A Talk with Alicia

Posted on Wed Sep 27th, 2023 @ 12:43am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 6: Episode 3: Far From Home
Location: Counseling Offices
Timeline: MD 3
2035 words - 4.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary had thought about this for some time. He needed to talk to someone who was nonjudgmental and knew what it was like to be married. He left his quarters and walked to the counseling offices, the person he needed to talk to was there. Entering the main office, he stopped at the receptionist desk. "Captain Taylor to Counselor Kelea-Salik."

"One moment sir." came the perky reply. "I'll notify her that you are here."

"Thank you." He answered politely. As he waited, he looked the various paintings on the wall, there were watercolors, oils, some were abstract others contemporary. It was a varied and interesting collection.

“Luckily none of the pictures were damaged beyond repair” Alicia smiled as she appeared from her office. “There are one or two that need some tlc but these miraculously avoided damage.” She motioned Gary to her office. “Come on in, and make yourself at home Captain.”

Walking in the office was as it would be expected to be, what needed to be tidied had been done, the room re-tidied, and broken items cleared away.

"That is amazing Alicia. I'm glad none of these were damaged. They are quite interesting." Gary replied as he followed Alicia into her office. Her office was a reflection of Alicia. It was cheerful, bright with flowers on her desk. Some holo images of Savar and her and others with the whole family. The feeling he got entering was friendly.

He took a seat on the couch and waited.

Alicia smiled as she took a seat. “As I always say, the replicator is available for use if you should want anything Sir” she smiled warmly. “I take it you’re here to talk about Lia? I’m afraid news travels fast on the ship grapevine, especially when it concerns the Captain’s wife being in the brig.”

Gary shook his head at the offer of the replicator. "Thank you, nothing at this time" He gave a slight sigh. "You take it right Alicia. I am here to talk about Lia and I have no doubt that word of her being in the brig spread like wildfire through the ship.

“That’s why I tend not to listen to scuttlebutt” Alicia smiled warmly. “May I ask what brought that about? I can only imagine how hard it must be for you.”

"And I commend you for not listening. As to what brought about Lia being placed in the brig. Without going into too much detail, she and S'hib didn't follow procedure." He stopped, "No, that isn't quite right. She was put in the brig because she smarted off to Phoenix. and it left Phoenix with no choice."

Alicia nodded. “I see, I’ve no doubt I’ll be hearing more about what’s happened regarding the procedure matter. I know this has left you in a very awkward position, both in your position as First Officer and as Lia’s husband. The two of you have recently adopted one of the orphans as well I believe?”

Gary smiled, "You have a gift for understatement Alicia. A very awkward position and yes we did adopt a little girl. Lia calls her little Lia. I plan on Lia and I both going to pick her up and bringing her to our quarters. Oh, I have no doubt you will hear more of what Lia did."

Alicia nodded. “How is this affecting the two of you? Your relationship?” She relaxed back in her seat. “As married couples we have to face those awkward moments with a ‘stiff upper lip’ as the saying goes, but we both know it’s not that simple.”

"Well said Alicia. No, it isn't easy. As for our relationship, our marriage we're still married, and we still love each other but Lia has been so combative lately and I don't know why. She gets defensive and if you don't agree with her, then in her eyes you are against her." He looked to Alicia, "I don't know what brought this all on. "

Alicia nodded as she frowned a little. “Combative, and defensive? That’s certainly a problem. It wasn’t like you weren’t First Officer then, have there been any other changes besides the two of you adopting little Lia? Anything at all?”

Gary shook his head from side to side. "Nothing that leaps to mind Alicia. Just the adoption of little Lia. She lashed out at me and as I said earlier, Phoenix. I mean she said some really insulting things to me and was just being argumentative with Phoenix."

“Is it possible that there could be something medical going on with Lia?” Alicia paused. “What I’m saying is that hormone level changes in the body can cause mood shifts, or maybe it’s just that with little Lia becoming part of your family she’s feeling more protective, like any mother would.”

Gary thought on Alicia's question. "The only thing medical that I can think of going on with Lia is she wants to have a baby of her own but has been advised to wait. So, she is frustrated with that. So, maybe that's it. I honestly don't know Alicia, I feel like I'm grasping at straws.'

Alicia nodded. “Maybe we should have medical check Lia over? With her permission of course. Is it possible that Lia could be...pregnant?” She looked at Gary curiously. “I know when I was pregnant that my emotions were all over the place. If not then it could conceivably be that Lia’s frustration is what’s escalating this.”

"I seriously doubt Lia is pregnant Alicia, but anything is possible. As for having medical give her a checkup. We can ask her and see where it goes. My concern is, asking her could cause her to ballistic. It has to be done very carefully. I don't want to make the situation worse." Gary replied a frown on his face.

“Let’s leave that on the back burner for now” Alicia smiled. “I need to talk to Lia and see if I can ascertain what is going on with her. I suggest you continue to drop in on her, if only for short visits, just to reaffirm that you’re there for her even though, for whatever reason, she thinks you’re against her. Maybe a call from little Lia might help to give Lia a sense of the motherhood she’s currently lacking. I wouldn’t suggest letting little Lia see Lia in person whilst she’s in the brig though, it would make things more difficult for Lia.”

"Oh, I've been by to check on her, see how she is and we've talked but it is hard with a security officer right there with you." Gary offered as he continued. "Lia will be released soon. Why don't you just happen by and stop in and check on her? You can see how she is." Gary suggested. As for little Lia, we're both going to get her so little Lia will have no idea Lia was in the brig. As you said Alicia, it is just better that way."

Alicia nodded. “I’ll do that, I wouldn’t want Lia to think that we’ve been plotting anything behind her back. What I will do is go over Lia’s file, see what’s been put there for me and I’ll go from there. Hopefully between us we’ll be able to get to the bottom of this. There’s also the possibility of couples counselling if you feel the situation requires it.”

"Sounds like a plan Alicia. You do that. Check Lia's file. Yes, I hope between the two of us we can figure out what is going on. As for couples counseling, I'm not ready for us to go that route. Maybe in the future if the situation doesn't improve but not now."

Alicia smiled warmly. “That’s fine, it was just a suggestion should it ever be needed. Let me know when Lia gets home and I’ll drop by to see her. If you ever need someone to babysit Little Lia is always welcome to join us, we have adopted a young Vulcan boy ourselves.”

"I'll keep you in mind Alicia. I may just take you up on it. " His smile grew hearing she and Savar had adopted a Vulcan boy. "Alicia, that is fantastic! Congratulations to you and Savar. That makes what? Three children now? If I may ask, how old is the boy?"

Alicia smiled. “Thank you Captain, Soral is 9 I believe. He was in need of a Vulcan who could guide him, so I suggested to Savar that we adopt him, and yes that’s three children.”

"I think that is wonderful. So, you and Connor and three Vulcans. Interesting family dynamics. Will make for interesting family discussions. I commend you, Alicia."

Alicia nodded and smiled. “Well N’vea is only part Vulcan, but yes it will lead to some interesting conversations. I can’t give Savar anymore children so it seemed a logical idea.”

"Nine is a good age. Old enough to do some things by himself." He smiled at her use of the word logical. "Seems some of Savar's logic has rubbed off on you. I think you suggesting adopting Soral is very generous of you Alicia."

“I just hope Soral will accept me as his mother, I’m not Vulcan though as you said some of Savar’s Vulcan logic and mannerisms do filter through our bond to me.” Alicia smiled warmly. “Anyway I think I’ve held you up for long enough Captain, Ohh I forgot Connor wants to spend some time with you when you have the time available. Now he understands a little more he sees you as a father figure as well.”

"I'm sure he will Alicia. I'm positive he will." Gary grinned as he said his next. "Your bond works both ways Alicia, I'm sure Savar has picked some of your mannerisms and phrases, speech patterns as well." he grew silent then his face split into a huge smile. "Really? Connor said that? That is so nice of him! I would love to spend time with him."

Alicia couldn’t help but grin. “That’s wonderful. I know when I brought him back from the mirror-verse that it must have been difficult, and awkward for you. Knowing that in that universe he was so different to you, and that the other me was his woman. I couldn’t leave Connor to the fate that would have awaited him there, I just couldn’t!” She offered a calmer smile. “Anyway let me know when is good for you and I’ll drop him off.”

"Alicia, you made the right choice to bring Connor back with you. It was the best thing for him, you and Savar." He paused, "it was awkward and difficult but not from anything you did. It was knowing my other self-had a son whose life would constantly at risk because of who his father was." He nodded. "I sure will let you know and thank you for suggesting it. A wonderful idea."

“My pleasure” Alicia smiled warmly. “Now is there anything else you need to ask me?”

Gary shook his head, "No, I've taken enough of your time Alicia. Thank you for talking with me, hearing me out. I think we have a good plan here."

Alicia nodded in agreement as she stood to see Gary out. “Well if you need me you know where to find me. I’ll see you when I drop off Connor.”

"I do. I just call Need a Counselor Hotline." He grinned "And yes you certainly will."

Alicia couldn’t help but giggle at the hotline comment. “I hope the rest of your day is a good one Sir.”

"I hope the rest of your day is good as well Alicia. Oh, I have a name, Gary. Please use it."

“Of course Si... Gary!” Alicia grinned as she saw Gary to the door.

"Better Counselor much better." Gary said winking at her as he exited her office. "Give my best to Savar." He said as he walked away.