A Private Little War

Posted on Sat Sep 20, 2014 @ 9:39am by Lieutenant Cassandra Kennings

1,633 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: All this has happened before...
Location: Counselor's Office

After finishing reviewing the repair schedule and making sure it would be met with the Captain, Alec headed to the Chief Counselor's office, to go over some crew files. Arriving at the door, he straightened his tunic and wiped away some invisible dust and prepared to meet one of the Victory's newest crew members.

Stepping up, he pressed the chime and awaited entrance and a one on one meeting with the Counselor, curious to hear what crew members she wanted to discuss.

Cassandra looked up from her padd and put down her stylus. She was sitting in her chair, facing her cabinet and a small couch. Her office had been finished with various objects on the walls, pedestals holding various jars, vases and bowls, and a large wooden cabinet that seemed to be a solid block of wood.

She checked her compact, then put it back in her purse and made herself comfortable again. "Enter," she said.

Hearing her voice through the door, Alec did as she bade, stepping into the office he found he sitting in her chair, "I'm here as you requested Counselor, to discuss some of the crews files. Though I confess I don't know who you would like to discuss, you yourself having just arrived."

"Well the joy of being requested for this assignment is getting a sneak peek at the crew manifest," Cassandra said, gesturing to the couch. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

"I suppose that would explain it." Alec replied as he walked over to the couch and sat down. Once he was settled, he fixed his gaze on Cassandra, "So whom did you wish to discuss?"

"Most recently you had a takeover attempt by a species called the 'Raeru,'" Cassandra said, looking over her padd. "They used a device to make the crew emotionally unstable. Have you noticed any abnormalities in crew behavior since then?"

He nodded, "Yes, that's right. The crew was highly...um...'irritated' I think is a good word." He paused and thought on her question. "No, can't say I do. Maybe some trying to get over either what they said or had said to them. So they're walking on tip toes."

"Would that explain the small ice storm between yourself and the Captain earlier today?" Cass said.

Alec sat there, his expression perfectly composed. "I'm not sure just what you're referring to Counselor." he replied not offering anything more.

Cassandra made a note on her padd, then gave him a small smile. "Commander," she said quietly, "I have been by a loved one's bedside. I have been there when that loved one was my commanding officer, and I have been there when my loved one had a stick up their ass a light-year long. I know the look. So I'm going to ask you to do me the service of being honest with me, otherwise this isn't going to work."

Alec continued to stare at her. "Be honest? That's good. You call me down here to discuss crew files when in reality you want to talk about me. I'll tell you what, I'll be honest and give you the respect you didn't give me. No, What occurred earlier today had nothing to do with the Raeru."

"Thank you," she said, evenly. "And I was being honest. I wanted to discuss your Chief Intelligence Officer, your Chief Medical Officer, and your Chief Science Officer. Three members of the senior staff who were severely affected by what happened. But what I saw in Sickbay had me concerned there was a more pressing issue. I'm here to evaluate, aid and help you all deal with personal problems, and that sometimes requires stepping out of comfort zones. If that's going to be a problem, tell me now." Her violet eyes never left his, and she kept her tone calm and even, her posture relaxed. "I'm not here to fight, Commander," she said, sounding suddenly weary, "I'm here to help."

Alec's eyes never left hers. "It's not a problem, and I don't want to fight with you. Nothing for you to concern yourself with, as far as the Captain and myself."

She lowered her eyes and sighed softly, "very well," she said, then tapped another spot on her padd. "The Chief Intelligence Officer," she said, moving on. "She was completely overtaken by the enemy's device, and actually turned her weapon on the Captain. Has she shown any signs of instability since? Reported for duty on time, filed reports as required, et cetera?"

Alec wasn't keen on her sighing but decided it was her problem not his. "Correct, she was, and none that I am aware of. You may want to ask Doctor Anderson about this. She would have more information than I would."

"Doctor Anderson," Cassandra said, scrolling further. "Has she had any issues as of late?"

"Doctor Anderson is a highly qualified medical professional. She's also my 'sparring' partner." Alec said with a smile. "No issues that I am familiar with but Doctor Anderson doesn't confide in me."

"I see," Cassandra said, a small, small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "However, she does report to you. Since returning to Starbase 390 she has taken four sick days. She has spent almost her entire time in her quarters, but not made any medical requisition for sick reasons. Is that a concern?"

"Not as of yet it isn't. If it continues it could be. I take it that this is of a personal nature to Doctor Anderson and she hasn't asked for my help in this matter. I trust her to her own devices."

Cassandra nodded. "And your Chief Science Officer. I spoke to him briefly, and he seemed to be doing fine, but there's very little I know about his people." She shook her head. "With all of them, Commander, I just need you to keep your eyes and ears open and help me ensure this crew is safe and sound."

"I'm afraid I don't know much about him as well but he seems to be doing fine. However I'll be sure to keep my eyes and ears open. I'll help you in any way I can Counselor."

Cassandra looked relieved and made a few more notes on her padd. "Thank you, Commander. I appreciate it." She put her padd and stylus down between her hip and the chair and sat back. "Is there anything you'd care to talk about?

"You are welcome Counselor." He paused for a moment. "I don't think so..... well perhaps there is. I couldn't help but notice you making notes on your PaDD. Just what are you writing down?"

"Exactly what you said: notes," she said. "I have to file reports regarding the crewmen we discussed. I like to keep detailed notes from discussions in order to make sure I do everything accurately. It's a counselor's habit." She shrugged. "I'm not one for paperwork, so I like to make sure I get it right the first time."

"Can't find any flaw in that plan." Alec deadpanned "Good work ethic though, I like that. Though your reports should be fairly brief. I really didn't tell you much. Unless I'm missing something."

"On the contrary, you've told me a considerable amount," Cassandra said. "I'm trying not to take it personally given that, as you said, I've only just arrived and you've just been through a very trying time." She folded her hands in her lap. "I appreciate that I'm an intruder here, and there's a certain stigma about counselors, but I do have a job to do, and I hope you can give me a chance."

"I thank you for that but lets get one thing straight. You aren't an intruder. You're a member of this crew, a valuable member of the crew. As far as a stigma about counselors, no more than executive officers, we're suppose to be the bad asses of the crew, keep everyone straight and discipline those that need it."

Cassandra gave him a slightly sad smile. "Commander, that's kind of you to say, but only half true. I am an intruder. I've suddenly come aboard, an unknown quantity. And to say I'm valuable is kind, but you have no way of knowing that yet so we'll reserve that judgement. And given your attitude towards me coming into this, I find your platitudes a bit confusing." She suddenly smiled wider and even gave a small chuckle. "Now I see why she likes you."

Alec shook his head from side to side,"Not at all Counselor. You wouldn't have been assigned here if you couldn't do the job. So that in and of itself makes you valuable. I'll repeat what I said earlier, you're not an intruder you're a newcomer..... big difference." He cocked his head to the side, "Why who likes me Counselor?"

Cassandra looked like she was doing her best not to let out a huge guffaw and cleared her throat quickly, grinning ear-to-ear. "Your sparring partner seems to hold you in some regard," she said.

Now it was Alec's turn not to laugh right in the Counselor's face, As it was he chuckled heartily, "Oh, I don't know about that Counselor. I think Doctor Anderson is a credit to her profession and would much rather stuff me in one of her specimen jars then deal with me." The last said with a grin.

"Oh, I don't doubt that," Cassandra said. "And now, Commander, it's time to say 'Good Day.' I have a lot on my plate, but thank you for your time."

"Thank you, Counselor, for the meeting, it has been most enlightening." Alec answered cheerfully as he rose from the couch and moved to the door. He turned back to her. "I'll see you around and welcome to the Victory." Then he was gone.

 

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