Encounters of the Nervous Kind

Posted on Wed Oct 28th, 2020 @ 12:36am by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke & Lieutenant Junior Grade Kara Li
Edited on on Wed Oct 28th, 2020 @ 5:19am

948 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 10 - New Home, Same Pioneers
Location: Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD008 1230 hrs

Tyler decided to take a short stroll before he took his lunch. He chose Deck 5 for this constitutional as he wanted to stop in Sick Bay and see how the new medical staff was getting on. He was rather eager to meet the new Counselor. It just seems that we cannot hold on to a good Counselor. Every time they get into the swing of things, they get transferred. Tyler wondered about that.

Kara had been walking the corridors for what seemed like hours. It was her way of getting out, meeting people, and seeing where the need was. She sipped her coffee as she tried to dictate some notes into her padd. "Follow up with C.W. in two weeks, see how things are...." Kara was mid-sentence when something stopped her. Before she knew what had happened she looked up to see four solid pips.

"Oh my God, Captain," she was mortified. Stepping back she tripped over her left foot and fell to the floor. She looked up, feeling the heat building up in her cheeks. "Well, there's a first," it was all she could muster, "Sir."

Tyler smiled and actually broke into a small chuckle. The very woman that he wanted to see bumped right into him. "Not at all Counselor..." He extended his hand to help her to her feet. "...I hope that you are finding the Pioneer well and settling in proper." He did not have to be a psychologist to know that she was embarrassed. So rather then draw attention to it. Tyler decided to look past it and get to know the person directly.

Kara took the offered hand, as she couldn't help but noticed the coffee dripping down his arm. As she watched each drop move the heat in her face became more intense. "Not exactly the way I expected to report to the Commanding Officer," she let a laugh slip. "I mean I suppose there are worse ways, but still." She brushed herself off and attempted to regain her composure.

"Lieutenant Junior Grade Kara Li," she smiled, "it's a pleasure to meet you Captain. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about this ship and her crew. I can't wait to work with you all."

"Well consider yourself reported in Lieutenant..." Tyler said with a chuckle and then continued. "...I am glad to have a Counselor back on board. This crew has been through so much, they can sure use the shoulder to lean on. If I did not know any better I would think that you need a Counselor. Relax, I am not such a mean guy." He flashed his trademark charming smile.

"It's not every day one runs over their Captain and spills coffee on them," she laughed joking, "I've seen careers ended for less. But, thank you, Sir. It's a pleasure to be here." She tried to relax, "you are correct the crew has been through a lot, I hope I am able to help them in some way. Yourself included," she smiled.

Tyler brushed the coffee off his uniform. "As far as I am concerned we are all in this together. So no use in crying over spilled coffee." He began to head toward his quarters to change his uniform. "Walk with me... You should know that I use my counselors as diplomats as well as advisors. Do you feel up to that kind of challenge?"

"Par for the course, when it comes to this position, Sir," she replied, "it's a typical duty for most Counselors, honestly. Being a Counselor is more than just listening to people and attempting to help them. First Contacts, negotiations between parties... I could keep going but yes, I am fully trained and able to handle any situation." She folded her hands behind her back. "

"As you just stated, we are all in this together," she nodded, "I am here to assist the Pioneer crew with their mental health, yes. But if there are other needs I can fulfill here that will help the Pioneer's overall goal then I will step up."

"I am glad to hear that Lieutenant. This crew, and I must confess especially her Captain, are little hard-headed when it comes to seeking mental help. Have you had time to read up on some of the mission logs? This way you can get an idea of what this crew has been through." Tyler replied as he turned toward her. This young woman had somehow put him so at ease that he did not even mind that he walked through his ship with a soiled uniform.

"Don't kid yourself Captain, almost every crew is hard-headed when it comes to mental health," Kara responded. "Even after all this time and advancements, the field still carries something of a stigma. People tend to see it was a weakness to ask for help. As far as the logs, I have to be honest I have read some but not nearly enough." She smiled, "from what I have heard, perhaps I need to read more."

"I would think that the battle to retake our home would be a great place to start." Tyler said with a smirk as they arrived at his quarters. "Well Lieutenant you have some reading to do and it seems that I have a new uniform to put on... Welcome to the Pioneer!"

"Next time we meet, I'll forgo the coffee," she smiled.

A Joint Post By

Captain Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer

Lieutenant Junior Grade Kara LI
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer

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