Lieutenant (JG) Samuel McIntyre leaned back in his chair for a moment, taking in the quiet atmosphere of the counseling office aboard the USS Chimera. The room had been intentionally arranged to feel less clinical than Sickbay. Soft lighting, comfortable chairs, a bookshelf filled with Federation literature and psychology texts, and a panoramic display showing a tranquil Scottish Highlands landscape all worked together to put visitors at ease.

His PADD rested on the desk before him. He had reviewed Ensign MJ Shau’s personnel file earlier that morning—not to judge, but to gain an understanding of the young officer before their first formal session. Every crew member carried their own burdens, whether visible or hidden, and Samuel believed the first conversation often set the tone for everyone that followed.

Tapping the control panel on his desk, he opened a shipwide internal channel.

“Lieutenant Junior Grade Samuel McIntyre to Ensign MJ Shau.”

He paused a moment before continuing, his voice calm and welcoming.

“Ensign, at your convenience, would you please report to the Counseling Office on Deck Five for a counseling session? There’s nothing to be concerned about—I’d simply like the opportunity to introduce myself, get to know you a bit better, and ensure you’re settling in aboard the Chimera. I look forward to meeting you.”

Closing the channel, Samuel stood and straightened the chairs so they faced one another rather than his desk. He preferred conversations to feel like discussions between colleagues, not interrogations.

With a fresh cup of tea steaming gently on the side table, he settled into one of the chairs, waiting patiently for the ensign to arrive.

Lieutenant Jr. Grade Samuel A. McIntyre
CNS USS Chimera