“In the 21st Century, the most common way for surgical anesthesia was through the use of propofol. Since this caused respiratory compromise, the patient would need to be intubated. And this further required an NMBA like succinylcholine and rocuronium.” Selara turned to the class, “But you should’ve learned all of that in your Historical Medication section, right?”

A pause from the auditorium.

“Right…” Selara chuckled. “Some of us did anyway.” She turned back to the screen. “The invention of things like kayolane and anesthizine negated the need for intubation. But it’s always helpful to have oxygenation equipment handy just in case.” Selara turned to address the class, “Now, who can tell me the correct formula for initial sedation with kayolane?”

No sooner did she finish the sentence than the bell sounded.

“Saved by the bell,” she commented. The class began to collect their things and leave. “Make sure to take a look at Chapters 14, 21, and 24,” Selara shouted over the commotion. “N’aval will be back from leave next week. And you want to be sharp!” The last of the students filed out.

“You know… scalpel… sharp… surgery?” Selara said to the empty room. She sighed and rubbed her temples.

“I got it,” a voice from the door said. An older woman in her seventies stepped into the room. “Though I thought my delivery was better. Was that second year?”

“Third,” Selara corrected with a smile. “And that’s the great thing about classics, eventually you can pass it off as your own.”

“If you’re going to admit plagiarism, the last place to do it is at the Academy,” the woman teased. Her face took on a serious tone, “Walk with me Selara.”

Selara fell into step with the woman, and they walked out into the sunny day.

“I received a transmission from Starfleet about an hour ago,” the woman said quietly. She handed Selara a PADD.

“Starbase 406?” Selara read, “I’m not familiar with where that is.”

“It’s near Tholian space,” the woman replied.

Selara whistled, “There are some shiny new toys here.”

“It’s a desired assignment. I hate to lose you here, but you’ve always belonged up there,” she pointed skyward.

“Although… if your current trend continues, you’ll be back in a year anyway.”

Selara chuckled, “I’m starting to think I don’t belong in space.” Selara shook the woman’s hand, “It’s always a pleasure being back here, ma’am. Thanks for finding a spot for me, Captain Danva, even if it was for a few months.”

“You’re a great instructor, Selara, and I can always squeeze you in somewhere.”

Selara’s boots rang out on the deck plating of the shuttle bay. “An Arrow class, eh?” She handed the PADD to the deck officer. “They spare no expense.”

“Actually, ma’am, the Sornoma is one of 406’s,” the officer said. “They were transporting cadets to Starfleet Medical. Now they’re taking some new crew back to Montana Station.” He returned the PADD to Selara,

“Everything looks to be in order, Commander, welcome aboard. Please enjoy some refreshments, we’ll be getting underway once all the passengers are on board.”

Selara nodded and shouldered her bag. She hadn’t been back to the Academy for very long, but it always felt ill-fitting. A shoe that never fit quite right. Maybe the Captain was right, maybe she did belong in the stars.