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Posted on Sun Jun 17th, 2018 @ 8:55am by Lieutenant Amelia Zano Psy.D.
Edited on on Sun Jun 17th, 2018 @ 5:41pm

1,191 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 3 - Weary Travellers
Location: Counselling Office - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD001 1800 hrs

Moore was sitting in in his small office after wrapping up an intake evaluation for the last patient of the day. He rubbed his face and sighed as he drummed his fingers on the desk rhythmically. The CO and command both were threatening to drum him out, and they didn't seem to understand he didn't really care. The Chief opened his top drawer like he'd done so many times before and pulled out his phase pistol, similar in looks to the Marine version. However, this one could be fired without setting off any alarms, a necessity in his previous profession. Moore powered on the device and rested his forehead against the muzzle before turning the setting up to level 16 on a narrow beam, enough to vaporize his head instantly. He closed his eyes and images from the last day he'd seen his wife alive spread through his mind. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and just stayed in that position until a bell pulled him back from his thoughts. Andrew sighed and powered the sidearm down before letting his hand drop, obscuring the weapon behind the desk, "office hours are over, just us drunks left in here," he called without opening his eyes.

As Amelia walked in she smiled warmly, naturally as she always did to show people she meant no harm. "Well Chief if office hours are over then you and I can finally have a chat?" she half asked. Moving into the office she stopped halfway thinking before heading over to the replicator and bringing two waters over.

Setting it down on the table she noticed something in his hand but sat down any way. "I know that we have worked alongside each other but I would like to get to know you a bit better. If that's alright with you?"

Moore nodded and took a PADD off his desk and sliding it in his desk drawer with the side arm under it nonchalantly, "thanks doc," he said with a nod then gave a genuine smile, "and don't take this wrong, but, I'm under orders to get to know you," he added with a chuckle, "I should be upfront before we continue our date though, I'm a little," he started then made a circle motion with his finger near his temple and gave a two tone whistle, gesturing he is crazy.

Amelia couldn't help but laugh. She didn't know why but she got a feeling from this man that made her become drawn in, at ease. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh." she began. "And I'd prefer you want to get to know me because it's what you want than because a mandatory order tells you too." she teased.

"Eh, don't worry about it, doc, the bulkheads laugh at me all the time," the Chief replied with a grin and sat back in his chair, "and I'd love to get to know you, just not have the voodoo we do along with it, but," he said and gave a dismissive waive of his hand and smiled, "I love the voodoo we do. So, where ya from, doc?"

"Thank goodness it's not just me that hears them then." She replied. "No voodoo, promise." Amelia began to shift in her seat trying to get comfortable. "Edinburgh, Scotland. Please just Amelia is fine. What about you?"

Andrew chuckled, "good and alright, Amelia," he replied with a nod, "I'm from the great state of Texas," he added, getting a little bit of a drawl as he said it, "I did some of my SEAR training in the Highlands, though, I loved Scotland."

"It's a nice enough place." she began, "Just home to me, you know? My father wanted to 'settle' somewhere out of the way when he got here from El-Auria and he found Scotland and it's people to be quite inviting... Did you like Texas? I know that'll be a pretty stupid question." she half joked. "I hear all you cowboys love your state."

Andrew chuckled, "yup, i do. It's a bit flat, no mountains, but still some beautiful country," he replied, "it's one of the few places on Earth you can still find areas to ride in without all this tech."

"Really?" She asked, "I find old stuff, Old technology fascinating... unless you mean a horse? In which case I've seen those, ridden quite a few." She liked that he was opening up a little in their conversation. It wasn't their 'voodoo' as such but a good rapport was good for establishing trust and people tended to talk best about things they have done, love and in some cases hate. She found Humans loved a good moan about life.

Moore smiled, "aye, a horse. Though I like bikes too, going fast with no cage around you and feeling the air rushing against you, futiliy trying to hold you back...nothing like that."

“I’ve been on one of those ‘bikes’ once, it messed up my hair then when Dad found out forbid me to ride a death trap like that ever again.” She finished with an eyeroll.

Andrew chuckled, "I think it may have had to do more with the side effects than the actual riding," he replied with a smirk but didn't elaborate, instead sitting forward and leaning relaxed on the desk.

She huffed a little before answering, “You sound like you’ve felt those ‘side effects’?” She half asked. “Although I have you down as someone who enjoys a little pain, the excitement of possible injury with no failsafes.”

"My wife ended up pregnant after one of those rides," he replied with a wink and telling grin, but, the grin faded almost as quickly as it appeased and Moore fell silent for a second before looking at his terminal, "shoot, I'm sorry, Amelia, I have a subspace call I need to make back to Earth, think we could pick this up later?" he asked before standing.

Amelia saw the smile fade, she knew what happened to his wife but she wouldn't say anything until he wanted to bring it up. Sometimes people have to feel the trust is there before telling more personal stories or problems. "Sure," she said smiling warmly, "I've enjoyed this. It's nice to have someone to talk to that I can be myself with, and that understands a counselors mind." She began to rise, "I shall leave you to your call Mr Moore... try not to cause any 'chaos' in the meantime." She added with a cheeky wink, also using his nickname She had heard. It suited him.

Andrew chuckled at that and nodded, "likewise and thank you," he replied as both moved to the door and parted ways in the corridor. As he rounded the corner Andrews pace quickened slightly as he headed for his quarters.

A Joint Post By

Lt. Amelia Zano Psy.D.
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer

Chief Petty Officer Andrew "Chaos" Moore
Behavioral Health Specialist, USS Pioneer

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