“Computer, time?” Lieutenant Patrick McMillan ran the sharp razor down his chin, being careful not to nick himself while he watched in the mirror. Paddy hadn’t been on a proper date since his days at Starfleet Academy. A fellow training psychologist, Simone LaRosa, had dated Paddy for around three months before they realised they wanted different things. Well… at least that’s what she’d told him, the young Irishman had heard rumours from her close friends about her sleeping with a junior Andorian professor on loan to the Academy for about a week before they split. The connection McMillan felt with Commander Gadi was the first time he had built up the confidence to take things a step further than a working friendship. Thus, he was even more determined to make this work.

“The time is 1645 hours,” the Computer replied cooly. Better to be early than late, Paddy mused. Putting the finishing touches to his clean shave, the Counsellor towelled himself off and made for his wardrobe to find his smart casual wear he had used since the Academy; he’d made sure to have it freshly pressed for this evening. Straightening himself and checking his hair in the mirror, he picked up the two bottles he’d intended to take as gifts to the Commander’s quarters and made for the turbolift.

When he arrived at Gadi’s quarters, Paddy took a deep calming breath and clicked the door chime.

-Lieutenant Patrick McMillan: Counsellor-