Denise/Xavier

Posted on Tue Feb 21st, 2023 @ 12:45pm by Captain Xavier Carey & 1st Lieutenant Kayleigh London

Mission: Traitor amongst us?

ooc I don't have a handle for Denise so used Kay

IC

When she had heard the captain was back on board Denise thought it was time for a chat so she had sent him a message to ask him to let her know when he would have a minute for a chat with her.

Xavier walked into the ready room, with Commander Doctrine on the bridge, it gave him time to take a break to eat. The evac of the population was done, now it was time for anything that might be too important to leave for the dominion to take. Once that was complete, which should only be minutes, with the transporters working their magic. The ship would depart with the convoy and escorts.

"Club sandwich, coca cola." He replied as he walked to the replicator. Upon receiving the food he sat down, and took the glass, taking a drink. With a flashing on the screen, indicating a message he opened it up. Replying with a simple 'come to my ready room' reply he turned off the computer, and started eating the sandwich.

It did not take Denise long to arrive. She was in civilian dress, as she was officially not working now. She nodded to the officers on the bridge and then entered the captain's ready room. She gave Xavier a smile and sat down opposite him. "I thought it was about time you and I had a chat."

"I suspected as much... can I offer you a bite to eat."

"If you have enough yes please, I have not had lunch yet." Denise admitted. "So care to share why you were expecting me?"

"Please, anything you want, feel free to order." He gestured to the replicator. "Given what has happened with Tony..."

"What made you make the decisions you did, and how is it affecting you?" She asked.

Xavier paused, as he took a bite, and then a drink. He waited for her to get her food.

Denise dug into her sandwich, she was hungry and gave him time to gather his thoughts.

"Well... first off... when I first knew Tony... she was undoubtedly the most professional person I have met, very sure of herself. Did not stray." He looked briefly to the window. "When she came on, she had some... thoughts... about certain things, but nothing that would indicate a doubting mentality... she seemed very confident, and willing to learn her position. That is not the person who I seen in my ready room hours ago. Who I seen was someone who second guessed everything. Wondering if she was even fit for the first officers position. That is a liability. We are heading for war... second guessing ones ability is something this ship cannot have. Especially in a command position."

"I understand your perspective as a captain. I am not even saying that is wrong. As a human being... I know how much Tony invested in you, and how she never lost her trust in you. It must have come as a huge shock to her and could undermine her mental health." She said honestly.

"She hasn't taken the time to register whats going on with her family. What has happened with her brother and everyone else. She needs time. I did what I thought was necessary, and by no means did i find it easy to do."

"I can understand that." She paused. "I know you are aware that I know about your history with Tony and that she has continued to be your therapist. She has given you leeway when she could have restricted your duties." There was no judgement in her voice.

"I also understand that, however, I need to take into account that her doubts can jeopardize the crew."

"She didn't. Tony was well in her rights to have pulled you off duty." Denise said. "Look I am not saying that you did wrong, technically following the rules you did the right thing. But for Tony it was the absolute worst you could have done. She asked for sick leave and accepting that would have saved face for both of you. Now it is going to be hard moving forward."

"If it is harder moving forward, it is something I regret. But I have delved into this further, following her medical reports, her previous posting on the Resolution. Besides her position as second officer, by all accounts, where she was treated unfairly. There is something else at play here. Under no circumstances has she reacted to anything in this manner. This could be something regarding whats happening to your family. But looking further into it... it seems to be something more, which is why she will be getting assessed with Dr Milton. Something is off."

"What are you thinking off?" Denise asked.

"I don't know. This is unlike her, Commander Doctrine, has indicated the same thing. It may be due to the overwhelming of the situation, but it feels to us there is something more."

"Tony has been under stress her whole life. I also do not believe she would crack this badly now. It is not in her character. Is there anything I can do to help?| She was curious now.

"Honestly. Maybe spend time with her, see if there is anything that seems out of the ordinary. Besides the obvious. Any changes she has been doing. Times where its worst."

"I can spend some time with her but my husband and son need me as well, so does her brother. I am spread a little thin. I will ask per parents to help as well and Ren. There was actually another matter why I am here."

"Alright what else is going on."

"Well as you know I was Tony's supervisor also in her work with you. And I know that you made the deal that your therapy would continue after this mission. Under the circumstances that may feel a bit awkward for both of you so I am offering to take over."

"I appreciate the offer... however... I think it could be the one thing that could mend this.If she sees that I feel comfortable going to her... maybe that can convince her I still trust her."

"Hmmm you do have a point there." Denise admitted. "You could be right about that."

"I sometimes have good points." He replied with a smile.

Denise smiled as well. "I will keep an eye on things. And if you need advice, my door is open."

"I appreciate that. My door is always open as well."