Posted by Cadet Denali Neddleberg (Doctor) in Check In with Lt Commander Viveca Arlander-CNS

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Viveca Arlander (Counselor) in Check In with Lt Commander Viveca Arlander-CNS

Posted by Cadet Denali Neddleberg (Doctor) in Check In with Lt Commander Viveca Arlander-CNS
Posted by… suppressed (10) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Cadet Neddleberg was nervous as he didn’t know what to expect in reporting to the Counselor.
He walked up to the chime panel.
He pushed the button waiting for a response.

Another meeting with someone I have yet to meet. What was the Counselor going to be like? Would they be gentle and attentive or brash and abrasive?
Denali waited with anticipation.

Cadet Denali Neddleberg, Doctor

“Come in,” Viveca called, looking up from her paperwork, curious to see who might be waiting on the other side she smiled as the door slid open on her command.

“Come on in Cadet, if you’d like something to drink help yourself to my replicator,” she pointed to the device on one wall of her office, “Otherwise have a seat and we’ll get started.”

~Viveca Arlander~

“Oh sweet, umm Sir…I mean.”

Denali walked up to the replicator and didn’t order a drink but ordered an ice cream sundae topped with whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top.

“Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm… would you like one, Sir? I eat when I get nervous…”

Cadet Denali Neddleberg, Doctor

“No thank you, I had a large lunch myself,” Viveca replied, “Whatever you need to help ease your nerves is perfectly acceptable, we have stressful jobs here in Starfleet. Provided you aren’t gorging yourself, a little sweet treat to ward off anxiety is a great idea,” she paused, “Sorry, that is the doctor in me concerned for both your physical and mental health. So, how are you finding the ship so far?”

~Viveca Arlander~

“Coming aboard the Challenger has been absolutely inspiring and encouraging. You just don’t know what is coming ahead when you decide to apply for Starfleet. The Challenger has a fantastic crew that I’ve had the pleasure to deal with just recently. I hope I can make this experience memorable for just more than myself. It’s more about making things possible for others. Whatever I can do, I want to do that.”

Cadet Denali Neddleberg, Doctor

“That is an excellent attitude to have Cadet, I love it,” Viveca smiled, “There will be, of course, challenges, but approaching them with your current positive energy will help you meet them in the best way possible. It can seem daunting when starting out, I know I felt it and I’m a starfleet brat with a family tree full of officers. So tell me a bit more about your background, what kind of hobbies do you have?”

Hobbies seemed like a soft ball question, but Viveca often felt that getting cadets to talk about things that interested them taught her more about their mental state than trying to ‘trap’ them by trying to coax a negative story out of them.

~Viveca Arlander~

“I have been filled with positivity in my life, especially since starting this wonderful time in Starfleet. I fully embrace challenges to make me wiser, smarter, and a better doctor too. My hobbies have always included reading of books, mostly history. I also think about historical things like sports that started way back in the 1800s.”

Denali Neddleberg

“Fascinating, do you have a favorite book or author?” Viveca asked.

~Viveca Arlander~

“Well, if i had to reach way back – it would be Stephen Ambrose or John Grisham.”

Denali Neddleberg

“Well hopefully you have some time to enjoy a good read or visit the holodeck can be a great way to unwind after a long shift,” Viveca replied, “I personally love a good holonovel. Is there anything further you would like to talk about at this stage?” She often didn’t keep new officers super long in the intial meeting, simply because it wasn’t her approach to counseling. Plus she found starfleet officers tended to appreciate the brevity.

~Viveca Arlander~

“No I am actually enjoying my time aboard the Challenger but thank you for asking. I hope that our time on this ship can be profitable and enjoyable. Looking forward to learning all I can as a medical officer. If I have need of any services, I know where to turn. I appreciate the fact that most of the officers aboard the Challenger have not looked down on me as I thought that might be the case as a cadet.”

Denali Neddleberg, Doctor

“I love your attitude Cadet, if you have nothing else then I’m all good and you are free to leave,” Viveca replied, “Most of us who serve on training ships are usually of the opinion that we all have to start somewhere. We were all once brand new cadets ourselves and our jobs are hard enough, we don’t need to make things harder on purpose.”

~Viveca Arlander~

“Thank you for your time and attention. Have a wonderful day!”

Denali Neddleberg, Doctor

“You as well Cadet, it was lovely to meet you and chat with you!” Viveca remarked with a smile.

~Viveca Arlander~