Talking to the admiral

Posted on Wed Mar 23rd, 2022 @ 11:32am by Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Free write
Location: Counsellor’s office

{ON}

Sky was just about wrapped up for the day, she was just locking away patient files when the comms flashed up that she had an incoming call. Settling at her desk she accepted the call.

"Good afternoon, lieutenant Jansen." A redheaded woman appeared on the screen. she appeared to be in her late fifties with streaks of grey through her hair. "I am Admiral Parri and I wonder if I could have a word with you about the situation between Captain Carey and Commander Stoffels. I am not sure how aware you are of what is going on but it greatly concerns me."

Sky sighed, she hated being put in the middle between Xavier and Tony, especially given her relationship with Xavier. “Of course Admiral, first off I think it best to be honest with you in regards my relationship with Captain Carey. I am Xavier’s fiancée, as such I am no longer his therapist.”

"I was already informed of that." Denise smiled. "By both captain Carey and Tony. And both gave an a completely different view of what happened. Despite you being his girlfriend I was hoping that you could give me some middle ground."

Sky nodded. “I can try Admiral” she offered a warm smile. “It seems they’re both as stubborn as one another.”

She snorted. "Oh that whole family is stubborn as mules. She gets it from both sides. I have been friends with her parents since before she was born. So I am not ruling out that she is wrong. Or partly wrong. I just need to hear your views on the matter."

“Very well” Sky paused. “From what I understand Tony has concerns that Xavier hasn’t been seeing a therapist. Due to the fact that I’m involved with Xavier, as per regulations I dropped back from being his Counsellor. Since Tony arrived she’s been pressing for Xavier to become her patient again. The main problem being that as Executive Officer of the ship, Xavier is looking for a working relationship, a friendship between them which Tony is unwilling to provide until his therapy is completed.”

"Hmm." The admiral thought. "And what do you think of all that? Does he need a therapist? I really need your professional opinion, lieutenant."

“To be honest Admiral, I haven’t seen any behaviour in Xavier that is of concern. If I did I’d be the first to direct him to a Counsellor, I think that he feels pressured into talking to Tony. In my professional opinion you get nowhere if a patient feels forced into talking. Tony is worried that he may buckle under pressure, I’m worried about undermining his confidence that could be far more damaging.”

"Tony told me that he had willingly agreed to these sessions without her pressuring him. Now you don't know her, but pushing patients is normally really not her style.'

Sky nodded. “I’m sorry Admiral, I wasn’t suggesting Tony was forcing Xavier into anything. To be honest I feel like I’m sandwiched between them in this. Though as Chief Counsellor I have to try and be detached.”

"I totally understand. I don't envy you this position, lieutenant. I am looking to you though to help sort this out. I can only do so much from a distance. If these two can't find a way to move past this...." She did not finish the sentence. But it would not look good for either of their careers.

Sky nodded. “I understand Admiral, I plan to talk to both of them to try and clear this up once and for all.”

"Can I leave it in your hands for now and will you update me? I would rather not interfere myself if I don't have to." Denise said.

Sky nodded. “Of course Admiral. I wouldn’t normally interfere but it sounds like I’m going to have to sit down with them both and talk it through.”

"I am very grateful you are willing to do this. I really understand this can't be easy for you." Denise said. "I am here for you afterwards if you would like."

Sky nodded. “Thank you Admiral, I would like to get this situation resolved as soon as possible. It’s not doing any of us any good.”

"No. And I know you are leaving on a mission soon. You need your command staff focussed and in good mental health."

Sky nodded. “Agreed, I’ll get them sorted Admiral that’s a promise.”

{OFF}