Counseling the Counselor

Posted on Tue Dec 5th, 2023 @ 4:07am by Lieutenant Bela Swain & Commodore Samantha York

1,019 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: Briefing Room
Timeline: Immediately after "Cracks In the Mirror"

ON

As soon as everyone else had left the room, Sam took a seat next to Bela. "What's going on? Is it something to do with our current assignment?" The counselor had concerns over facing the Remen at the end of their last mission. With cause, Sam admitted. And she had cause now.

Bela gave the Commodore a small smile and softly told Sam, "You're going to have to be a little bit more specific than that. 'What's going on?' is a bit vague and I really would like to help you." Her smile was sheepish but genuine.

"We're dealing with marauders from the Mirror Universe," Sam replied. "Exactly how is yet to be determined."

"That's what you said in the briefing," Bela responded uncertain at what the Commodore was driving at.

Sam looked at Bela for a long moment, trying to gauge her body language. "It's more about your reaction. You looked a little...shell-shocked, for lack of a better word. That concerns me and so I am asking you if you're okay with this assignment."

Bela shifted her weight to one side. "Violence is not something that is natural to Risians," she answered simply. "I got into counseling to bring peace and harmony to Starfleet. I understand what you are doing. I understand that it may be necessary. That does not mean that I have to be comfortable with it."

"To be honest, I'm not, either. I'm a scientist. I would rather negotiate and study than fight. But I'm aware that sometimes you have to defend your homeland. I don't know what we'll find, or how we we'll have to resolve this, but if there's a peaceful way to accomplish our goal, I'll take it." She smiled at Bela. "Does that help?"

"It is encouraging," Bela admitted. "I just worry about the crew and what violence may do to them." She gave the Commodore a rare grimace. "But, I'll be there for them and you."

"Good. Because as much as I want to avoid a fight, I don't know what will happen, and the crew is likely going to need you. I'm also concerned that some of the crew may want to take advantage of our situation." She was especially concerned about Batiste and his eagerness to get a hold of the tech that allowed the ships to cross into this universe. Sam agreed with Admiral Hunter that it was too dangerous and only the Prowler and its crew should handle it.

Bela's eyes squinted and then widened. "Why would anyone want to take advantage of the situation?" she asked somewhat innocently. "Is there someone or something that I should be directing my attention towards?"

"Information on how the marauders travel between universes is classified. The Calypso and its crew will not be dealing with anything we may find. That will be for the team accompanying us. Our job is to be there to help find out who is behind the piracy and why--and stop it if we can. Any information on the Terran Universe or travel there is for the intel team alone. Not even our own intel department will be allowed access to that information." She couldn't say she didn't expect to have any problems. She knew Remy was stubborn and was likely to challenge that order.

The Counselor nodded. She knew all about confidentiality. "Inconvenient," she replied shrugging. "I'm here for you and the crew. That is really all that matters to me. I'm not certain how I can be of assistance at this time, but I have found that sometimes, just being there is sufficient."

"I agree. I think at this point, just having you available in case you are needed is the best option. I don't expect trouble, but I always want to be prepared, just in case," Sam said. "And this assignment could go in a number of directions. At least the team we'll be working with is familiar with the Terran Empire."

"I just wish that I knew more. It is difficult to work when one does not have all the facts." She then sighed and confided in the Commodore. "Sometimes it feels like all I can ever do is trying to put gum between two plates to try and keep things together. It is much more pleasant being able to keep up morale and show people how life can be. Perhaps it is just the Risian in me."

"Yes, I understand that feeling well." Sam chuckled. "Even when you think you know what you're facing, there's something you didn't expect, or something goes wrong, and you find out you didn't know everything. It's better to know how to improvise and adapt because things rarely go as planned."

"Improvisation is not so much of an issue. It is situations like these where I can do no preventative care." She gave a small frown before resuming her normal carefree smile. "But, there is nothing more I can do for you or the crew at this moment, barring you having some sort of need of which I am unaware...."

"No, not when we don't know what we'll find, and if there will be any trouble. It could be we cross over, discover who took the tech, and leave them to the Prowler. But things rarely go that well. So, all either of us can do is be ready for whatever happens."

Bela nodded. "Well, Commodore, is there anywhere you would like me to be right now?"

"Not right now, but I will need you before this is all over," Sam replied. Because she had a gut feeling that this, like many of their past missions, wasn't going to go as planned.

The counselor rose and gave the Commodore a hug. "Well, then, you know where to find me if and when I'm needed." Bela suspected that she would be needed all too soon, which made her simultaneously happy and sad. She loved to be needed but hated seeing others in pain.

"I do," Sam said, returning the hug. "Thank you."

____
OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Bela Swain
Chief Counselor

 

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