A little counseling session

Posted on Sun Nov 19th, 2023 @ 3:29pm by Lieutenant Olivia O’Riley & Major Jethro "Jett" Sherman

1,352 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 118 - "It's About Family"
Location: Counselor’s office

Jett walked down the corridor of Starbase 400, not paying any attention to those around him. He had had a busy morning assessing his troops and now. He would be implementing some changes to their routine. Jett didn’t believe in criticizing the former marine in his position, they just did things differently. He walked to the counseling door and rang the chime, waiting for someone to answer. He knew some marines avoided this, Jett preferred to face it head on, he had nothing to hide.

Olivia was waiting for Jett to arrive, answering the door she smiled warmly as she greeted him. “Major, thank you for coming please come in and make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Jett replies as he took a seat. “I was glad you had an available time to see me, I wanted to be cleared as soon as possible. I appreciate this.” She seemed nice enough, he hoped she didn’t hold up the cards with pictures and asked him what he saw.

“No problem at all” Olivia smiled warmly. “I’m officially assigned to the marines both as Counsellor and a field medic so I’ll be available anytime. I appreciate you coming to see me without my having to chase you, not everyone is a fan of evaluations.”

“I’ve always felt that you serve a valuable purpose.” Jett explained. “You aren’t here to ‘get us’ as some believe but to help us cope when things get to us and to make certain we are not a danger to others.” Jett was being honest. He used to feel like the others but he wouldn’t be sitting here today if it wasn’t for a counselor who cared enough to help him through some issues.

“Thank you for that” Olivia smiled warmly. “It’s nice to know that I’m appreciated.” She motioned to the replicator, “Please feel to use the replicator if you’d like a drink.”

"I would, thank you." Jett replied. He got himself a cup of coffee and sat across from her and waited for the session to start.

Olivia made herself comfortable before asking her first question. “How are you settling in here Major? Any problems or any worries?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” Jett said with a smile. “It was the usual landing on my feet running. I was in a meeting almost immmediately upon landing where there was an expectations of answers I couldn’t give but they were understanding about it.”

Olivia nodded. “Well you can’t be expected to know everything the moment you get here.” She made a note to check why that happened. “I’ve been asked to check how everyone is coping with the recent Borg incident, there are obviously two sides to the story those who were taken over and those who weren’t. May I ask how you feel about it?”

“To be honest.” Jett said quietly. “It is unsettling to think that I worked beside people who were taken over. I know it was through no fault of their own but I believe none of us will fully be relaxed and feeling totally comfortable for a little while.”

Olivia nodded. “I can understand that, friends and families were turned against one another by something no one could have foreseen. At least the plan was thwarted and everyone is back to normal again.” She smiled warmly.

“I believe in what we’re doing out here.” Jett said with a nod. “We have many talented people and I know that no matter who tries these kinds of things we have the ability to out maneuver them.”

*Offering a nod of her head* “I like your positive outlook, it’s surprising how much of a difference that kind of outlook makes.” Olivia smiled warmly.

“I usually look for the positive.” Jett replied. “It did make me take a look at my life. His eyes met hers. “I checked up on my family, made sure they are good and I am determined to use my personal time wisely.”

Olivia smiled. “What is it you like to do in your off hours? Myself I have twins that keep me busy.”

“It’s funny you asked that.” Jett said with a smile. “I have been a marine pretty much every waking moment. I would say I really haven’t had much of a social life but with all that has happened, I decided it is time to change that. I am new here so I have no friends but I plan to make some.” He didn’t really think Colonel Bagwell would be too happy with him working like he had in the past either.

“I’m sure you’ve been told plenty of times that an off duty life is just as important as your on duty one.” Olivia gave Jett an understanding look. “You don’t have to be out partying all the time, but something is better than sitting around on your own.”

“I’m sure you already knew that.” Jett smiled at her. “It is in my file that I strive to be an over achiever and that I am told to take a night off and end up doing something work related.” He paused. “I am not going to sit home, there is a book reading group I read about and some other things I want to check out.”

Olivia nodded. “That’s wonderful, I hope you find something of interest.” She smiled. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to ask, or talk about?”

Jett thought for a moment. "What do you do to relax when you feel stressed?" He finally asked. "Not that I am. I would like some tips to share with my marines."

“Me?” Olivia gave Jett a surprised look. “Well apart from spending time with my family, I enjoy downtime on the holodeck, there’s nothing like a relaxing trip to the beach or a spa. I also like to read, we enjoy movie nights as well, and I also enjoy a game of cards. That’s just a few things I like to do.”

“That makes sense.” Jett nodded. “So I can encourage them to take an evening and do something that helps them relax.” He paused. “As I am certain you know that marines are like a different breed. We don’t like to talk about things and I am certain mine have been affected by the changlings. I want to help them at their level.”

“That’s a lovely idea, perhaps set up a beach bar in Tahiti or something? Or perhaps watch an old football match together, most men enjoy football.” Olivia smiled. “Even an obstacle course challenge for fitness might help.”

Jett smiled. “You have given me some really good ideas today. I didn’t expect that.”

“That’s what I’m here for” Olivia smiled warmly. “If there’s anything else you need to ask then you know where to find me.”

“I appreciate that.” Jett said with a nod. “Thanks so much for seeing me right away. “I like to get squared away first thing.”

“That’s not a problem, I was available and I don’t like to keep anyone waiting.” Olivia smiled warmly.

“I may stop by every now and then.” Jett samples at her. “For advice or maybe just to talk.” He felt it was good to have a core person and the counselor for him was trustworthy. Her position depended on it.

“That’s what I’m here for” Olivia smiled warmly. “I’m now officially a counsellor linked to the marines so I’ll be available.”

“I appreciate that.” Jett said seriously. “You are just what we need, someone no judge mental and easy to talk to.”

“Thank you Major, I appreciate that.” Olivia put down her PADD. “I think I’ve held you up for long enough, if you need anything I’ll be here to call upon.”

“You have a good day, Lieutenant.” Jett said with a smile and headed out the door.” He felt good about this session.

{OFF}

RSS Feed