"A Bit of Role Reversal"

Posted on Fri May 19th, 2023 @ 7:32am by Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: Command Tent
1453 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

"It's good to see you in one piece," Tate greeted with a smile, approaching Gary with a mug in her hand. "I thought you could use a bit of refreshment. It's not much for flavor, but it will warm up your insides."

Of course, officially, this was a professional visit. Naturally, under such stressful circumstances, it would make sense for a counselor to check in with Captain Taylor but Tate could deny this was also a personal visit for her, a chance to touch base with a good friend, an opportunity to ground herself when so much still felt uncertain.

Gary smiled as Tate spoke and offered him the mug. "Hi Tate." He answered warmly, taking the mug. "It has one important ingredient. It's warm." He took a sip, "Ahhh, good and warm. It's good to see you in one piece as well Tate." He looked at her, "How are you doing Tate? I know you must be busy counseling members of the crew and seeing all kinds of trauma but you, how are you?" He repeated genuinely concerned for her.

Sullivan smiled weakly. There was a time when she would have deflected such a question to focus on his needs. It was, of course, his nature to focus on others as it was hers. They'd been through a lot together, and over the years, what had started as genuine professional concerns had deepened into true friendship. "I'm hanging in, I suppose. Like all of us, I'm just trying to keep everyone together and hopeful . I'm worried about the children more than anything. Ours are precocious, but I'm doing what I can to distract and reassure them all at the same time."

Gary nodded in understanding at Tate's words, noting her weak smile. "A statement I fully understand and agree with Tate. I agree in regard to the children and don't envy the job you have in trying to reassure them and distract them. Be stuck on an planet with such an extreme climate cannot make your job easy Tate. You said distract them, what are you doing to distract them?" Gary asked as thought of ways to assist Tate in what was a monumental endeavor as well as helping the children to at least for a short time, take their mind off their situation.

"Coloring, games, and when distraction doesn't work, honest discussion of their fears. I'm also trying to make sure the learning continues. Finding a routine is important after trauma, along with reassuring them how much we care and are determined to keep them safe. I keep reminding myself how much we've already overcome."

Gary listened as Tate told him of her ways to distract the children from their present situation while still trying the continued to learn. "All good ideas Tate. You certainly have your work cut out for you. I have an idea that might help you with the children by both distracting them and getting them to learn. If you would like to hear it."

"Of course," Sullivan replied, genuinely curious as to what Gary would have to say. Naturally, he had overcome quite a bit of trauma and she had had a front row seat to watching him heal.

"Well, what about if you made an ice hockey rink? Get the engineers to mold one for you. You can get the kids to blow off steam and learn about sharing and teamwork. How to depend on each other. Or if you just want one have the engineers make some sleds and let the kids slid down one of these smaller hills." He smiled at her, "Just a thought."

Tate considered that for a moment, a bit stunned. "You'd consider using our engineers for this? I mean--" Tate interrupted herself, knowing it was a silly question, "I know you would, I just didn't realize we had the resources for something like that. I wouldn't want to take away from food or other necessities. I do recognize morale is key here, I guess I'm just not used to it being prioritized in a crisis," she added with a weak smile.

Gary smiled at Tate. "Doing this doesn't take away food, or blankets or tea, or coffee. In fact as you pointed out, morale is very important right now as is hope and kids need to be kids and have fun. Also when they aren't using the rink, adults can use it as a skating rink."


Tate chuckled add Gary's first words. "Well, as long as it won't interfere with our supply of tea and coffee," but then her face fell. "We aren't getting out of here anytime soon, are we?"

Gary shook his head slowly from side to side. "If by soon you mean the end of the week, then no. However, work is progressing on the Elysium and we will be off this ice cube sooner rather than later."

"Sorry," Tate replied with a wave of her hand. "I'm supposed to be cheering you up and here you are doing it for me. I know we will find a way out of this, we always do, I guess I was just having a moment." She waved her hand away again. "Enough about me. How are you? All better? I heard you were injured before we got here."

Gary smiled, "Just returning a small portion of all you've done for me Tate. We all have those moments. So think nothing and no more of it." He grinned and changed topics. "Sure, all better. A few bumps and bruises. He tapped the side of his head. Can't hurt this thick skull. An A number one hard head."

Tate smiled and then grew pensive. "How's The captain? I heard she suffered quite the head injury. I guess her head wasn't quite as hard... but don't tell her I said that," she added with a quick chuckle. She didn't like the thought of losing Gary as they have lost so many others. The mention of his hardhead just reminded her how close they all came.

"Had a concussion, a broken arm and a temporary loss of sight but she has recovered completely and is suffering no ill effects from her injury and mums the word. She'll never hear anything from me." He assured Tate with a broad grin. "On a different subject have you ventured outside of camp? To explore our surroundings? Might be a good idea for a day trip with some of the older kids. Just make sure you take a couple of security officers with you to be on the safe side."

"It hadn't even occurred to me to do something like that," Tate answered honestly. "I figured the priority would be keeping us all here and safe, especially in light of what happened to Miraj." Sullivan sighed. "Still, I can't expect to keep everyone in a bubble here, especially if it's going to be a while. I appreciate the suggestion." She paused then, offering, "How are you doing emotionally with all this? I realize this wouldn't be a direct trigger necessarily for your PTSD, but fighting for your life, whatever the circumstances, can bring up a lot of stuff."

"Well, you aren't wrong with the priority of keeping everyone safe Tate, but it doesn't mean they need to be under house arrest." Gary replied. "As for the suggestion, you are welcome. I hope it is something feasible you can use. As for me. I'm doing well. Keeping busy helps a great deal as does the goal of getting the Elysium repaired so we can start the journey home and get off this ice cube." He paused, "I can't let the crew down Tate. They are looking to me and the Commodore to lead the way. So we need to be upbeat and positive.
Steadfast in our belief."

Tate nodded. "Good leaders lead with hope and optimism. Just remember to give yourself space to grieve and to just be Gary the man and not Gary the Commander," she added with a small smile. It wasn't lost on her they were speaking from different places than their norm. Tate was usually the optimist, and while Gary was never a true pessimist, she had seen him at low points. "Thanks for the pep talk. I suppose I should leave you to the rest of your work. I can't hog *all* the support."

"I will Tate. I promise." Gary replied earnestly. "No need to rush off Tate, though I am sure you have offer duties to attend to. Remember, to look after yourself and my door is always open and you are always welcome."

Tate smiled warmly, feeling genuinely more at ease. "Right back at you, sir, right back at you."