Posted by Major Vektul (Chief Engineer) in Office of the Counselor: Psych Eval

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Tello Anaar/Outgoing (CNS) in Office of the Counselor: Psych Eval

Posted by Major Vektul (Chief Engineer) in Office of the Counselor: Psych Eval
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The corridor was quiet—well insulated and dimmer than most workspaces on the ship. Major Vektul paused just outside the counselor’s office, taking a single breath he did not appear to need.

His expression was as controlled as ever, the faintest crease between his brows the only hint of internal resistance. He adjusted his uniform collar—unnecessary, automatic—and reached out.

With two fingers, he pressed the chime beside the counselor’s door.

And waited. Still as stone.

-Major Vektul
Chief Engineer
USS Memorial

Sitting on the couch working on a crossword puzzle, Tello looked up at the sound of the chime. “Enter.” When the doors parted, she was surprised to see a male, Romulan officer crossing the threshold. There had been a time when Star Fleet and the Romulan empire were not on the same side. She supposed her startled response was a throwback to that time. But, here he was, a part of the Memorial’s crew. The counselor stood and greeted the Major.

“You must be Major Vektul. I wasn’t expecting you to be on the ship yet. Welcome to the Memorial.” Tello didn’t offer a hand as shaking wasn’t part of the Romulan introduction from what she had read.

“I’m LtCmdr Tello Anaar. How can I help you?” Though she figured he was there for a boarding evaluation, it was proper to let him vocalize it.

Lieutenant Commander Tello Anaar/Outgoing
CNS USS Memorial

Vektul stepped through the threshold with the precise movements of someone trained to cross unknown spaces deliberately. His hands remained clasped behind his back, and his gaze swept the room once—noted the soft furnishings, the counselor’s relaxed posture, the puzzle book on the nearby table.

None of it unsettled him. But none of it was familiar, either.

He nodded once at the counselor’s greeting.

“Lieutenant Commander Anaar,” he said, his tone even. “Your file was reviewed prior to boarding. I expected you would request a psychological evaluation.”

His eyes met hers—steady, unreadable.

“I dislike speculation, and detest inefficiency. So I have chosen to complete the requirement now, while Engineering holds steady and the crew is still regrouping.”

A pause. Almost imperceptible.

“I assume this is sufficient notice.”

He did not sit. Not yet.

¥Major Vektul¥
Chief Engineer
USS Memorial

Strategically efficient were the words that came to mind as she observed the Romulan. He probably wouldn’t be fun to work with, but at least those in engineering would know what they were getting with him. “You’re in luck, Major, as I don’t have an appointment until later this afternoon, so now is fine. Please have a seat wherever you like and we’ll get started.

Lieutenant Commander Tello Anaar/Outgoing
CNS USS Memorial

Vektul gave a slight nod—neither approval nor gratitude, but acknowledgment. He crossed to the indicated seating area with measured steps and selected the chair furthest from the couch, angled slightly away from the center of the room. Not out of disrespect—simply instinct.

He sat without adjusting the seat, without shifting to find comfort. His spine remained straight, his hands resting loosely on his knees.

“My prior evaluations were conducted under Federation integration protocols. Focused on loyalty, emotional control, and operational stability.” His tone was flat—no bitterness, no pride. Just record.

“I assume your standards differ.”

A pause followed. Brief. Intentionally neutral.

“I am not here to conceal or resist. But I will not perform. If I am deemed unfit for duty, I expect that finding to be delivered with equal candor.”

His gaze did not falter.

“Otherwise, let us proceed.”

¥Major Vektul¥
Chief Engineer
U.S.S. Memorial

She followed him to the seating area and chose to sit on the couch. It put her nearer to him than the other chair. She angled her body more in his direction not to make him uncomfortable, but because it was what she would have done with anyone else. He was the first Romulan she’d had personal dealings with and Tello knew there would be a learning curve for her. “Tell me Major, are you always this…controlled?” Her studies had taught her that Romulans felt their emotions all the time, similar to humans, but they didn’t show them as much. Vektul appeared to be a prime example.

“I have no wish to trick you or make you perform, and yes, I suppose my standards differ from whoever you’ve dealt with in the past. Whatever training you have undergone to get you to where you are now, please remember that I have also undergone training for this particular position. If we have an understanding now, I’d like you to tell me something that isn’t in your file. It doesn’t have to be service oriented and can be from any time in your life.”

Lieutenant Commander Tello Anaar/Outgoing
CNS USS Memorial

Vektul’s gaze did not shift as she spoke. He listened in silence—no interruption, no fidgeting, no discernible reaction.

When the question came—are you always this controlled—his answer was immediate.

“Yes.”

Another pause. Then, simply:

“There is no advantage to the alternative.”

He did not explain further.

As she made her request—something not in the file—his head tilted slightly, but not out of curiosity. Calculation, perhaps. Assessment.

“There is nothing outside my file that is relevant to my performance.”

A beat.

“Or to this evaluation.”

The phrasing was calm, not defensive. But absolute.

Then, after a moment, he added—not sharply, but precisely:

“Perhaps a more direct line of questioning would be more beneficial to you, Commander.”

Not unkind. But firm.

The tone of a man who had nothing to hide, and no interest in being examined without cause.

¥Major Vektul¥
Chief Engineer
U.S.S. Memorial

She sat a moment thinking about what he’d said. Very calmly, she spoke. “I believe a more direct line of questioning would beneficial to you Major. I understand how to do my job. This appointment doesn’t do either of us any good if you are only willing to share what I can already read in your file. Your unwillingness to volunteer anything, even the smallest, random, piece of information or memory, doesn’t speak well of your ability to adapt to a situation, nor does it speak to your knowledge of when communication is necessary. I’m not asking you anything the other officers on board haven’t dealt with.”

Silence sat heavy between them. “If you’d rather keep silent, I’ll note that in your file and speak to the Captain about it. I did tell you, however, that I wasn’t out to trick you. The decision is yours.”

Lieutenant Commander Tello Anaar/Outgoing
CNS USS Memorial