LMS

Posted on Fri Oct 14, 2016 @ 1:52pm by Lieutenant Cassandra Kennings

1,342 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: The Fall
Location: Cassandra's Office

**************Addison's Quarters*****************

The day had arrived. Addison had been putting off the mandatory meeting with the counselor since she arrived on board, and it wasn't until the counselor tracked her down at work that she was forced to schedule an appointment. It was standard procedure upon joining a new posting, so there was really nothing to worry about - it was just something about counselors that put her on edge. Perhaps it had something to do with the feeling that she was constantly being evaluated - being judged - that kept her far away from the counseling offices. It was certainly not how she wanted to start her morning.

And she was late.

...It was totally unlike her. Promptness was a trait she valued. Fortunately, she wasn't tragically late, just enough to put a real crunch on her morning.

She hopped across her living room on her left foot, wrestling to get the boot on her right. Having achieved success by the time she hopped across the length of the room, Addison stopped to check her appearance in the mirror. Immediately realizing she wasn't wearing her rank insignia or commbadge, she moved to the nearby table and quickly affixed them to her uniform.

Returning to the mirror, she took a brief moment to study her face. Her bright blue eyes stood out against her pale skin, and matched the teal collar of her uniform. Her hair was long, slightly longer than she usually liked, and she pulled it back out of her face with a ponytail. Noticing the time, she hurried out of her quarters.

Addison walked at a fast pace. It was normal for her, not counting the fact she was late. She was fidgeting with her uniform as she walked - making sure that the front of her uniform was smooth, and awkwardly tugging at the boot on her right foot, which still didn't fit quite right. She arrived at the counselor's office and took a deep breath, smoothing the front of her uniform one last time before she pressed the call button on the panel next to the door.

**************Cass' Office*****************

Cassandra glanced up and said, "enter," as the chime rang. The doors to her office opened, revealing an armchair facing a long couch. Cassandra stood up from the armchair and smiled. "Welcome," she said, gesturing to the couch. "Please, have a seat."

"Of course, Counselor," Addison said, moving toward the couch. "It's nice to officially meet you. I've seen you several times while on duty, but we've never been formally introduced," she had a seat, as instructed.

"Well that happens when you combine our recent excitement with your avoiding me like the plague," Cass said sweetly. "But better a few days late than never." She gave a gentle smile.

She picked up a padd and skimmed it briefly. "I've been over your file. Educated on Earth, majored in Archaeology and Sociology. You and my fiance would get along famously. How are you enjoying the night shift in Sickbay?"

"It is what it is," she started, "but, given the recent events, there really is no such thing as the 'break' the night shift might imply." She smoothed the front of her pants in an attempt to keep her hands busy. "It's been interesting to take point on the cases we get - medical emergencies aren't limited to a particular time of day. I enjoy being able to keep busy."

"Does that include sitting still?" Cassandra said, slightly amused. "You aren't on trial here, Addison. I'm just here to get to know you."

She sat back and got comfy for the big question. "How are you getting along with Doctor Anderson?"

Addison made it a point to fold her hands in her lap. "Well, I'm sure you know her as well as anyone. She's very tough to read, and can be difficult to get along with. On the one hand, she is an incredible mentor to work for - her surgical technique is incredible, but trying to interact with her on a social basis can be... trying."

"In point of fact, with the exception of maybe one other on board, I know her better than anyone," Cassandra said. "And if she is merely 'trying' then she must think very highly of you. You should be flattered."

Addison smirked. "I can't tell if she's trying, or if I'm simply trying too hard. At any rate, we have a functional working environment, and, from what I can tell, no desire to spend time together outside of work...I think it could be worse."

"Yes, it could be," Cassandra said, smiling wryly. "But enough about her. Tell me about yourself."

"I take my work seriously, but what medical professional doesn't?" she responded. "I love spending my recreational time engaging in athletic activities like white water rafting, performing arts, and using humor as a defensive weapon. If that isn't already obvious enough, I'm sure it will be."

"Humor: check," Cassandra said, marking her padd with a stylus. "And has our current situation changed your long-term plans?"

"I don't think so," Addison paused. It was the first time anyone had asked her that question, and certainly the first time she'd ever given thought to the matter. "I have hope that we'll get home, and being in our current...predicament, has provided ample opportunity to practice. I expect there will be more of the same along our journey."

Cassandra nodded. "Undoubtedly. And how do you feel about being in the Borg's backyard?"

Addison pursed her lips at the absurdity of the question. "I think anyone in their right mind would say it's an uneasy feeling at best. I can't say the idea thrills me, no."

"Well I can't think of a better barometer to determine if someone's in their right mind," Cassandra said, smiling. "Well, now it's your turn. What question do you have for me?"

"Two questions," Addison started. "What brought you to want to be a counselor, and any tips for how to deal with the boss?!"

"My people were, once upon a time, the scourge of three empires," Cass said, solemnly. "They stole lives to survive and gave nothing back to the galaxy. When they were rescued by the USS Enterprise, they agreed to spend the rest of their existence bringing life and health to humans. I chose to follow a slightly different path and became a counselor, looking after people's mental well being rather than just their physical. I also wanted to leave Earth and see the rest of the galaxy. Starfleet seemed a natural direction at the time. Having seen the galaxy though, I'm ready to go home."

She smiled and tilted her head in a shrug. "As for your boss, the best advice I can give you is to not back down." She leaned in and whispered, "she can smell fear." She grinned and sat back again. "And don't let her get to you. She'll poke and prod for a reaction. If you give her one, she's got you. Just stand true to yourself and know that she isn't doing it to bring you down, just to see how tough you are. She'll warm up eventually."

"Well, you can't make it as a surgeon without having a strong will. I think I can handle her. Thanks for the advice!" Addison replied with a smirk. "What else can I answer for you, counselor? Or have I proven myself to be just competent enough to wield a laser scalpel?"

"I have no idea if you're competent to wield a scalpel," Cassandra said, "but I'd say you're fine to walk the halls." She smiled and stood up. "My door is always open, if you need me," she said.

"I have to admit," Addison said, standing and moving toward the door, "this was far less painful that I thought it would be. We simply must do this again soon." She smirked and exited the office.

Cassandra smiled as the doors closed. "I guarantee it."

JP

Cassandra Sanders
Ship's Counselor

Addison MacKenzie
ACMO

 

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