aftermath counselling

Posted on Mon Feb 3rd, 2025 @ 1:21am by Field Marshal Moxley Sorrel (Stoffels) & Lieutenant JG Diana Morrison-Johnson

Mission: Those who are left behind

Moxley was taking a stroll on the observation deck. Walking was getting easier and easier and he enjoyed going on longer strolls. He liked to chat with and get to know the crew better and most were very polite to him. The only one he stayed far away from was that woman counsellor. For some reason the woman made him feel very uneasy.

Diana had been out for a walk trying to relax from all the stress of the day. Walking onto the observation deck, she spotted Moxley. Sighing she thought about turning around, but decided to go against that first thought. "Marshall Moxley."

"Lieutenant." He managed something at least resembling a smile on his face. "Fancy running into you here." She did not come here often as this was one of his favorite spots and he had not seen her here before.

"You come here often?" she inquired.

This caused his smile to become real. "I do. It is usually nice and quiet."

"Its been a while since I've visited this area."

He swallowed a nasty remark just in time. "You should come more often, it is really peaceful and good for reflection."

"So how do you feel about what happened on the bridge?"

Moxley knew this had to be coming so he was not caught off guard. "I would say the command structure on this ship could be streamlined better. I offered to step in as I thought the doctor could be used better in sickbay given the nature of the mission. That is one of the reason why I am not a fan of medical and counselling personnel in command positions. Certainly not if they have a dual role."

Diana took in his comment and nodded her head. "I could see your point there. So in your opinion. How would you have the command structure and why?"

"First, a captain stays on the bridge to coordinate." Moxley said. "Second I think a second officer has to be very clear where their duties lay. If that is on the bridge then someone capable should be in their department. But with the nature of this mission I would want to have my chief medical officer in sickbay. I also noticed that some of the department heads do not have much experience with command. I would drill them until they know how to work as a team in an emergency."

"Most have no experience in command, but our Chief Medical Officer is learning," she explained. "But again a good point with the Chief Medical Officer having to balance command and his own duties in an emergency situation."

"You are very kind to me today." Moxley said surprised. "I had expected something different."

"I have no problem giving you credit if you make a valid point."

He nodded. "So you think I am sane, and we do not need to do further counselling?"

"I wouldn't completely stop the counseling," she answered. "But you are indeed sane. You just need a little help integrating back into command."

"I am glad you agree that I am sane." He even smiled at her. "But I am interested to know how you can help me integrate back."

"This version of Starfleet is different than what you retired from. Your methods are effective, but not quite considered a appropriate."

"I haven't been gone that long." Moxley grumbled.

"Don't worry," she assured him.

He raised an eyebrow. "You are telling me not to worry? I thought you think me the devil himself."

Diana smiled. "I've met actual devil's. And you're not one of them. Your just stubborn."

"It is a good thing I can still be surprised at my age, as I am surprised now. I really thought you did not like me one bit."

"I don't like you stubbornness. We all have the ability to learn something new."

"I never said I could not learn new things. I have kept my brain very active after my retirement. And my whole family is stubborn, that most certainly includes the women."

"I wonder who they inherited that stubborn trait from?"

It made Moxley actually laugh out loud. "Who would have thought you actually have a sense of humour, counsellor." And he found himself finally relaxing around her, something he had not thought possible just an hour before.

"It comes out on occasion," she admitted. "When you're ready for another session, go ahead and make an appointment. I need to get back to work. A lot of these young folks aren't handling this last battle too well."

"I will." He said. "And if there is anything I can do to help. Have a chat with some of them? It is something that was part of my job for a long time."

"That actually would be a great idea."

He blinked. She had actually surprised him yet again. "Just lead me towards those in need and I will get to work."

"I can put a list together of people I feel could use your guidance at this time. Give me about a day and I get that to you."

"Thank you." Moxley said. "I appreciate this very much."