Check-in Checklist: Item 2

Posted on Wed May 27, 2015 @ 12:12am by Lieutenant Cassandra Kennings

738 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: All this has happened before...
Location: Counselor's Office
Timeline: After check-in with the Doctor

LTJG Chris Halloway made his way toward the Counselor's Office after a brief stop to rearrange some items in his quarters. He now had his bat'leth, morning star, and warhammer hanging on the bulkhead how he wanted them, but the rest were still a mystery. He had also put his toolbelt in a more convenient location - next to his bed.

Now Chris was outside the Counselor's Office. He activated the chime and patiently awaited entry.

The doors to Cassandra's office opened, revealing her sitting in her favorite armchair and closing her golden compact. She placed it in her handbag at her side and stood up. "Hello, Chris," she said, smiling and gesturing to the seat across from her. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you," Chris said, smiling as he crossed the threshold. Taking the seat he added, "This is one of the most comfortable counselling chairs I've encountered. It wasn't replicated here, was it?"

"Not exactly, no," Cassandra said, smiling and sitting back. "I try to keep my office as comfortable as I can. People sometimes come here to talk about uncomfortable things, I don't think the furniture should add to that."

She gestured around her office at the musical instruments, cultural artifacts and even ceremonial weapons that were mounted around the room. "This is a space where people can explore facets of their personality and talk about what they need to get off their chest. And, it's a place for us to start getting to know each other." She crossed her legs and smiled. "So please, tell me about yourself."

"Well, I guess probably the best place to start is the beginning. I'm the son of minor Vulcan and Betazoid ambassadors to the Federation Council," Chris said. "I was raised on Earth in Earth schools. This was all partially by accident and partially by design. Well, by design at least after the accident, anyway."

Chris shifted a bit in his seat trying to decide how much to dive into. "I eventually joined Starfleet to put my interest in engineering to practice. I believe in Starfleet's mission. I felt that the best way for me to see it through is to 'push.'"

Cassandra nodded. "What do you mean by, 'push' exactly?" she said.

Chris smiled at Cassandra. It was apparent she hadn't been around too many engineers in their off time. "By 'push,' I mean to provide engineering services to the ship, and in particular, propulsion. My job is to 'push' the ship through space."

"Ah, I see," Cassandra said. "A somewhat literal interpretation of Starfleet's mission 'to boldly go'." She thought back a moment. "What was the accident you referred to?"

Chris chuckled. "My conception. My parents were on a transport that suffered a propulsion casualty as it was en route to Vulcan from Earth. My father had hoped to make it home before pon farr set in. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it. My mother, being a Betazoid going through the Phase, was more than happy to 'assist' him with his problems. Thus, I came to be."

"Quite the coincidental set of circumstances," Cassandra conceded. "But, Fate's luck is our gain, I'm sure." She smiled at him and spread her hands out, palms up. "Your turn, Chris. Are there any questions you have for me?"

"Is that your natural hair color? Or rather, colors?" Chris asked, chuckling a bit more.

Cassandra grinned as she tucked a lock of orange hair behind her ear. "Very natural," she said. "One of a few genetic oddities of my mother's species." She batted her violet eyes. "Taurean daughters have very distinct features."

Thinking back to his encounter in sickbay with Doc Nicole, Chris replied, "Some human women do too." Shaking himself back out of his momentary daze, Chris added, "I don't have anything else that comes to mind for now. Is there anything else you need from me?"

"I think that will do for now," Cassandra said. "But if you ever need to talk about anything, get advice on something or just want to chat, I am at your disposal."

Chris stood as he said, "Thank you. I may be back for some advice sooner than later. Until next time." He extended his hand to shake before departing.

Cassandra stood as well and gave his hand a strong squeeze and shake, the jewel in her headband glowing brighter. *Strong personality,* she thought. "Until next time."

 

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