Post Number:85 A Counselor's Work is Never Done*

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 3:30pm by Captain Marius Pontmercy & Lieutenant Marty Stokes
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 3:30pm

720 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Obsidian
Location: Captain’s Ready room

On:

Marius paced the length of his ready room, mulling over some numbers and trying to ascertain what he could do to get things running more efficiently. He was grateful that he had such a talented crew who were dedicated and good at their jobs. He ran a mental list of who he had met with, and who he still had to talk with, and nodded to himself. Tapping his comm badge, he said,

"Lieutenant Stokes, I know that you are busy, but when you have a moment, could you please make your way to my ready room?"

Marty heard the order from the Captain and stopped what she was doing to make her way to his ready room. Usually when the Captain called, it was something important. Reaching his ready room, she chimed the door and waited to be admitted inside.

"Counselor, thank you for coming, please have a seat," Marius offered as the woman entered. Once she had complied, he began.

"First, there is no emergency or crisis, but I did want to talk to you." Marius sighed and looked at Marty, thankful that she was capable. "This war has been...devastating and brutal. I know I do not have to tell you, I am sure that you have experienced a lot, and heard so much more. The thing is... the crew here is under a lot of pressure to repair the base. I am worried that they do not have enough time to handle their grief and other feelings while they are doing their jobs. I wanted to ask how you planned on handling that?"

“Honestly, Captain,” Marty said leaning forward. “I’m doing my best to keep up as you said the war was devastating and a lot of the crew has flashbacks and they are doing their best to keep themselves together enough to perform their duties.” Marius nodded, he had suspected as much.

"I am not a Counselor, so I cannot presume to tell you how to do your job, but I think it would be wise to begin regular check-ins with all of the crew, especially during the next few months. Use your discretion, if you feel it is unwarranted you may of course dismiss certain crew after an evaluation."

“Of course, Captain,” Marty said with a nod. “I had intended on doing exactly as you have suggested.”

"Of course," Marius said, "you know what you are doing. I just want to make sure that you are able to handle what I am sure is going to be an influx of patients. Not that you, personally, can't handle it, but the sheer volume of people. If you need help, reach out to Ensign Couldis. She was a Counselor on the Zenith before moving to Science, She can help, if you need it."

“I sure will, sir,” Marty said with a smile. “Anything else on your mind besides the crew.”

"Everything and nothing, if that makes sense. I'm concerned about our vulnerable position, and our lack of staff...but nothing apecific."

“As is most of the crew?” Marty replied. “You’re not the only one, there’s plenty of the crew that feels the same way and they are making strides to fill in where needed from what I’ve seen.”

"Oh the crew is performing admirably. I couldn't ask anything more of them. I see them going above and beyond every day, and I know it is because of them we will be safe."

“Exactly,” Marty said with a slight smile. “Don’t forget about yourself while you’re worrying about this station, Captain.” Marius laughed and almost waved her off, but decided not to at the last second.

"It's good advice," he admitted. "Sometimes I forget that that is important, too."

“Yes it is so make sure you put it to good use,” Marty said with a grin. Marius laughed again, and then stood, straightening out his uniform to release the wrinkles.

"I appreciate your time, Counselor."

“Thank you, sir,” Marty said heading for the door. “I’m always available if you need me.”

"I am sure that you will be hearing from me," the Captain said, with a nod. "Dismissed."

Off:

Captain Marius G. Pontmercy
Commanding Officer
Starbase 11 - Obsidian Station

Lt. JG Marty Stokes
Chief counselor
Starbase 11 - Obsidian Station

 

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