Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Garth (Chief Science Officer) in CSO Garth Psychological Evaluation

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Janusz Korczak (Counselor) in CSO Garth Psychological Evaluation

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Garth (Chief Science Officer) in CSO Garth Psychological Evaluation
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻
(Snip)

Korczak likewise had leaned back slightly, and said “Contrary to your erroneous assumptions, which frankly I find surprising coming from a supposed scientist, I do happen to have experience outside of the confines of this office. And several more years dealing with Cadets than you, Lieutenant, which just so happens to be the reason your mandated to be here. To see if you are capable of doing not only the job of Chief Science Officer, but also of teaching and guiding the Cadets. Which yet remains to be seen.”

Korczak, CNS

Garth waved a hand dismissively. “You call them assumptions, I call them hypotheses. And it is the mark of a skilled scientist to not be attached to hypotheses that may be disproven if given proper proof. Besides, you have spent the entirety of this meeting so far berating me for prioritizing teaching and guiding my cadets. Please tell me, how should I go about proving to you that I am a proficient Chief Science Officer and mentor while sitting here with no lab equipment and no one to supervise?” Garth’s lips almost smiled under his curled mustache, apparently proud of himself for his performance in the back and forth volley.

(Lt. J.g. Garth, CSO)

Korczak tilted his head slightly to the said and said simply “One would think a skilled scientist would know how to handle such matters, yes?” his eyes locked onto the dark, small eyes of the new CSO.

Korczak, CNS

Garth snorted and rumbled before responding. “I’m attempting to be straight-forward, Counselor. You said you did not appreciate me wasting your time, so let’s not talk in circles, yes? I’m as eager to complete this meeting as you are. Simply tell me the most direct route to doing so, and I will take it.”

(Lt. J.g. Garth, CSO)

“There is no route to these meetings. They are… self-directed… more than anything. And I would recommend that you try and accept that. I am sure you won’t be on the Challenger for the entirety of your career, so you do have more of these in your future. Now if you want to know the most effective way of getting through these, I would venture to say that you need to be able to be open and honest. And also remember, most Counselors will not be nearly as well-versed in Tellerite customs as I, per chance, happen to be.”

Korczak, CNS

A chuckle escaped Garth’s lips at that. “Well then it will be a chance for them to learn about our customs,” he chortled. “It is a duty of the ship’s counselor to facilitate cultural exchange, is it not? It would stand to reason that understanding how to appropriately interact with a member of one of the founding federation species should be a basic skill to cultivate.”

“It is my duty to ensure that all members of the crew are mentally and emotionally sound, Lieutenant. Believe me when I say, I am no diplomat. I shall leave cultural exchanges up to those with more patience for politics than myself.”

“But in any case,” Garth continued with a small sigh, “if I am to self-direct this interview, then I suppose I should address the most common concerns that you have alluded to. I may not have the most… nurturing of dispositions, but I assure you that I have the purest of intentions to ensure that the cadets reach their full potential. As such, I do not coddle. I treat the cadets as if they are competent members of Starfleet from day one. And if there is one trait I possess without question, Counselor, it’s honesty.”

(Lt. J.g. Garth, CSO)

Korczak listened and then said “Very well, then. Then perhaps you would indulge me with an answer to question that most find troublesome?”

“What is it you are most afraid of, Lieutenant?”

Korczak, CNS

“The inevitable heat death of the universe that will make all efforts to understand it ultimately meaningless,” Garth responded flatly.

Then the man chuckled, his belly bouncing. “A bit of science humor for you, Counselor.” Garth took a moment to run a hand through his long spindly beard. “I am most afraid of dying. Of course I’m sure this is not surprising from a psychological perspective, it’s certainly normal from an evolutionary lens. But death is a cessation of all things, including the ability to fear other lesser things. So I’m not sure how anyone could have a greater fear than death.”

(Lt. J.g. Garth, CSO)

“And what would you say to those that sincerely do not fear dying?”

Korczak, CNS

Garth grunted. “I’d say that they have too much faith in the ability of the galaxy to reward them for their deaths. Someone who is not afraid of dying is not familiar with how quickly legacies fade and how fickle the memory of time truly is.”

(Lt. J.g. Garth, CSO)

Korczak simply nodded once and then said “Very well. And what do you hope to leave as your legacy… as long it may be remembered, that is?”

Korczak, CNS

Garth steepled his thick fingers in contemplation. “That’s the beauty of science, Counselor. My contributions to our understanding of the universe will inform other scientists, and by contributing to the continuation of that knowledge, my legacy will be immortal. Even if it is eventually only a minuscule building block that supports a more advanced understanding.”

(Lt. J.g. Garth, CSO)

Korczak nodded once again and then asked “And what is your biggest concern with dealing with Cadets on what is seen as, but may is not always so, a simple learning cruise prior to going to the main fleet?”

Korczak, CNS