Lt. Corey Wethern - Fireside Chat

[Corey Wethern]

((Campsite, Evening))

The fire had settled into a steady, comforting crackle by the time

Ryden handed out bowls of stew. The scent of root vegetables and spice

mixed with the cool night air, the canopy above them broken just

enough to let the first stars peek through. He felt grounded here...

boots on soil, hands warm around the bowl... exactly where he’d wanted

to be.

Renn sat cross-legged near the fire, studying Corey with open

curiosity rather than interrogation, the way he always had when trying

to understand someone new.

Renn: So… Starbase 118. What’s it really like being CMO there?

Wethern:  Ah it ticks over but plenty of paperwork. Seeing the patients is the best bit. Means I get to meet most new members of the crew as well. 

Ryden watched Renn lean forward slightly, engaged. Sylvax’s influence

was subtle, but Ryden could see it in moments like this... how Renn

invited people into conversation rather than cornering them.

Renn: Do you always know what you’re walking into medically, or is it

more… controlled chaos?

Wethern: Sickbay is normally pretty stable away missions that's a different story. 

Ryden took a slow bite of stew, listening. He found himself

appreciating how naturally Renn filled the space, how he gave Corey

room to define himself without pressure.

Renn: And what made you choose medicine in the first place? That’s not

a casual career path.

Wethern: Ah let's say I was a bit of a rebel beforehand and is a story for a different time. What are the medics like on Trill? 

Corey smiled. 

The fire popped softly. Ryden shifted his weight, warmth seeping into

his back, content to let the moment unfold without steering it.

Renn: Trill medicine focuses a lot on continuity... lives building on

lives. I’ve always wondered how that compares to Starfleet’s approach.

Corey nodded.

Wethern: There is an acceptance that life has a natural end. Doesn't mean we can't put up a fight. 

Ryden glanced between them, a small smile tugging at his mouth.

This... this was exactly what he’d hoped for. No ranks. No urgency.

Just conversation, shared food, and the quiet comfort of being present

together as the night deepened around their camp.

Corey noted that Ryden was observing. 

Wethern: Come on Ryden, how did you end up in medicine and I want to hear about how you and Renn met. 

Kel/Renn: ?

Corey took another bowl of stew. 

Wethern: This isn't bad stew. Let's hope we don't need any treatment after the chillis. 

Kel/Renn: ?

Wethern: So why so long before doing this trip? 

Kel/Renn: ?

Tags/tbc

Lt Corey Wethern

Chief Medical Officer 

Starbase 118 Ops

O240007CW4