Kara vs Candy

Posted on Sat Jun 14th, 2025 @ 1:48pm by Candy Templeton & Lieutenant JG Kara Quinn-Chaim

1,182 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Mission 5 - The Cold War Ends
Location: Counsellor’s Office
Timeline: MD02 -1200

As promised to M’Mira, Kara had invited Candy Templeton to her office in an effort to try to get to know her as well as to try and sort out whatever worries Colonel Patton had about her.

Few things got Candy curious. However, being invited to the Chief Counselor's office after 8 years was certainly noteworthy. What's the story here? Why the sudden interest? I smell something. I have to investigate it. She brushed her long blonde hair, put on a red shirt, and made certain that her nails and lips were painted ruby red, before walking confidently out of her office, and off to the counselor's office.

She did not bother to make an appointment. Those were for people like Connor, who played by the rules. Candy knew that she only had one rule: find the truth. It could be done by any means necessary, as long as the truth came out because only the truth set you free.

Upon arrival, she rang the chime to Kara's office. It was only polite to give a little notice. After all, she was invited....

Kara figured Candy would be intrigued by her call, so she wasn’t surprised to see her outside the door as she answered it. “Hello Candy, please come in.” She stepped aside allowing Candy to enter. “Feel free to make yourself at home.”

Candy found a seat, sat properly, and crossed her legs. "I think this is the first time that you have ever wanted to talk to me Kara. May I ask why, after 8 years, I have fallen onto your radar now?"

“Since you prefer honesty,” Kara took a seat opposite Candy making herself comfortable. “Captain M’Mira requested that I speak to you, she has concerns regarding your…. working relationship with the new marine contingent.” She purposely didn’t mention Colonel Patton.

The reporter smirked at Kara. She then forced down a chuckle with an audible sound. However, she could not hold it in any longer, as she bellowed out a great deal of laughter.

"Oh my! Oh my!" she cried out, wiping near her eyes, in case there were any tears there. "Have I upset the wittle mawines with my little report?" It was obvious that she purposely used baby talk to describe her condescending attitude towards them. "Such a shame they only think with one head at a time."

Kara shook her head. “I haven’t heard anything about a report, and I suggest you remember that you’re based on a station that now has a Marine First Officer.”

"You didn't hear my report about the marines coming on board?" Candy shook her head sorrowfully. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. As a counselor, you really should be better informed."

“As a Counsellor, I don’t pay attention to what the media has to say about people. I prefer to get to know them for myself. It might prove useful if you spent time getting to know people properly instead of digging up what you want to find out about them.”

"Look, Counselor," Candy started as her voice became more stern. "I know more about people and beings than anyone should have a right to know. Everyone has secrets. Everyone has motivations. Everyone has desires. Beings are not that complicated. They just like to think they are. They like to think they're smart or secretive or mysterious. The universe is a better place when all the cards are on the table. If someone has a beef, then come out with the truth. It will set them free."

“Have you stopped to think that some truths are meant to be hidden?” Kara looked at Candy curiously. “There maybe reasons why some secrets are just that, what if you were to stumble across something one of these days that could get people killed? Get you killed? Have you ever taken that into consideration?”

"What if it was released and everyone knew so that nobody died or they knew what they were getting into?" Candy countered. "Who is to decide what should be hidden and what should not? I find that line of logic to be disturbing...assuming that someone else knows best."

Kara nodded. "I can see your point there, but every circumstance is different, and each situation should be assessed before taking any action."

"By whom? And how?" Candy asked with a sharp counter. "Do you consider every single possibility before you walk out your door in the morning? Or when you choose breakfast?"

Kara shook her head. "No, I don't but in your line of work you should. Tell me Candy, have you gotten anybody harmed? Killed?" she gave Candy a curious look.

"That depends on how you attribute blame," Candy answered. "And what you call harmed, and whether you believe it was deserved. Perspective is a curious thing, Counselor. How many kings, countries, or planets have been overturned? Who was just? Does the countless lives lost mean that one side or the other was more right? Was the person who convinced others to join their side responsible for the harms or the person that used the sword? Life is not simple, Counselor. Don't try to make it so."

“I didn’t say life was simple Candy.” Kara offered a smile. “If it was, there’d be no need for Counsellors, or any type of therapist. Life is complicated, sometimes you just have to go with the flow.”

"That is something that I do exceedingly well," Candy replied with a knowing smile.

"Likewise," Kara offered a wry smile. "Might I suggest that you try to keep out of trouble at least for now."

"Keep out of trouble?" Candy asked curiously. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

“Those reporter instincts of yours will be your downfall one of these days Candy,” Kara offered. “That’s not something I ever want to see.”

Candy did her best not to roll her eyes. "And why is that? Why should you even care? It is not like we have talked in 8 years. Nobody would miss me and as long as the truth came out, all would be well."

“We may not have spoken much, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care.” Kara offered a smile. “Besides you could have sought me out in those 8 years.”

"For what?" Candy asked, in an almost daring tone.

“Never heard of just getting together in friendship?” Kara gave Candy a curious look.

"Counselor, I don't mind having or making friends. However, those are two way streets. You have not looked for me, nor I you. That says quite a bit about both of us, don't you think?"

Kara nodded. “Perhaps it does, but that doesn’t mean we can’t correct that oversight in the future.”

"We shall see," Candy answered skeptically. "Now, I might suggest that you talk to said marine XO and discuss his issues. Mine are self-evident."

Kara nodded. “I may just do that. Thank you for coming Candy, I appreciate it.”

Candy gave Kara a simple nod and departed, wondering if either of them achieved anything.

 

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