Its been a while

Posted on Thu Mar 3rd, 2022 @ 4:29pm by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Free write
Location: Ready doom

Xavier had sat at his desk, Admiral Ross had sent him a new first officer, with the request of Commander Sandoval only being temporary reassigned, it was decided that given her dedication to the people her position as a federation liaison between them the klingons and the mentarins on planet. His request as promotion to first officer of Diane Doctrine was also refused, due to insufficient command experience. This he disagreed with but was met with declines. Eventually, he noticed a familiar name on the personel file that was sent.

Her shuttle had landed minutes ago, and commander Doctrine had agreed to meet her at the shuttle bay and escort her up.

After hitting the chime and bein allowed to enter, Tony came in and came to attention before the captain's desk. "Commander Antonia Stoffels reporting for duty, sir."

"Long time no see. Dr. I mean Commander." Xavier.recalled her now. She being the therapist he was assigned to. After his time in the pow camp."

She smiled. "You are looking well, captain. I am glad." This could get awkward. Carey had been a hard case and their roles would be so different now. Why in the hell had the admiral placed her in this position.

Noticing her reaction. "I take it you didn't realize who was.the CO."

"No, no I didn't. Is this a problem for you? Of course nobody will find out from me. Doctor-patient privilege. Although your present counsellor may find out." She know she was babbling but it was awkward.

"She's one of my romantic partners. Along with my wife. A different type of relationship the three of us are.in."

"Oh. Uhm, you know that that is not really allowed do you?" Great way to start your first day with your commanding officer, Tony. He is surely going to hate your guts now. "Therapists are not allowed to treat family."

"I've already removed myself as a patient, her assistant will be the one I deal with from now on."

"Oh, good." Tony said. "And I am sorry, I know I am off to a bad start. But I am actually nervous now. I had no idea you were the captain. When we last met our roles were so different." Treating PTSD and trauma were amongst the hardest jobs she had ever done and usually she did not come into contact with those patitents after treatment had ended.

"The only bad start is none at all Commander." He slid a box over to her. "You are not in full uniform."

"I am not in uniform at all." Tony said missing the point completely. "I had thought to have a wander around the ship incognito when your second officer met me at the hatch."

"Well something to add to your uniform then."

She took the box. "You mean..." Gingerly she opened it. "Full commander, so soon... I don't know what to say."

"Being a ship of this size full Commander is what HQ requires . I've read your files, you are deserving of it."

"Sir... thank you. I will not let you down." Tony beamed. Must not forget to call him sir ever, went through her brain. When she worked as a counsellor it was always on first name basis. "And I would like to get to know you better. Well I already know you fairly well, but you know outside of command and counselling. We have to be a team. Know each other to work together well."

"Dinner my place tomorrow night. Drop the sir."

She lifted an eyebrow. "What else should I call you, captain?"

"I'm not one for formality. Xavier is just fine."

"Off duty of course. And you must call me Tony." She remembered that he had more often called her doctor than used his first name. And therapy had been tough. "Xavier, tell me honestly, did I help you in the end?"

Xavier paused for a moment, truth be told it was a moment he wanted to forget. "I am here. Sitting in front of you, is proof enough that you helped me."

She nodded. "We will not talk about it anymore if that is what you wish. I have another role now."

"It never hurts to look back on those moments."

"Only if you want to." Tony said. "I am always available if you need me."

"How about you take your first shift two days, gives you time to acquaint yourself with the ship."

"Sounds good. And I am going to need some coaching, captain. I am new to the role."

"So am I Commander. So am I"