Checking In...

Posted on Thu Oct 6th, 2022 @ 7:54am by Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik

Mission: Season 5: Time Warp
Location: USS Elysium, Counseling Dept
Timeline: MD 7 / 1215 hours
1106 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

After making an appointment to go see one of the counselors, David received a notice that he would be speaking with the head of the department, herself.

After sending Baeryn a message that he was going to the appointment, he shut down his desk terminal and left his office in Marine County. He then made his way topside, to the deck in question. A few moments later, he was standing outside the office of the Chief Counselor. Reaching up, he pressed the door chime.

Alicia looked towards the door from where she was sitting. “Come in Captain” She offered a warm smile as Tonelly entered. “I can always rely on Marine personnel to be right on time.”

David grinned politely as he moved into the space and lowered his large frame down into one of the plush armchairs. "Punctuality is my middle name." He gave her a handsome, toothy grin.

Alicia grinned. “Hmm David Punctuality Tonelly, has a good ring to it!” She picked up a PADD from her desk and settled down on the comfy sofa for a change. “So how are things going in Marine country?”

He chuckled softly as he replied. "They're going pretty well. Just got in a fresh batch of recruits from training, so, I'm going to be running several drills for the next two weeks at least."

Alicia nodded. “It sounds like you’re settling into being a Captain just fine. Do you have any particular worries, or anything you feel you need to talk about?”

David considered the question carefully, then replied. "Truthfully? The work I can do standing on my head. I guess what I'm most worried about lately is whether I'll be a good father to Baeryn's and my baby. Once she or he is born, of course."

Nodding as she listened Alicia offered an understanding gaze. “Trust me, when I was pregnant, I was so afraid that having two children would make me less attentive. It’s part of being a parent to be worried. I’ll admit it’s not easy, but at the same time it’s magical, and wonderful, and... so much more! I’ve seen the two of you together, You’ll make an amazing father!”

David smiled warmly. "Thank you. I so desperately want Baeryn to give birth yesterday! Just so we can enjoy our baby!"

Alicia laughed. “Well it’s going to be a whole lot longer yet! But if you can’t wait you can always drop in and visit N’Vea. It’s all good practice!”

"Maybe we will," He remembered that Heather had offered a similar visit to them months ago. "Thank you for the offer."

“My pleasure.” Alicia grinned. “So how are you and Baeryn getting along? Pregnancy can be a difficult time, between the hormonal changes and worries of becoming new parents. It can be a strain on a relationship sometimes.”

David nodded as he responded. "There are, of course, changes in our life together. She's certainly more tired when she gets home after her shift, but, I think we're doing okay all considered. We are a great team, she and I. We take care of each other."

Alicia nodded offering a warm smile. “Everytime I’ve seen the two of you together you’ve certainly looked very happy, you make a lovely couple. Just bear in mind that if you should need to talk about anything, we’re always here for you both. Hormones after birth can really cause a lot of angst, I know they made me pretty emotional.”

David nodded as he listened. "Thank you," he replied with a soft grin. "We certainly will come and see someone, should the need become apparent."

“Wonderful.” Alicia smiled warmly. “So how goes your recovery? You were in a cocoon some time ago, part of your natural healing process from serious injury I believe?”

"Oh, that?" David shook his head. "I'm completely healed. The cocoon is just a natural process of my people when our body is near death. The process, basically, is that our bodies are broken down to the subatomic level and all damage is repaired. It also takes place twice a year, when I go into deep sleep."

Alicia nodded understandingly. “I’m sure you could give me some lessons about your people. I know very little about El Aurians. If you have any recommendations for reading I’d appreciate it.”

David thought about it for a few beats, then replied. "I believe Alpha Memory has a decent collection of works that my people have donated. Of course, you could reach out to some of our Priestesses and ask them for assistance?"

Alicia nodded. “I may just do that. It pays to keep my skills and knowledge up-to-date. Just as it does yours.” She pulled up David’s file giving it a quick glance over. “According to your file you have had minor issues with being short tempered, nothing major that I’d be worried about. I’m just curious, is your temper something you have to keep in check?”

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, David replied. "I suppose sometimes I do. Though usually I'm a pretty laid back guy. However, if I feel the Baeryn is in danger from being attacked, I let down all of my mental barriers and let the anger run free."

Alicia offered an understanding smile. “I can understand that. I take it you don’t have any problems with anger issues whilst on duty? I don’t see any complaints on your file.”

David shook his head. "No. On duty, I keep my professional bearing. As the Spartans XO, the junior officers, MCOs and lower enlisted all look up to both myself and the Colonel. We both have to keep any personal issues we are feeling, buttoned up while in front of our Marines."

“That’s good, keeping your personal feelings aside from your duty” Alicia smiled warmly. “If everyone was like you I’d be out of a job!”

"Well now, we wouldn't want that," David said ith a very playful and platonic flirt.

“Well I’m happy to say that you’ve passed your psych evaluation. I’m happy to let you go, unless you need to talk more?”

David thought about it, then shook his head. "No, thank you. I think I'm good, today at least." He gave her a warm friendly grin as he finished speaking.

“Very well then” Alicia grinned. “I’m happy to let you get back to your duties.”

David nodded his thanks as he stood up and, saying goodbye, left Alicia's office.

~OFF~