Posted by Ensign Soral T’Varan (Science Officer) in Counsellor’s Office: New Crew Psych Evaluation

Posted by Lieutenant Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in Counsellor’s Office: New Crew Psych Evaluation

Posted by Ensign Soral T’Varan (Science Officer) in Counsellor’s Office: New Crew Psych Evaluation
Posted by… suppressed (16) by the Post Ghost! 👻
As mandated by Starfleet regulation, all crew were required to undergo a psychological evaluation upon assignment. Following his meeting with the Chief Science Officer, Soral T’Varan made his way to the office of the Chief Counsellor.

The interaction with the CSO had been… efficient. The officer had demonstrated a respect for Vulcan customs and professional boundaries. Soral was not so illogical as to assume this would be universal among the crew. Such uniformity of behavior was statistically improbable. He therefore considered himself fortunate that his department head appeared both competent and accommodating.

He halted outside the counsellor’s office, posture straight, expression composed.

Soral activated the door chime.

He waited in silence, patient and unmoving, as came naturally to his species, prepared to proceed with the evaluation as required.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Within a few moments, the door whooshed open to show Cross in his Counselor blues, standing with his hands held behind his back. He nodded to Soral. “Ensign, come in.” He said as he led the Ensign over to the recessed seating area and waited for Soral to choose a seat, either on the Sectional or one of the two winged-back chairs. “Can I get you any refreshment, Ensign? Vulcan spice tea, water?”

Counselor Alex Cross

“Good day, Counsellor,” Soral T’Varan said in his usual calm, measured Vulcan tone.

He selected a seat on the sectional and settled into it with precise control, back straight and hands clasped neatly in front of him. The posture was not performative; it was simply correct. Physical discipline promoted mental clarity.

“A Vulcan spiced tea would be agreeable,” he added evenly. “Thank you.”

He remained still, attentive, prepared to proceed with the evaluation as required.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Cross nodded as he moved to the replicator and ordered two spiced tea. It was a drink he enjoyed himself. Picking up both cups of tea he moved over and set them on the coasters on the table. They would need a bit of cooling. Taking a seat in one of the wing backed chair he studied Soral for a moment before asking, “So Ensign, if I may ask. What brought you into Star-Fleet?”

Counselor Alex Cross

Soral took the cup of spiced tea and began drinking immediately; Vulcans had no need to wait for such beverages to cool. After a measured sip, he set the cup carefully back onto its coaster.

“It provides ample opportunity to study human behavior,” he said evenly, “while making myself useful at the same time.”

His expression remained composed, the statement offered as a simple conclusion rather than a value judgment.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

“Ah, you find us fascinating? In what way?”

Counselor Alex Cross

“Humans are highly emotional,” Soral observed calmly, “yet you have succeeded in building an organization such as Starfleet, which accomplishes a considerable amount of good within the universe.”

The statement was not criticism, but analysis—an acknowledgment of a paradox he found both illogical and quietly compelling.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

“Ah, yes that is a thought that has occurred to me amidst my studying while in the Academy. The human psyche is a fascinating study. The only thing I could finally decide was that it was our tenaciousness. That or stubbornness, we do not give up. Does it cause you mental discomfort to be immersed among humans this long?”

Counselor Alex Cross

“There are occasions when the experience is mentally discomforting,” Soral said evenly, “particularly with regard to humor. However, I am… how do humans phrase it… weathering the storm. I am confident that, given sufficient time, comprehension will improve.”

He paused, took a controlled sip of his spiced Vulcan tea, then set the cup back onto the table with deliberate care.

“It is also beneficial that Lieutenant Grey appears to understand Vulcan culture and the customs associated with my species.”

The observation was offered as a practical factor, not a personal endorsement.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Cross nodded his head, “Lieutenant Gray is indeed an exemplary officer.” He sipped his own tea as he studied Soral for a moment. “Did your family support your entering Star-Fleet?”

Counselor Alex Cross

“My parents wished for me to enter the Vulcan Science Academy,” Soral said evenly. “Both are employed there. I, however, determined a different course for my life.”

He paused briefly, then continued, “They were not pleased by my decision. Nevertheless, they chose to support it.”

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Cross nodded understanding, “That is good. I am glad you were able to work it out with them so that you are able to focus on your work in Starfleet. Have you been able to come to any conclusions about us humans?” He asked curiously.

Counselor Alex Cross

Humans appear to be governed by their emotions,” Soral observed calmly, finishing the remainder of his tea.

The statement was delivered as analysis rather than criticism, a conclusion drawn from observation rather than judgment.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Cross pondered that for a moment. “No, I can’t say I entirely agree with that. Yes, a lot of the time it’s emotion that impels us to move forward, to keep going despite obstacles. But we are also able to think clearly and logically to get where we want to go. To make ethical choices for others.”

Counselor Alex Cross

Soral inclined his head in measured acknowledgment of the counsellor’s response.

“No offense was intended, Counsellor,” he said evenly.

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Cross smiled, “None taken! I love a good debate. What do you do on your own time, Ensign?”

Counselor Alex Cross

I devote the majority of my off-duty time to deep meditation,” Soral stated calmly. “It is an effective method of maintaining emotional regulation and cognitive clarity, particularly within an environment dominated by non-Vulcan behavioural norms.”

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

“Might I suggest taking the time to join the crew in some off duty recreational activities? This may assist you in learning more of our species in our natural environment. We have a variety of recreational activities, I am sure you could find one that would interest you. Perhaps some 3D Chess, for example.”

Counselor Alex Cross

“That does appear to be an intriguing suggestion. I will give it due consideration. Your input is acknowledged, Counsellor.”

Ensign Soral T’Varan
Science Junior Officer
USS Ark Angel

Bump back onto the boards
Counselor Alex Cross