Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in CNS’ Office- Troubleshooting

Posted by Civilian Sair Songz (Counselor) in CNS’ Office- Troubleshooting

Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in CNS’ Office- Troubleshooting
Posted by… suppressed (8) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“And that is weight I cannot begin to comprehend, Counselor. But what I do know is that you are not alone in feelings of hopelessness. We have our share of individuals who have to deal with cultural issues on a scale that might just rival your own in some small way. Refugees of burned out homeworlds who have no species left. Political dissidents who dared speak against a regime that then took out their rage on their families. Scientists who were chased away from their homes because their findings didn’t fit the theology of the world they lived on. All of these individuals have found their way here… maybe you can talk to them and see how they found their way. What is it called in your profession… ‘group therapy’? Sometimes shared pain can build the strongest bridges. And if that doesn’t work for you… maybe you should think about sending for your son. Our school is, no pun intended, truly stellar.” and he grinned.

Cochrane, CO

Sair mirrored the grin, but it was genuine. “I was just thinking about him earlier when I sent the message. I talked to my parents the other day and agreed that they should start packing things up and bring Koro. They’re going to let me know what day they’re leaving and when they expect to arrive at Event Horizon.” Her fingers tapped on the desk top, but rather than a sign of nervousness, there was a thread of excitement running through Sair. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “I can’t wait to see his expression when he arrives here. I unfortunately will miss those first moments of him in space, but the I will hopefully be there when they arrive at the station and then I get to bring him here. Oh, he’s going to love it here, I just know it!” She knew for Koro she would do anything to make sure he was secure and happy. And with any luck she’d fin some for herself as well.

~Sair Songz, CNS

“I look forward to meeting him. I’m sure he will make a wonderful addition to the Manhattan crew.” and he paused and leaned back, ice-blue eyes focused intensely on the Counselor. “Maybe that is another piece of the puzzle you are missing. I and the Command Staff strive consciously and deliberately to instill the belief in everyone on board… Star Fleet or not… that everyone is a member of this crew; and every crew member of the Manhattan is beholden to the others. It may sound a bit cultish, but everyone on this ship is important in their own way… but not more important than the rest. Now this is a dual-edged sword. On the plus side, it keeps morale up. It keeps people focused on success. And it instills a sense of belonging. All of those we need in excess because of how isolated we are from everything we know. But on the negative side? It does make us a bit… hmmm… ‘wary’ I guess would be the best term… of newcomers. You are not the first person to find breaking into the crew difficult. In fact, we had a very good Security Chief months back who tried and tried… but it just never really gelled. One of a few reasons he left the ship. Maybe you are seeing that as well. And I want to help you past that hurdle. And to do that, I am open to suggestions.”

Cochrane, CO

For a moment Sair sought the stars from one of the windows in the room. Much a like when she had decided to return to the exchange program, Songz knew that there were answers to be found out here. And like any good therapist, she was introspective enough to get curious and be willing to dig. But the strange things was, that yes, she was seeking answers, but she didn’t know the questions. Yet. But if there was anything that Doctor Songz had in abundance, it was patience. And the beauty of her re-training was that she could recognize when she needed to have patience with herself. Now was that time.

A tiny frown tugged at her lips and she returned her gaze to Cochrane. “I don’t know what the protocols towards uniforms are. I’ve not earned the right to wear one, But I am wondering if I did, without any rank of course, that that might help people shift their assumptions about me?” It felt odd to say that, like a betrayal. But of what. Her frown deepened. “Hmmm, that might be a terrible idea, actually.”

~Sair Songz, CNS

Bump

Cochrane thought for a moment and then said “Well, maybe not the uniform per se… but what if you wore the color of the uniform? We could even design you a specific comm badge so you would have your own, for lack of a better term, ‘rank’. And as far as assumptions go, I think you will find that most of the crew has learned not make them… especially about someone assigned to serve here. It will take time, of course, but I think you will find that time going by rather quickly. And the more you engage with the crew, they more they see you and get to know you, the faster that will move. What else can I do, Counselor?”

Cochrane, CO

“Well, I try to mimic the colours a bit in my clothing anyway, so maybe this is just me worrying too much,” she said with a sheepish smile. “As for what else,” she shrugged. “Probably nothing. I’m sure i just need to give it time, as you say. Thank you for listening though.”

~Sair Songz, CNS

“Of course. That’s one thing you and I have in common, Counselor. The core part of our job is to listen.” and he smiled at her, ice blue eyes sparkling. “And I really do hope we get to meet your son soon. I meant it when I said I think he would make a fine addition. Let me know if I can help smooth that process at all.”

Cochrane, CO

Sair nodded, smiling. “Once he and my mother arrive and get settled I’ll invite you to join us in the Lounge, perhaps? And that way I can get out a bit more myself. Goodness knows it’d be easy to spend all my time working since I still am getting a feel for the crew. Incentive for me to stop working,” she said, breaking into a light laugh.

~Sair Songz, CNS