Posted by Cadet Catt Beñnet (Scientist) in CNS Office - Onboarding Exam (TAG Cadet Bennet)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Janusz Korczak (Counselor) in CNS Office - Onboarding Exam (TAG Cadet Bennet)
Snip

Korczak listened intently as the young Cadet spoke, watched her body language and took note of the claw deployment and retraction. He sat with his hands folded in his lap, and was silent while he gave her a moment to compose herself. After a few moments, he slowly stood up and walked to the replicator. There he retrieved a cup of black currant and lemon tea and a glass of cool water. Walking back to his chair, he sat the water in front of Cadet Bennet and held the saucer the tea cup was setting on in one hand and slowly took a sip, all the while looking at Bennet. After a few sips, he leaned forward and set the tea down on the low table and leaned back.

Finally, he spoke. His odd accent lent a strange cadence to his words, but his tone was nonjudgmental and conveyed a sense of concern, but not pity. “Cadet. You are obviously troubled. You have endured more than most in your time. But I have concerns, and and this point I am afraid that I will need to refer you to the Academy Health Center. My duty here is a unique one. If this were a ship in the main fleet, I would have the resources and leeway to offer you counseling and therapy. Her, my goal is much more straightforward and, unfortunately, much less engaging. Quite simply, I am here to assess whether or not a Cadet is fit for duty on a star ship in the main fleet. And from what I have seen, I cannot make that recommendation at this time. I will have to speak to the Captain with regards to next steps. Be assured that I will do whatever I can to assist you and to help you. And do not think that this is some kind of final decision. As I said, I must speak to the Captain. Would you be open to sitting down with both of us to discuss the matter? Perhaps there is another avenue we could pursue with is assistance…”

Korczak, CNS

Catt sat down and taking the water drank it in one long pull.

“I likely have the largest file in the history of Cadets in the academy sir. The academy tests everything as you know. Including putting you in situations designed to find out what you fear.
But you know that.

My fear is losong control again. So when I am stressed and I have been under stress today. I can obsess about losing control. It colors everything. “,

She looked at the counsellor and sighed letting tension release.

“I think I have given you an image of who I was
Rather than who I am. If you need to speak to the Captain and you believe I am unfit to serve I will make no protest. “,

and she looked amused.

“The family group I mentioned at the academy will certainly agree with you. I’m a Caitan and I chose to be alone with aliens rather in a uncomfortable family bond where I can have no role other than little sister. “,

And she flicked an ear.

“i will make an effort to portray myself as who I am rather then as what I fear I could be sir. “

And she placed the glass down on the table and sat back properly. Wincing slightly as her tail made the seat uncomfortable.

Cadet Catt Bennet. Sciences.

Watching her body language, her tone and inflection, Korczak remained passive while listening. “Perhaps try the couch next time. It may be more comfortable with your physiology.” he said in a friendly manner. “Now, as to you…

“I will be speaking to the Captain, of that I am simply bound by the rules and conventions of my role on board. But I do appreciate your candor, Cadet. And I will say that I am slightly less concerned than I was before. That being said; I find that your constant fear of losing control under stress to be very concerning. This - ” and he gestured broadly around the room indicating the ship in general, “- is a stressful life. It is filled with uncertainty, hard work, long periods of isolation, and intense life or death situations. These are not only potential possibilities, Cadet… they are certainties. Stress, and great levels of it, are a part of this career. If you are concerned about how you will react under those conditions, well… then so am I. Does that makes sense to you?”

Korczak, CNS

Catt nodded,

” Of course sir. To do less would not be logical. “,

And she cocked her head a moment. Then stood.

“If we are done sir i need to track down my department head and report in. “

And she desperately wanted to clean up before she did so. For all she didnt think of herself as a proper Caitan, she still shared the need to indulge in vanity grooming to ease frayed nerves.

Cadet Catt Bennet. Sciences.

Korczak sat back and simply looked at her, his face still blank and his eyes looking at directly at her. “If you feel we are done, then I suppose we are. Dismissed, Cadet. But I am here if you wish to talk.”

Korczak, CNS