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 (10) 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

Sam listened intently, his expression thoughtful as MJ described both relationships. He let the silence linger for a moment after the ensign finished, allowing the words to settle before responding.

“I think you’ve identified something important.”

He folded his hands together.

“Trust isn’t built all at once. It starts with small, consistent actions. A fellow officer who does what they say they’re going to do. Someone who carries their share of the workload. Those things may seem routine, but after you’ve been through difficult experiences, they become meaningful.”

A faint smile crossed his face.

“So I’m glad you’ve found that in Ensign Snowden. Professional trust has a way of becoming the foundation for genuine camaraderie.”

He nodded when MJ spoke of Ensign Shepherd.

“And what you’ve found with her is something different.”

His tone remained calm and measured.

“Shared experience doesn’t erase grief, but it reminds us we don’t have to carry it alone. Sometimes the most reassuring thing isn’t hearing someone say they understand. It’s seeing that they do.”

Sam leaned back slightly.

“You said something that stood out to me. You called our previous conversations ‘academic.’ I don’t take that as criticism—I think it’s an honest observation.”

He smiled warmly.

“I can tell you that other people struggle. I can explain how grief works. I can offer perspective. But eventually, there comes a point where life has to prove those lessons true. Meeting people like Ensign Snowden and Ensign Shepherd gave you evidence that those conversations weren’t just theories.”

He gave a small nod of approval.

“And you know what else I heard?”

“You didn’t spend this conversation talking about what you’ve lost. You spent it talking about the people you’ve found.”

Sam let that observation hang for a moment.

“That doesn’t mean your grief is gone. It means it no longer has your full attention. It’s beginning to share space with hope, purpose, and friendship.”

His expression softened.

“That’s not the end of the journey, Ensign. But it’s a very good place to be.”
Lieutenant Jr. Grade Samuel A. McIntyre
CNS USS Chimera

The Ensign’s eyebrows rose at the comment. He hadn’t actively thought about it, but many of their sessions were mired in the pain of loss. It was a necessary byproduct of the work they were doing. This did seem like the first session that was… hopeful. Forward looking. It was a welcome surprise.

“Thank you Lieutenant. I know myself well enough to know there is still a lot of work to do… but I don’t think I could have acknowledged the shift if you hadn’t pointed it out.” MJ was often focused on moving forward. Taking the next step. And then the next. And then another one. Sam’s point of view helped him look back and realize that he truly had made a lot of progress.

“It feels good to make connections with other officers. It can still be scary… when I do think about the past and what can happen… but overall I feel good. Where do you recommend I go from here?”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera

A warm, genuine smile crossed Lieutenant Junior Grade Samuel McIntyre’s face.

“I’m glad to hear that, Ensign. The progress you’ve made isn’t measured by the absence of difficult memories. It’s measured by the fact that those memories no longer define every step you take.”

He folded his hands together thoughtfully.

“You’ve begun rebuilding something that was disrupted—trust, connection, and confidence in yourself. That doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly isn’t a straight path. There will be days when old fears resurface. That doesn’t mean you’ve moved backward. It simply means you’re continuing the work.”

McIntyre paused, allowing the thought to settle.

“As for where you go from here, I’d encourage you to keep doing exactly what you’ve started doing. Continue building relationships with your fellow officers. Accept invitations when they come. Find opportunities to work alongside people outside your immediate duties. Every positive interaction helps reinforce that your present is not your past.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“I’d also recommend setting yourself one small personal goal each week—something that has nothing to do with surviving hardship and everything to do with living your life. Whether it’s sharing a meal with a shipmate, joining a recreational activity, or simply taking time to enjoy something you value, those experiences remind us that we’re more than the challenges we’ve endured.”

A reassuring smile returned.

“And finally… give yourself permission to recognize your successes. You’re very good at looking toward the next objective, Ensign, but sometimes it’s worth stopping long enough to acknowledge how far you’ve already come.”

He nodded once.

“I think you’re ready for that.”
Lieutenant Jr. Grade Samuel A. McIntyre
CNS USS Chimera

The Risian Ensign nodded slowly. It wasn’t new advice; it was essentially the same thing Sam had told him before. Rather than being annoyed though, MJ liked what he heard. It told him he was on the right path. It meant he was making progress and heading in the direction he wanted to go. There was no need for a radical shift in approach when his current efforts were bearing fruit.

“I can do that, Lieutenant. And that’s partially what Skye and I have been talking about.” He let a faint smile show on his face. “We don’t have all the logistics set up yet, but the Chimera will have a movie night sometime in the next few weeks.” He didn’t bother explaining what a ‘movie’ was since Sam was from Earth. _That’s a conversation I expect to have with multiple crew members though. “It will likely be small at first, but I wanted to extend you the invite.”

Ensign Shau tilted head to the side as his eyes locked onto Sam’s for a moment longer than normal. “At the risk of overstepping… I believe you tend to focus on work yourself. I appreciate it, and I believe the whole ship does as well. I think it’s rare to see a Counselor so proactive and engaged with the crew on so many levels. But… when I see you around the Chimera talking with people , it’s always work related.” MJ shook his head and let a faint smile show again. “I don’t stalk you, and it’s entirely possible that have relationships onboard I’m not aware of. From the outside looking, however, it looks like you’ve set yourself apart.”

MJ leaned back, not wanting to appear like he was forcing the point. “You might want to evaluate the connections you’re making onboard… and whether they are merely professional or if some are personal. You’ve told me that forging those bonds is what makes me part of the crew, that they provide a support system. A type of resilience for when things get tough.”

The Ensign’s eyes locked onto Sam’s again. “We don’t want to lose you, Sir. In your position you share the burdens of crew, and that’s a lot of weight to carry.” MJ hesitated briefly. “I… just want you to know that you have people you can count on if that burden ever gets too heavy.”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera

Here’s Sam’s response, keeping him thoughtful and humble while allowing the conversation to come full circle.

Sam was quiet for several seconds.

The invitation to movie night had already brought a smile to his face, but MJ’s observations kept him silent. Rather than rushing to respond, he simply listened.

Finally, he exhaled a quiet breath and gave a small, appreciative smile.

“First… thank you for the invitation. I’d be happy to come.”

He chuckled softly.

“And if the attendance is only three people, then we’ll call it a successful first showing.”

His expression gradually grew more serious.

“As for the rest…”

Sam lowered his gaze briefly before meeting MJ’s eyes again.

“You’ve just done something that isn’t easy for many people, Ensign.”

“You looked at someone in a position of authority, saw them as another person, and chose to check on their well-being.”

There was genuine gratitude in his voice.

“That takes courage.”

The Risian’s broad shoulders relaxed at that comment. MJ had the best of intentions, and he felt like Sam would be open to what he had to say, but he wasn’t sure how the Counselor would react. Not until that moment.

He leaned back slightly, considering his next words.

“The truth is… you’re not entirely wrong.”

“I do throw myself into my work. Counseling isn’t a profession that ends when someone leaves this office. Every conversation in the corridor, every meal in the mess hall, every chance encounter—I find myself asking whether someone needs help. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“It’s a habit that’s difficult to switch off.”

He could empathize with Lt McIntyre’s quandary to a degree. Being a Security Officer was similar in many ways… it was hard not to be ‘on’ all the time. Looking for potential threats, noting discipline issues or rules infractions. There were those that avoided Security Officers when they could… though for the most part Starfleet personnel were professionals.

As Chief Counselor, that burden was beyond what Ensign Shau had to worry about. Department Heads had to worry about the entire ship.

He glanced toward the viewport for a moment.

“When I accepted this assignment, I told myself that before I could ask this crew to trust me, I had to earn that trust. So I’ve spent a great deal of time making myself available.”

His eyes returned to MJ.

“But somewhere along the way… availability became routine.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

“I think you’ve reminded me that there’s a difference between being available to a crew… and belonging to one.”

The words seemed to settle over the room.

“I’ve encouraged you to build a support network. It would be rather hypocritical if I ignored my own advice.”

A warm smile returned.

“So… thank you. Not because I particularly enjoy having my own counseling reflected back at me…”

He laughed quietly.

MJ chuckled along with the Counselor, sharing the man’s amusement.

”…but because it tells me you’ve been listening. More importantly, it tells me you’ve grown enough to recognize when someone else might need the same encouragement.”

Sam extended a hand across the desk.

“I’ll make you a promise, Ensign. I’ll make a greater effort to be Sam once in a while, instead of always being Lieutenant McIntyre.”

His smile broadened.

“And I’ll see you at movie night.”

After a brief pause, he added in a quieter voice,

“And for what it’s worth… hearing you tell me, ‘We don’t want to lose you,’ may be one of the most meaningful things anyone aboard Chimera has said to me.”

He gave MJ’s hand a firm shake.

“I’m proud of the progress you’ve made. Not because you’ve stopped struggling—but because you’ve learned that strength isn’t measured by carrying every burden alone.”

“And thank you… for reminding me of that as well.”

Lt. J.G. Samuel A. McIntyre
Chief Counselor
USS Chimera • NCC-98730
Starfleet Medical Division
Starfleet Command

The young Ensign took the Counselor’s hand and shook it, nodding earnestly as Sam made his promise. MJ wouldn’t call it a revelation, since Lt McIntyre knew all this already, but it was nice to be able to support a fellow officer. Even if it was just to offer an outside opinion. To serve as a sounding board, like the Lieutenant had done for him so many times.

He was glad that his words seemed to have an impact and impart how important the Counselor was to the crew. MJ let another faint smile show. “Well, you’ve made one connection at least, Sam.” He looked his fellow officer in the eye as he called him by his given name for the first time. The Counselor knew Ensign Shau better than almost anybody on the crew at this point, and MJ knew he could rely on Sam when things got tough. Even though their interactions had always been professional, that trust was there. Built up over their time onboard. And has he said.. trust is not a bad foundation to start with.

“I look forward to seeing you at movie night.”

Ensign MJ Shau - Security Officer - USS Chimera