Time To Relax

Posted on Wed Apr 6th, 2022 @ 3:16pm by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels
Edited on on Wed Apr 6th, 2022 @ 5:57pm

Mission: Free write
Location: Ship's Gym
Timeline: current

==Ship's Gym==

Tony sank to the floor of the gym. She was totally exhausted... to exhausted even to move to a bench. After a twelve hour shift and a workout there was just no energy left in her. She was trying so hard to prove she could be a good XO. The bad start she had made with Xavier had left her very uncertain.

Diane walked in wearing a white gi and went over to the mat where she began a series of stretches in preparation for her own routine.

Diane had not seen Tony and she did not want to interrupt the other woman's workout. Besides she still felt a little intimidated by the other woman. What if Diane found out she was completely winging it and had not experience whatsoever in the job. Trying not to groan she hoisted herself to her feet and tried to tiptoe out of the room.

Diane did, in fact, notice Tony. Part of her training had been about noticing things without looking like it. She also couldn't help notice Tony was somehow uncomfortable, and not just physically. "Everything all right Tony?" she asked in a friendly tone while sitting up with her legs stretched apart and leaning over as far as she could.

"Oh fine fine." Tony lied easily. "Just a little tired getting to know the ropes."

Diane stood up, "You're allowed some down time now and then you know. Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of the captain, crew, and ship." She continued to stretch by bending over and touching her forehead to her knees.

"That is usually my line." Tony snorted and eased up a little. "It is hard you know, trying to look in front of the crew like you know it all, please your captain and at the same time not take any bull from him. It is exhausting."

Diane stood up straight and looked towards Tony, "Don't let it be exhausting. You don't have to know it all, you have people for that. It sounds like you need to get used to delegating. That's why the ship has a crew. You can't do it all yourself and no one expects you to... or should expect you to." Diane let herself down into another yoga position.

Tony knew Diane was not the person she should offload on but it was like the floodgates had opened. "I knew the captain years ago and somehow he has this image of me that I am perfect. While I am still learning the job. So it feels like I can't let him down, you know?"

"Why do you even think you will let him down?" Diane asked while changing positions again. "I mean, none of us are perfect. He knows that. I'm sure he also knows you won't let him down."

"I eh.." She could not talk about therapy. "I helped him with something early in our career and I am afraid that might have given him the idea that I can do anything. And I am afraid to prove him wrong. I had a really bad experience during my first as XO. That captain did not train me at all. So I may actually know less than you all think." she blushed.

Diane stood and looked at Tony. She folded her hands behind her back and bent over as far as she could. "I hate to sound all counselor-like but it sounds like you and Captain Carey should have a discussion. If it's training you need, I'm sure he'd be willing to help."

"I should, shouldn't I." Tony yawned. "Who would have thought I would turn out to be such a wimp."

Diane finished her stretching and started her Tai Chi routine. "I would have never thought that. Captain Carey will help. He helped me with something. I'm certain he'll do what he can to aid anyone on the ship that needs it."

Tony nodded. "Don't get me wrong, I agree that he is a nice guy." She could not tell Diana the whole truth of the complicated counselling relationship they now had. "I will ask him. And can I ask you for advice as well if I need it?"

Diane was moving through her Tai Chi positions. She paused and replied, "Of course you can ask... I'll help if I can."

"Thank you Diane." I appreciate it.