I am the youngest in my family. My mother and father were hard on us, but I feel like that I got the worst of it. They demanded that any of my free time be devoted to school and looked down on any extracurricular pursuits that I attempted. They did however, allow me to participate in swimming, explaining that it would keep me physically fit more so than other sports. Other activities that I was interested in was not encouraged or promoted by my parents or siblings. They said that they were not academically beneficial. Swimming was fun and I got a chance to socialize a bit with my teammates without my parents or siblings assistance. I was pretty good at it too and helped my team win a championship 3 consecutive years.
My brother, Matthew, and my sister, Joanna, graduated at the top of their high school class, and pushed me to achieve the same result. They drilled me and drilled me over my class work. Unfortunately, by graduation I wasn’t the top of my class. I only finished in the top 10. School was never really difficult for me, but was often boring to me. My favorite subjects were anything to do with science. I especially loved studying planets, biology, and botany and could be found under a tree somewhere, usually reading something about science or looking things up. I would often get into trouble in my science classes because I would argue with the instructor over varying points. I had a few friends who graduated a couple of years ahead of me who got me interested in Starfleet Academy. They pursued the Academy and are now attending Starfleet Academy in San Francisco. They would send me letters describing the academy, classes they were taking, what they were learning, and other cadets they met… This increased my interest dramatically. When I tried talking to my parents about the academy, they didn’t take me serious, but did begin giving me gifts to hint towards their dream for me, to be a doctor.
After high school graduation, they found out that I hadn’t applied for any colleges, and went through the roof! My father wouldn’t talk to me and my mother started sending my grades and test scores to various schools despite my own ambitions. When I tried to talk to them about the Academy, they would just ignore me. I chose to move out on my own, hoping to enroll in Starfleet Academy. I moved to San Francisco in hopes that I could get in to the Academy. After meeting up with my high school friends, I determined that I was not in the shape I needed to be in (physically and mentally) to enroll at this time. I chose to spend the next 2 years preparing myself to enter the Academy. It was a hard time, as I didn’t contact my family, though heard much about them, as they traveled extensively to speak at various conferences.
During my academy years, I would often find myself on the verge of calling my parents or Matt or Joanna, but something told me not to do so at this time. They’d probably just yell at me anyway. I was often asked by instructors if I was related to Dr. and Mr. Joshua Tucker and hated it when this happened, as I would always get drilled about presentations given by my parents.
I did enjoy being at the Academy and found the school part of it really pretty easy. By the time I had been accepted, my high school friends had moved on to their 1st tour of duties, but we kept in touch. Ellen majored in medicine, Camilla majored in Life Sciences, and Phillip majored in tactical. I majored in Planetary and Life Sciences and secretly began to think about discovering a new planet and all it holds!
My social life at the academy was definitely better than at home. I found myself disliking the big social scenes, enjoying more quiet areas like the gardens. I would attempt to attend some parties, but I must admit I find myself becoming rather anxious when in these situations. Unfortunately when I become this anxious, I become rather accident-prone and usually do silly or stupid things, like spilling my coffee (on me or someone else). One of these unfortunate accidents did help me to meet a handsome cadet by the name of David Nichols. After watching (or more staring) at him for some time in the library, he finally took notice and looked my way. Not wanting to be embarrassed, I gathered my books and leapt out of my seat! Unfortunately, I leapt right into an instructor of mine, who just happened to be carrying coffee! We both had coffee all over us. He was not very happy with me and demanded me to visit with him in his office. As I did so, David had apparently followed me. As I exited the office with my head low, David cut me off, handed me a cup of coffee, and smiled. He always made me laugh when I would get anxious. I continued to study planetary and life sciences, but David changed his major from engineering to tactics, especially flying. He taught me how to fly a runabout in holodecks. Because of his switch in majors, we both graduated from the academy at the same time, in 2375. I did well on my finals and was really excited to be finishing up school and getting on with my first tour of duty, aboard the Thomas Payne.
I had a short time off before leaving and really wanted to go home and see my parents, but I “chickened” out at the last minute. David invited me to his home in Canada before we both had to leave. I enjoyed being with him and began dreading leaving. As we neared our departure, mine being closer, we talked more about our future together. On my last night with him, he proposed to me. He had “Coffee?” inscribed on the inside. I don’t know when we will be able to be together, but I was comforted to know his commitment to me was so strong.
I was assigned to the 22nd Fleet, on the Thomas Payne, a New Orleans Frigate, under the command of Captain Rix. I received my first promotion while serving Capt. Rix. I learned so much during these 2 years, making some blunders as well as having some achievements. David and I communicated with each other often, which made being apart easier.
After 2 years, I was transferred to the USS Olympic, an Olympic Class Medical Ship, under Dr. Jones. I enjoyed this tour, as I learned more about medicine. This tour reminded me of my mother a lot and I wondered if she would be proud to know that I was serving on a medical ship. I sent one e-mail to my parents during this time, telling them about my graduation at the academy and where I was now and that I was engaged to a very charming young man. I haven’t received a reply. David and I got to spend 2 leaves together. He took me Australia on the first leave and then to Betazed on the second. David and I decided then that it was time for us to be married, despite our different tour of duties. We decided to marry in Canada, as his mother was ill. I sent out invitations to only a few close friends and my family. He did the same. After many long conversations, my father agreed to walk me down the aisle. During our first parent introductions, it seemed that my family knew David already, though I knew this couldn’t be. My brother and sister’s families both attended and appeared to enjoy it. I think they all liked David. It seemed that there was still some tension between us, but at least we were together. After a brief honeymoon (on the planet Risa), David and I had to go back on duty. This was difficult for me, as I had felt so happy with my family and my new family.
I was transferred back to the 22nd Fleet. I served on the USS Richtofen, a Saber Class ship, under the command of Captain Sakar. This tour began well, serving Captain Sakar and learning more about Vulcan culture, but within 3 months of boarding, I received news that no one wants to receive. Captain Sakar called me into his office and told me that David had been killed while on duty. My parents have been somewhat supportive. I did have the same feeling as I did when they first met David though. During our conversations about David’s death, it seemed that they already knew, as they didn’t ask many questions like I thought they would. The rest of my third tour was strictly business as I threw myself into my work to avoid thinking of David. I’m still not strong enough to remove the ring he gave me.
I have begun having some strange dreams. During them, I am usually on what seems to be a surgical table. The bright lights in the dream make it hard to see anyone else, but I know there are shadows around me.
It’s only been one year with my 3rd tour of duty, and I have received notice that I am to be transferred again, although I’m not sure of the ship, which is confusing.
Usually one would know the ship and captain. I only know that I will serve under the command of Captain Redding. I have heard some about this captain, and he seems to be a good captain, fair to his crew.
