never mind

Posted on Mon Sep 9th, 2024 @ 11:48pm by Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant JG Diana Morrison-Johnson

Mission: Those who are left behind

Busy as hell Toni just popped into the counselling office to have a quick word with Diana.

"Lieutenant, never mind about my grandfather, I understand that everyone is way too busy for that. He keeps nagging at me about it anyway. he is a tough old guy, I am sure he will be ok."

"What exactly is he nagging you about?" Diana inquired.

"The usual. His mental health is just fine. Women nagging him, and that you have better things to do right now. I am used to him nagging."

The Lieutenant couldn't help but to laugh. "Sounds like something he would say. Yes, we are busy. But that doesn't stop the crew from receiving counseling services. His next session is scheduled, and it won't take away from anything."

"Are you sure you really want to do it? I feel sorry I asked you already." Toni said and rubbed her eyes. "He makes me feel like a misbehaving five year old at times."

"He wants to return back to active duty. So, he has to return in order to eventually achieve that goal."

"If you really feel you are up for it." Toni said. "How are things so far. Can you manage? If you need Kay or me to help out, just let us know."

"I guess I have few questions for regarding his behavior and you handle it?" Diana asked.

"Alright, I can spare a few minutes." Toni said and sat down opposite Diana.

"How does the females in the family react to his chauvinistic behavior?"

She had to smile. "When you figure that out my mum will pay you big bucks. She has fought with my dad since she was able to talk and they have had enormous rows. They still do. I try to ignore him as much as I can. A lot of smiling and nodding and trying not to lie to him." She sighed. "I don't say this often but you know, beneath it all actually is a pretty decent human being. He only tries so hard to hide it."

"Why put yourselves through that?" she asked next.

"Sorry?" Toni asked not really understanding the question.

"Tolerating his attitude towards the women in your family."

"We don't. My mum went into the marines anyway and was a combat marine for a while. I went into starfleet navy despite what he wanted. Oh and it isn't just the women." Toni shook her head. "My uncle Pete wanted to be a civilian doctor, grandad wanted him to be a combat marine. Marine doctor was the compromise after years of fighting between the two. But sometimes it is just easier to give in."

Diana simply smiled. "So his opinion still hasn't changed after years of you all proving him wrong."

"Oh no, it has. He has mellowed considerably over the years."

"Do you feel that returning to the Marine Corps is a good idea?"

Toni pauzed for a few seconds. "Yes and no. "He was a damned fine commanding officer. Female officers had to work harder to earn his respect that is true. But when he retired he lobbied very hard to have a woman replace him as marshal of marines because she was the best suited for the job." She laughed. "Don't ask, I sometimes don't understand my grandfather either. If you are not family once you have his respect he will fight for you even if you are a woman. And yes with war coming I think he has a lot of to offer still. He knows how to run things well. As his granddaughter... I want him safe."

"His record speak for itself," the counselor admitted. "But I don't want to approve him to return to service, if he won't treat his people equally."

"He is not a racist at all for example. He treats all the races the same. I have seen many senior officers with worse vises than my grandfather." Toni laughed. "I can't believe I am defending him, as he usually drives me crazy. Believe me, he is good at his job. grill him for a bit but please don't let that be the reason to not return him to duty."

"I'll do another couple of sessions with him and see where his head is at. He'll get a fair shake from me."

"Thank you." Toni said relieved. "Let me know if you need any more advice." She came back to her feet. "I had better get on with it."

"No, thank you for answering my questions openly and clearing some things up." Diana replied.

Toni nodded. She was warming up to the woman. Then left to go back to the daily grind.