Post 252: Uncharted Paths

Posted on Tue Mar 25th, 2025 @ 7:34pm by Lieutenant JG Lirian Tarel & Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon

996 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Secrets

Mike McMahon sat in the counselor's office, arms crossed over his chest as he stared out the window at the endless stars beyond Starbase Obsidian. He had never been one for counseling, but after everything that had happened, even he had to admit that talking to someone might help.

Counselor Lirian Tarel, seated across from him, studied him carefully. She was a Betazoid, which meant she could sense his emotions, but she was also professional enough to let him come to things on his own terms.

"So, Mike," she began gently, "you've had a lot on your plate lately. The Synthulan attack on Earth, the rescue of Admiral Bradley, your brothers surviving that ambush... It’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed."

Mike exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, you could say that. I mean, I should be relieved. My uncle made it out, my brothers are alive and stationed here now, and Earth is still standing, but... I don't know, Lirian. It doesn’t feel like a win."

Lirian tilted her head. "Why not?"

He hesitated before answering. "Because it feels like it’s not over. The Synthulans aren’t just going to stop. And every time we push back, they hit harder. I keep thinking… how long before we lose? Before I lose someone?" He swallowed hard. "I've already lost too much. My parents, friends... How much more do I have to give?"

Lirian let the silence settle between them before speaking again. "You're carrying a heavy burden, Mike. But you don’t have to carry it alone."

He scoffed lightly. "Yeah? Tell that to the higher-ups. Every time I have an idea, it gets dismissed. Every time I try to step up, someone else gets the promotion. Maybe I’m just wasting my time in Starfleet."

She frowned. "Do you really believe that? Or is it that you're afraid of not being recognized for your efforts?"

Mike leaned forward, rubbing his face with his hands. "I don’t know, Lirian. I feel like no matter what I do, it’s never enough. I’ve been in this fleet for years, giving it everything I’ve got, but I keep watching other people get ahead while I stay in the same place. And now, with everything that’s happened… I don’t even know if I want to stay."

Lirian observed him quietly before responding. "Have you considered what it is you really want? Not just in your career, but in your life?"

He blinked, taken aback. "I... I guess I haven't really thought about it like that. I’ve always just assumed I’d stay in Starfleet, keep moving forward. But maybe... maybe I don’t know what forward looks like anymore."

"That uncertainty isn’t a bad thing, Mike. It means you have options. But it also means you need to take the time to understand what truly matters to you. You’ve been focused on survival and duty for so long—maybe it’s time to focus on you."

Mike let out a dry chuckle. "That sounds easier said than done."

Lirian smiled. "Most things are. But that’s why you don’t have to figure it out alone. Have you spoken to your brothers about any of this?"

He shook his head. "Not really. I mean, I’m glad they’re here, but I don’t want to dump my problems on them when they’re still adjusting."

"That’s understandable, but they might feel the same way about you. You’re family, Mike. Supporting each other isn’t a burden—it’s a strength."

Mike sighed, nodding slowly. "Yeah… I guess I should talk to them. Maybe they feel as lost as I do."

Lirian nodded approvingly. "It could help. And in the meantime, I think it’s important for you to set some goals—not just for your career, but for yourself. What makes you happy outside of Starfleet? What do you want for your future, beyond the uniform?"

Mike was silent for a long moment, then shrugged. "I don’t know. Maybe that’s the problem. I’ve never thought about my life outside of Starfleet."

Lirian softened her voice. "Then maybe that’s where we start."

As the session continued, Mike found himself opening up more, talking about his frustrations, his fears, and even his hopes, though they felt uncertain. Lirian listened patiently, offering insights when needed but mostly allowing him the space to process his own emotions.

After a while, the conversation shifted. The intensity of the session had eased somewhat, and Mike found himself actually relaxing. That’s when he noticed it—the way Lirian looked at him. It wasn’t just professional concern in her eyes—it was something more. And he realized, suddenly, that he had been thinking about her too. About how easy she was to talk to. About how beautiful she looked when she smiled.

Lirian felt it too, and she shifted slightly in her chair, clearing her throat. "Mike... we might need to set some boundaries."

He smirked slightly. "You mean because we’re both thinking the same thing?"

Her lips quirked. "Yes."

"So... what do we do about it?"

She sighed softly. "I think you could benefit from more counseling, but if we were to explore... something personal, I wouldn’t be the right counselor for you."

He considered that, nodding slowly. "That makes sense. But... does that mean you’re open to exploring something?"

She hesitated, then smiled softly. "I think we both need to give it some thought. But… maybe."

Mike grinned, the weight on his chest feeling just a little bit lighter. "Well, that’s better than a no."

Lirian chuckled. "For now, let’s focus on getting your head sorted out. The rest… we can figure out in time."

Mike stood, stretching. "Fair enough. Thanks, Lirian."

"Anytime, Mike," she replied, watching as he left, a small smile still on her lips.

 

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