The repairs took 4 days, Spark spending most of the time suited up and floating beneath the ship either watching the proceedings or guiding the workers. Rick spent the time restocking their supplies as well as picking up a few extras that he figured he could only get Earthside. Finally, it was time to depart, Rick checked their account and sighed at how much it had been depleted. They would need another big score to settle up later but for now they still had enough to pay off the loan and still operate for a month or two even with the added expense of extra fuel for the larger ship. He set a course for the station then waited for the ship to be maneuvered out of the station before activating the engines and starting them on their way. Spark started running a full diagnostic the moment they left space dock, the fancy new coating on the hull had been an interesting sight to watch and she was ready to get back to work. Spark watched as Rick brought them up to speed, checking their eta then pulling back up her school programs, something she had been neglecting with the last few day's activities.  

Elsewhere on the station they were destined for another scenario was progressing. “Doctor Millsworth, the board has reached a decision. Despite your best intent, you used a very expensive medicine to treat what would amount to on Earth as a pet, a pet that you haven't had any interaction with since the procedure and which has now cost your department three times its annual budget with nothing to show for the expense. It is the decision of the board that you resign your post and return to Earth and your medical license is from this point revoked until further notice pending evaluation by a selection of your peers."  

Turning off the monitor the doctor reached for his phone, punching the extension to the front desk and routing all his patients to other doctors in the facility. He had been hoping that it would take just a bit longer, that he would have more to show for his decision but now that it had happened, he was glad it was over.  It would take him the better part of a week to pack up all his personal effects and get them moved into storage or shipped back Earthside, he had no clue what the future held but he was nearly positive that he would not be allowed to return to this far off outpost, beyond the immediate reach of the oversight committee.  

It was three days later that a call came into the office, routed through the secretary at the front desk and relayed through to his personal comm unit. The subject he had been awaiting was finally going to arrive the next day, one last task before heading back to Earth to face his future. He was glad she had returned, and a bit sorry that he couldn't be there to conduct the remainder of her interviews but if the medicine had performed as well as it had appeared then he would have plenty of information to supply to the board, possibly even enough to reinstate his license and allow him to continue practicing medicine. He still had one exam room that hadn't been fully packed away and it was there that he now headed to prepare for his last patient. 

Rick docked the ship at one of the large freight docks, a shuttle taking them from the docking platform to the station proper. Spark was nervous as they headed towards the medical facility, her anxiety showing in the way she walked, her ears pulled back and her gaze seeming to sweep the entire street as she took in her surroundings. Rick sighed and stroked her ears, giving her paw a gentle squeeze in his hand as they walked. She looked up at him and mewled anxiously but her twitching seemed to calm down and her ears perked up just a bit to show she was trying to put on a brave face. “When you are done here, we can go visit Klixxt at his shop. I'm sure they would be happy to see you again and you can order those new boots you wanted, the ones with the magnetic soles. I'll even treat you to dinner again, just like the last time we were here."  

Spark seemed to perk up a bit at the thought of seeing Klixxt, her tail starting to wag as she was told she would be able to eat at that restaurant again too. They arrived at the facility, Spark taking a seat in the waiting room, pulling out her pad that she always carried and pulling up one of her lessons to distract herself as Rick checked them in. Rick returned to sit next to Spark, watching her work for a minute before asking her the question that had been playing through his mind on the trip over. “Spark, did you want to talk with the doctor alone or did you want me to come in with you for your checkup?" She paused her pad and looked up at Rick, a smile breaking out across her muzzle. “You mean you can come in too? It would be so much easier not to do it alone and I don't mind you being there at all. I was actually more worried about being alone than anything so yeah, I want you to come with me if that is ok." 

The nurse called Spark's name a few minutes later and both she and Rick followed the nurse back to the same room where Spark had her operation. Spark stopped in the doorway, staring at the table, her tail tucking between her legs and ears drooping as she remembered the events of that day. Rick's hand on her shoulder however helped her to relax. She managed to walk over to the table and climb up to sit on the edge, tail twitching nervously behind her. Rick held her paw, standing next to the table and looking around the nearly empty room with mild curiosity. “I'm going to guess this is where it happened last time, you sure you are ok to be here? Not making you too nervous?" Spark responded with a mewl and squeezed Ricks hand as she tried again to put on a brave face. “I'm fine, just a bit really REALLY nervous. The last time I was in here wasn't fun but I think I can manage to be here if you stay with me. I feel safe around you more than anyone else and I'm not sure I could have come in the door if you hadn't been here with me to protect me." 

Rick nodded, giving her paw a squeeze as the door opened, the doctor entering and smiling as he recognized Spark. “Well, you are looking much better today, hope everything is going well. No pain or troubles of any sort I hope?" Spark forced herself to smile, looking towards the doctor. “It was slow at first, but over the first week I was able to recover my mobility and from the start my mental faculties were unaffected. I um, did have a bit of trouble the first day or two but luckily I was close to the facilities so no accidents despite a few close calls." She blushed at that admission, but if it would help other recipients, she would need to be honest. “It didn't hurt to talk but for a day or so it felt, tingly and strange though that may have just been since I was so used to pain and forcing myself not to talk whenever possible that I just imagined it."  

The doctor nodded, making notes on his data pad. “Could you please hop down and stand on one foot, feel free to grab the table to balance I just want to check your dexterity." He waited for Spark to comply, then had her hop twice before switching legs and repeating the process. Afterwards he had her perform jumping jacks for one minute followed by a brief vocal scale. “Very good, quite remarkable really that you could recover so quickly. You must have been following the athletic regimen I set up for you closely." Rick grinned and ruffled Spark's ears. “Actually, the real problem is getting her to sit still, she is always busy either with her studies or her exercises or her work on the ship. She has taken it upon herself to make sure everything stays in top condition and though I'm very grateful for her efforts I sometimes worry that she is overworking herself."  

Spark blushed slightly and looked up at Rick. “I guess I could take a break now and then. I do enjoy our sessions in the simulator, I think I'm still ahead of you by my last count." She grinned and returned her attention to the doctor. He smiled and knelt down before her. “I'm going to lift you up onto the table, then I will need to examine you real fast to make sure everything is as it should be." He glanced at Rick then back to Spark. “Would you prefer some privacy or..." Spark looked at Rick and shrugged. “I want him to stay if that is ok, he helps me stay calm." The doctor nodded. “Understood, sir if you could please move to the other side of the bed, you can hold her hand while I conduct the examination." He started with Spark's feet, carefully removing the wrappings and gently but firmly examining each limb. Next, he moved to her middle, unfastening her top at the neck clasp and exposing her belly, fingers probing gently a few moments before he pulled the shirt back up and refastened it. Finally, he examined her neck and throat, having her cough and hum a scale as he ran gentle fingers over her neck.

“Everything feels good, I'm going to run a scan again, if you would please lie down and hold still this should only take a minute." Spark nodded, lying down and glancing over at Rick. “You owe me two deserts for this." Rick stifled a laugh as the doctor raised an eyebrow at the exchange, then proceeded to activate the scanner. The holographic image formed as the scan progressed, floating above Spark like a ghost. The doctor tapped a few controls and the clothing vanished from the image, causing Spark to gasp and blush slightly. It was a learned response; she had never been shy about her body and knew that nothing important could be seen but still the shock of looking at herself suddenly naked without her control had been startling. Another few key presses and the fur and skin also vanished replaced with an illustration of muscles and her internal organs. The doctor examined the now visible vocal cords, nodding in approval before moving down to check her regrown reproductive system. He noticed Spark blushing and quickly moved to her legs, removing the muscle and tissue and leaving just the bones and cartilage, examining her feet carefully.  

Rick kept his focus on Spark, squeezing her paw and whispering softly to her to keep her calm, noticing her embarrassment and glancing up for a moment before returning his attention to her. The doctor spoke as he turned off the table, saving the scan file into her chart. “Looks like you have made a 100% perfect recovery, even gained some muscle around your legs, possibly from walking upright so much. Does it hurt to stand upright for long periods? I read your species tended to move about on all fours and thought it may be a hinderance to your recovery to force yourself to stay upright." Spark grinned and shook her head. “Well, at first I was going around on all fours, and that did help until the muscles were stronger but after that it wasn't a problem." The doctor nodded, adding a few more notes then setting the pad down on the bed next to Spark. “I'm glad everything is working out so well, and I'm sorry to have to tell you this but I'm going to have to refer you to one of the other doctors here for your further examinations." 

Rick frowned and stepped away from the bed. “Why is that?" He asked, glancing at Spark who had a worried expression on her face. “Actually, I was recalled back to Earth so I won't be available when she returns for her 6 month and 1-year checkups. I'm not certain when I will be able to return and it could be some time so I wanted you to know in advance." Spark whimpered and Rick shook his head. “It is because you performed the operation on Spark here, isn't it. Your higher ups decided it wasn't a profitable or marketable expense and are bringing you home to account for it." The doctor sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Something like that, yes." Spark mewled and reached out to tug at Rick's sleeve, then leaned up to whisper something into his ear. Rick nodded and grinned, turning to the doctor again. “Perhaps you are in luck then Doc, it just so happens that I know of a ship that in the next year is heading out to the Sollid Expanse, and they are in need of a doctor who is familiar with non-terrestrial forms of life. Know of anyone who would fit that description?" 

The doctor blinked in surprise and looked from Spark to Rick. “Well, um, the Sollid Expanse you say? That is pretty far outside the Federation and definitely not the safest of assignments. Isn't that near Grall territories?" Rick nodded in response. “It is, and that is part of the reason. The fighting there is still going on and supplies are limited. Medical supplies as well as basics such as food and water are in demand and medical personnel are always in high demand as well. I'm not going to say there isn't any risk but the prospect of working with such beings as the Twills, the Argonians, and the Skree not to mention the possible Kintessian and even if we are lucky a Grallkin or two should make up for any risks involved." The doctor seemed to consider this for a minute, beginning to pace back and forth at the end of the bed, Spark sitting up and grinning at Rick. 

“How long of a contract are we talking, and what sort of compensation will be involved?" He asked cautiously, still pacing as he mulled over the implications. Rick smiled at Spark and returned the nod. “That all depends, I believe three years to start with the opportunity to remain as long as you like. As for compensation I believe that a fair arrangement could be agreed upon depending on services rendered as well as providing space enough for you to continue your research that you had started here. You will have your own room as well as a second room to devote to whatever you feel necessary along with ample space to set up your own medical facility on board the ship. Anything else you need can be discussed as the need arises." The doctor again rubbed at the bridge of his nose and stopped pacing. “You make a very good bargain, that's for sure. And it's not like my prospects on Earth would be nearly as generous. I am worried about the risk, you said in the next year. What is the immediate forecast for the vessel in question?" 

Rick grinned and shrugged. “From what I know it looks like there will be trips to Drakon, Earth, and the rings of Jupiter as well as a possible return to this station prior to departure though that is just speculation on my part." The doctor grinned back, suddenly jovial in his response. “Oh really? And what sort of timetable do I have to make a decision here, and for that matter who are you to be able to make such an offer for this yet unnamed ship and captain?" It was Rick's turn to grin, glancing at Spark for her nod before continuing the discussion. “Well now, I would have to say that it would need to be soon as the ship is scheduled to leave this station in the next day, two at the most and as for what gives me the ability to discuss such matters as employment, I would have to direct you to my chief engineer and general hiring manager." He bowed deeply then swept a gesture towards Spark who sat cross-legged on the bed, tail twitching behind her happily as she was caught up in the antics of the adults.  

The doctor turned to her and proffered a bow of his own, grinning now as he extended a hand to Spark. “Well, it would seem that I am acquainted with this hiring manager, and I believe that I may be able to strike up a deal. It would take a few days to transfer all my things onto your ship however. Would it be too much to ask you to stay over another three days to facilitate the transfer of all the required materials and personal effects?" Spark grinned and took his hand, giving it a firm shake between both of hers. “I do believe we can afford three days, especially to have one such as yourself join us. A doctor of your caliber is rare to come by and we would be glad to have you join us, as long as I don't have to keep coming back here to this office, I think things will work out well. I don't like the color or the smell." She wrinkled her nose, making the doctor laugh despite himself.  

Rick grinned as well. “Now that the formalities are over, we can discuss specifics at a later time. For now, we still have a few errands to run before the sun sets, assuming we are done here doctor... Wow, I just realized I never actually got your name." The doctor grinned and opened the door, showing them a name plate that read Dr R. A. Millsworth II M.D. “My full name is Reginald Arthur Millsworth the second, but you can call me-" Rick interrupted him in a comedic manner. “Let me guess, Reggie? Sorry, Doctor Reggie?" The doctor frowned and was just opening his mouth to reply when Spark piped up. “Nuhuh, Doctor Reggie is too strange and it is hard to say." The doctor closed his mouth and grinned at her, starting again. “As I was saying, I prefer to be called-" Spark interrupted him this time, speaking matter of factly. “Doctor RaRa, right?" Both adults turned to look at her in surprise, the doctor raising one eyebrow curiously. “And how did you come to that conclusion?" Spark grinned and pointed to the sign on the door. “It says it right there, R A. But that isn't long enough to be a name, not a proper one so I just doubled it and it became RaRa, Doctor RaRa." The doctor shook his head in amazement. “I was going to say Art or Arty but with that argument, I'll accept Doctor RaRa."