Posted by Ensign Walter Genard Gibbs (Science Officer) in Counselor Check in: Ensign Gibbs

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in Counselor Check in: Ensign Gibbs

Posted by Ensign Walter Genard Gibbs (Science Officer) in Counselor Check in: Ensign Gibbs
Gibbs figured he would meet his check in obligations by starting at the top and working himself down. First would be Deck 11, and Counselor Cross.

The spacious counseling offices were easy to find. The waiting room had at least one other crewman inside, a tall gangly looking engineer. The gold uniform and grease stains around the cuffs of their sleeves were a dead giveaway. The receptionist was busy so Gibbs thought he would chat up the Engineer.

“Mind if I sit here? I’m Gibbs, Walter Gibbs” He stated extended his left hand. The engineer looked at him oddly at first, then took his hand. “Beeker. Robin Beeker. And yes, you can take a seat.”

“I just came aboard the Ark Angel. Doing my check ins. How about you? How long have you been aboard the Ark Angel?”

Beeker’s smile was thin barely noticeable. “It’s not the Ark Angel. It’s the AA. You go around calling her the Ark Angel and you will stick out. And I have been aboard for about 17 months. Engineering, if you can’t tell.”

“I figured as much,” Gibbs replied, pointing at Beeker, “I saw the grease stains. If you don’t mind, can I ask you a question? What are the rules around here regarding modifying the replicators in my quarters? I want to tweek a recipe.”

“I think it will be ok to do it to the one in your quarters, Just don’t mess with the ones in 17 Forward or the diplomatic areas. That would bring down the Wrath of Waryn. My boss doesn’t like folks messing with stuff they don’t need to be messing with. Why don’t you give me your quarters ID and I’ll make the changes for you?”

“Thank you Robin. I’m in 41-117.” Gibbs replied with a smile, “I’m glad we met Beeker.”

“I am too, Walter. I’ll contact you soon.”

Just then the receptionist interjected, “Hello. Can I help you?”

Gibbs rose and walked to the desk. “Yes, I am Ensign Walter Gibbs. I transferred aboard today and I need to have my counseling clearance.”

Ens. Gibbs

The receptionist offered Ensign Gibbs a welcoming smile as she checked the day’s schedule.

“Welcome aboard, Ensign. Lieutenant Cross is expecting you.”

She tapped the control on her console, and the frosted doors to the counselor’s office slid silently apart.

“Thank you.” Gibbs replied and entered the opened door.

Inside, the atmosphere was unlike the sterile offices found elsewhere aboard the Ark Angel.

Warm amber lighting softened the room, while rich wood finishes and exposed brick accents gave it the unmistakable character of old New Orleans. Jazz drifted quietly from hidden speakers, never loud enough to distract, just enough to make the space feel lived in. A framed photograph of the French Quarter hung beside shelves filled with books rather than PADDs alone. To one side, a recessed conversation area featured a comfortable sectional sofa, two leather armchairs, and a low coffee table, inviting conversation instead of interrogation. Behind a polished wooden desk sat another pair of guest chairs, though it was obvious Cross preferred meeting people on equal footing rather than from behind the desk.

Lieutenant Peter Alexander Cross rose as Gibbs entered.

At six-foot-three, the counselor possessed an athletic build and an easy confidence. His dark eyes carried a calm attentiveness that seemed to take in everything without appearing intrusive. His uniform was immaculate, his posture relaxed, and a warm smile settled naturally across his face.

Another new face, Cross thought. Another opportunity to help someone find their footing before the pace of the ship sweeps them away.

He stepped forward, extending his hand.

“Ensign Walter Gibbs? I’m Lieutenant Alex Cross. Welcome aboard the Ark Angel.”

“Lieutenant. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” Gibbs answered taking Cross’ hand and giving it a solid shake.

His smile widened slightly.

“I’m glad you could stop by on your first day. Come on in and have a seat wherever you’re most comfortable. Around here this isn’t an interrogation—it’s simply a chance for us to get acquainted, answer any questions you might have, and make sure you’re settling into your new home.”

Cross gestured toward the seating area rather than his desk.

Gibbs smiled back and took a seat in the area offered.

“So… welcome to the crew, Ensign. Tell me a little about yourself, and how your first day aboard has been treating you.

Counselor Alex Cross

“Well,” Gibbs began, “I’m sure you will know much about me from my file. Starfleet brat. Raised by a single mother. So far, the Ark Angel has been hectic for me. A whirlwind if you please. But that is what life aboard ship is.” He paused not sure if he could trust Cross with what he was to say next. But a Counselor’s office is a safe space he was told. You can trust them to support you. So Gibbs decided to take the plunge adding “…And I’m sure you will read in my file the real reason I may come to you in the future.”

Gibbs let the invitation linger for a bit before he continued. “Sir, I am not the brightest star in the sky. I graduated the Academy in the third quarter of my Class. I did not standout in any of my activities, or my classes. I am not a Jim Kirk, Chris Pike or Matt Decker.”

“I showed some maturity and initiative during my last posting on Starbase 47, and that was enough to have me assigned here. I am just afraid I will not stand out and be the productive member of the crew that the Ark…AA needs.”

Ens. Gibbs.

Lieutenant Cross listened without interruption, giving Gibbs the space to finish. There was no flicker of judgment in his expression—only quiet attentiveness. When the ensign finished, Cross remained silent for another moment, letting the words settle before responding.

A small smile crossed his face. “You know, Ensign, in my line of work I rarely worry about the people who recognize their own limitations. I worry about the ones who don’t.”

He leaned forward slightly in his chair, resting his forearms on his knees.

“You’ve already done something that takes a fair amount of courage. On your first day aboard a new ship, you’ve been honest about your concerns instead of trying to convince me—or yourself—that you’re completely confident.” Cross nodded thoughtfully before continuing.

“You mentioned Kirk, Pike, and Decker. History remembers captains because they’re exceptional, but Starfleet doesn’t function because of exceptional people. It functions because thousands of officers quietly show up every day, do their jobs well, support their shipmates, and make the right decisions when they’re needed.”

His eyes met Gibbs’. “Most of them never become legends. They become reliable. And I’ll let you in on a little secret—that’s exactly what commanding officers look for.”

Cross smiled again, the warmth in his expression genuine.

“Your performance at Starbase 47 tells me more than your Academy class ranking ever could. Someone saw enough professionalism, growth, and potential to recommend you for a frontline assignment aboard a Galaxy-class starship. Those recommendations aren’t handed out simply because someone fills a uniform.”

He paused before addressing the unspoken comment from earlier.

“And as for the ‘real reason’ you think you might find yourself sitting in this office one day…”

He didn’t reach for a padd or Gibbs’ personnel file.

“…I’ll read what’s in your record because it’s part of my job. But I’d rather hear it from you when you’re ready. Whatever it is, this office is built on trust, not obligation. We talk about it on your timeline, not mine.”

Cross gestured subtly around the room. “My door is open whether you’re having the best week of your career or the worst. You don’t have to wait until something is falling apart to come see me.”

Lieutenant Alex Cross
Chief Counselor
USS Ark Angel