Pick a colour. any colour…

Posted on Fri Nov 8th, 2024 @ 7:08pm by Commander Zhaan D'Sai & Lieutenant Ayryn Trynn M.D.
Edited on on Tue Nov 12th, 2024 @ 3:54pm

1,104 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: A Silence of Friends
Location: Counselor's Office, Deck 4, USS Thunderbird
Timeline: MD001 - 1430

The morning hadn't started well what with the former First Officer all but peeing on the door of her quarters and letting her know, in his not very subtle way, not to bother unpacking. Still, Zhaan had hopes for the rest of the day which included introducing herself to the new crew members who, hopefully, didn't arrived with a preconceived notion about her worth in the position. She brought with her an office warming kit which included some items emblazoned with the ship's name including a casual jacket, a ball cap, a t-shirt, and a coffee mug as well as an assortment of candies that covered every species included in the ship's complement all tucked into a woven basket. She stopped at the office door and pressed the chime.

“Come in!” Trynn called as she set aside the hot chocolate which had been keeping her company while she reviewed her predecessor's reports. Closing down her monitor, deciding now was a perfect time for a break, she stood as the doors opened.

“If I knew this crew brought so many gifts I’d have transferred here long ago,” she smiled warmly as she saw the basket the woman carried. “Here, anywhere on the desk or the couch is fine. Commander D’Sai, yes?”

"Yes," Zhaan said as she entered and set the basket on the counselor's desk. "We used to do this on my last ship," she said as she turned. "I suggested it to the Captain and he agreed. You and our new doctor are the first recipients. So, settling in alright?"

“I appreciate the thought, thank you,” Ayryn smiled. “And yes, thank you. I’ve not seen much of the ship yet as I wanted to focus on making this office a little more cosy. Less intimidating. And add some colour. There are some lollipops just on the desk there, help yourself. Or I can get you something from the replicator?”

The lollipops were something of a tradition, the white sticks holding a spherical candy of different colours and vibrant fruity flavours, all individually wrapped. Where they rested in a bowl there was no order to the colours, nothing to make one stand out more than the other. The choice down to personal preference.

She walked over to the bowl and smiled. "I was born on Freecloud," she said. "One of the first truisms I learned was 'parity not charity'. It means that you don't take anything unless you have something of equal worth to give." Her gray gaze fell on a purple one and she reached out. "But I did bring you a present so, one won't hurt will it?" She plucked the purple one from the bowl, her gaze lifting up to meet the counselor's own. "So, I have to ask. Is this a test of sorts? Or just a kindness?"

“Just a lollipop,” Aryn assured her, before teasing, “interesting that you picked purple though…”

She held up her hands, “I kid. Sometimes some candy is just a sweet treat. A Freecloud native, quite the change from there to XO of a starship. You just came aboard too, right?”

"Yes," Zhaan said, "to both though that could be said of anyone, couldn't it? I find it interesting how people move from one path to another. For some, the notion of ever making such a big change is impossible to even consider. And yet, here we are. The poor kid from Freecloud and the diplomat's daughter from Vulcan. On a whole other path. Still learning about the crew and right now, most of them are on shore leave so ... you'll have time to settle in before they start drifting back."

“You’ve done your homework,” Ayryn complimented with a a smile and nod of her head. “And yes, it is a fascinating journey for so many. Although diplomacy and psychiatry are probably not too different at the heart of it. But my line of work is a little less stressful and has more time for chocolate and lollipops.”

Zhaan considered that for a moment, head cocked to one side, and finally nodded. "Diplomacy does have its stressful moments. In psychiatry, the patient does most of the work with guidance from the doctor, or at least that's how it was explained to me, where as in diplomacy, it's more the other way around. Finding ways to mediate and mollify individuals who don't ever seem to have the desire to bend unless its absolutely necessary."

“Even though he was a Vulcan I’m sure there were many times my father was on the verge of losing his patience,” Ayryn smiled. “But he did not. I like to think I inherited my patience from him but I’ve never mastered emotions the way he does most of the time.”

"The Vulcan mastery of emotions is something, isn't it," Zhaan answered. "Combination of culture and practice that starts in infancy. Not something that those of us who grew up without that training can handle easily. As for patience, well, on Freecloud coming at someone direct was just a way to get killed. So my patience is more of the you'll-get-yours-later variety."

“Sounds like being first officer would be a walk in the park after that,” Ayryn mused. “I don’t envy you. My predecessor has left the ship. Can’t imagine it is easy for anyone with the current situation. If you ever need a safe space to talk, or if a glass of whatever poison you prefer, just let me know. Not only is it my job, but it’s the least I can do after the welcoming gift.”

"Thanks," Zhaan said. "Hasn't been the warmest welcome coming aboard and I appreciate the offer. But," she shrugged lightly. "I was born on Freecloud. I don't scare easy."

“That I absolutely believe,” Ayryn grinned, “but just know the offer stands and I always have lollipops on hand.”

"Appreciated," Zhaan said. "Well, I'll let you get back to work. If there's anything you need right up to wrangling crew members who don't want to visit when they should, I'm here to help."

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you,” Ayryn grinned. “For that, please feel free to take a lollipop for the road.”

Zhaan closed her eyes and pulled another out, red this time, and used it to salute the doctor. "Welcome aboard the Thunderbird, counselor. If you have any concerns, please, reach out."

“Will do,” she promised, offering a wave as the XO headed out.


A Post By:

Commander Zhaan D'Sai
First Officer
USS Thunderbird

and

Lieutenant Ayren Trynn, M.D.
Chief Counselor
USS Thunderbird

 

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