Posted by Lieutenant T’Shain (Counselor) in CNS Office new crew reporting for psych evaluation

Posted by Lieutenant Marcus Kane (Chief Intelligence Officer) in CNS Office new crew reporting for psych evaluation

Posted by Lieutenant T’Shain (Counselor) in CNS Office new crew reporting for psych evaluation
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Lieutenant Marcus Kane made his way through the corridors of the USS Manhattan with the same measured pace that had become second nature over the course of his career. Newly assigned to the ship, he was still committing its layout to memory, though the route to the counselor’s office had been straightforward enough.

Reaching his destination, he paused outside the door and briefly checked the PADD in his hand. His transfer orders and appointment schedule confirmed he was exactly where he was meant to be. Satisfied, he tucked the PADD beneath his arm and straightened the front of his gold-shouldered uniform.

Taking a quiet breath, Marcus pressed the door chime once before stepping back and waiting patiently. There was no impatience in his posture, only the composed professionalism expected of a Starfleet officer. Psychological evaluations were a routine part of reporting aboard a new assignment, particularly for senior staff, and while many found them uncomfortable, Marcus regarded them as another opportunity to establish the trust that every effective crew relied upon.

As he waited, his attention wandered briefly to the activity in the corridor, silently observing the steady flow of officers and enlisted personnel going about their duties while he awaited the counselor’s invitation.

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

Lietenant T’Shain had heard the chime of her office go off and wondered who it could be. She didn’t have anything to do nor did she have anyone scheduled to visit her. “Come in.” she said as she was wondering who her visitor is.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

With permission to enter Marcus did just that , he stopped a few steps inside the office

“Lt Marcus Kane, reporting for my intial boarding pysch evaluation”

He said promtly then waited for Lt T’Shains response

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

She looked at him. Wondering why the ethusiasm. “Very well Lieutenant. Please have a seat.” She replied back.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

“Thank you Counselor”

Marcus said taking the seat that was offered and waited for the evaluation to begin

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

“So Lieutenant, please tell me what’s are the signs that I sould be aware of?” She asked.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

Marcus considered the question for a moment before answering. There was no hesitation born of uncertainty; rather, he was choosing his words carefully.

“I’ve found that the first indicator is usually a change in my routine,” he replied evenly. “When I’m under prolonged stress, I tend to become more withdrawn than usual. I spend longer analysing information, sometimes revisiting the same reports more than is strictly necessary.”

He folded his hands loosely in his lap, maintaining a relaxed posture.

“In my line of work, being thorough is an asset. Becoming overly cautious isn’t. If I begin questioning every conclusion or delaying decisions because I’m searching for absolute certainty, that’s generally a sign I’ve lost perspective.”

A faint smile crossed his face.

“I also have a habit of skipping meals when I’m deeply focused on an investigation. Nothing dramatic, but it’s something I’ve learned to watch for.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“I’ve been fortunate not to experience anything more serious than occupational stress. When I recognise those habits beginning to appear, I make a conscious effort to step away from the problem for a while, exercise, or simply seek a second opinion from someone I trust. Intelligence work benefits from multiple perspectives, and I’ve learned that trying to solve everything alone is rarely the best approach.”

Marcus met the counselor’s gaze with the same calm professionalism he’d displayed since arriving.

“I consider self-awareness to be just as important as situational awareness. If either begins to slip, it’s usually time to reassess.”

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

She sat there as she listened to what Mr. Kane was saying. “Sounds like a bit of a rough time with stuff. A lot of stress for prolonged change can do that. I know that stuff like that can put a lot of pressure. I’ve just recently been assigned to the ship. Doing some check ins with everyone else. But you know. It’s the work of a counselor. Anything else would you like to tell me?” She asked.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

Marcus considered the question for a few moments before answering. He had spent much of his career asking questions rather than answering them, and old habits encouraged careful thought before speaking.

“Nothing that I believe would affect my ability to perform my duties,” he began evenly. “I’ve always tried to maintain a clear distinction between my work and my personal life. It’s not always easy in Intelligence, but I think it’s necessary.”

He rested his hands comfortably in his lap.

“One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that information can become… consuming if you let it. Every report raises another question, every answer leads to another possibility. There comes a point where you have to trust your training and the people around you, otherwise you’ll spend so much time looking for every conceivable threat that you lose sight of the mission in front of you.”

A faint smile tugged briefly at the corner of his mouth.

“I make a point of reading something unrelated to work each evening when circumstances allow—usually history or classical literature. It helps me disconnect, even if only for an hour.”

His expression returned to its usual calm neutrality.

“I also believe that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. If I ever felt my judgment was being compromised by stress, fatigue, or anything else, I’d rather speak to a counselor early than wait until it affected the crew or the mission.”

Marcus paused before adding one final thought.

“As for serving aboard the Manhattan, I’m looking forward to getting to know the crew. Intelligence work can sometimes be an isolating profession, but I don’t believe it should isolate the officer performing it.”

With that, he fell silent once more, giving Counselor T’Shain the opportunity to continue the evaluation.

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

She again sat there listening and is very impressed. “Well, lieutenant. I will say this, you are very open. Even with your work and everything. I hereby declare you fit for duty Lieutenant. If there is anything else I mean anything else, my door is always open. I’ll most likely be on the bridge with the Captain as well.” She explained.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

Marcus offered a small but genuine smile, appreciating the counselor’s reassurance.

“Thank you, Counselor.”

He rose smoothly from his seat, retrieving the PADD he had brought with him.

“I appreciate your confidence, and the offer. It’s good to know the crew has someone they can turn to without hesitation. I hope I won’t have cause to trouble you too often,” he said with a hint of dry humour, “but it’s reassuring to know the door is open should the need arise.”

He inclined his head respectfully.

“I look forward to serving with you aboard the Manhattan. With any luck, our paths will cross under less formal circumstances.”

With that, Marcus turned and made his way toward the exit, his next stop already waiting on his schedule—the mandatory boarding medical in Sickbay. As the doors closed behind him, he found himself feeling quietly optimistic. First impressions only went so far, but thus far the Manhattan was proving to be a ship whose officers valued professionalism, openness, and mutual trust.

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan