Posted by Civilian Sair Songz (Counselor) in Songz Arrival

Posted by Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Songz Arrival

Posted by Civilian Sair Songz (Counselor) in Songz Arrival
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Sair shook her head. “I’d never back away from someone in need. It’s practically etched into my body’s willing at this point. To a fault, perhaps.” Her face shifted into a smile. “But here’s the thing. For the first time in a long time I feel like I can get too involved. Even during my first stint it was hard not to approach patients without a great deal of distance. And yes, medicine requires you to have objective distance with your patients, but…”

For a moment she felt lost as to how to communicate this part. “I changed careers to deal with the living, rather than the dying, Captain. But back on Kobliad, they’re only just figuring out how to live and meanwhile, there are still several generations of us who live with this genetic disease and have a short life span. We cant’t escape that. So I was dealing with all these patients who were constantly losing those they loved and dealign with their own fears while trying to support a new generation of children born free of this madness. It was too much. The collective grief of an entire society just… broke me a little. So I knew I had to leave. That’s why I’m here. I don’t know what I’m looking for exactly out here, but I’m a single-mother and I want my son to grow up seeing what’s possible, rather than what the limitations are. If that makes any sense?”

~Sair Songz, CNS

Cochrane listened and then smiled. “Most of us on this ship are looking for the unknown, Sair. So I think you not only in the right place, but with the right company as well. Just keep that in mind when you talk to the crew and staff. Many of us are here because we are missing something and are searching for it… without knowing what that ‘it’ actually is.”

Cochrane, CO

With a smile, Sair nodded. There were many questions she could ask him and likely would, but perhaps not right now. Once she was settled and had the lay of the ship and how she fit into it all, then it would be time, but too much right now was not only unnecessary but possibly unproductive. “Is there anything specific you think I should know about the ship and crew? Anything I should have a heads up about?” The thought of exploring the decks, and yes, probably intentionally letting herself get lost, made her pale brown eyes light up with excitement.

~Sair Songz, CNS

Alex thought for a moment and then said “We are not all Star Fleet. We have a sizable civilian contingent. Probably a third of the ship. That has led to some… let’s call it ‘heartfelt and enthusiastic’ discussion on approaches to things. Be aware that conflict resolution will be an ongoing demand.”

Cochrane, CO

Her eyes gleamed. “One of my specialities. I don’t know what my predecessors here were like, and I’m delving into notes and all that sort of thing, but know that I’m unusual for a Kobliad. I don’t buy into my societies rigidness. I mean, even a few years ago one would say I was an overly optimistic and possibly naive woman. At least at first. I have a good feeling I might a bit more of that lightness while I’m here.”

Fo a moment Sair studied Cochrane. “And what about you, Captain? What do you need from me as a counsellor?”

~Sair Songz, CNS

“Me personally? Or me as the Commander of this ship?” Cochrane asked and smiled slightly. “As the Captain, I want to be kept current on the crew’s morale and mental health on a regular basis… probably more regularly than most. My opinion is that we are very far from home, and that isolation is exponentially higher than normal ship duty. So I want to know weekly how the crew is. I also want to know if anyone is having issues that can or may affect their work or their duties. I don’t want that filtered through the Department Head, I want to hear it directly from you along with your counseling plan and overall assessment. I also want you to know that I will not keep anyone here who is having issues that are better dealt with closer to Federation space. No assignment is worth permanent mental trauma. As for me personally?” and he paused for a long moment and then took a deep breath.

“Well, you should probably know that your predecessor and I were… close. Romantically involved. That did not work out well. Her departure was… abrupt, to say the least. But it was necessary for her. Since then, I will admit to some feelings that are complicated by my personal history, probably. So personally I would like the opportunity to discuss that with you outside of the regular Command Psychological Assessment.”

Cochrane, CO

Sair nodded slowly. “Absolutely. I want to say I’m at your disposal, but one counsellor for this large of a ship and I can realistically say that if you give me some notice, I will always make time for you, Captain.” She was quiet for a moment before she continued. “I know personally what it’s like to have… connection with someone you work with. It has its share of complications and when it ends, no matter how good or bad that ending, there’s a grieving period. We’ll talk more about this later, but for now, just remember that even you, the captain of the magnificent starship, are allowed to have your bad days too,” she said gently. “As far as the crew goes, I’m glad we’re on the same wavelength, because I will need to bounce my observations off of someone regularly, because this is all new to me and I want to make sure I’m interpreting them correctly.”

~Sair Songz, CNS

“One thing I am very well aware of is my own ability to have a bad day, Counselor.” and Cochrane laughed. “And you are free to come to me with anything regarding the crew. I know the majority of them at least in passing, so I am willing to help and let you know if anything is awry. So… now that we have the introductions and formalities over with, would you like to have dinner with myself and the XO this evening? Perhaps a few of the Department Heads? Might help to get to know them outside of the regular assessments and such.”

Cochrane, CO