Posted by Lieutenant LeKeitah Naisyr (Counselor) in Counselor’s Office - CAG Interview

Posted by Lieutenant Colonel Krin “Hannibal” Lardel (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in Counselor’s Office - CAG Interview

Posted by Lieutenant LeKeitah Naisyr (Counselor) in Counselor’s Office - CAG Interview
Posted by… suppressed (23) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The Marine Aviator made his way through the Chimera. Having changed out of his flight suit and into his duty uniform of deep kelly green, he took the turbolift to the drck with his destination: the ship’s Counselor. It was unusual that a Marine would check in with the Counselor, but Hannibal had a philosophy when working on Fleet vessels: minimize differences to maximize cooperation. Marines weren’t required to have a psych assessment upon arrival… the majority of Counselors from the Fleet side of things most often lacked the specialized training to provide that service to Marines anyway. But Lardel knew that the Fkeet personnel sometimes resented the Marines not having to do that, so he was here to make sure that didn’t happen.

Arriving at the door to the counseling suite, he pressed the chime and tugged his uniform top straight.

Lardel, CAG

Not sure who was at her door, Keitah looked up from her console, stood from her desk, and walked over to the door to greet her visitor. After the door to her office slid open, she stood there with a welcoming smile and said, “Hello. Is there something I can do for you?”

Naisyr, Counselor

The Zakdorn Marine nodded and said “Lieutenant. I am Lieutenant Colonel Krin Lardel, Star Fleet Marine Corps. I am the Commanding Officer of the 214th Fighter Wing that just arrived. I was hoping to have a moment of your time to discuss a morale and welfare issue.”

Lardel, CAG

“Oh, yes, for sure. Come in.” She stepped aside so he could enter the office. “First, welcome to the Chimera. It’s such an honor to be serving with an elite team of Marines.”
She walked over to a table that was surrounded by four chairs, pulled one out and sat as she invited Lt. Col. Lardel to do the same. “So you think there is an issue with morale and welfare?”

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel sat and smiled. “No. I don’t. At least… not yet. But I have been at this for a long time, Counselor. Anytime a Marine group arrives on a Fleet vessel, there is friction. Both directions, neither side has a monopoly on being jerks. But I wanted to try something a bit different this time. See, Marine regulations don’t specify that we must check in with a Counselor upon arrival. In fact… Marines just don’t in general. We have very specialized therapists that are utilized for post-operational needs… but we don’t have afloat Counselors. And that tends to rub a lot of Fleeters the wrong way. They get pissed we don’t have to go to the Counselor and they do. So I wanted to know two things: First, are you specifically trained for counseling Marines? And second: how you would feel about adding a few hundred extra files to your workload and we, the Marines of the Two Hundred Fourteenth Fighter Group, will each check in with you for assessment? Our way of kind of bridging the gap between Fleet and Corps.”

Lardel, CAG

“I would not say that I specially trained to counsel Marines. I mean, when I was training to do this it was my understanding that there were few of you. However, that doesn’t mean I cannot do it and I welcome the workload. I very good when it comes to empathy and can project all three types. I like to think I was born and trained to understand not just people but the majority of all beings. I have a question. I am curious about how do you think counseling Marines will be different from counseling Starfleet officers?” It was a honest question. The Lt. Col. already seems to have some insight into the mindset of the Marines and she wanted to leverage what he knew.

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel nodded. “Good question, Doc. See, Marines are not like Star Fleet. Our missions are wholly and completely different, and therefore require a different mindset. That needed mindset attracts personalities that are not like what Fleet looks for. For the Marines, we look for aggressiveness… stubbornness… and the ability to take orders without question. Star Fleet encourages discourse, a questioning mind… curiosity and the ability to take the time to try and find common ground with others. And thats fantastic, don’t get me wrong. But the Marines…” and he payse for a moment and leaned back in thought.

“The Marines are strictly a combat organization, Doctor. Where Star Fleet has large Science and Diplomatic sections, we don’t. Because that isn’t our purpose. Our purpose is simple and straight forward: bring the fight to the enemy and win. Star Fleet is, by its very nature, a ‘fighting is the last resort’ group. The Marines are the exact opposite. We exist to fight, not explore. We exist to destroy, not build. We exist to enforce the peace through the threat of the unerring application of extreme violence. That is not the Star Fleet way… nor should it be. But when you deal with Marines, you are going to be talking to individuals who are mission-centric, inflexible, proud to the point of arrogance some say, and who are ready and willing to take up arms against a threat at any time and any place. We are warriors… fighters… and we hold ourselves to a standard set forth hundreds of years ago that we maintain to this very day. Honor… Courage… Commitment. Those are the Corps values and every Marine holds them above all else.” and Lardel laughed softly. “There was Fleet starship Captain once who said ‘Star Fleet is a business. The Marines are a cult.’” and he chuckled again. “He really wasn’t too far off the mark. Marines are dedicated to a level that a lot of Fleet people find unnerving. And we are adamant in our dedication. Its a mindset that you may find off-putting, Doctor. But it’s a mindset that we cultivate. That we strive to maintain because it helps keep us focused and helps us maintain our discipline. And its not something many non-Marines can grasp.”

Lardel, CAG

“I see.” Said Keitah as she thought about everything the Lt. Col. had laid out. “Well I think I can handle it even though I am sure it’s going to be mentally exhausting. Do you have any personnel files you can share with me so I can prepare? Also are you open to doing the first evaluation?” She said with raised eyebrows and a smile. “I mean you can start paving the road for your Marines.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel smiled and said “Files are logged and ready for your review, Doc. Made sure you had access before I came. As for me, absolutely. I’m ready and willing whenever you are.” The CAG seemed almost eager for the review, something that wasn’t a common reaction.

Lardel, CAG

bump

“I can see another Marine skill is apparently preparedness.” She nodded with an impressed smile. Although she obviously did not have time to review Lardel’s file, she said, “Well, in that case, have a seat and we can get through your evaluation.”

She went to her desk to grab her PaDD so she could do some speed reading on the Lt. Col. “I must warn you, Colonel, I do possess telepathic as well as empathic abilities. However, I have complete control over them and I will not use them unless you give me permission to do so.”
By holding her hand out to a chair, she offered him a seat.

He took the offered chair and said “Whatever you need to do, Doc.”

“I like to start by having you tell me about yourself…something that is not in your file.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel thought for a moment and then said “I always wanted to learn to play music.” and then was silent.

Lardel, CAG

The response surprised her and that was significant because it was generally hard to surprise a Betazoid. She’d expected him to start with something from his childhood or to share a food he liked.
“Oh,” she said as she placed her PaDD face down on the table and gazed at him with a fascinated look. “What kind of music are you interested in and more importantly what stopped you from pursuing this interest?”

Naisyr, Counselor

“Terran oboe. Love the sound of it.” Lardel said matter-of-factly. “As for what stooped me, nothing. I never started. By the time I discoved the instrument, I was in the Corps. Not a lot of free time to dedicate to something like that. And hard to pack one of those things into a jump bag.” and he chuckled.

Lardel, CAG

“Not even a little free time?” She gestured a tiny bit with her hand. “I have not had the pleasure to hear the sound of the instrument myself, however now I am curious so now I will have go listen to some music that features it. It would be nice if my first impression could come from me hearing it in person, therfore its too bad that one… its too large to travel with and two… that you dont play. So Colonel based on what you told me about not having any free time to pursue your interests and hobbies, do you ever get time just to relax and recharge? Please tell me you at least do that much.”

Naisyr, Counselor

“Oh absolutely.” Lardel said. “Down time is necessary to keep the mind sharp and the body fit. I try to make sure my crews get it, too. Our rotations are a bit more intense than the typical Fleet assignment. While you could be on this ship for years, we will be on it for maybe a year. After that, we rotate off and a new Squadron will come in. At least, that’s the typical way it goes. Marines split their time between garrison duty- which is station or planet duty- and deployment, which is what we are here. That garrison duty allows us to have time to recover and work through any issues that may have arisen on our last deployment, rotate in and out personnel, repair and replace equipment, train, and get some time with family and home. We also attend classes on new tech, tactics, and any legal updates applicable to the use of force in battle. But that is the time we get most to relax. Here, we will work pretty much non-stop… especially if things get nasty out there.”

Lardel, CAG

“I see, Colonel. You just said something interesting. You said that garrison duty allows us to have time to recover and work through any issues. I am curious if you all typically do not consult with a counselor, how do you typically work through your issues?”

Lardel looked at the Counselor for a long moment before answering. “Well, Doc… typically- if things get heated between Marine personnel- and it can’t be solved by them or their immediate supervisor; we do what has been called ‘taking it into the tree-line’. It’s an old term meaning the place where the dense foliage of a forest or jungle meets the open space of the grounds around the barracks and work buildings on a base. The two Marines take off their rank insignia, they go somewhere- anywhere- where it’s just the two of them… and… well… whoever walks out is considered the winner and their position in the conflict considered the right one. And once that is done, the matter is settled and over with. No one gets to bring it up again.”

The prospect of things getting nasty made Keitah feel a little unsettled. “Ah…Colonel, if you don’t mind sharing what is the worst thing you have experienced on duty, especially aboard a starship?” She asked just to get a sense of the danger they might encounter, something she had never really considered until he had brought it up, and also to get a sense of how desensitized to his work the Colonel was.

Naisyn, Counselor

Hannibal thought for a moment and said “Worst engegment I have had ship-side was out by Corsolinm VII. Had some Dominion holdouts that were making things hard for some of the native individuals on the planet. We were sent as part of a ‘deterrence force’, meaning they didn’t expect us to get into a full blown battle. But we did. The carrier we were on arrived just outside the system and we sent out reconnaissance craft to get the lay of the land. But the Dominion group was expecting us. The Recon ships were destroyed within minutes. The carrier moved into position and we launched all fighter craft.... and that’s when the two assault destroyers and the battle-frigate showed up. We lost over half of our squadron. The carrier took direct hits on multiple decks, including the bridge. Two hundred and eighty eight dead, over six hundred injured. But we did take out all three ships and their fighters.” Lardel shook his head. “But the cost was really high.”

Lardel, CAG

“That many were lost?” Keitah looked down at her PaDD, to have a moment of silence for those lost in that battle, then said, “I am sorry Colonel. I should not have had you relive that terrible moment. Let me know at any time if you do not wish to go into detail about anything I ask you here and we can move on to something else, okay? I am curious about one thing, how do you think the Dominion knew you were going to be there? That seems to have been the deciding factor that affected the number of casualties you experienced during that battle. I can only guess that there was a spy or a mole somewhere within your squadron, which would have surely impeded the trust you hold among yourselves.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel leaned back and looked at Naisyr, steepling his fingers together and peering at her over the digits. “Interesting that you automatically assume it was a leak in the Squadron, Counselor. I mean, after all, there were far more Fleeters like yourself that knew what our destination was far earlier than we did. But to answer your inquiry… no, it wasn’t a leak in my squadron; nor was it a leak anywhere on board. There were sensor buoys scattered all around the system. They activated and the message was relayed and gone before we had secured from warp.”

Lardel, CAG

Uh Oh! Keitah thought to herself as she observed the Colonel’s demeanor. She could not only see but she sensed, although it was slight, the most contentious emotion in humans, defensiveness. “Oh, I apologize. I did not mean to offend!” she said raising both hands. “Obviously I am just a Starfleet Counselor with very little military and strategy training as well as no sense of the camaraderie and loyalty that Marines have. It was foolish of me to assume the leak was from inside your squadron especially since you are right it could have certainly come from Starfleet.” She smiled and leaned forward a bit, “Believe me I have known my fair share of shady Starfleet officers inside as well as outside the realms of duty.”
She lowered her hands, “My instructor at the Academy said, she tried to mimic her human instructor’s southern tone, As a Starfleet Counselor, you are bound to piss someone off at any point. He also said, But you must remember, your job is not to further Antagonize but to Apologize. Therefore I hope you can accept my apology for my ignorance, Colonel. Furthermore, I am glad that there was no leak caused by either Starfleet or your squadron for it allows us both to continue in an untainted partnership. That leads me to my next question. How has it been so far with you and your squadron connecting with the crew on the Chimera and settling in?”

Naisyr, Counselor

The Zakdorn smiled and his cheek folds jostled as he chuckled. “No offense taken, Doc. When I said it was interesting that is what you thought first, thats what I meant. Interesting. And I’m a Marine Aviator… my entire career is based on making somebody mad.” and he chuckled again. “As far as settling in? Well, we’ve been here-” and he glanced at the chronometer on the inside of his right wrist, “- all of four and half hours. My Wing is getting prepped for operations as we speak, and the ones not working are doing Field Day in our quarters. So all in all, I think we are ok. A better question might be how the XO is handling it. We met already… and it did not go exactly ‘swimmingly’.” and Lardel laughed.

Lardel, CAG

bump

OOC: Thanks for the subtle reminder that the Colonel is not human…lol.

IC: Keitah smiled in relief, “Of course you aren’t human and most humans might have taken offense to what I said,” Then she quickly continued on, “I am glad we have the commonalities to connect on. I don’t know the worse thing that has happened to you but someone actually stunned me with a phaser and then dragged me to an airlock. Luckily for me a crew member saw this and asked her what she was doing and she replied, “I didn’t belong on the ship. I unfortunately was too truthful about her situation and this angered her. Human women can be quite....confrontational. ” Keitah shrugged, “I still feel bad for her. She was going through a difficult time in her life that caused her to lose a lot of her mental capacity.”
“So what is the issue with the XO?” Keitah had her own thoughts about Lunan, but kept them to herself. “Did you guys have some kind of disagreement?”

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel laughed and said “No, not a ‘disagreement’ per se. Just a rather obvious and glaring mistake in protocols. And one thing Marines are sticklers for… its proper protocol.” and he grinned and said in a overly-dramatic stage whisper, “When it suits us, that is.” and he chuckled again. “The XO is, I think, new to dealing with multi-organizational operations. Not unusual at all. It can be hard on officers new to Command positions to deal with segments of personnel on their ship that don’t actually work for them. It happens.”

Lardel, CAG

“The protocol in question, was it a Starfleet or Marine protocol?
I myself am not familiar with Marine protocols but I definitely see this as an opportunity to gain experience. Maybe you can give the XO a rundown of your protocols and procedures?”
Moving on to a more interesting topic that didn’t deal so much with protocols she said, “Zakdorns are known for their strategic minds and therefore I am sure you have identified many opportunities for improvement here on the Chimera, which I am sure kind of makes your job hard because it can look like you are coming in and completly taking over some operations,” She made the double quote with her fingers to emphasize the last part. “Starfleet crews can be particularly sensitive to non Starfleet personnel. How does that usually work out for you and your squadron? Is there anything I can do to help settle your squad and the Chimera crew in together on the ship?”

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel smiled and said “This is why I am very direct with the Command officers on ships like this, Doctor. I handle my Squadron… and that is all. But I handle it, no one else. A clear division of authority between Marine and Fleet seems to keep people from stepping on too many toes, as it were.”

Lardel, CAG