Meeting the Counselor
Posted on Thu Apr 27th, 2017 @ 2:31pm by Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn & Captain Ka'Tock
1,267 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Taking Wing
Location: Counseling
ON
Amber had yet to speak with the new counselor on the ship. So when they both had a free moment she headed to his office to have a chat.
Ka'Tock was just getting the last few things for his office out of the crate behind his desk, the Picture of a B'rel class Klingon craft in a sweeping maneuver reading herself for combat, the wings down with the fron torpedo launcher just starting to flare.
"Open Door policy, please enter." Ka'Tock said at the sound of the chime.
Amber walked in and took a good look around. "Nice," she said. "While I find the B'rel a beautiful ship, how do people generally react to it?" she asked.
"There are mixed reviews, I found that displaying Federation vessel in a Klingon office got worst reactions so I. Went with what I know." Ka'Tock chuckled. "Can I offer you refreshment, I have some tea brewing?"
Amber smiled. "No thank you. How are you settling in?"
"I think once Mitah has his room straight it will calm a bit, he is painstakingly following a map he made of how he had his room set up; it is unfortunate that he noted location but did not tae measurements as I had suggested; thus the rest of the quarters are behind a good schedule." He chuckled. "Thank you for asking." He glanced to the woman. "It warms my heart to know you are following that personal touch in greeting the new guy on the ship Commander Quinn."
"At least with the senior officers," Amber amended. "I don't think I'll have time to meet everyone. Is there anything I can do to help you?"
"I believe that is usually my line Commander." Ka'Tock replied with a slightl grin. "I think I would like some conversation if you are offering, being the new man on board I do not know many people if you have the time Commander?"
"Of course," Amber said. "What do you like to do when you're not on duty? What are your hobbies?"
"Please have a seat." Ka'Tock offered " As for hobbies I have been known to play a flute and dabble in some writing." Ka'Tock said wit a passive expression. What aout yourself, what keeps you occupied outside your duty hours."
She sat down and smiled. She would have to limit herself to what she did now, not what she used to do before her sabbatical, when she would spend evenings with Daniel. "I love history and archaeology. I like to keep up with what's going on in those areas. That takes time. And I like to read."
I have recently come to enjoy reading as well; though my tastes are more like Philosophy and I find the Code of Samurai; Like Klingons the Code is one of Service to a Master as we have one to our House. IT is an easy parallel for me to adapt into my own methods of conduct." He smiled. "Some sway I read too much for one of my stature, it is that human 'All muscle and little brain or something? It eludes to a large warrior not needing to expand the brain strength." He chuckled. "Do you prefer a PADD or the feel of paper under your fingers?"
"Yes, there are some parallels with many ancient cultures," Amber said. "As for what I prefer, it depends on where I am and what I'm doing. If I'm doing fieldwork, I use notebooks and pencils. If I'm on a starship, I will often use a PADD."
"I have tried to read translations from other cultures but I find there is a certain impact lost in the change from the native tongue." Ka'Tock observed. "How do you find the diffrent cultural and language factors in your readings?"
"Much the same," Amber admitted. "I prefer to learn enough to read it in its original language. I am familiar with several ancient languages. As a historian and anthropologist, it helps in my work as well."
"Have you anything ..." Ka'Tock had to think of the words. "Profound; like the writings of Nietzsche of Earth or Kahless of Klingon and even Surak of Vulcan all have wisdom?" He said with a smile. "I find all cultures have wisdom they wish to pass along and in many cases there are universally accepted messages that are in each language. Sch as many cultures speak of a being oe entity that is greater than themselves. The Prophets of Bajor is one example." He shook his head. "I apologize; I do get rather over zealous about the betterment of one's self; in this case yours truly, and actively pursue that end as I had once pursued the path of building an Honorable name for myself. Of course that was prior to my death so I have sought change in this life."
"Of course. Many religions have wisdom," Veronica said. "They have their gods, their scriptures, and their belief systems. Those who truly believe and follow the teachings learn wisdom. You can see it on multiple worlds. Most have their philosophers as well. Although I would say Aristotle and Confucius over Nietzsche."
"I tend to agree with you on Nietzsche." Ka'Tock chuckled. "I find I am glad you are well versed; having a lot to call upon does help with keeping a more level head." Ka'Tock explained. "I will begin my observations of teh crew shortly and soon have the weekly crew notes to you Commander." He smiled. "I have learned that the Federation moves not with action but upon recept of paperwork."
"Unfortunately," Amber said. "I was spoiled when I was just the head of science. First Officer is half paperwork and half diplomacy."
"And all responsibility for imparting the crew status to the Captain and listening to the ..." He had to think for a second. 'excuses and other parallel reports from the crew. I would not say complaining, but it is showing their displeasure at the results of their jobs. "
"Part of my duties are to take care of crew problems so the Captain can deal with Starfleet and with the ship as a whole," she said.
"As counselor I might be of service to you in that taking care of the crew." Ka'Tock offered.
"I may take you up on that," Amber said. "If any of the crew would be better off with you, I'll let you know."
"I do maintain an open door policy just in case." Ka'Tock added. "I am here to support you an the Captain in that regard."
"I appreciate it. Is there anything I can do to help you?" she asked.
"Procure a manual to raise a 9 year old?" Ka'Tock joked. "I am settling in nicely just have to get my son into a routine then things should calm around me a bit."
"I have no experience with kids, sorry," Amber said. "I'm afraid you're on your own there. But I hear routine is very important, so you're on the right track."
Amber stood. "If there's nothing else, I'll let you get back to what you were doing."
"Thank you for stopping by." Ka'Tock said with a grin. "I do also chat 'off hours' if you ever see me around please feel free to strike up a conversation, as you see I do not bite. Despite Most Klingon reputations."
Amber grinned. "I will. Thank you." It would be nice to have a friend on the ship. She just might need one if she continued to have trouble dealing with her feelings for Daniel.
OFF
Lt. Ka'Tock
Chief Counselor.
Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn
Executive Officer