Who counsels the Counsellor?

Posted on Mon Nov 4th, 2024 @ 3:13am by Lieutenant Sovon Stormcloud

3,410 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Season 1, Episode 0: "A Time To Heal"
Location: Counselor Brandon's office

ON

The office was simple; the smallest one assigned to the counselor's wing; four counselors for a ship this size did make them all too busy. He had only a single shared coffee table with a double futon style fofa with thick padding; a white bed sheet as cover, throw pillows and blanket draped across the back. Ninety degrees was a more formal lounge you see in these offices.
With his recliner opposite the Sofa. The rear corner was his vertical small desk wit upper shelving.

Two old western style revolvers crossed over the door, Two paintings of western style landscapes, three of beach scenes and in the corner between lounge and sofa a corner shelf from floor to ceiling with several stuffed animals a few books and some nick-nacks.
Top shelf had an old style oil lamp. and an arrow above the lamp.

Counselor Brandon had apparently; according to the others, drawn the short stick in having to be the one to counsel the Chief. He had been in fierce fire fights; had ships over run by pirates and fought in a Dominion War. Having to face the chief Counselor seemed a low threat assessment.

Picking up his cane he moved to the tea maker and assured himself t was fresh and hot.

Brandon had seen the better part of forty seven years; 10 of it in this department as a counselor. The auburn hair had gray trying yo overtake the natural color of his youth, This well trimmed beard was the same but even with a cane assisted limp the stature of Brandon could not be denied at six foot one and some short marks on the ruler. The square face was defined and mostly hidden under the beard. His eyes alone burned through a person if he stare; that fire of his fighting spirit never dwindled. With some patients he had to dial back the nature of that gaze and force dripping compassion, Tools of the trade.

The chronometer showed his appointment should be here in three minutes,

Peta had managed to find a spare block of two empty sessions back-to-back. This had allowed her a rare chance to go and get in a quick dance-based workout, have a freshen up and come back into medical for her own evaluation. this had been one of the first real times that she had done so since being involved with Sovon. The mix of music was a bit different for her usual choices and she did have one song that had particularly come to mind that seemed to describe the situation all too well. The beat had suited her more 'tribal' style and really allowed her to get the heart rate up. it also really got her mind thinking; thoughts moving to a more sensual and 'healthy' state of mind for a newlywed woman.

As she moved through medical, her lightly floral perfume wafting through she greeted the staff she knew as she went. Peta came through the counselling section and stopped at the last of the rooms. Counsellor Brandon, the 'old soul' of the team. She had a feeling that the 'great spirit' might have had more of a hand in why he was the 'lucky one' to have pulled her out of the hat. With a deep sigh, she rang the chime and waited for admittance. She was naturally a little nervous; she still had the song kind of playing and echoing in her mind, tapping the toe tip of one heel behind her. She ran two fingers of her left hand down her twin feathers, almost like seeing some bravery from her totem and her lover.

Peta was a rather tall and curvy woman of 5'9. Her Romulan heritage was obvious and the colour of her skin along with curvy figure showed her Navajo one. She wore twin eagle feathers in her hair to her left and a Bajoran earring on her right ear. Her long deep brown hair was somewhat pinned back, yet the strands with the feathers were allowed to roam free. She opted for the skirted uniform in a slightly longer style with heels dyed to match it. Peeking out from underneath her hair was her jacket, sporting the medical Teal colouring.

"Greetings Stormcloud." Brandon gave a salute with his cane, "I was just getting a tea, you fancy a cup." He asked. "While I am up, once the cane leans you are on your own fetching."

Peta could not hide the giggle. "Our tribal elder is much the same. I understand the once I am up, it will all happen, for once I am down you are on your own." She was polite and trying to cover her little nervous tap. "Berry tea is one of my more preferred ones."

Pulling a wine bottle, he poured a portion into the tea and stirred it with a little coffee then offered it to Stormcloud before taking his own and starting towards his recliner only lightly leaning upon the cane for help.

"You can cop a squat in the recliner; sofa might swallow a lady like right up. Brandon suggested. "Honey and sugar on the tray there upon the coffee table. "He looked to her. "Wonder why they still get called that when we are drinking tea, suppose Tea Table don't sound right.

Peta could not help but giggle yet tried to curb it. "You are really giving off Elder or medicine man vibes." She blushed a moment before settling into the offered recliner with her cup. Peta took a moment to take in the smell. It was a nice scent that greeted her. She leant forward and added a drizzle of honey before taking a sip. Peta looked around the office, taking it in. In sitting where she was one leg was hooked over the other and the foot on top was tapping away.

"You seem to have brought your personality to your office, and yet it is quite simple. it is very nice." She was quite obviously nervous. "So, where did you want to start?"

"Tell me something about you that would tell your bartender but never your counselor." He asked casually as he takes a drink.

Peta went for a sip, and almost had to spit it back out. This counsellor was not pulling any punches. No ease in with a tell me about yourself. Oh no, just like Elder Longhorn, right for the jugular, go for the awkward, and half the time, keep them there. Peta could be clearly seen thinking, her foot tapping away and her left hand went up and two fingers down the feathers, rather absent mindedly.

"Not one to pull punches, are we? Just like the wolf, pounce and bite before thinking twice." The fingers went down the feathers again. "I.... am not as familiar with my Romulan roots as I would like to be. Considering i married a Vulcan, some might say I am almost rebelling against them. That is not the case. However, I can't help but feel some.... trepidation when it comes to matters like .... Pon Farr." She blushed deeply. "I truly would not want to disappoint my mate, however.... for a Romulan, who genetically shouldn't be having Pon Farr, i do....and I have not .... hoe does Sovon put it.... taken a mate.... during that time before. It has me anxious about it all."

"You trust in your husband and your own desires." Brandon made the point almost casually. "From my understanding you are closer than Vulcans I know that were bonded as children and lifelong Pon Farr partner."

His point being easy to express.

"You are Navajo not Romulan from what I gather, you might look forward to very intimate and sensual exchange during Pon Farr; from my understanding..." He raised his eyebrows. "And rumour of your relationship; the ritual will just more of what you have so I might suggest less worry and more... fondness."

"As much as I am Navajo, I can't deny the Romulan in me. My emotions and how I handled situations in my tribe, those around me noticed that my sorrow or anger seemed to be far stronger than a lot of the tribe. My elder was 'constantly in counsel' with me as a teenager. he was trying to instil a bit more self-control, yet it was like grasping at water...... elusive, constantly slipping away. I lost count of how many times Elder sent me out to chop firewood, just to get my temper out and under control again." She ran her left hand over the point of her ear before the feathers again. "It's undeniably there. The last time I had the fire come, the battle to...... hold myself together, without taking a mate.... was almost more than I could bear. I could feel those desires wanting to escape, like the genie wanting to get out of the bottle. It truly was a tousle. Like a game of tug of war with my own desires and emotions. i cannot live life only favouring one side, that would be a life out of balance."

"May I again refer to you trusting your husband who is more of a match for you, Vulcan emotions are stronger than human also. If you want to scream call for his understanding." He chuckled. "You have a mate who will be with you and is less logical from rumor impressions than most. He will not likely be striving for Kolinar in my opinion."

Taking notes.

"Are you in love with Sovon Stormcloud?" He asked while looking up.

'What kind of a question is that?!" The words kind of burst out before it truly registered to Peta. "Yes, it was fast, and unexpected. I did not go away to Aruba to 'head hunt' or seeking romance. I was walking along the beach, enjoying the sunshine and feel of the sand underfoot with the waves lapping at them. I felt the wind change around me, almost tugging me in a different direction. I have learnt that the 'Great Spirit or 'All Mother' has her own ways of dropping hints, some of them are nowhere NEAR subtle. I wound up at the tennis courts and found myself genuinely watching him play. I felt lighter in that moment, just watching him play, with his on-court partner was making me smile, in a way I never had before."

She stopped for a sip of her drink. "He warned me about a 'wolf on the prowl' and I was just drawn to him. I think I was in love from the first moment I laid eyes on him, I KNOW that I am now and will continue to be so. As much as loving him and dedication are important, I don't want to be a disappointment to him. As much as we have discussed so many things, Pon Farr, our past and 'experience' has not exactly come up in that way yet." The counsellor had asked a question that drew out some latent emotion in Peta. In that moment, she was protective of Sovon, true to her feelings and could feel them growing, starting to nudge at her control, wanting to escape and fly like kites on the wind.

"What more do you need to weather anything in life?" He asked simply. "Love can cure a multitude of fears and hurts." He continued. "With the shared love you feel; time is no guarantee either way, you might worry more of disappointing the command than Sovon. You two are dedicated, of one heart so the body of your marriage will thrive so long as he is with you. This Great Spirit guide you to him; nurtured the feelings and will carry the two of you will they not?"

He grinned.

"All you need is love' is a famous quote on Earth, you have access to that so do not worry so much about your True Love' that is one thing you can just bask in, Peta."

There was a slight sigh. Feeling like she was being able to pull the kite strings back in. "There are some things that are a lot newer to me. I was feeling like I had a lot of things 'well in hand', naturally I should have known better that throwing one new thing like love into the mix might change things." There was a light sigh.

Naturally she felt like sitting on a pincushion, the idea of what could come next.

"Professionally you are rumored to be better control of emotions with clients." He started. "You are very in love with your husband as I can sense that Protective nature of him." Brandon told her.

Jotting notes a bit.

"Very healthy type of relationship actually. I would be impressed if not more analytical. You seem like a cute couple ad that balances you a bit with him supporting you when you need a little comfort or a Cuddle to make universe go way for a bit."

"He made home feel that little bit better. Being curled up with him, out in the clearing where we go on spiritual quests, it felt warmer with him. Not warmer in body, naturally there was that, with him sharing skins with me. It was more being out in nature and how it warmed my heart. it was new to have him there, I had not shared that with someone outside of the tribe before. As much as I am proud of my roots, I have been one to keep them close, for the most part." She ran two fingers down the feathers. "The 'Great Spirit' truly welcomed us that day, my totem watched over us the whole time we were in the clearing...and to be there when 'All-Mother' was kind enough to give Sovon his own, that is usually a very private matter." Peta blushed a moment.

"You have emotional support enough that you blush." Brandon said. "There is a major hindrance to other counselors, not having that outlet available." He winked to Mrs. Stormcloud. "So we know if you do take work to your dwelling it will have some care taken towards you. I can assure you that I need no more knowledge of you and your beloved husband. " He chuckled. Might not want to be jealous after all."

Peta truly blushed, Sovon was a new part of her and of her life's journey. She had to stop and think. It was natural to be gushing about him, be happy and proud.

"Now I do have some points to cover concerning you as a counselor naturally. "Brandon began. "Being my Boss and a rare time that I have the upper hand, I would like to know if you find my File favorable at a glance?"

'I went over all of my staff files on the way to the Yorktown. From the files alone, I was quite pleased with the team that had been put together. It seems like where one might have a gap in their knowledge another fills it. You bring a lot of life experience with you and that counts a lot in what we do. You don't need to worry about 'impressing the boss'. What I have seen of how you are conducting this evaluation speaks volumes."

"Volumes of what?" Brandon asked.

"Seeing a person in action, can give more information than a file or report ever could. it is far more interesting to see and you can get a lot more insights into their mind and habits that way. Volumes of helpful information out of just one interaction. At least, that's how I see it and usually treat it." Peta took up her cup, hoping this time she would get a complete mouthful without feeling she was almost going to spit it back out in surprise.

"On that note we are similar; I must gauge your skill at being able to counsel in one yearly interaction." Brandon started. "So, with this being our initial meeting and my having to tell you that you are able to perform your duties; would you confirm that in your own opinion as the facts of the matter?"

Peta had barely managed to get a mouthful down and was about to go back for a second when Brandon asked the question *Thank 'All-Mother' that I had gotten that mouthful down! if this keeps up, I feel like I'm about to wear coffee down my uniform jacket! *

"I completed my studies at the academy and stayed on there during my field training. After that I was jumping between there and a couple of other Earth posting doing counselling work and later Diplomatic work. I may be young, and I know that i might not have as much experience under my belt, let alone in a shipboard capacity..." Her left hand traced the feathers again, a little more so. Talking about her work capacity did bring out some nerves in her. Being judged is not exactly a comfortable thing.

"I have always endeavoured to hold up an exemplary record, I find in the way that I operate it is far better to have a client at ease and willing to come in for sessions than be dragged in kicking and screaming. To work through anything, be it conflict, trauma or memories, they need to be willing to do so. Having a comfortable room, the holo fire, replicator access, it is all there to help them feel comfortable and confident enough to work through the problem. I am just that as a conduit, someone to help them and not much more. They are the ones who need to do all of the hard work."

"You make it sound like pretty easy sailing?" Am I to take it you are able to do this that way?" Brandon asked.

"Between my training and life experience, I find that I have adopted an approach that that is more akin to that of my own tribal elder. He is one I have looked up to and now that I think about it, there are some of his ways that I have tried to emulate. I I have refined my technique and practice over time, and have found it works in most cases, there will always be those that fall into the exceptions category. Not that I have found many so far." Peta went back to her cup. She almost felt like she would need another sonic shower after she was done with the evaluation. Brandon seemed to be holding her to quite a high standard.

"What do you think of the Command Staff as they will be largely your responsibility?" Brandon asked. "As chief Counselor that is."

"They seem quite capable, I have been slowly completing my evaluations. Some do have their 'luggage' with them, however that is true of most people. I don't think it to be outside of my capabilities. The CMO and I have gotten off to a lively and great start, the chief engineer does not seem like an easy one to read, almost suspicious and withdrawn. The captain seems nice, It will take a lot more time to get a better read of her." Peta replied.

"With that in mind I really cannot see regulation or situational hindrance to your capacity to do your assigned duty." He tapped his approval of her evaluation's passing grade. "Welcome to the next year serving together Boss." Brandon glanced up as he spoke.

"Well, that is a relief." the sigh behind her words was almost believable. "You didn't exactly pull punches; I think I might need that at some point in the year to come. Keep up the good work, Mister Brandon." She replied as she rose, gave a bow and moved to leave.

"Give my regards to your husband." Brandon said as he watched watched her.

"I will be sure to pass that along. I do understand that some people feel the less they see of him, the better. See you round, Counsellor." She bid him farewell with a wave before moving on to her own reports.

"You are a lucky man Mr. Stormcloud, married to that figure and bum, Logically you got a great deal with her." Brandon commented aloud as he admired the view casually as she left.

Getting up without use of the cane , he took it and moved to enter his findings into the computer.

OFF

Counselor Brandon
Counselor
NPC Sovon Stormcloud

LT. Peta Stormcloud
Chief Counselor

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