Reinstatement

Posted on Tue May 5th, 2020 @ 10:28am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: Chief counselor's office
Timeline: MD1
761 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Phoenix had come down to counseling to discuss the position of assistant chief of counseling with Lieutenant Kelea. They had, after a while of talking, chosen to summon their choice to the chief counselor's office.

"Lieutenant Sullivan to the chief counselor's office if you please."

"On my way," Tate replied a moment later. She was curious about the reason for the request, but knew that the department had been especially busy of late. It was only a short time later the doors hissed open to the office. "Reporting as ordered," she offered with a smile.

Alicia smiled as Tate walked in. “Please grab a seat.” She motioned to the seats. “Captain Lalor and I have been discussing the position of Assistant Chief of the Counseling department.” She looked at Phoenix.

Tate sat as directed and took in Alicia's words, not sure what to make of them. She'd hadn't realized Lalor was so directly involved in the department's personnel decisions. She saw Alicia look to Phoenix and decided it was best to let her speak before reacting.

"Lieutenant, we would like to ask you if you would be willing to take on the role of assistant chief of counseling." The captain stated.

Tate took several beats to absorb what Phoenix had asked. This was certainly not what she was expecting, but as she thought about it, she could see the reestablishment of a specific leadership structure for the department made sense. The counseling department was growing these days, and Alicia couldn't handle all that was required on her own. Giving Sullivan's time aboard and experience in such leadership positions, she could see, objectively, the offer made sense. Her previous struggles with burn out aside that had led her to step down from the chief position not long ago aside, Tate acknowledged to herself she was in a better place emotionally and mentally, and this was a further opportunity to serve."I would be honored, and I thank you both for the vote of confidence. I have addressed my previous burn out and have rediscovered my love for counseling again and would be pleased to help lead." Looking to Alicia, she offered, "Are there specific duties you would like me to manage on your behalf?"

Alicia looked at Tate “Are there any specific duties that you prefer? I would rather you take on duties that you want rather than me just throwing them at you.”


Tate smiled. She appreciated Alicia's warmth and understanding. Certainly it wasn't a secret Tate had been the Chief once and had stepped down due to her own burnout, but Alicia had never treated her with anything but respect, and this new change only seemed like an extension of that. Sullivan saw it as an opportunity to get to know Alicia more personally as well. Tate took a moment to consider her answer and what she would most like to do. "I would very much like to continue counseling the crew as much as possible. As you might know, I particularly find satisfaction in helping people overcome trauma, so I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to assist with those matters as needed. I also have always enjoyed helping mentor other therapists and helping them sort through clinical challenges, so if you need help with regular case conferences, I would be happy to help. I recognize my job is to help you share the load, so I am open to whatever help you need." She paused, then added, "If possible, I would like to provide assistance with command advising or diplomatic issues from time to time. I love counseling the crew, but I recognize as counselors, we must be well-rounded, and I don't want to let certain muscles atrophy, so to speak."

“By all means” Alicia nodded in agreement. “How’s about I pass the diplomatic arm of our department to you, I will help as well if I’m needed but the main responsibility there will be yours if that suits you?” She smiled warmly. “I’m happy to share other duties between us, especially with the amount of paperwork we get through on PADDs these days!”

Tate chuckled. Part of the reason she had burned out had been the red tape, but she knew it was a necessary part of the job. It was an aspect she would gladly endure if it meant doing more of what she loved. "I think that's more than a fair deal."

Ariana smiled. “If you find anything too much just let me know and we’ll sort it out between us.”