Things To Discuss - Part 1

Posted on Sat Jan 2nd, 2021 @ 2:26pm by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Commander Peter Horn & Lieutenant Commander Melanie D’BrooNi- Haistro

1,647 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 2 - Echoes Of An Empire
Location: Deck 1 - Ready Room
Timeline: Mission Day 6 - 1000 Hours

ON

The morning had started to wear on and Keiben had still to really start his day, one of the few days in the last several that he had not woken up next to a certain someone and it was starting to feel comfortable beyond reason. This morning had been strange not having her around but needs must. She had a daughter to consider and had still to decide if she wanted Charlie to know. Still, none of this excused the Captains tardiness.

He grabbed his collection of PADD's and uniform jacket, having just showered after his morning visit to the holodeck for a run along the shore of the Jalaran Lake on Betazed. Now he was making his way through his quarters to the door in the bedroom. This was a new feature of the Copernicus, but one that made sense but also gave the impression of an extension to his own quarters. He walked through the door and directly into his ready room. Not attached to the bridge but only a short distance from it. In theory he could easily turn the ready room into his living quarters and the living quarters into a dinning room... or would that be a step to far?

He dropped the PADDs on the desk and slung the jacket over the back of the chair behind the desk before ordering a Raktajino and a plate of toast and jam, a simple breakfast that he had just enough time to down before the door chimed.

Mel had caught up with Peter in the turbolift going up to the bridge. "Any idea why we have been summoned?" she asked.

The newly minted counselor shook his head. "Negative," he answered, "i do not know."

Completely clueless she had lead them both to the door and pressed the chime.

"Come on in, its open!" Keiben called from his spot under the large window, absently staring out at the warped field of stars. This really was his ship now.
"Good morning Doctor and to you as well Commander Horn. I'm sorry I have not had chance before now to meet you!"

The Captain smiled at the new comer as he extended a hand to greet him properly.

"Please!" he waved his hand over to the curved couch below the window.

Mel took a seat and smiled watching Peter. It was so wonderful to be working with him again.

Peter didn't take the offered hand, but offered a small inclination of his head as return greeting instead. "No apology is necessary sir," he answered formally, "I have reported in with your first officer and spent some time to see my family settled in. Also, to preserve a command structure it is perhaps best if I give preference to being addressed as counselor."

Tam finally arrived, several padds in one hand, with a cup of Ginger Tea, with lemon and honey mixed in, in the other. She looked around and nodded to those there. She noticed that they were having a seat on the curved couch. She took one next to an area where she could set down her tea.

"Good Morning." Tamaska greeted them, with a little bit of a smile.

Mel smiled back at Tamaska. The XO was here too. This must be important. Maybe it was a last minute thing and that was why Keiben hadn't though to mention it this morning. Her eyes fluttered back to waking up with him next to her for a moment and having the poor man sneaking out before Charlie woke. She was going to have to start thinking about how to broach this with her daughter. Charlie had mentioned a memorial though so perhaps after that might be a better time .....

"So the reason I've called you here... I know Commander Holt will likely agree with my train of thought here but I wanted to get the medical opinion in regards to the crew... How are they holding up after the tragedy and what do we need to do, or more importantly what can you do Counsellor?"

He looked briefly at Mel and Tam before turning his attention back to Peter. "I know some of us here are still struggling to come to terms with what happened so I know the three of us will need to make some time to see you... How are the rest of the crew though. Doctor and Commander Holt, you are both closer to them than I am."

Mel thought about it for a moment. ”Well there's a lot of new faces which is somewhat disconcerting for those of us who lived through the attack. A reminder of who was lost. And for the new faces, it's disconcerting for them as they feel uncomfortable and don't really know what to say to the people who survived.”

"I am not yet sure on how to broach the subject with the crew sir," Peter started, "though from what I understand they have been through quite a lot. I cannot force people to come and talk to me, but I will highly encourage them." He looked around at the other three officers, pausing at each person in turn. "However I do encourage you all to come and see me too, at your own time and leisure. I cannot make you, but I do believe it will help. At your own pace, and when you are ready."

"I know I will be coming into see you, Counselor Horn." Tamaska giving a nod. "And as for the new crewmembers, I'm working through the list. I've already met,Verona our new Security Chief, I've met Ensign Lillian Carter, our helmsman. I've also spoken with LTJG Han, I am way behind on meeting the others who are on Chief Stoun's team. I intend on meeting with them all, but not all at once. Its best to get to know them on a one to one basis."

"Agreed... It would be inappropriate for me to start getting to close to the crew so I am relying on your three to be my eyes and ears... that said, I do agree that we all should make the time to see the Counselor".

He looked rather pointedly at Mel, knowing she was struggling more than most given the hell she had lived through, not to mention the report he had seen from a Doctor Nir'anyar from the Merlin and how Mel had been observed in the throes of what could have only been described as some form of post traumatic stress.

Peter trusted his old friend to come to him when she was ready so his attention was now on the commanding officer. "I would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience sir," he offered.

"Of course, drop by when your schedule allows and I'll make the time for you Counsellor!"
He smiled at the officer, more than thankful that HQ had managed to find him someone to fill the Counsellor spot.

Mel felt a little like she was being strong armed into seeing the counselor by Keiben but he was only being concerned she guessed. She would of course be going to see Peter as soon as time permitted.

"I'll make an appointment," she nodded at the Vulcanoid. "What are the boxes?" Mel asked looking at Keibens desk. She had a horrible feeling. A really horrible one.

Keiben looked over at the small boxes on his desk, one already opened, the other sitting silent, expectantly for someone to go over to it. He himself had received two, one for himself, hence his new position as Captain and not Commander any longer.

"Go take a look Doctor... The closed one is for you!"

Mel walked over already knowing what was in there. Her hand shook a little picking up the box. She didn't want it. She walked back over to the rest and handing it to Keiben the tiniest shake of her head she could muster right now which she assumed he didn't catch as he was opening it and pulling it out. Somehow though she did know Peter will have seen it.

"Congratulations Lieutenant Commander... Starfleet Medical was so over whelmed by your ability, guile and conduct during our recent trials along the Romulan Boarder they have over ridden me say and seen fit to promote you in a similar manner to how Starfleet promoted myself and Commander Holt"

He took the gold pip with black centre from the box and gently pinned it to her collar. "And it is more than deserved!"

Mel felt sick. And numb. This was not a promotion she felt she deserved or wanted. She couldn't move while he placed that pip on her. It felt like it was weighing down her collar.

She forced out one word solely for Tam and Keibens benefit looking at Tam. They had earned theirs. She would request to speak to Keiben afterwards and give this back. "Congratulations."

Yes it had to go back. It felt like it was choking her.

Tam was in shock with the pip, actually getting it pinned to her collar. She also noticed the reaction Mel was having. "Thank you, Mel." she managed to say. She also thought that Mel wasn't looking too good at the moment. "Mel would you like something to drink? You look a little bit pale right now."

"Doctor?" Peter queried, leaning over to look at her, "are you alright?"

“Yes... Yes I'm fine, ” she answered probably not very convincing. Sitting back down she forced a smile as a glass of water was passed towards her.

"Well, if there are no other pressing matter, I won't keep any of you longer!"
He smiled at each in turn, turning his attention to Mel last already knowing something was wrong.

“Captain, may I have a further word with you?” Mel said after they had been dismissed.

"Of course"

END

 

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