Inside a lizards head.
Posted on Fri May 22nd, 2020 @ 2:54pm by Lieutenant Commander Ariana Monroe-Wayne & Lieutenant Xalanth
1,076 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Episode 106 – Stalemate
Location: Ariana’s Office
Timeline: MD4
Xalanth had never liked councilors. Which given his second was one was a rather odd feeling. Oh, he knew they were trying to help, but all that the councilors at the academy had done was make the nightmares worse and it had left a bad taste in his mouth.
Still being in security he understood the importance of his mental health so here he was waiting for his appointment with the counselor of the starbase he'd be helping to take back.
Ariana smiled as she stepped out of her office, for a moment she paused and looked before looking again. “I’m sorry” She grinned. “I wasn’t aware that we had a new arrival especially one as unique as yourself. I’m Ariana Monroe, Chief Counsellor of Starbase 400.” She picked up the PADD with her appointment schedule on. “You must be ... Lieutenant Xalanth. Please come on into the office, can I get you anything to drink?”
" Water will be fine." Xalanth replied as he stepped inside and took a seat on on of the chairs. " I came with the ship's the fleet has been able to free up after my people agreed to take on anti-piracy operations in a few sectors of the federations southern borders. "
Ariana replicated two glasses of chilled water before returning with both and placing Xalanth’s on the coffee table in front of him. She took her seat and looked at Xalanth. “So is it just a psychological evaluation or is there another reason that you’re here to see me?”
" A little of both. I have my psychological evaluation due and I have some worries that have been getting to me." The lizard replied from his seat fidgeting with his hands slightly.
“Okay so how’s about we talk about your worries first?” Ariana smiled warmly. “Let’s see if I can do something about those.”
" Well, if you've read my file you know I have a large rather odd family. I'm worried about them. I know the front isn't the place for my family, but I can't help but miss them. Hell, I miss being woken up at midnight after one of my daughters thinks something living under the bed. Then there's my third mate Fulvia. I haven't heard from her for a month after she left on her undercover assignment and I'm worried about her as well." The lizard said running his hand along the top of his head.
Ariana nodded. “Being a parent myself I completely understand how you feel. Fortunately for me my daughter and fiancé are here with me, I know how hard it is to be separated. Hopefully once we get our home back you’ll be able to be reunited with your family. As for your Fulvia, I’m afraid I can’t find out specific information of that level but I can see if our intel department could get some news for you?”
"I've tried and all they can tell me the operation is classified. I know Fulvia can handle herself, but I just can't stop thinking about what I'd have to tell Amrar if something happens to her. " The lizard said letting out a slight sigh. " Am i being selfish? We're at war which is threatening the federation and all can think about is my own family."
“Certainly not!” Ariana shook her head. “You have every right to be worried about your wives and children. Family is one of the most important things there are, I’d be more concerned if you weren’t worried.” She smiled warmly.
" That's good to know. I'm sorry if this sounds odd, but I just can't shake the feeling. You mentioned you’re a parent yourself?" He asked politely his posture seeming to relax.
“Yes” Ariana nodded. “My daughter Stacie is 8 months old, I unfortunately lost her twin brother.” She paused. “I’m also expecting my second child.” She smiled warmly. “I’d be lost if anything happened to Stacie or my baby.”
" I'm sorry to hear that you lost one. " the lizard repled. "I can't even begin to imagine what would happen if i lost any of my girls."
“Thank you” Ariana nodded. “I lost my son early on but it didn’t make it any easier. As parents we automatically worry about our children and our partners. There’s no reason to say it’s wrong that you fear for your loved ones. Hopefully we’ll have our station back sometime ... hopefully soon, and you’ll be able to see your girls again. There’s nothing stopping you from having them join our civilians if you want them here.”
" I know, but I'd rather they be safe back home on my homeworld and T'para are Leilani both assigned as part of the federation's embassy staff." The lizard replied.
Ariana nodded. “I know it’s difficult, giving your children freedom to do what they want to do when you want to keep them safe.”
" Indeed and it never gets any easier. " the lizard said as he straightened up in his chair. " Still shall we move onto my psychological evaluation?" He asked.
Ariana nodded. “By all means, have you settled in alright since your arrival? Have you managed to meet many of the people you’ll be working with?”
" A little difficulty adjusting to life back in a shared quarter and not hearing the noise that comes from having four daughters. I'm slowly meeting the security force and the command staff. " The lizard said relaxing slightly in his seat.
“Do you have any professional worries or concerns regarding your duties or your assignment here?” Ariana looked at the large reptilian like Officer.”
" Other than what i have already mentioned no." He replied calmly.
“Well In that case I’m happy with your responses and you’ve talked freely with me so I’m happy to sign off on your evaluation and let you carry on with your duties.” Ariana smiled warmly.
A smile was on the lizard's face as he nodded and stood up. " Thank you. If there's nothing else I'll get out of your hair."
Ariana grinned. “You were never in it Lieutenant! Feel free to carry on and welcome to the Starbase 400 family.”
" I'm glad to be here. " The lizard said as he politely turned and headed for the door. He had a job to do.
{OFF}
Lieutenant Xalanth
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Starbase 400
Lt Commander Ariana Monroe
Chief Counsellor
Starbase 400