Meeting the new Boss

Posted on Thu May 20th, 2021 @ 8:01am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Counselling offices
Timeline: MD2 - 11h00
1183 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Sorcha's Shuttle had landed just before the Elysium left Dock. She had been visiting friends on Earth when the paperwork had been completed. She had been able to secure a shuttle and get herself and her twins to the ship. Settling the Twins in the cabin and leaving the teenagers to unpack once more, she gathered her file and headed for counselling. It had not changed much, she noted as she entered the area.

Moving to the chief's office she hit the chime.

Alicia was sitting feet up with a cushion behind her back, a pile of PADDs on the seat next to her. When the chime rang she looked up. "Come in"

Sorcha entered and gave a smile. "Commander Kelea-Salik?" She asked politely.

“That’s me” Alicia smiled warmly. “Please come in.”

"Lieutenant Commander Sorcha Kavanagh. Your new Paediatric Counsellor." Sorcha held out her orders with a smile.

“Ahh Commander, I was just reading the notification of your assignment.” Alicia took the PADD and motioned Sorcha to a seat. “Please forgive me for not getting up, it takes me ages to get comfortable with all this weight on my spine.” She grinned as she rested her hand on her stomach.

"I fully understand, I have been through it myself" Sorcha smiled as she took the chair. "I hear there is somewhat of a baby boom happening on this ship."

Alicia nodded. “You could say that. Having a paediatric Counsellor onboard will be of great benefit.”

"Its nice to see the Elysium is still in one piece after these years." Sorcha said "Was not much need for me, until right before my transfer off, I am looking forward to renewing friendships and such."

Alicia nodded, “I’m not sure how much you already know, but the ship has just gone through a change in the chain of command which is causing some waves.”

"I had heard." Sorcha said softly. "I took reassignment at Captain Lalor's request, she was Second officer when I last served, acting captain by the time I was transferred off. My daughters and her sister are friends. I was not expecting a new Captain to be honest."

“None of us were, Captain Carrington has a... tough outlook on those who don’t appreciate her presence. We have a job on our hands smoothing over Crew relationships.”

"understood. Do you... What is your opinion on the captain?"

“My opinion...” Alicia paused. “She seems pretty tough, and she definitely is but at the same time she has a nicer side too.”

"Oh?" Sorcha asked.

Alicia nodded, “I’ve spoken with her about my concerns, she was nicer to talk to than I was expecting.”

"Hmm well lets hope that others see that. We do not want people looking to get rid of her."

“That’s my concern” Alicia sighed. “The emotions on this ship are through the roof, though I don’t think anyone would be so stupid as to risk their career.”

"Sometimes, it only takes one loose cannon." Sorcha said softly. "But if we can keep a lid on it, then there is hope for us all."

“Exactly” Alicia smiled and nodded. “So, you used to be a Counsellor aboard the Elysium before?”

"Yes. Under Admiral Sharr. When we returned from Andromeda, I was transferred, despite then Commander Lalor's request otherwise. There were a number of children and teens who I had been seeing while we were planet side in Andromeda, that I felt needed more support, but I was transferred to SB1's Intensive Paediatric Ward."

“Well I for one am glad you’re here, I have no doubt you’ll be a fantastic addition. Your previous time here will help immensely.” Alicia smiled warmly.

"I admit I have missed it. My children were very happy here. They are disappointed that Miran is not on board but I know they will settle soon enough."

Alicia nodded. “I certainly hope so, there are plenty of families onboard already which always helps.”

"yes, Miran told them that." Sorcha smiled "A prolific writer is the youngest of the Lalor sisters. I believe they are looking forward to meeting their new classmates."

“Well I’m sure they’ll enjoy meeting everyone” Alicia smiled warmly. “Have you had chance to choose an office yet? I believe there are still spare offices available.”

"I will have a look after this. Maybe there is a chance my old office is still there." Sorcha smiled. "Oh... there was an empty briefing room at the end of the hall.. is it still empty?"

Alicia paused to think. “Yes, I think so. If you want it feel free, I generally call department meetings in here anyway.”

"Hmm. I used it as a counseling space for children, a play area. For those aged 12 and under. But I can find another space." Sorcha said

“No that’s fine” Alicia smiled warmly. “That sounds like a wonderful idea, especially with the number of children and young people onboard.”

"It does help a lot with children and..." here she paused and called out "AL.. opps not Alice... Avalon.."

The AI appeared. "Yes?"

"Avalon is there a room nearby that is not the Briefing room, that can be converted into a 15x10 room?"

"Yes, down past the briefing room used by Commander Kelea-Salik."

Sorcha smiled. "Thank you Avalon."

The AI inclined her head and vanished.

"That works." Sorcha said with a grin.

“Like I said it’s all yours to convert” Alicia smiled warmly.

"I shall enjoy doing it." Sorcha admitted. "I am a painter so, its something I like to do."

“Now that’s something we both agree on” Alicia smiled. “If I could I’d help you but in this condition I’d be more of a hinderance than a help” She grinned.

"Maybe once you have gotten past the first 4 years." Sorcha grinned. "Its always ... busy. Or so I am told"

“Good job I have plenty of help then!” Alicia grinned. “I’ve got my husband, Gary... Commander Taylor, my adoptive father Sthilg and plenty of friends to help out. Gary is... our universe’s version of Connor’s father, Connor’s mother was my duplicate from the mirror universe.”

"And how old is Connor?" Sorcha asked curiously. A child born in the mirror universe... was going to have issues if they had memories of any terrors there.

“He’s just over eighteen months old” Alicia smiled. “The mirror Alicia wanted him to be safe away from his father’s enemies. We plan to tell him the truth when he’s old enough to understand it properly.”

Sorcha nodded. "I read crew files on my way here, there is a teenager who went through the same thing, I am sure her mother will be a good asset when the time comes."

Alicia nodded. “I hope so, I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

Sorcha smiled and stood. "I shall go get started." She said.

Alicia nodded. “If you need anything just let me know. Welcome aboard Sorcha.”

Sorcha nodded and left the office with a smile.

{OFF}