Can we talk?

Posted on Tue May 4th, 2021 @ 3:31am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: XO’s office
Timeline: MD1 1630 hrs
1155 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

With the meeting over Alicia gave it a little while for things to cool down before she made her way to the XO’s office, as Ship’s Counsellor She would be remiss in her duties if she ignored how the change of command was affecting the crew. She pressed the door chime, and waited for permission to enter.

Garrett sat at his desk, going over operational reports and trying to put the recent senior staff meeting out of his mind. Captain Carrington was going to face a revolt if she persisted in her iron rule. He would talk with her later about moderating her approach. It was then that his chime sounded. "What now?" He whispered but in a louder voice he said, "Come!" then sat back to see who walked through the doors.

Alicia walked through the doors offering a polite smile as she approached Garrett’s desk. “Commander, may I speak with you? I’m concerned.”

"Counselor, please do and have a seat." Garrett answered and sat back as waited for the counselor to voice her concerns. He could already guess what they were and dismiss them but out of respect he would listen to her.

“You already know why I’m here, I’m concerned about the relationship between our new Captain and this crew. To just walk onboard, and expect the crew to accept her without question is expecting way too much!” She gave him a curious look. “I also got the feeling that you don’t think that much to the Captain either, though luckily she wasn’t paying that much attention to you to notice.”

Garrett sighed and sat straighter in the chair as he spoke to Alicia, his tone firm, cold. "Counselor, forgive me. But Captain Carrington expects it and so do I. This is suppose to be a ship of Starfleet Officers and crew not a collection of children that need their hands held or their heads patted. Or to be coddled and pampered." He paused for a moment before going on. "As to my feelings, I'll thank you not to mention them again." He said simply offering no further explanation.

Alicia nodded and responded in a firm yet respectful manner. “My apologies Commander. If you give this crew a chance you’ll find that you have one of the best in the fleet. We’ve been through hell, and back again together which has made all of us stronger for it. To expect the crew to just accept that Captain Lalor is a traitor is unrealistic at best.”

He considered her words. "Perhaps Counselor. As to the crew not accepting that Captain Lalor is a traitor I ask you simply why not? How well did you know Captain Lalor? Were you privy to her secrets? Were any of you? I dare say you were not. Not even the former XO of this ship knew her secrets." He said probing, to see where Alicia's loyalties were.

“I’ll admit I didn’t know all there was to know about Captain Lalor” Alicia paused. “If you’re testing my loyalties Commander, I believe in Phoenix Lalor but I’m also a Starfleet Officer and as such I will do my duties to the best of my ability. As Chief Counsellor I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t come to you with my concerns.”

"Loyalty is a wonderful thing Counselor just make sure it isn't misplaced. Former Captain Lalor is indeed fortunate to have you and others stand by her. I hope you don't come to regret that loyalty. You say you are doing your job. So am I which is to see that Captain Carrington's orders are carried out and to bring crew concerns to her. I will bring your concerns to her Counselor."

“That would be appreciated Sir, though I do plan on speaking to her myself. I need to let her know that I’m no threat, since she seems to find a lot of the senior staff to be just that.” She paused. “I will ... endeavour to smooth things over.”

"As you wish Counselor." Garrett answered. "And just for clarification, not threats but unknowns, guilt by association if you will. It is why CAptain Carrington replaced the XO and Second Officer. It easn't personal it was a professional decision."

“If that’s so then we’re all guilty of that” Alicia looked at Garrett. “We’re a family, we take care of each other. Have you read the reports of what we all recently went through in the mirror universe? If it wasn’t for this crew Phoenix Lalor would be dead.”

"Of course I read them Counselor. I know what the crew did. Do not confuse apples with oranges. They also returned the woman I love to me. That has nothing to with the here and now."

Alicia nodded. “This crew are confused, and angry Commander. It’s not going to be easy for any of us for a while. I, for one will carry on as normal.”

He scowled at her, "They can begin to act like officers instead of three year old's who spilled their milk. They need to give Captain Carrington and myself a chance."

Alicia nodded. “Might I suggest you give the crew an equal chance Sir. The old saying ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’ comes to mind. Throwing people in the brig isn’t going to win loyalty.”

"Excuse me Counselor but Commander Taylor wasn't thrown in the brig, she was confined to quarters for 12 hours big difference. However I will speak to Captain Carrington about spoiling the child." Garrett replied.

“My apologies Sir, I was simply using the brig as an example.” Alicia offered a smile. “Thank you for hearing me out, I’ll leave you in peace now I’m sure you have plenty to do.”

Garrett nodded at the apology, "You are welcome Counselor. Feel free to bring any other concerns you have involving the crew or Captain Carrington's style of command to me. I won't promise any results but I will listen. I can promise you that."

Alicia nodded. “I appreciate that Sir. As per Regulations I’d like to see you in my office at your convenience for your boarding evaluation.”

"Of course Counselor. Let me check my schedule and I will let you know a good time for me to get the evaluation out of the way."

Alicia nodded. “Of course Sir, just let me know.” She stood ready to leave.

Garrett rose as well. "Absolutely Counselor. I won't keep you waiting. Thank you for coming and bringing your concerns with you."

“My pleasure Sir” Alicia nodded then turned and headed on her way.

Garrett nodded and sat back down reaching for a PaDD from the stack on his desk. It was time to get back to work. He and Carrington had a ship to run.

{OFF}