Chocolate, Tea, and a Quick Turnaround

Posted on Fri Nov 8th, 2024 @ 8:19pm by Captain Rylan Gray & Lieutenant Ayryn Trynn M.D.
Edited on on Tue Nov 12th, 2024 @ 3:53pm

1,544 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: A Silence of Friends
Location: Transporter Room 1, Deck 15, USS Thunderbird
Timeline: MD001 - 1100

Under normal circumstances, the promenade of Starbase 310 was a fascinating way to pass the time. Today was no different. Bustling with activity, it was a cacophony of noice as voices and music and announcements mingled with bright lights and exotic smells. It was the heart of the station, bringing together the crew, traders and visitors - including many who were simply passing through like she was.

The bustling crowd was in stark contrast to the days she had spent in the quiet confines of a shuttle craft, which had suited Lieutenant Trynn just fine. It had allowed her time to read up on her new posting - the USS Thunderbird - and her crew. All the while hoping they would arrive at the starbase on time.

With the USS Thunderbird scheduled to be at the base for only a day, she had been cutting it fine. Engine trouble had delayed her departure and while the ensign piloting was skilled, her initial hope of arriving before her new ship had quickly disappeared. Thankfully though, they had made it with a few hours to spare.

She could have beamed aboard the ship directly, but she had to pick up some supplies. There were some occasions when a replicator would not suffice and one of those was the lollipops she liked to keep in a jar in the corner of her desk. Having collected those and some extra chocolate and some herbal teas, she had found herself navigating the crowd to make it to the transporter room.

It seemed like a long wait for permission to beam aboard to come through, which made her suspect she was perhaps the first to know she was joining the crew. Hardly ideal. Then again, that was Starfleet for you.

Finally though she was beaming aboard and found herself in the smaller transporter room of the Thunderbird - although the shade of grey was entirely on point. She had often petitioned for some more colour but it seemed a losing battle and far down on the list of priorities. “Lieutenant Trynn,” she offered in greeting to the technician manning the console as she juggled her bags, “nice to meet you… I don’t suppose you have somewhere I can leave these while I find the Captain?”

[Deck 15 Corridor]

The thing about rabbit holes, Rylan reflected, was that you just never knew where they would go. Rather than return to his quarters, he decided on the spur of the moment to make a second stop because apparently, the rabbit hole had branches. Or maybe it was just how his mind worked. Either way, it wouldn't hurt to know, to lay his suspicions to rest. He exited the turbolift and stopped in the corridor to get his bearings when a young woman he didn't know existed the transporter room.

With her belongings temporarily stowed, Ayryn emerged from the transporter room with just her transfer orders for company. She had been about to ask the computer where to find either the captain or - failing that - the XO when she happened to find Captain Gray heading right towards her. Having reviewed the ship manifest on the way here, she recognized him immediately.

“Captain Gray?” Her surprise at finding him so quickly and easily made it still sound more of a question than a statement as she moved towards him. “Lieutenant Ayryn Trynn, Sir.”

Rylan's expression was blank for a moment and then he recalled the sudden transfer of their last counselor. "Ah yes, I do recall reading that they'd found a replacement. Thank you for arriving so promptly. Did you have time to meet now or would you rather settle in first?"

“Now works, unless that petty officer has a really sweet tooth," she answered with a grin. “I’m sure you are busy so this would be perfect.”

"Apologies," Rylan said. "I don't quite follow." Rylan gestured for her to walk with him back toward the turbolift. "What's this about a sweet tooth?"

“An old Human expression, I believe,” Ayryn explained as she fell into step beside him, “for those fond of candy and other things contrasts high amount of sugar. Don’t worry, I only permit one lollipop per counseling session. But while I was picking them up I may have picked up some chocolate and some new herbal teas to try.”

"Yes, I understood the expression, 'sweet tooth', though I don't have one myself," Rylan said as they entered the turbolift. "Bridge," he said and then continued the conversation. "I meant what did that have to do with the petty officer?"

“A friend recommended a confectioner on the station so I stocked up. A lot. Petty Officer Ramirez kindly offered to keep an eye on it all while I checked in and found my quarters. I’m not sure I’d have that kind of restraint, the chocolate smells mouthwatering. I definitely did inherit my mother’s sweet tooth but I prefer the real thing to the replicated version. It helps me practice restraint.”

"Aah, I see," Rylan said. "You'll have to let me know how Ramirez does." The turbolift opened on the Bridge, only a skeletal crew at their stations given that everyone was on shore leave, and directed her toward his Ready Room. Once they were inside, he gestured toward the replicator. "Would you care for something to drink?"

“A Vulcan Spice Tea would be lovely, thank you,” Ayryn replied as they entered his ready room.

Rylan busied himself ordering Vulcan Spice for her and Yorkshire for himself and then returned with both cups, setting hers in front of her before walking around the expanse of his desk to set his own in its customary place. "So, tell me a bit about yourself, Lieutenant."

“Thank you,” she smiled as he set down her tea, taking a sip as he sat opposite. “I’m a psychiatrist, which is obviously why I’m here. But in summary, I was born and raised on Vulcan,” she brushed her hair back to show the slight point to her ear, “but my mother was El-Aurian. My father feels I inherited a disproportionate amount of her temperament and finds it fascinating that I spend so much time discussing emotions.”

The last she confided with a rueful smile as she took another sip of tea. “I am returning after a leave of absence. After Wolf 359, I spent a lot of time counselling survivors and it was intensive work.”

"I was there as well," Rylan said, "though we managed to get away under our own power." He paused to take a small sip of tea and added, "just barely you understand. Our captain took it hard. Changed him, that battle."

“It changed a lot of people,” she sighed, “I don’t think anyone can say they escaped unscathed.”

"That's certainly true," Rylan said. "So, you spent time counseling survivors and this is your first posting since?"

“Yes… it was intense work. A lot of us served on ships there that day,” she confided, “and lost friends, loved ones. So I needed to take a little time to travel and get grounded again. I like to think our team made a difference, helped at least a few.”

"I understand," Rylan said softly. "I do. So, now that you're here, how do you envision your position on board?"

“Aside from the routine psych evaluations, I will be here to support you and the crew as needed. I admit I need to catch up on the official reports but judging by the amended crew manifest I was sent, it seems you have had a change of XO following the last mission as well as a few departures. And arrivals, obviously. Change can be good for the soul. But it can be unsettling and create unnecessary stress and distraction. Which is where I come in.”

"I had thought to mention," Rylan said, "a session with Commander Knox. At the moment, his demotion is temporary but his actions will determine whether that becomes permanent or not."

She digested the news, “then perhaps that is a perfect place to start. I don’t imagine it was an easy decision regardless of the circumstances, but if I can help I will. I’ll be sure to catch up with him as a priority.”

"Then I'll leave it in your capable hands," Rylan said. "And while I won't need the particulars, I will need to know your assessment of him. Did you have any questions for me?"

“Of course and no, although I don’t suppose you know if I have had quarters assigned? Appreciate my arrival is somewhat last minute.”

"I believe your predecessor's quarters have been cleaned and made ready for you," Rylan said. "But I would check with the Operations officer on duty to be certain. One last bit of business then. I hereby officially accept your transfer to the USS Thunderbird in the position of Counselor. Computer, please so note in the ship's record."

"Noted," the computer responded. "Lieutenant Ayryn Trynn is now the ship's counselor."

"Very good," Rylan said. "And if there's nothing else, welcome aboard."

A Post By

Captain Rylan Gray
Commanding Officer
USS Thunderbird

and

Lieutenant Ayryn Trynn, M.D.
Counselor
USS Thunderbird

 

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