Just a Chat
Posted on Sat Dec 30th, 2023 @ 8:12pm by Lieutenant Vura & Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer
Edited on on Tue Jan 2nd, 2024 @ 8:06pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Chief Counselor's Office - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD002 0900 hrs
The Pioneer, though not the largest ship in the fleet, asserted its presence among the diverse spacecraft. Before venturing beyond his quarters, Spencer meticulously loaded the ship's layout onto his Padd. This digital guide served as a precursor to his exploration, helping him acquaint himself with the ship's intricacies before embarking on his initial shift. Spencer understood the significance of familiarizing himself with the layout, recognizing that efficient navigation was crucial, especially given his lack of a mental map of the surroundings.
His plans encompassed not just exploring the ship but also attending a scheduled meeting with the counselor—his next destination. Aware that the intrepid class starship wasn't initially designed for an extensive counseling staff, Spencer acknowledged that exceptions could be made at the captain's discretion. Therefore, the Pioneer wasn't a cookie cutter ship, to which was a plus for him in his mind.
The chime rang to Vura's office. With shore leave, she had already become acquainted with people coming in and out. However, then she acquired her assistant, Nina Lawson. Nina would not allow someone to come in without an appointment unless it was urgent. At least Vura did not think that Nina would.
Vura checked her calendar and did not see anyone scheduled for an appointment at this point. Nina would not ring the chime. She likely would have just come on in. So, who could this be? Curiosity getting the better of her, the Deltan rose from her seat and walked to the front of her office and opened the door. She looked at the Junior Grade Lieutenant before her, clearly someone from a blue department, like her, and asked with a seductive trill in her voice, "How can I help you?" She kept enough of a distance between them that this person would not easily be able to touch her and get infected by her pheromones, but stayed just close enough to make it clear that she knew that she was positively intoxicating.
"Just going around the ship and signing off my list of those I should check in with and in process, at the very least. Jordan Spencer, Lieutenant junior grade and I believe Assistant Medical Officer, " he explained with a simple slight grin and nod.
"Well," the Deltan started with a mischievous smile, "I can't have you not knowing your position certainly and walking around the ship aimlessly." She walked in, her hips swaying easily as she informed Jordan, "Come on in and let us have a chat."
At the entrance to her office, there were placed some blooming lavender plants, which gave off a pleasant soothing smell. On a wall, over a couch, she had put up a copy of Katsushika Hokusai's "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife" above a periwinkle couch that swooped up and then down in the middle and then back up again. The couch had definite sensual innuendos written all over the convenient shaping.
The walls of her office were of a deep rose with hints of purple hues. From there, she opted only for a small desk, so the desk would not set a barrier between her and her clients. It was a semi-circle and she placed it carefully in such a way where she could swivel on a chair and quickly type something on a computer or PADD and not interfere with her relationship with her client. The color of the desk nearly blended into the wall but was more mauve on closer inspection.
Warm wooded mahogany chairs were available in case her clients did not prefer to be on the couch. There was a small glass circle table between the chairs. The table contained a small zen sand garden and rake for clients to manipulate.
Vura turned around when she got near the end of her office and wondered what Jordan would do. It always was informative to see clients' first reactions to her office.
Jordan Spencer stepped into her office and looked around. His military training still evident in his posture and demeanor. He observed the alluring scene before him, taking in the aesthetic details of Vura's office. The blooming lavender plants and the soothing aroma caught his attention, momentarily transporting him from the utilitarian environment of the starship.
He maintained a professional composure, his grin softening into a respectful nod. "Thank you, Counselor. Your office certainly has a unique ambiance," he remarked, acknowledging the deliberate design choices that reflected what he assumed was Vura's personality.
Spencer's eyes scanned the room, noting the carefully chosen colors and the strategically placed furniture. He appreciated the thoughtfulness in creating an atmosphere that fostered comfort and openness. His gaze briefly lingered on the artwork, recognizing the famous piece and appreciating the symbolism.
Taking a seat on one of the mahogany chairs, Spencer remained composed, ready for the conversation ahead. "I appreciate your invitation. I've found that these initial chats can set the tone for the working relationship," he added, a hint of the Marine's pragmatic mindset evident in his words. "Though I wouldn't call my arrival here aimlessly. I do understand it's an unprofessional way of just 'dropping in' without an appointment. I did just get complete my counseling qualifications."
As the former Marine turned Medical Officer settled into the chair, he awaited the counselor's lead, ready to engage in the discussion about his role on the ship and any other topics she deemed relevant.
"You completed your counselor qualifications?" Vura asked skeptically, noting that he sat in one of the mahogany chairs. Hm. It seems that he likes to stay in control and keep things professional. "Do you mean that you already were deemed psychologically fit for this ship or something else?"
Vura decided to take a seat on the couch, rather than behind her desk, hoping that her seat choice would unnerve him and cause him to get out of his comfort zone. She slowly crossed her legs, letting them be a focus for Spencer, if he desired. "You will have to tell me how you got past Miss Lawson. I never thought that would be possible."
Jordan Spencer maintained his calm demeanor, unfazed by the subtle challenge in Vura's words. He leaned back in the mahogany chair, meeting her gaze with a cool and collected expression. "Not quite the usual route, but I underwent additional counseling training during my time in the first years of my residency. They saw potential, and I figured it couldn't hurt to broaden my skill set," he explained, his tone steady and matter-of-fact. "But just because I accomplished, on paper, what the minimum requirements were, it does not mean I am more qualified than anyone else, of course."
As Vura took her seat on the couch, crossing her legs, Spencer's gaze briefly flickered to the deliberate display. However, he remained composed, not allowing any hint of discomfort to surface. "As for Miss Lawson, let's just say a Marine learns a few tricks about navigating bureaucracy. Adaptability is a valuable trait, after all," he replied, a subtle confidence in his words.
Leaning forward slightly, Spencer continued, "I believe in the importance of effective communication, and sometimes that means seizing opportunities when they present themselves. Now, about our chat, Counselor...." His focus shifted back to the reason for his visit, ready to discuss his role on the ship and any other matters Vura deemed relevant. "I feel that, at some point, it would be best if I set up a couple sessions with you or your department."
There was a pause as he thought it through to allow himself a chance to choose the right words before continuing. "I have recently suffered the loss of my wife and unborn child. It was over a year ago, and I have come along way. But I do not want to risk the chance of sliding back into depression."
Sympathetically, Vura nodded. Her voice softened and any edge of sexuality or innuendo was removed. "That is a terrible tragedy and it is quite laudable that you recognize the need to continue to work your way through it." She paused for a few moments before continuing, "Is there something that you wanted to talk about now, or did you just want to set up those appointments now?"
He raised an eyebrow before answer. "Let's just say, probably a check up from time to time would be beneficial. But for now, I think it's time for me to move forward. She wanted me to, and not allow myself to lose who I am," He paused and raised an eyebrow before a slight smirk. "Would it be with you or...?"
"If you are comfortable with me, then of course, the appointments would be with me. If you prefer someone else, we do have other qualified counselors that can help. Ultimately, it is up to you."
Jordan Spencer maintained a composed demeanor as he considered Vura's offer. His gaze subtly lingered for a moment, acknowledging her previous body language. With a slight smirk, he replied, "I think I'd be quite comfortable with you, Counselor. Let's proceed with our appointments and see where the journey takes us." His tone carried a playful undertone "Is there anything I can answer for you about me or my past? I'd hate to hold you much longer than needed."
Vura let a hint of a smile show at her outer lips as Jordan started to loosen up his demeanor. "I'm all about journeys and journeys take time. So let's take what time we can now and explore. After all, I know so little about you, other than what you have shared. Now, I could pull up your dossier but that only tells me what you have accomplished and where you have been posted. Why don't you tell me more about yourself, hmmm?" She leaned forward interested.
Jordan met Vura's gaze, and a subtle smile played on his lips. "Well, Counselor, where do you want to start? The military kid upbringing, the time in the Corps, or the transition to medicine? Plenty of layers to unravel, and I'm all ears," he replied, a hint of openness in his tone. He leaned back slightly, inviting the conversation to unfold.
"Why don't you start where you feel most comfortable?" the Counselor suggested. After all, right now was about building up trust. Deciphering what was more uncomfortable, and problematic was for later.
He relaxed into his seat, a contemplative look on his face. "Let's start with my upbringing as a military kid," he suggested. "Born on Earth to my parents, Garrett and Victoria, both scientists in the Colonies. Raised on a Kansas farm alongside my sister Rachael, we were encouraged to aim high."
Reflecting briefly on his farm memories, he continued, "At 17, I joined the Starfleet Marine Corps. Although I initially pursued a military path, I found a passion for medicine along the way—a bit unconventional, but it felt right."
Shifting comfortably, he shared, "After my Marine service, I took time off on Earth, dealing with struggles, including PTSD. During that period, I met my high school sweetheart, and we married. Unfortunately, I lost her and our unborn child in an accident."
A moment of pause carried the weight of his past. "This experience redirected me to focus on medicine. I completed my training at Starfleet Medical Academy, and now, as the Assistant Medical Officer on the Pioneer, it's been quite a journey," He wrapped up before looking at her. "Now your turn."
"My turn?" Vura shook her head indicating the negative. "I think you forget why you are here and you cannot simply skip over some things, as you did. You first stated that you took a military path, then you ended up in medicine, and ended up with PTSD. There's a lot to unpack there. What caused the shifts? What caused the PTSD? Tell me more about those things."
"Au confrère. Last time I checked, this wasn't an actual appointment. And if I am to trust the one that will be probing into my mind and past... Are you against opening up yourself, Counselor?"
Vura gave Spencer a slow, alluring blink, and leaned in closer to him. "No Deltan has ever been accused of being closed." Her tone dripped of sensuality and hinted at pleasures to be obtained, if only a Deltan were permitted to do so.
"Why hesitate, or do you have a knack for dodging questions?" He blinked in response before pressing on. "I understand Deltans are required to abstain during their time off-world in Starfleet. However, that doesn't stop you from sharing a bit about yourself. Or are you up for another round of sidestepping?"
"There's very little to know about me. I'm hardly anything unusual. I'm adequate at sketching, jewelry making, and dancing. Of course, I cannot touch anyone here, lest I put them at risk due to my pheromones, so I'm afraid just like my pictures, I'm more to look at than I am to experience."
"So as a Deltan, would you be cast out of your people and not allowed to return to your home planet if you chose to go against those rules to have a relationship with someone not of your species?" Jordan asked as he pondered.
"The rules against relationships with others is one imposed by Starfleet. After all, our touch releases pheromones that your kind could not handle. Intercourse would risk your sanity. I could never do that to anyone."
"For all those things that Starfleet fights for and protects. Isn't it fascinating how our organization has oversight in such things as refusal of allowing their allied worlds from doing things? What if you were to fall for someone not of your species? It must have happened before," he pondered as he looked at her with a slight smirk. "Sorry, very interesting, to say the least."
"It has happened before," Vura confirmed. "I am more than certain that you are familiar with the case of Ilia and Will Decker."
"To be honest, I do not recall. What happened with those two love birds?"
"They met on Delta IV. They had a relationship there. It ended and Ilia took a position on the USS Enterprise. They re-met there. Ilia encountered V'ger, which turned out to be a lost satellite from ancient Earth: Voyager. Will Decker never could get Ilia out of his head and he and she kissed and were never seen again. They're officially listed as missing in Starfleet records."
"They kissed and just... disappeared? How?" Jordan questioned, now remembering the V'ger encounter. Still he couldn't completely understand the concept of how a simple thing like a physical kiss could cause two people to just... disappear. "Has there ever been tests to try and understand the concept of such a unexplained thing as that."
"Some say they died. Some say they ascended. Nobody knows and I am not that personally familiar with whatever happened after the event." Vura shrugged. "Deltans as a rule are not overly interested in anything that does not involve their inner space and experiences."
"Don't blame you," he sympathized before his padd started to ping. He took a deep breath before he stood. "Well, that is all the time I got. I need to report in with the doctor. Maybe we can continue this session another day. Maybe jump into those things that are holding you back from testing that theory or if it's just a false narrative to keep us kiddos from tempting those deep desires?" He smirked knowing that she was the councilor and not he. Though he loved the idea of switching rolls to mess with her. "It was nice to meet you, ma'am."
"We will definitely be having a session again soon, but this time it will be on the clock and for your psychological evaluation," she informed the all too obvious Junior Grade Lieutenant. "You can make your appointment with Nina or we can do it right now. Your choice."
"I already had a psychological evaluation before being assigned, but if you feel you have grounds for another evaluation, outside of the normal rotation, I look forward to hearing about it, Counselor. I will be in touch," Jordan replied as he stood at the door. "Thank you once again, for your time."
"I see, so you just popped in....." He is rather full of himself. He has narcissistic tendencies. I do not think we will be seeing each other again outside of work requirements.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jordan Spencer
Assistant Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
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