"Checking in"

Posted on Thu Sep 28th, 2023 @ 6:22am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: Season 6: Episode 3: Far From Home
Location: Commodore’s Ready Room
Timeline: MD4, late after Alicia has spoken with Gary and Lia is in the brig.
1221 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

{ON}

With the ship’s grapevine working overtime about recent staff made her way to Phoenix’s Ready Room. It was tough at the best of times to be a Commanding Officer, and as Chief Counsellor it was her job to be there for Phoenix when needed. Pausing outside the door she pressed the chime and waited.

"Come!" Phoenix called out. She was sitting in the lounge area, a glass of an Erisan drink Epba in front of her. She looked up as the counselor entered. "Hello Alicia." She said. "Is there a problem?"

“Actually I came to see if you needed to talk” Alicia offered a warm smile. “I understand that you’ve recently had a... shall we say, clash?, with Lia Taylor. I thought you might need a friendly ear, or shoulder.”

"Clash?" Phoenix had to smile at that. "I guess thats one word for it. That woman is so bloody stubborn and ... well nothing polite right now. Have a seat." Phoenix waved Alicia to have a seat on one of the deep chairs opposite the coffee table.

“Thank you” Alicia smiled as she walked over to a seat and sat down, she had to admit the chairs were very comfortable to sit in. “I have spoken with Comm.. Gary, but I obviously can’t go into detail on that.”

"Well i can tell you that she didn't like my way of doing things and she really never has." Phoenix picked up a bottle and another glass. "Drink? Non alcoholic I swear. Its a fruit juice."

“Please” Alicia nodded. “Lia always has been a strong willed person, that’s what gets a lot of people in her line of career where they are. I guess that could be said of all Starfleet personnel really, we have to be strong willed and determined to make it out here in deep space.”

Phoenix poured Alicia a glass and handed it to her. "While i get that, and believe me, i get it. But its like to her I am trying to take her husband off of her, which i am not and never have been interested in Gary in that way. He is my executive officer and nothing more. Without him I would not have made it through the first 6 months let alone the subsequent years. And Lia has always made it out like every order i ever give is a suggestion unless her husband gives it and if he supports me then i am the evil queen and he is a traitor. But when you do the wrong thing you get punished. And she did the wrong thing. And unlike S'hib who accepted his punishment and responsibility for his own actions, she seems ok to blame me, to blame Gary, to blame the JAG. Its pathetic and annoying. "

Alicia nodded. “I know there are certain personal factors going on for Lia right now, the most important of which is the adoption of one of the orphan children. I know she’s been wanting a child of her own, something she hasn’t been able to do. That alone is enough to add stress to matters, but her attitude towards you and Gary is what concerns me.”

Phoenix sipped her drink. "If we were in Federation space I would have her shipped to Earth. I cannot make her like me Alicia. I presided over their wedding. I went through hell and back in a Romulan prison with them. I am not after her husband, I have one of my own who is the love of my life. If she wants to get further than her now current rank then she needs to grow up."

Alicia picked up her glass and zipped her drink. “Mmm that’s good” she offered a smile. “I totally understand what you’re saying, I do plan on speaking to Lia and it’s on her file that she’s been ordered to attend regular counselling sessions, as ordered by you. I’ll make sure that Lia follows those orders.”

"If she doesn't then she will never regain her position and rank. I cannot have my chief of security breaking Federation laws. No matter who she is married to or the circumstances. "

Alicia nodded. “Of course, what I want to know is how you feel. You obviously have your husband and your family to support you, but I want to make sure that you’re alright. Everyone aboard looks to you for strength and inspiration, it’s a tough position to be in. That, and your recent time away from the ship it all adds up.”

Phoenix mulled her response over. "Had this been a few years ago, you would have found me curled up in a ball. When we were in Andromeda I had no choice but to shoulder things. We had a CO who was doing his own stupid thing, an XO who didn't care and never left their tent. I was second officer and I had to keep the crew together. I would curl into my bedroll at night and try not to cry. This time at least i have control over what the crew does moving forward. The last time i had no idea what to do. This time i have a fair idea. Having Mattias helps. He doesn't expect me to be strong all the time."

Alicia nodded as she listened. “It’s better for you that you have that break, burnout is a real risk for Starship Captains. I know I can’t enquire into your recent time away from the ship, but you brought back several new crewmembers with you all of whom obviously wanted to remain with you. That says something for the support you’d have if you asked, this crew would do whatever they could to support you I know they would.”

"I know. The majority that came with me are actually family. Kara is Mattias's sister and Mal is her husband. But i do know what i have in the crew of this ship. Even if people think differently, I am aware of the crew and their feelings. "

“Of course” Alicia smiled warmly. “That’s what makes you the strong leader you are.” She paused to sip the remainder of her fruit juice. “That’s nice juice, is it available from the replicators?”

Phoenix shook her head. "No its Epba. Erisian export."

Alicia nodded. “It was worth asking. Anyway I think I’ve taken up enough of your time, if you should need to talk or just need a friendly shoulder to lean on you know where to find me.”

Phoenix nodded. "I will, thank you Alicia, if I may suggest that your department make sure all crew have been evaluated in the coming weeks... i know its a lot but if what is happening to Lia is affecting others...."

Alicia nodded. “Understood, we’ll get on it. With what’s happened to us all lately it’s probably for the best that we speak to as many as we can.” She stood up ready to leave. “Thank you for the juice Phoenix. Enjoy a rest while you’ve got the chance.”

"I shall. You should take your own advice as well." Phoenix smiled.

Alicia smiled. “Actually I probably should while I’ve got the chance.”