Posted by Lieutenant Commander Janusz Korczak (Counselor) in Counsellor’s office - Cadet McMorran reporting for check in

Posted by Cadet Aili McMorran (Scientist) in Counsellor’s office - Cadet McMorran reporting for check in

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Janusz Korczak (Counselor) in Counsellor’s office - Cadet McMorran reporting for check in
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Korczak nodded and said “I am very glad to hear that. Nothing sets things off on a negative note like a bad shuttle ride to a new duty station. And how are you settling in so far? Everything satisfactory?” he asked nonchalantly.

Korczak, CNS

Smiling gently, Aili bobbed her head. “Just fine, thank you. I’ve been made to feel welcome, although I’m yet to put the effort in to socialising”, she chuckled, “I tend to spend a rather long time decoration until my quarters are just right!” Raising a hand from her lap, she slowly raised her glass to her lips as she finished her sentence.

Cadet McMorran - Science

“Well, making one’s space their own is important, even if it is for a short while.” Korczak said with a small smile of his own. “But dont lose out on the chance to meet new people. I know many Cadets who have formed long and meaningful relationships with those they served with on their Cadet cruise.”

Korczak, CNS

“Mmm”, Aili hummed a positive acknowledgement through her glass. “I’m actually planning on inviting the other cadets to a gathering on the holodeck. Jump straight in, as it were!”, she chuckled. “I suppose you’ve encouraged all of them do to the same, rightly so, and we’ll take your advice all at once!” Aili’s head tilted slightly. “If they show up, that is.”

Cadet McMorran - Science

Korczak chuckled and said “I try not to suggest, I simply try to guide. But I will say… I find the idea of a Cadet ‘mixer’ a fine idea. And I’m sure most will be excited to meet their new crew mates.”

Korczak, CNS

Chuckling politely, Aili began to again reach for her glass but changed her mind, dropping her hand back to her lap. Tilting her head slightly, she looked down at the desk. “If you don’t mind me asking”, she lifted her eyes to meet Korczak’s spectacled gaze, “how long have you served in Starfleet?”

Cadet McMorran - Science

“I do not mind at all. My time in Star Fleet is not… standard. I actually started out at the Academy as an instructor. Then I worked for the Federation government before returning to Star Fleet. I was given a commission as Lieutenant Commander, actually the only rank I have held officially. May I ask why you asked that?”

Korczak, CNS

Aili listened to Korczak’s response with great interest, visibly more engaged in the conversation than she had been up to that point. “Of course”, she responded to the question which punctuated his answer, her words accompanied by a slow nod. “Starfleet has an image of professionalism and an… air of careerism that I’ve never felt totally comfortable with. It’s actually very reassuring to hear of the diverse career you’ve had. Ending up working my way up the chain of command in postings I’m not passionate about has been something I’m keen to avoid falling into.” She sat back slightly, as if to indicate she had finished speaking, only to quickly stiffen up again. “I don’t want you to think I’m lazy! I work hard, at least I like to think I put in good work, but I’m also someone who’s keen to live, I suppose, in the moment.” Aili relaxed her shoulders and raised her glass to her lips.

While she was here, she reckoned might as well be honest and up-front. Being unclear as to the exact purpose of this meeting, however, fear of the councilor taking character concerns regarding her to the captain she had not yet come to know, or even to Starfleet itself, rose within her. Such discomfort was typical of the cadet although it being short lived was just as typical. Calm down, she told herself. He’s a professional. Your words won’t leave these walls. You told the councilor at the academy the same thing anyway! A sip of chilled water washed down McMorran’s rush of emotion and rationalisation as she outwardly appeared to calmly await the councilor’s response.

Cadet McMorran - Science

Korczak watched her and let her exists in her thoughts for a few moments before he said “You are not comfortable here, are you? That is not a criticism, just an observational inquiry. And I can assure you… you are not the first.” and he smiled.

Korczak, CNS

Aili puffed a single breath, somewhere between a laugh and a sigh. “On this ship?”. She shook her head as if to dissipate her words. “No, in your office, of course. I…”, she paused as she pondered her choice of phrasing. “There are places I would rather be right now.” Her eyes lit up with newfound interest. “Did you enjoy your counselor’s appointments, in your day? Do you still have them?! Who counsels the counselor?” With that she returned his smile, which then gradually slipped into a wider grin.

Cadet McMorran - Science