a clap on the back. "See you next time..."
"Goodnight sir."
Stepping over to Tahlira, "Ready?"
Tahlira brushed a bit of dust from her jacket, then gave a nod. “Ready.”
"Well let's get out a here."
Together they left the stables and as they neared the house his parent stepped out with several bags. Raf grinned, "What's all this?"
His father came down the steps first. "Well they were planning a big dinner but I told them you two would need to get back to your ship so they packed up some food for you both."
His mother came up, setting the bundles to the side. "There is some Flamenquines, Perol cordobés, Paella, Croquetas, Manchego cheese, some of your fathers apple and pear sidra, some white and red sangria, and your nana wouldn't let you go without some of her crema catalana."
Raf looked up as his grandmother came out, standing on the porch. Looking back to Tahlira. "Hope you're hungry."
Tahlira’s eyes widened slightly at the impressive list of food. She glanced over at Raf, a hint of amusement in her expression. “Hungry might be an understatement.” She said then turned back to his parents and grandmother with a smile. “This is incredibly kind of you. Thank you.”
Raf hugged and gave him mother a kiss, After he did he moved to his father give him a hug as well. "Adios Papa."
"Adios mi hijo"
Kissing her cheek and hugging his grandmother tightly "Adios naná".
"Adios Rafi".
While all that took place Raf's mother went up to Tahlira. "We portioned things out and there is a bottle of the red and white...didn't know which you would prefer...but if you want to swap Raf will have more." Pointing to the box on the porch.
Tahlira smiled. "Thank you. That's incredibly thoughtful of you.' She said. “You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
She stepped forward and embraced Liana in a warm hug before adding with a hint of amusement. “Though, considering what your son pulled today, I think I’ll be keeping both bottles.”
Leaning back, her head tilted ready to scold her son, "Whhat did he do?"
“Nothing too terrible.” She said in an assuring voice, a hint of laughter beneath her words. “Let’s just say his definition of a medical check-in is a little more… adventurous than most.”
" 'Adventurous', that a very apt description. He his definitely unconventional in his approach to medicine and to most everything else too."
Picking up the case his parents had packed for him he set to the side and place the two cloth bags he had been given on top. "Ready or has my mother trying to adopt you?"
Tahlira looked over at Raf. “Not yet, but I do believe it was a close call.” She said with a smile. Turning back to Liana, her tone softened. “Thank you again...for everything.”
She offered a final, warm smile before stepping back a few paces to wait for Raf.
Tapping his commbadge he contacted the ship. Lieutenant Commander Montoya to the USS Ocrist, two people and personal items to beam up."
=^=Stand bye. Locked on, and ready on your order.=^=
"Energize" As the transporter cycle began Raf saw his father give him a wink and Raf began to roll his eyes as he was dematerialized.
[Transporter Room 2]
As they rematerialized aboard the ship, Tahlira stepped down from the transporter pad and looked over at Raf. “Well.” She said. "That was certainly the most memorable check-in I’ve ever had.”
With small shrugs as he spread his hand slightly in a humorous gesture as he grinned, "One tries. Please let me know what you think of everything."
“Will do. Thank you again, and have a wonderful evening, sir,” Tahlira said with a polite nod before turning to head toward her quarters.
Lt. Commander Rafael Montoya
CMO
Lieutenant Tahlira Serin
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Orcrist
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