Ive been there

Posted on Mon Feb 14th, 2022 @ 1:52am by Captain Xavier Carey & Lieutenant JG Diana Morrison-Johnson

Mission: Free write
Location: Counsellors office

Xavier walked up to the counselling offices, there was someone he needed to talk to not about himself, But of lt commander Johnson. He knew exactly how he felt. If there was one person to talk to about it, it would be the closest one to him. Walking up to the assistant chief counsellors office he rang the chime and waited.

Diana had just finished when the chime went off. Looking over her schedule, she hadn't been expecting anyone. "Come on in."

Xavier walked in at being summoned, "Lt, was wondering if you have a moment, its about Commander Johnson."

The Counselor was clearly shocked by the statement. "Is this some counseling advice you are seeking or just wanting my opinion?"

"A concern, you know him more than I, clearly." He stated as he sat down. "If I was leading a team that included the Captain, and the Captain was injured, I know how I would feel."

"Probably not so good," Morrison replied. "Tony is feeling guilty about what took place down on the surface."

"I know... do you think keeping him on duty is right. Does he have a clear head?"

Diana took a moment to think before answering. "His head is definitely clear. Doing his job will not be an issue. The problem is him wondering what his future on this ship looks like long-term."

"Ah... he feels like the second officer position should have been his? I have been there as well. In fact recently." He replied as he sat back. "I did make the decision to make the new chief Intelligence officer second officer. Was not based on what happened down on the surface. Turns out, he was an opportunity. A target that could have been any of the team. The higher point, if you go point value. Captain or Lt, higher rank, higher point." He sat back. "Hes got a bright future here." Xavier replied truthfully.

"You have to understand that it doesn't look that way. Naturally he was the next in line for the position. Might be a great idea to find a way to explain the reasoning behind your decision."

"Trust me I know what it looks like. To be denied a promotion because people fail to realize you are good enough, that you belong there. Its what happened to me here, i was denied a command because those at HQ felt I was not ready. I got it because the worst thing happened." Xavier replied, "Something I am not comfortable with. I looked at my options at the time, and had to decide in mere minutes who would be better for the position at that current time. I admit some questions remain. But in the end I made a decision. Its nothing Johnson did or didn't do."

Diana simply smiled. "Explain that to Tony and you'll be fine. But on another note. How are you handling the promotion?"

"Honestly... its not how I wanted it. Even though i was getting my own command anyway next year, this was given to me with kind of like... fine here, whatever kind of attitude."

"Starfleet could have easily brought in a new Commanding Officer," Morrison mentioned. "Just like they brought in a new Executive and Intel Officer. Too me, it seems as if Starfleet Command finally got it right. Plus for all we know they may have just been waiting for an available ship to give you."

"Admiral Leyton gave in... with the Conference bombing and the death of 27 romulan dignitaries, and one tholian observer, he seemed to have bigger fish to catch. The most he did was reroute the Potempkin to come pick up the people we lost, and drop off the new. No one was expecting it. Appparently Kane took the position Commander Sandoval was supposed to take."

"Your in the position now regardless. Now show them why they should've given the Captain's chair to you sooner."

"I intend to. I certainly hope that Commander does the same. his record shows he is capable. but I had a decision to make."

"Sometimes people just need assurance that it was nothing wrong on their part," Diana spoke softly.

"I intend to Lt. I wouldnt have him help with heading security for the talks with the Mentarins if i was worried about him. If it was onboard the Res, he would have been leading the security, but Captain Drex, called my bluff... and agreed to his ship."

"Klingons have a way of doing that," she chuckled.

Xavier finally leaned back. "Long term... what do you think about Johnson."

"He'll go far in Starfleet," Morrison admitted. "Has always been dedicated to this profession. Very goal oriented, even to the point of neglecting his own personal life to focus on his career. Seeing your success, while maintaining a family will be good for him to see."

"Something you are hoping I tale it. Considering you being together "

"The first time we dated, it seemed like our careers pulled us in different directions. Fate seems to have brought us back together. Would be nice if the job didn't interfere this time around."

"Well make this time count."

"I plan on doing so," Diana replied with a smile. "Also I would appreciate if you didn't tell Tony we had this conversation."

"What conversation." He said with a smirk.