Greeting A New Colleague
Posted on Thu May 4th, 2023 @ 6:01pm by Lieutenant Vura & Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhara Rynn & Sophia
Edited on on Wed May 10th, 2023 @ 12:16am
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Counseling Offices - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD005 1030 hrs
Zhara was going over the crew roster to see if anyone needed a gentle reminder to come in for a visit when she saw the message saying a new counselor had come aboard.
Wanting to welcome the new doctor, she finished what she was doing and went to say hello. However, when she approached the office, she saw Sophia's tail disappearing into the room ahead of her. It no longer surprised her that the dog got there first. She'd probably come in from a visit to sickbay and smelled the new arrival.
Sophia padded up to the new counselor, her tail wagging in greeting, and sat two feet away from the new arrival.
Vura had just gotten into her office after sorting her personal effects in her new quarters. The bald-headed woman looked at her office rather displeased with its current state but she would fix that in short order. When the door opened, she turned to see a dog padding toward her, guided by another woman.
Looking at Zhara, Vura had to admit that she was envious. Zhara had a great deal of curves, whereas Vura was nearly curveless. Cannir never minded and Vura rarely considered it but seeing Zhara, she had to admit she wondered what the difference would be like. "Hello there. May I ask who you are, and who this charming animal is?" She bent down to Sophia's level and held out her hand for Sophia to sniff.
"I'm Zhara Rynn. one of the counselors here and this is my therapy dog, Sophia." She smiled warmly at the Deltan. "Welcome to the Pioneer. We hope you'll like it here."
Smiling back, Vula replied, "Nice to meet you. I suppose that makes me your boss. How would you prefer that I address you?"
"Zhara is fine."
Vura then asked, "Now you mentioned that Sophia is your therapy dog. May I ask if Sophia is for you or for the crew?"
"She's here for the crew. She's often in my office during a session and she likes to visit sickbay to see if there are any patients that need emotional support. Many find comfort in her presence, or by stroking her hair."
"Well," Vura replied with a larger smile, "if she is for the crew, then I should be happy to give her some affection. I did not want to interrupt a working dog." With that, Vura started stroking Sophia. Vura closed her eyes as she felt the texture of Vura's hair, the smallest of rises and falls in her skin, and where smooth met knots. It was a sensation not able to be found on Delta IV and Vura reveled in it for a few moments. She opened her eyes and looked back at Zahra. "I can see that she would be very helpful."
Zhara smiled fondly at Sophia. "Yes. I'm half Betazoid, and she often picks up on emotions I don't. I've seen people relax just petting her." She turned her attention to Vura. "So you are aware, I take a sensural approach to therapy. That is, I like to appeal to the senses. I have plants and a small waterfall in my office. I will often play music or use aromatherapy. I also like colors and textures. It's a different approach that suits me."
Reluctantly, Vura removed her hand from Sophia and rose. "It is not an uncommon approach on Delta IV, but we tend to be a sensual species. However, my approaches are holistic. I do tend to focus on psychodynamic and existential therapies. Variety will definitely help the crew, so I am pleased to hear that we can complement each other."
Vura changed topics naturally. "Would you like to sit? This room needs a lot of TLC. It lacks a lot of warmth and charm. I think Starfleet designers do not know how to do anything but sterile," she quipped with a small chuckle.
"They prefer utilitarian." Zhara went over to a seat. "I look forward to what you do with your office and how it will reflect your esthetic." Counselors especially tended to decorate their work space to reflect how they counseled.
"It will take some time," Vura thought out loud. "But, I have some ideas. I just don't know what would make the crew feel most comfortable but not too comfortable. Sometimes the pheromones, you know...."
Zhara nodded. "I don't have that problem, but being part Betazoid and gypsy can make the way people react to you interesting as well." She smiled at Vura. "I think you'll fit right in once you get settled. The captain is a cowboy. His style of command creates an inclusive atmosphere."
"I met the Commadore yesterday on Poseidon. Quite an interesting accident, but if he does as you say that he does, then our jobs should be quite easy, no?"
"I've had no problems since I got here," Zhara assured her. "And Hermia is great to work with as well."
Interested, Vura asked, "How long have you been here and who is Hermia?"
"Two years, I think. Hermia O'Rourke is the Chief Medical Officer."
"Ah, I have not met her yet. I hope that I will get to do so soon. Has she been here all two years, too?"
"She was the Assistant Chief Medical Officer when I got here, so she's been here longer. I think you'll like her."
"I definitely will look forward to meeting her. I know that I have enjoyed meeting you." She then bent down to Sophia and pet the dog lovingly. "And I most definitely enjoyed meeting you, sweetheart."
Sophia's tail thumped against the floor in response.
"We should let you get back to settling in," Zhara said, not wanting to overstay their welcome. "Everything you need is in the computer. Let me know if there are any changes you want to make. This is your department now."
"I may be the department head, but it is OUR department, Zhara. More specifically we are here for the crew. We're just a piece of a larger group."
"Agreed. At the same time, it's been my experience that each department head brings a part of themselves to the job and that influences the department as a whole. Sometimes it's just the decor, sometimes it's the ambiance." She shrugged. "Subtle or not, you will change the department." It wasn't a bad thing, it was just what it was. Everyone had their own way of doing things and when that person was the department head, it tended to have a small ripple effect.
"Well, this is my first stab at being a Chief, so I appreciate your support, Zhara. Time will tell what happens from here."
"I'm sure you will do well." She'd taken up enough of Vura's time. Zhara signaled to Sophia, who stood and came to her side. "You have a good attitude about counseling. Sophia and I will take our leave. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you get settled."
"Thank you, Zhara. I most certainly will." Vura gave a small happy wave to Zhara and Sophia and started considering her office again.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Zhara Rynn
Counselor, USS Pioneer
Sofia
Therapy Dog, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
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