"A Delicate Situation (working title)"

Posted on Sat May 25th, 2019 @ 10:16pm by Commander M'Mira

1,007 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Captain’s Lounge, Command Deck, Faltan Station

It was true Noelle was still getting to know the station and its people, but it was also true that things were happening at lightning speed, and she couldn't afford to wait until she felt comfortable and had a full grasp of everything before she got to work. She knew every posting how its quirks and unique challenges, but having served on the station before, she also understood sometimes the best way to assess the health of a crew and to get the most unvarnished view of things was to listen to its rumor mill. Unfortunately, and particularly true in this case, figuring out how to use the information, or not, meant applying a delicate touch and risking uncomfortable conversations.

Uncomfortable conversations weren't unfamiliar to a counselor and weren't unfamiliar to Noelle Bennett, but having such a conversation while still getting to know the people involved was going to be particularly tricky. She sighed, knowing her reluctance would not serve anyone well. Bennett sent a message requesting a meeting, hoping the recipient would take it in the spirit she was offering.

M'Mira was holding down the fort while Mint was meeting with the Faltans with Candy. She always dreamed of running a station but she felt inadequate to the task, especially since she had not had a cat nap since before she got on the station. Perhaps under normal circumstances, she would not have answered the counselor's message with a response that she could have a meeting but she also felt that turning her down would have been a mistake. Consequently, she found herself waiting in the Captain's lounge for the counselor.

Noelle smoothed her uniform and took a deep breath before entering the lounge. Spotting Lt. Commander M'Mira, she approached with a polite smile. "Hello, Commander. Thank you for taking the time to meet me. I imagine you're quite busy."

"Verrry much so," M'Mira growled more annoyed than she intended to show. "With the Captain leaving, I will likely becoming the new Executive Officerrr and I have a grrreat deal of worrrk and learrrning to do."

Bennett nodded. "I hope you know you can count on me for discretion and support in your new position. I regret, however, that I offer more than that for this initial visit. I have heard some things…rumors at the moment...concerning Commander Prescott. I realize I am new here and I don't really know the crew to be able to discern the truth of anything I hear, but in my experience, the rumor mill many times can offer a grain of truth concerning matters related to the crew they wouldn't otherwise feel comfortable sharing with me. I was hoping to talk to you about what I've heard and get your guidance on how to proceed since you know the parties better than I do."

M'Mira blinked several times. This was all Candy's fault. And to think that she liked the woman, at first. She composed herself and inquired, "What arrre yourrr concerrrns?"

"Well, I was hoping you would give me some advice on how to approach the Commander. I gather by your question you might be aware of the rumors I'm speaking of, and given their personal and sensitive nature, I want to take care not to presume anything or make her feel uncomfortable. Obviously, I don't know her the way you and the rest of the crew do, and I don't know how my concern and offer of support might be perceived. At the same time, I don't think these rumors are something I can ignore...not because I wish to pass judgment, but because I didn't become a counselor to leave someone facing difficult times to do so alone."

If M'Mira answered that Mint was not alone, then M'Mira knew she would be confirming the rumor. If she replied that everything was fine, then the counselor would know it was a lie. It was a conundrum for which she had no answer. "I think that it would be best to addrrress herrr perrrrsonally when she gets back. Though, I would not take too much of herrr time. Therrre is a lot to be done with the Captain leaving."

Noelle nodded. "I always intended to speak to Conmander Prescott personally, and I assure you, I'm not asking you to disclose any confidences. I have only her service record to go on when it comes to assessing her personality and perspective, so I appreciate any advice on the best way to approach her that I can get. I never wish to pry unnecessarily, but I recognize as a healer of the mind and body, I can't be afraid to offer assistance no matter how delicate the situation." She paused, then offered, "I realize all I have done so far is focus on Commander Prescott, but if I may, how are you doing, ma'am?"

"I am tirrred," M'Mira admitted. "I have a grrreat deal to do and verrry little time to do it in. Therrre are mysteries to solve and we arrre shorrrt staffed now. So, I must do what I can until things calm down."

It was a sentiment she had heard around the station. "I can imagine what that feels like. What, if anything have you been able to do to take care of yourself during this hectic time? In my experience, Starfleet officers must learn to cope with stress quickly or they will burn out."

"Nothing," M'Mira admitted. "I am well behind on my cat naps. Unforrrtunately, they will have to wait until
the command structurrre is clearrr and we rrrun out of emergencies."

"I can appreciate your drive and dedication, but I should point out taking care of yourself will actually help ensure you can function your best, especially now. If what I'm hearing about the commander is true, she's going to need to lean on you."

"She will need to lean on me, perrriod. And I on herrrr," M'Mira replied cryptically. "It is the naturrre of the rrrelationship between a Commanding Officerrr and Executive Officerrr."

 

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