Posted by Lieutenant Akane Sakai (Counselor) in Reporting to CNS Office for evaluation.

Posted by Ensign John Striker (Security Officer) in Reporting to CNS Office for evaluation.
Striker hated counseling sessions… He understood their importance but saw it as mind combat and it was a combat for once he was on the backfoot.

He’d already had his medical and had hoped to avoid this particular appointment, his new Department Head had clearly anticipated this from his record and had made a point of sending Striker here prior to settling into his quarters.

Striker pressed the buzzer and waited....

• Ensign Striker (sec)

Akane briefly jumped at the sound of the buzzer and quickly popped a bookmark in the novel she was reading, popping it back on the shelf by her desk.

“Come in,” she called out as she stood to greet her guest.

The counsellor’s office was warm and inviting, with a variety of comfortable chairs and a large plush looking sofa with a velvet turquoise throw draped across it artistically. As the door slid open, Akane smiled warmly and gestured to open seat. “Welcome Ensign, please do take a seat. Can I get you something to drink or perhaps some cake?” She offered with a twinkle in her eye.

• Lt Sakai (Counselor)

Striker smiled and took the offered seat.

“No nothing for me thank you.”

Striker tried to take in the office whilst keeping his focus on the Counsellor.

“It’s been a long trip to get here, I’m looking forward to settling in to life on the ship.”

Inwardly Striker winced. He was terrible in these situations, Don’t say too much… But you can’t say nothing…

“Anything in particular I need to know whilst I’m here?”

Dumb question… But it was all that he had.

Striker wasn’t sure if he looked standoffish or terrified… It didn’t matter he felt both of those things.

• Ensign Striker (security)