A New Face & Interesting Questions.

Posted on Sun Sep 23rd, 2018 @ 3:32pm by

913 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Emerald Road
Location: Observation Lounge

Tara stood outside the forward Observation Lounge with pad in hand. She had her orders directly from Starfleet. This was not the way she wanted to begin her career as a Chief anything. She was sure not many people would. Pressing the door chime she held her breath awaiting the Commodore's response.

Sat in the lounge William pondered over intel and information he had available, he knew that even the best laid plans hardly lasted contact with the enemy but he at least wanted to be prepared as best he and the ship could be.

Clearing her throat she stepped through the door, remained at the back of the room for a brief moment and then stepped up to the Commodore. This was not a time for shyness to creep in. She needed to be headstrong and sure of herself. Hopefully she would not come across as overbearing.

"Commodore, my name is Lieutenant Tara Lithbeth, and I've been assigned by Starfleet Command as this vessel's Chief Counselor. Your Chief Counselor, sir." Tara explained still a little timidness showing through.

William looked up at his guest, he saw the blue, the pips of a Lieutenant. "My ship Counsellor, well we could do with some of that around here." He knew that her skills would be needed soon with everything that was going on. "How have you settled in?" He asked, his hand out to a seat in front of his desk in offer as he sat himself.

"Barely..." Tara replied. "My transfer was rather last minute. It wasn't until sometime after I arrived that I was informed of my
position... and mission." Lithbeth allowed her statement to hang in the air for the Commodore to register.

"Ah, yes." William smiled, the mission was unique to say the least.

"Sir, I want to be completely honest. I was made aware of more facts about this mission particularly your relationship with the woman we've been sent to rescue. You're being watched by the Admiralty. Something I am certain you are aware of. I've been sent as an outsider to report on your actions. It's political games. I. Don't. Play. Political Games. I am going to be truthful with you. From a clinical aspect me being an outsider, not a longer term member of your crew prior to this mission, is probably the best thing. It allows me to advice you and you to know that I have no emotional connections that could compromise the advice I provide. I will also moderate any disputes between senior officers and yourself, if needed, due to the delicate nature of this mission."

"Well, thank you for the honesty, with that in mind do you have any questions for me about this mission?" William asked, since Tara was being up front and she was right, Admiralty was watching him very closely. The outcome of this mission would weigh very heavily on his career if it didn't meet expected results.

"I'm married. And I find myself asking what if our roles were reversed? What would I do if I were in command of a star ship and star fleet assigned me to save my husband from a hostile force. How far would I go? How far would my crew allow me to go? There are emotional connections involved in this situation. Connection in which typically as commanding officer you have procedures to explain the choices you make. If the ships CEO is your closest friend but they are the only person that could possibly prevent a warp core breech but in doing so it would cost their lives, the CEO would either take independent action or you would give the order because that person signed on to Starfleet knowing the possible consequences as well as the order being the best thing for the ship and crew. While there maybe some hard feelings, all in all, your senior staff would support you. They would understand the position you were in. This is different. Your lover's past has caught up with her, to put it bluntly. There is a palpable sense of stress and strain throughout the ship. What is the line you would want your crew to stop you from crossing? When it comes to this mission what is your greatest fear?" Tara asked wanting the Commodore to think through the emotions he was and would be experiencing.

A solid point and a valid question and it did leave Will thinking about an answer. It was a reasonable question, a professional question and Will wanted to give it its due. "Can I think on that and get back to you?" It came down to a line, a thin line as to how far he'd go and Tara was right about one thing, at what point should the crew stop him.

"Of course." Tara responded. "Perhaps I should give you some time to think and introduce myself to the XO and CMO. Unless there is anything else I can do for you?"

"Probably a good idea, I'm sure the Doctor will be keen to have some help keeping the rest of the crew in some measure of normality given the situation." Will answered, the more help the better, the crew would need it after this mission if they didn't get shore leave. "As for anything else, no I don't think so just yet, you are free to see the the others." Giving her a friendly smile.

With that Tara nodded and exited the room.

RSS Feed