Settling In and Feeling Out

Posted on Wed Jul 17th, 2024 @ 12:35am by Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant JG Diana Morrison-Johnson
Edited on on Fri Aug 30th, 2024 @ 6:01pm

Mission: Those who are left behind
Location: Counselling office
Timeline: Colonies and their Clusters

Tony finally had some time to go through the roster of new officers and meet with all of them. It was something she usually did faster but the last weeks had been hectic both workwise and personal. She tried to keep in touch with the family on earth as much as possible to keep updated on their condition.

But now she hit the chime of Lt. Morrison's office to have a welcome chat with the new counsellor.

Diana had been in her office going through records and setting up appointments when the chime sounded. "Come on in."

Tony came in and walked up to the desk. "Lt Morrison, we haven't formally met yet and I like to have a chat with all new officers. Part of the first officer's duty." She smiled. "It is convenient now?"

With the Commander entering the officer, Diana immediately stood up. "Yes of course."

Tony waved her down again and took a seat at the other end of the desk. "So how are you settling in?"

"Just getting used to the new faces on board. But adjusting well and getting back into the swing of things."

"Yeah we have had quit a few changes in staff lately." She paused for a second, not sure how to approach the delicate bit. "And how are you finding the counselling department?"

"The Department was being run very smoothly," Morrison spoke. "Makes getting back into the swing of things, not so difficulty."

"Good, good." Toni did not say that she helped out a lot to make sure Sky took enough rest. "Most of it will be down to you now. Sky should take enough rest and that is not going to be easy. She is a workaholic."

"I know that to be true," the Counselor chuckled.

"Kay can help... she did not take your appointment well though." She warned the other woman. "And if you are really short staffed, I can help out."

"There are no staffing issues. But I did plan on seeing the Lieutenant." The tone of her voice was a bit worrisome in the last statement.

"I think that is a good idea. Kay took the decision pretty hard.

"Now how is everything going in your own life?"

"Oh fine." It was her stock reply to this question to people she did not know very well.

"Well if you ever feel the need to speak with someone, my door is always open."

"I will remember that." Toni was surprised but glad that the other woman did not push. Both Sky and Kay were too close to her and she could surely need some help but Toni was not ready to talk to a total stranger either.

"So does Starfleet intend on keeping families on board the Resolution?" Morrison inquired.

"Hell if I know." Toni could not hide her frustration. "Sorry, I think wives and kids is ok for now."

Picking up on the obvious frustration, Diana decided to ask the difficult question. "Sounds as if you have some things on your mind that needs to be said out loud."

"No thank you. I am good." Toni said a little too fast.

Diana held up hands indicating that she was surrendering. "Alright, I won't push."

The XO exhaled slowly. "Sorry, it's not you. I just don't want to look too closely at myself right now. I have to keep going, when things settle down I will take some time to look after my mental health. For now as a psychiatrist myself I am sure I can look after myself."

"Don't worry, I understand completely."

Toni did not believe her. She would not if someone fed her that bullshit but she would take it for now. "Anything I can do for you right now?"

"No ma'am," Diana replied. "Just getting settled back into things."

"Good." It was a clear dismissal and now that Xavier was taking leave she was very busy.

"My last would be what do you need from this department upon are arrival?"

"To be ready to help with distraught people and to spot cases of PTSD. That is going to be important, and among the crew as well. I need to know when it is starting to be too much."

Morrison nodded. "I can have my people on standby as medical is bringing them onboard. Get to speaking with them as medical gets them stabilized."

"Very good. Coordinate with Dr Rutherford." She suggested.

"I'll make it happen."