Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Samuel Andrew McIntyre (CNS) in Session

Posted by Ensign MJ Shau (Security Officer) in Session

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Samuel Andrew McIntyre (CNS) in Session
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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.”

MJ heard the comm as he walked down a corridor on the way back from the gym. He tapped his comlink to respond. =/\=”Shau here. How can I help you, Lieutenant?”

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.”

Ensign Shau didn’t think he had another session this soon… but realized he actually hadn’t scheduled his next follow-up. =/\=”Understood, Sir. I can be there in 20 minutes.”

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

The Risian returned to his quarters and took a brief sonic shower before donning a uniform and making his way to the Counseling Suite in Deck 33.

Ensign Shau felt like he’d come a long way in the brief time he’d been onboard. The events on the Pickett were still raw, but he was processing them, if slowly. The mission in the Scallax system was an added stressor, but he was confident his doubts were healthy and could be managed.

And while he hadn’t fully opened himself up to the crew of the Chimera, because he was afraid of losing more people he cared about, MJ was finally starting to put himself out there.

Arriving outside of Lt McIntyre’s office, he chimed the door to announce his arrival.

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera

” Enter !!”

Lieutenant Jr. Grade Samuel A. McIntyre
CNS USS Chimera

Ensign Shau walked in and noted the slight shift in decor. Less utilitarian than before… more welcoming. I sometimes forget that Sam was only onboard a short time before I arrived, MJ thought. He’s been settling in himself, all while working to support the rest of the crew.

“Good to see you again, Sir.” He eyed the chair opposite the Counselor. “Mind if I sit?”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera

Here’s Sam’s response, speaking only for Lieutenant JG Samuel McIntyre:

Sam looked up from the PADD as the office door slid open, a warm smile crossing his face at the sight of Ensign Shau.

“Ensign. It’s good to see you too.”

He set the PADD aside and gestured toward the chair opposite his desk.

“Please, have a seat. Make yourself comfortable.”

As MJ settled in, Sam leaned back slightly in his own chair, his demeanor relaxed but attentive. The office had gradually become more personal since his arrival aboard Chimera—a few framed landscapes from Earth, a small potted plant on a side table, and a shelf of well-worn books helped soften the otherwise standard Starfleet furnishings. It was intentional. Counseling, he believed, started with making people feel at ease.

“I appreciate you coming by. This isn’t anything formal unless it needs to be. Think of it as an opportunity to check in, see how you’re settling into life aboard Chimera, and talk about whatever happens to be on your mind.”

He folded his hands loosely on the desk.

“So… how have things been going for you since coming aboard?”

Lieutenant Jr. Grade Samuel A. McIntyre
CNS USS Chimera

MJ sat down… then paused for a moment to consider. How do I feel?

“I mean… I’m still dealing with a lot, but I know that’s a process. That it’s s going to take time. But, I’m feeling… good? Something has been keeping me from making connections with the rest of the crew… but I think that damn has finally broken.”

A faint smirk appeared on his face. “Its nothing serious, but they are connections. There’s still a lot more to do… but its a start.”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera

Here’s Sam’s response, speaking only for Lieutenant JG Samuel McIntyre:

Sam listened without interruption, giving MJ the space to find the right words. When the ensign mentioned the dam finally breaking, a small, genuine smile appeared.

“I think that’s more significant than you’re giving yourself credit for.”

He rested his forearms lightly on the desk, maintaining an open, relaxed posture.

“Recovery isn’t usually marked by dramatic moments. More often it’s measured by small victories—the first conversation that feels natural, the first shared meal, the first time you catch yourself looking forward instead of over your shoulder.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

“The fact that you’re making connections tells me you’re allowing yourself to become part of this crew rather than simply serving aboard the ship. Those are two very different things.”

After a brief pause, he continued.

“You also said you’re still dealing with a lot. That’s perfectly all right. Healing isn’t about reaching a finish line where everything is suddenly fixed. It’s about recognizing that you’re making progress, even while carrying some of the weight.”

Sam offered an encouraging smile.

“So tell me about these connections. Who have you been getting to know, and what do you think finally changed? What made that dam break?”

Lieutenant Jr. Grade Samuel A. McIntyre
CNS USS Chimera

He started with the easier connection first. Not that it wasn’t important… just that it was a professional friendship. “I’ve been working closely with Ensign Snowden, a fellow Security Officer. Its been good to collaborate with somebody again. Even though we’re just planning, he doesn’t hesitate to step up and do the work. He’s got good instincts and he’s reliable. It might feel like a small thing, but being able to trust somebody again was actually very hard.”

MJ paused for a moment as he thought about Skye “The other one is Ensign Shepherd. We haven’t worked together much, but we have talked. Her life experiences are very different… but she’s dealing with some of the same things I am. Loss. Pain. Its been… not good, that would be morbid.” He shook his head. “But… comforting? Comforting to see somebody else dealing with these things and still doing well for herself. Even if she doesn’t’ see it that way.”

He glanced at Sam. “I know we’ve talked and you told me that a lot of people are dealing with their own struggles… but that’s academic. It hits harder to know somebody else… to be able to talk to them. Hear their stories. As far as why things changed… I couldn’t really say. I’d wager its just time. Time for me to internalize the things we’ve been talking about.”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera