Encarta me

Posted on Fri Dec 16th, 2022 @ 7:08pm by Crewman Adelaide Kirkby & Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D.

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Deck 14 - Counseling Offices
Timeline: MD4 - 1400
2087 words - 4.2 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]

Crewman Adelaide Kirkby had a nice lunch and had listened to one of her favorite pieces of music. Her tea was just perfect, the sandwich good and the company - great. So, with so much good going on, she went on up to the Counselor's offices and entered the lobby area. The computer registered her presence and let Doctor Sullivan know that Adele had arrived. Adele finished off her tea and placed the mug back into the replicator and hit the 'recycle' button. A moment later in a blue and white haze, the mug dematerialized. She heard a door swish open and turned to see who was there.

"Hello," Sullivan greeted with a smile as she took in the young woman before her. "I'm Tate Sullivan. You must be Adelaide. Care to come back to my office?" It was a personal priority to Tate to make herself available to the civilian population aboard. Officially, they were responsible for overseeing the emotional well-being of everyone, but in her experience, sometimes civilians were intimidated by seeking out support unless they absolutely had to, somehow believing they could be less of a priority than the Starfleet active duty members. Sullivan wanted to make sure everyone knew her door was always open, commission or no.

"Hello doctor Sullivan, yes, I'm Adelaide. Thank you!" and Adelaide followed the counselor into the office. The whole deck was nicely appointed. Adele thought that Starfleet must place a high importance on the mental health of the crew. She absent mindedly hummed to herself quietly and barely noticeable a tune that she heard Captain Woolheater play earlier in the marine office. The doors closed behind her and she smiled at Dr. Sullivan, "Thank you for seeing me doctor Sullivan."

"Of course," Tate replied, returning the smile and gesturing for the young woman to have a seat. "May I get you something to eat or drink?"

"Oh, thank you. But no thanks. I had a good lunch with friends not too long ago. I don't think I've seen you around Dr. Sullivan? I'm pretty good with faces. I'm still new though. Are you new too?" she asked.

Returning to the reception area to sit across from Adelaide, Tate smiled and offered a small chuckle. "I've been aboard quite some time, but given the size of the place and the number of crew that come and go, sometimes I feel new too. You'd be forgiven for not knowing everyone no matter how long you're here. We are a large bunch."

Adele smiled, "Of course. I'm sorry. I don't get around too much other than for work. There's still whole decks I've never even been on" she laughed. "So, how does this go? It's been a while since I've been to see a counselor. Most of the time, those of us in the clerical pool aren't in any one job long enough to get on a counselor schedule."

"No need to apologize," Tate reassured. "I try to make sure I make the rounds amongst the crew to get a feel for what's happening, but no one person can be everywhere. I treat these evaluations as simple get to know you sessions unless someone has a concern or a history that might need exploring. My intention is to make sure everyone knows at least one counselor here, so even if they are experiencing problems now, they know someone to reach out to you if that changes. I am sorry that your experiences been to be overlooked by counselors until now. I get that it's hard to keep up with the comings and goings of people, but I imagine changing locations all the time creates its own stress."

She nodded, "Yes, it does. I'd rather just stay in one department but it is what it is. Although, I am working in the marine department. Helping the Colonel, she will be on maternity leave soon I expect. Helping the Administrative staff keep the wheels turning. I like it. I seem to be doing an OK job? I've nit heard any complaints. It is interesting work and I feel like I am making a difference there. You know, being helpful and getting things organized. Reports done on time, staff evaluations and all of the other clerical duties that they don't have an other staff for. Oh, I'm sorry, I am rambling on. I'd like to apply for a regular position on the ship. But I don't really know how? Technically, I'm part of the clerical pool at Galaxy Station and I'm just on loan here."

"I'm glad you're enjoying your work here and appreciate people like yourself who pay attention to detail and don't mind administrative matters. We may complain about things like that in our work, but it's important to communicate lots of information. In terms of a more permanent position, is there a direct supervisor you can talk with? Someone who controls which posts you receive?"

Adele thought about her questions and answered, "I suppose there has to be? I know that it's mostly automated by computer. But, I also know that sometimes they make adjustments for personality issues or other minor inconveniences. Part of what I like about being in the clerical pool is that if things don't work out, I can always just request a reassignment. And I don't even know for sure that there is a place for me here on a permanent basis. There is one now but...well...I don't know if the department wants to keep me on. I haven't explored it very much."

Tate found the answers somewhat surprising considering how much Adele seemed to appreciate attending to detail. Still, she wondered if Adele had avoided this particular detail because she wasn't used to putting herself first. "Why do you suppose that is? I'm just curious."

"That I haven't explored other opportunities? Well, not every job is as fulfilling as the one I have now. So, I remember last year I was assigned to logistics for Galaxy Station. And I hated it. I did my job and you know, never made complaints but it was just. so. boring. So, I didn't mind it at all when that was over. And, I like floating about and seeing all the different...machinations...I guess? But, this time? On this ship and with the marines. I dunno. I feel like...I fit somehow. Anyway, it made me think how much I'd like to stay. If I could. If I get to. And I wouldn't want to bother the Colonel or Captain Tonelly. They are just so overloaded as it is. I couldn't do that to them."

"It's not a bad thing to be considerate of other people's feelings and needs, but I can't help but wonder if you ever make your feelings and needs a priority?" Tate asked.

"Oh? No, I do counselor" Adele smiled back at her. "I'm taking care of me right now with your help. I'm trying to sort out what I want to do...I think its work with this department and this ship if I can figure out how. And I'm planning to stay. I've made friends here and...yeah. I think I'm taking steps to care about me, myself and I."

Sullivan could see Adele's point but she still had the sense it was not an impulse that came naturally. "I think making your feelings known as you mentioned is an excellent start. I'm also glad to hear you feel at home aboard."

"Thank you. I like that part too. It takes time for people to get used to a new person. And it takes time for a new person to get used to them. I think its all in the give and the take. But, I'm learning." She smiled back. Thinking warmly of the friends she has made.

Naturally curious about such an answer, Tate asked, "I realize moving from post to post doesn't allow you to get to know too many people and for others to know you, but beyond that, I'm wondering what it has been like for you to connect with others?"

Adele paused a moment to reflect, her eyes unfocused on a spot on the wall in the office as she pondered the question. She started to nod her head affirmatively, "Connecting with other people is difficult. I think there are different layers of connection? Different levels perhaps? I suppose, just doing my job is a 'business layer'? It doesn't require a lot, if any, personal investment you know? And I can navigate in that topical chatter and noise and work pretty well in it. And most people are contented just with that. Then there are people at work that are a bit deeper. Those are the ones that I can do lunch with; have a laugh at the water cooler or take a coffee break with. The 'secret santa' level. Then there are friends, close friends, dates...lovers. I'm not sure if I can do the whole hierarchy but I know that there are many layers. I suppose it's the same for most everybody?"

Tate nodded. "What you're describing are relationships based on levels of trust, and I think they ring true for most of us. I believe it's important to have each of these levels somewhat in balance, meaning everyone needs a few people at each level to feel fulfilled. Would you say you're on your way to getting some of those closer relationships?" Of course, she was well aware that it could be easier said than done on a ship the size of the Elysium.

Adelaide thought about it and said, "No. No, I don't think so. I was thinking that maybe after I get the department 'caught up' with their work and the reports that are overdue or late? Then I could have more time to just talk and get to know the staff better. But, everyone is so overloaded. Everyone has such demands on their time. It would be awkward and in the way..." she said and as she was speaking the timer for the session beeped. The session was almost over.

"Oh? Has it already been an hour? Oh my, and I have just been rambling. Well, it's because you're so easy to talk with." Adele smiled back.

Sullivan smiled. She too was surprised their time was already up. Some sessions seemed to drag on, while others left her feeling energized. "You're easy to talk with. I don't wish to kick you out if you have more on your mind, but I think we have the workings of a plan for making arrangements for you to stay here. It seems all you need to do is some investigating."

Adele nodded in agreement, "Oh thank you for the compliment. I find you easy going as well and very helpful too. Yes! I've a few ideas to try. I need to think about it some more. You know? This would mean giving up the clerical pool. Which means I'm kind of saying that I want to stay in that job? But, I do feel like I'm needed there and that I can make a difference. I think I will just let the idea grown on me some more. Walk around in it. Maybe ask some of the marine administration staff officers what they think? Maybe even coax a letter of recommendation out of them?" She smiled and felt better about the plan. "So, when I've made some more progress may I bounce the ideas off of you? It's nice having another person that isn't wrapped up in my world and can see the trees and the forest? Maybe in a couple of weeks?"

Tate nodded. "I would love to meet with you again. I wish you the best of luck in your investigating," she added with a genuine smile. Some sessions took energy from Sullivan and some sessions gave her energy. This one was definitely of the latter.

Adele nodded and felt better. She smiled, more than that, she was beaming. She had a plan and she had a goal. The idea of wanting to become a permanent part of this crew seemed to gel in her mind even better. She would think about it some more. But her mind was mostly made up. "Thank you again Doctor Sullivan. I'll make another appointment shortly. Thank you for your time and for seeing me. I will see you again."

[OFF:]

Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D
(Signed of by Kirkby)

&

Crewman Adelaide Kirkby