The New Counselor [Backpost]

Posted on Fri Jun 27th, 2014 @ 9:40am by Captain Liarra Von & Lieutenant Commander Miranda Keller MD, MBBS & Lieutenant Commander Drewe Reed

Mission: Picking Up the Pieces

Lt. Commander Drewe Reed exhaled a breath of relief once she cleared the last security hurdle before officially boarding Starbase 332. Though she loved her job with Starfleet Medical because of the variety it afforded her, she hated all the necessary but burdensome travel it entailed.

As she moved forward, she spotted the woman she knew to be the CO of the base beside the base's CMO. Uncertain whether they had come to greet her specifically or whether it was sheer coincidence, she nevertheless decided to approach them. "Dr. Drewe Reed, reporting officially, ma'ams."

Liarra had been waiting for some time to get a new counselor sent to the station. After all they have been through in the past year, the Battle of Thane, the attack on the station, and more recently, the near fiasco of the hunt for Steiner, it was a wonder that anyone aboard had any sanity left. When she heard that Starfleet was sending out a specialist, it was music to her ears. Von extended a hand towards the counselor. "Dr. Reed, welcome aboard. I'm sure you've been reading up on everything that has been going on here." She gestured towards the woman that had accompanied her. "This is Dr. Miranda Keller, the station's chief of medicine."

Miranda nodded her greeting, "Doctor Reed."

Drewe nodded politely and offered a smile to Keller, and then accepted Von's hand warmly. "Thank you, ma'am," Reed replied. "I'm flattered you both came to meet me. I have read the reports, though I didn't read too much, as I like to get a better feel for what happened and how it impacted the crew directly from them. I'd like to talk to you both about specific concerns privately, but I want to assure you, my goal is to work alongside the crew and to go at the pace they are comfortable." She didn't mention her trauma specialty as she didn't want to appear as though she was throwing her weight around.

Miranda nodded, "well, you've got your hands full here Doctor. With what this crew has been through, they may need someone to talk to"

Liarra nodded along with her Chief of Medicine. "You certainly will. I'm sure you'll have a number of people lining up outside your office. If you want to meet with me, Doctor, my office is always open."

"Likewise, ma'am," Drewe replied politely. "If you both have time for a quick chat, I'd appreciate getting your take on the crew's needs. Perhaps there's even some specific people you'd like me to speak with."

"I'm all ears, Doctor," Liarra replied. "I don't know of any specific people at the moment, but Dr. Keller may have heard some complaints. With no counselor, people tend to go to their doctor or their barkeep before they go to their captain."

Reed nodded. "Understood. I promise not to take much of your time, but I find it helpful to consult with people first to get a firsthand feel for recent events or personnel issues."

"Well, I can probably tell you right away what is probably on most people's minds," Liarra replied with little thought needed. "The biggest recent event that's certainly been on my mind is the one that created that hole."

Drewe nodded. "I've read some about that. Would you mind going over the basics with me? I want to be sure we're on the same page."

Von nodded. "Sure. The gist of it is that while the station's primary garrison ships were out on exercise, someone managed to get aboard and smuggle in an explosive device. The Sojourners have not officially claimed responsibility, but all of the evidence we've recovered points in their direction. Because of that, security has been tightened throughout the station, especially in critical areas and any cargo or docking areas. I know that a lot of people are on edge, fearing that there could be another attack. But we've increased patrols to try to relieve that fear, but I don't think it's done much to help."

Drewe nodded. Presumably, the ships felt secure before the attack, which made trusting they were safe all the more difficult post-attack. "I'll make the rounds, ma'am. Security is as much a psychological sensation as it is an external reality, and I expect just being able to vent some of those frustrations will help. I'll be sure to check-in with security too. That department is likely to get the brunt of the irritation and the staff may feel resentful their efforts aren't being respected."

"I think that is an excellent idea, Doctor. I know that Commander O'Connell has been running himself ragged. Then again, we all have." Von gestured to Dr. Keller. "The counselling offices are part of the central Infirmary complex. We have a lot of secondary hospitals and sickbays throughout the station, but the mental health ward is in the main hospital in the promenade decks. I'm sure Dr. Keller can show you around there."

"Thank you, ma'am," Drewe offered politely. To Keller, she said, "Just let me know when we might get together for that tour, Doctor. Otherwise, I won't keep you from your more pressing duties any longer."

"And I'll let you get settled in," Liarra replied, extending her hand again to Drewe. "Again, welcome aboard, Doctor."

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Captain Liarra Von
Commanding Officer

Lt. Commander Miranda Keller
Chief of Medicine

Lt. Commander Drewe Reed
Chief Counselor