Introducing DJ McKinny - Part 1

[DJMcKinny 0]

DJ McKinny couldn't help but smile as she gazed through the huge picture window. To her right was yet another large window. Together, they offered a magnificent view of San Francisco bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Folding her arms in front of her, she looked over her shoulder at her older brother.

 

Recently promoted to the rank of Commander, Robert Harrison was stretched out in his new, soft leather chair, his feet casually propped on top of the dark, cherry wood desk with its high gloss polish. His grin reminded her of a cat who had just swallowed a canary.

 

"I don't know who you had to bribe for this," quipped DJ, "but I'm sure it cost you a fortune."

Robby's grin broadened and he shook his head. "No bribes involved," he said lightly. "It was charm....pure, unadulterated charm that got me this office."

DJ shook her head. "It couldn't have been that," she snorted. "Everybody knows you don't have any charm."

"I reserve my charm for a select few," chuckled Harrison. "And none of my sisters are on the list. Especially you!"

 

They both laughed as DJ returned her attention to the marvelous view. All teasing aside, she knew it wasn't a bribe or charm that got Robby this fifth floor, corner office. It was hard earned and well deserved. So was his promotion.

 

 

~~~~****~~~~

 

Commander Robert Harrison studied his baby sister carefully, paying close attention to her body language. She claimed she'd come by to "check out the new office" but he knew better. DJ may have wanted to see the office but she was really here to discuss the ultimatum from Starfleet.

 

It had been just over two years since the accident that killed his sister's husband along with three quarters of their ship's crew. DJ had been badly hurt. The physical injuries were long healed. The psychological wounds were another matter.

 

Harrision could understand his sister's continued grief over the death of her husband. He was still grieving as well. James McKinny had been Robby's very best friend. They met in high school and went through the Academy together. It was Robby who introduced Jimmy to DJ. He was thrilled when the two announced their engagement. He couldn't have picked a more honorable man for his baby sister to marry. Robby was even best man at the wedding. To this day, he still found it difficult to believe that Jimmy was gone.

 

Jimmy had promised to look after Suzie and the kids should anything happen to Robby. Of course, Robby made a similiar promise to his best friend. How could he not keep an eye on Jimmy's wife. After all, she was Robby's little sister. Of course, Robert Harrison never believed it would come to that.

 

But it did....just over two years ago....a dreadful tragedy that investigators labeled "accidental." Not only did he lose his best friend and brother-in-law, he nearly lost his sister as well. For weeks, DJ was touch and go. But she was tough and stubborn. Robby was confident she would bounce back...all the way back. No one was more surprised than he when she didn't.

 

It took a full year for her to recover physically. She was even cleared by the psychiatrists but her brother had some doubt about her mental state. They had grown close during DJ's long rehabilitation. He had a feeling something was still simmering just below the surface. But whenever he tried to broach the subject, DJ quickly shut down tighter than a drum. Then, about a year ago, came the notice that Starfleet was about to move DJ back onto the active duty list. Robby was astonished when DJ refused to report and threatened to resign. That's when he knew for certain there was a serious problem.

 

He vividly recalled the conversation he had with DJ when she announced she was going to resign. It was more of a screaming match than anything else. She told him flat out that she would never again serve aboard a starship. She would resign before accepting such orders. But even if she was offered a ground assignment, she wasn't ready to return to work just yet. If Starfleet pushed the issue, DJ wouldn't think twice about taking a job in the private sector.

 

DJ finally agreed to Robby's suggestion that she request an extended leave of absence. Hopefully, another year would allow her time to heal emotionally. Then she could make a rational decision about whether or not to stay in Starfleet.

 

To her credit, DJ kept up with the counseling. She also spent more time than ever with family. She really enjoyed being around the nieces and nephews, especially Robby's and Suzie's three kids. They, in turn, thought Aunt DJ was the greatest thing since sliced bread, especially after she gave them the Basset puppies. They were too young to notice the shadows lurking in their Aunt's eyes....shadows that weren't there prior to the accident but now seemed permanent. That guarded, tenuous look worried DJ's parents and siblings. It was especially troubling for Robby. He knew they would never leave until DJ faced her demons head on and he had serious doubts she was willing to do that.

 

But now the time had come. Her personal leave was over. She was back in uniform and Starfleet wanted her on a duty roster....somewhere. DJ made it clear she would rather resign her commission than serve on another starship. Robby was disappointed about that. He strongly felt that DJ needed to get back on the horse that threw her. She needed a line assignment of some kind and he set out to find one.

 

Commander Harrison pulled in a few favors and arranged for Personnel to offer DJ a CMO position on a Starbase. It wasn't a ship, so she couldn't complain about that. Yet, it was a line assignment. This particular base was in deep space...very deep space. What's more, the Medical Personnel Board agreed to put a time limit on the assignment. DJ would be there for no more than a year. There was only one caviat....she had to accept this assignment or resign from Starfleet.

 

His little sister had no idea what went on behind the scenes. Commander Harrison didn't want to think about what would happen if DJ ever found about his involvement. She would certainly kill him and it would be a slow, painful death. One thing was for sure; he had done all he could to keep Dr. DJ McKinny in Starfleet. The final choice was hers to make.

 

~~~~****~~~~

 

DJ finally turned around and faced her brother. "This is really nice, Robby," she said sincerely. "Congratulations on the office....and the promotion."

 

"Thanks," replied Harrison, still grinning like the Chesire Cat. "I'm glad you could stop by. I've been eager for you to see it."

 

DJ smiled and clasped her hands in front of her. "As long as I'm here, there's something else I need to talk to you about."

 

Robby casually put his feet on the floor and sat up straight in his new, high back chair. "Sure," he said nonchalantly with only the slightest trace of a grin. He motioned her to one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Sit down...and take a load off your mind."