Posted by Captain Molly Holloway (Commanding Officer) in pre-sim - Bethany Reports to Holloway-poor Holloway - CO’s Ready Room

Posted by Lieutenant Bethany Kovra Gadi (Counselor) in pre-sim - Bethany Reports to Holloway-poor Holloway - CO’s Ready Room

Posted by Captain Molly Holloway (Commanding Officer) in pre-sim - Bethany Reports to Holloway-poor Holloway - CO’s Ready Room
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
(snip)
“Thank you, Captain. The flight wasn’t too bad. I had to adjust course to catch up, but nothing horrible. The flight was uneventful, and that is a great deal to be grateful for.” Bethany offered her hand to shake the captains, if she choose. Bethany didn’t attempt to read the emotions of those around her. Outside of the ship, she had no problem doing it, but here trust was earned and she intended to. Rather than sense the Captain’s weariness she felt the strong mental barrier and respected that. Rather Bethany could tell from her body language how exhausted she seemed. Bethany moved over to the couch and took the offered seat. “Cold apple cider, please.” After the captain handed her the glass she produced another iso chip and handed it to the captain, it contained her records and transfer orders.
Lt. Gadi, CNS

Molly took the offered hand, but her handshake was surprisingly loose. Whether or not that was a common occurrence, there was no way to tell. Walking to the replicator, she ordered the cider for the Counselor and a hot cup of coffee for herself. It was her third already and Holloway found herself wondering how many more she would go through that day.

Placing the beverages on the coffee table, and moving the cider in front of her guest, Molly sat on the armchair. Up close, the dark shadows under her eyes were a little more visible, but they were not as deep as they had once been. She took the offered chip and put it in one of her trouser’s pockets.

“I hope you don’t mind if I cut straight to the chase, Lieutenant.” Holloway finally said after a long sip of her coffee. “I’ve read your file… several times actually… I thought I could figure it out, but I really can’t.” She took another sip. “First Intel decides to push me over to Command of the Dresden. Then my ship’s counselor is mysteriously offered the Executive Officer position. And now, the person filling in for him just so happens to be an Intel officer as well…” Molly’s gaze could only be described as ‘intense’ as she stared at the woman across from her for a beat too long. “What are you really here for?”

Holloway, CO

Betahny liked her bluntness. Bethany took the drink and sipped it slowly. She set the glass down and leaned back against the back of the seat. She wanted to make sure the captain could interpret her body language and pick up any ques she wanted. Bethany had nothing to hide. “I’m here to be ship’s counselor. I’ve always wanted to serve on a ship, and though I am with Intelligence, I am not a field operative. I’m a counselor first. I’m here at my own request. I didn’t expect to get the position when I learned you, Molly Holloway, was captain but I’m thrilled I was.” Bethany was a little in awe of actually meeting, shaking hands with the Molly Holloway. She shrugged, “If I have been sent here for another reason, I’ve not been told of it.” She took another sip and debates what to say next. ‘Girly you better be up front. That’s the Dresden you’re going to. She has a spirit all her own. Honor that.’ The last piece of advice T’Jal had given her before she headed out. “Did you know, Cpt, that the Dresden has a history of these exact personnel circumstances. This isn’t the first time.” She took another sip of her cider and dives in. “I had the opportunity to resign my status with Intel before I came here. I didn’t because it allows me to keep my security clearance. As a counselor that comes in handy so that no one has to dance around what is bothering them. It also allows you and the XO to ask my advice on even sensitive orders or information. My mentor suggested that I can always resign my position at Intel after.” Bethany wondered if Holloway would ask who that was.
Lt. Hadi, CNS

Molly scoffed at the last words. “The Dresden’s past is in the past, Lieutenant. Coincidences happen, but they don’t shape the choices made in the future. Unless you’re suggesting that Intel has an invested interest on this ship, which I very much doubt. And well, I’m sorry to say this, but if your mentor told you you could resign Intel at any time they were either purposely deceiving you or they didn’t know what they were talking about. You can’t just resign from Intel. If you’re out, you’re a liability. Even stripped of your security clearance, you know past information. And they don’t want those just floating around.” Holloway didn’t have any particular interest in knowing who Gadi’s mentor was. Her words had told her everything she needed to know, and she had already formed her own opinion of them. “Or maybe they just let you non-field operations folks off the hook easier than they let us. But I doubt it.” Molly remembered the Intel counselors she had seen. She remembered how unrelenting they were. She didn’t expect Gadi to be any other way.

I didn’t expect to get the position when I learned you, Molly Holloway, was captain but I’m thrilled I was. The Lieutenant’s words wondered back into Molly’s mind. “If I may ask, why would me in particular being the Captain of this ship in any way dim your chances of getting the position? It’s not like Command gives us the freedom to choose whoever we want most of the time, you know? At least they don’t give me, that’s for sure… Did you think I could just reject you on the grounds of our common background? Because, if I may be honest with you, Counselor, I probably would have.”

Holloway, CO

Bethany listened. She’d heard it before. It never seemed to change, despite her and her colleagues attempts to change it. Well all she could do was keep going. “No Cpt. I don’t get off the hook, but I can be locked out. They’ll follow us all till the day we die, even the lucky few who make it to retirement.” It was the truth and they both knew it. The captain had her file and the clearance to see the whole thing. Not that Bethany had anything that was classified. Some of the officers she worked with had, but she didn’t. She shrugged, “At least with me on board, you don’t have to worry about any member of the crew not getting the help they need because of clearance levels. Even you if you so choose. But from the records I’ve seen you have a counselor quite fit for your needs that you work well with. So you don’t need to bother with me unless you choose.” She let that sink in. Bethany wanted this position more than anything, and there was no doubt Dresden would be sent on classified missions. If the communications she picked up on her way here, this mission would be no different, she hadn’t read them but there was a bombardment going out to Dresden from every department, every section of Star Fleet and the Federation. “We go where we are told. But we all have favors we can call in. It was reasonable to think that if you had strong objections you could use one. It’s fact of our division. But if you want me gone, Cpt. I can be gone. I came to Dresden becaues I want it. I’ll admit to being a little in awe of you and your reputation, but I’m here for the protection of the mental health of the crew and to advise you and the senior staff as you see fit. No more, no less.”

Bethany circled back to her comment about the Dresden’s history. “History is history, Captain Holloway. Ships have it, people have it. If it means nothing, then you have a clean slate and so do I. Maybe we could start with that.” She wasn’t sure what T’Jal would say about that. Probably slap her upside the back of her head, for mouthing off to her captain. Bethany wanted this position, and she was going to keep it come hell or high water.
LT. Gadi, CNS

Molly let silence fall over the conversation for a moment. It was clear that she was mulling over the words she had just been told. The woman had a few strong points, and she appreciated someone with the guts to share them. Taking a sip of her coffee, she uncrossed her legs and crossed them the other way before leaning back on her seat. “I have no reason to kick you off the ship, Lieutenant. Besides I would have to explain to Command why I had done it, and I am not really in a position to question Command’s choices and assignments. Not to mention, I don’t call in favors unless they are an absolute emergency. And even then… I’d like to think that I still have a little integrity left.” Holloway took another sip of her cup before continuing. “I would prefer to keep my Counseling sessions with Commander Renveer. We’ve been working together for a while, and I feel that restarting my current path would only hinder me and my ability to command.” She paused. “I know you have access to information about me that Commander Renveer hasn’t. But that hasn’t been an issue so far. I hope you’ll understand.” There was a weight that seemed to have been lifted off her shoulders at the last statement, even if it wasn’t completely apparent.

“Captain, I am not so arrogant that I think I can do better than someone you are comfortable with can do. I have no problems with you continuing with Cmdr. Renveer. I would hope, though if his duel roles to you ever blur that you would both, at least, consider allowing me to advise you both. But that would be totally up to the both of you.”

“Now… I need to ask you… Why exactly would you be in awe at my reputation, Lieutenant? I can assure you, if you’ve read my file, you know that I am nothing more than a Command washout that was lucky enough to have been taken an interest in by Intel. There’s nothing to be in awe about me, unless of course, you’re referring to my uncle’s company, in which case, I can tell you I don’t have much accomplished there either. But I’m sure I can get him to give you an autograph if you’re really interested.” Her last few words had a snide remark nature to them. Holloway Heavy Industries was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, starship manufacturing company in the sector. They made everything from luxury liners, to warships, but were most known for their cruise ships. Since she had changed her last name back to her family name, a lot of people had been recognizing it, and she absolutely hated it.

Holloway, CO

Bethany looked confused at the mention of her Molly’s uncle. She obviously had not made the connection. “No, thank you Captain. I’m not sure why someone would want your uncle’s autograph.” Bethany took in the captain again. “No, I don’t suppose you’ve had the most glorious of records. And I wouldn’t say a command wash out.
You have command again. And often the decisions of the brass are for their benefit not ours or the crews. But what you do have, is a spine of steel and an instinct that I admire. That despite what was thrown at you, by what can be a shady command structure in Intel, you came out the better. I admire that. You may not see it that way, but we often don’t see ourselves as others see us. You’ve made tough decisions that the ‘model officer’ would never be able to make. For me, that speaks more to your worth than any op you were sent on.” Bethany didn’t give false flattery, and this was NOT that. It was simply how she saw it.
Lt. Gadi, CNS

Molly was slightly relieved at the Lieutenant’s ignorance of Lucas Holloway and Holloway Heavy Industries. At least she was not one of those. But it was clear that Gadi’s words had rendered Molly speechless. She took a long sip of her coffee hoping to buy herself some time to think.

“You flatter me, Lieutenant.” Holloway finally said. “Although there’s been times when there was really no choice but the illusion of it. It’s curious how Starfleet Command seems to be better at that than Intelligence. At least in my experience. I don’t know what else to say besides that, if I do have a spine of steel as you call it, it’s because it was created out of past situations where I didn’t have one.” Molly sighed for a second, and placed her mug on the table in front of her, before leaning back again on her seat. For a moment the true weight of the past showed. She was young. Too young for everything she had lived through. And at times, Holloway felt every consequence that came with it. With having been given command of a ship at the meager age of twenty-five and having been steamrolled by it. To this day she hadn’t fully recovered, but for the first time she felt like she was taking steps in the right direction.

For a moment Bethany was silent in thought, “I read in a book once, ‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time given us.’ (OOC: Gandalf the Grey) We don’t control the time or the circumstances. Just how we react to it.”

(OOC: Lord of the Rings has some amazing pieces of wisdom! – Joana)

Nodding slightly in thought, Molly’s gaze finally returned to the Dresden’s new Counselor. “So, why exactly made you want to serve as a counselor on a ship and not with Intel anymore?”

Holloway, CO

She took a sip of her drink. “I wouldn’t say ‘not anymore.’ I always wanted to serve, at some point, in this capacity on a ship. The opportunity came up, and I took it. Not that other opportunities hadn’t come before, but now was good timing.” She wasn’t sure how the captain would take this. “Other opportunities came that would have required me to walk away from the people I was helping. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave them in the middle of helping them heal for the sake of my career. This position came when I had no one depending on me.”
Lt. Gadi, CNS

There was a quizzical eyebrow raised but it quickly returned to its original place. At least she showed integrity and concern for those she helped, and that was a very good thing in Molly’s opinion.

“A commendable choice, Lieutenant. I assume then, that you are aware that despite her being a dreadnought, the Dresden is not an Intelligence ship, and that the officers that serve on board are not Intelligence officers. So I expect you not to treat them as such. I have met my fare of Intel counselors, and I have to admit I was never too fond of any of them. These are officers, not operatives. They will hopefully never see the horrors that Intel can force upon you.” For a moment, she was back at the park in San Francisco, phaser out, as the figure of her own partner was vaporized right in front of her eyes, by none other than her own weapon. Molly shook her head to dismiss the thought. “Are we understood, Lieutenant?”

Holloway, CO

Bethany sighed. She was weary of the unfounded accusations. “There is no such thing as an Intel ship. I perfectly understand you Captain. And at the risk of being insubordinate, I am going to ask you to really read my file, look into the work I do, then make your prejudgements about me. And then judge me on my own performance or lack of.” It was all on the isochip she gave her. But if Holloway really looked into it, from the file or her own inquiry, she would see the counseling unit Bethany had been with, was different and was rocking boats about how operatives were being treated and handled. She was vocal about it and didn’t back down. Their methods showed a significantly higher success rate for the personnel, most notably in their social and personal lives.
Lt. Hadi, CNS

There is no such thing as an Intel ship. It was clear that Gadi didn’t know about the Thresher. It wasn’t surprising, as technically the ship wasn’t supposed to exist, and the fact that Holloway held the rank of Captain made it so they had slightly different clearances. And well… Ryan. His involvement also helped in Holloway’s knowledge of the project.

“Yes, Lieutenant. I meant that this is not a ship where every officer is a member of Intel. I didn’t mean to imply there were such things as Intelligence ships, and I was hoping you would understand that.” There was a slight hint of annoyance in Holloway’s tone. “And I have read your file. Several times. But I will read it again if it makes a difference. Maybe the isochip is more complete than what I have.”

Pulling out her most professional officer tone of voice. She’d obviously irritated the captain. She had expected that, but she hadn’t meant to do it on purpose. “Yes ma’am I understand that. It doesn’t matter to me their position. They are people, living, breathing individuals first and foremost. I don’t care their department or job. I’m here to help them, if they are willing to let me.” She didn’t know how else to put it to the captain. Gadi didn’t comment on her file. Obviously it didn’t matter. She was proud of the work she and her ‘team’ had done. They wanted to change things. She shrugged mentally. Adversity never stopped her.

Molly took another sip of her coffee, leaving her mug almost empty. “Well, I have shared my concerns with you, Counselor, and you have addressed them. For that I am grateful.” Holloway had her own reservations about Gadi, but then again, she was paranoid about anyone coming from Intelligence and she didn’t exactly like counselors. But she was willing to give her a chance, like she did anyone on board. Maybe much like it had happened with Renveer, she would change her mind about the woman. “Do you have any questions for me? About the Dresden, the crew, or anything else, really?”

Holloway, CO

“Just one, Captain. I know my responsibility to the crew. But what about my responsibility to you and the Cmdr. Part of the job as head counselor is to advise the senior staff. I understand, as you have informed me, you have a smoothly working relationship with Cmdr. Renveer for that. What do you expect or not expect from me in that position?” After this meeting, Bethany wanted the lines to be very clear.
Lt. Gadi, CNS

It was a hard question to answer. And one Holloway hadn’t even thought of it herself. The changes were still quite fresh, and even though she was fully aware Renveer was the Dresden’s XO now, it was still hard not to see him as the Counselor as well. Molly allowed herself some time to think before replying. “The counselor’s main job while on the Bridge is to advise mostly on the matters of diplomacy and, hopefully, peaceful conflict resolution. I expect nothing less. Indeed, Commander Renveer has had that role on this ship for the past year, and he will still have it, much like he would advise in Engineering matters if that had been his original background. However, you have a very different background than he does. One that is much closer to mine, which I expect to bring in some different insights to the table. Not to mention, it is my understanding that you have empathic abilities due to your Betazoid ancestry?”

Holloway, CO

Bethany nodded, “Yes ma’am. I’m half Betazoid. I am a strong empath, but I have no telepathic ability to speak of. That would require an extremely strong telepath to initiate communication.” And now to let the captain in on something most, outside of Betazed, didn’t know. “I also can not read emotions past any mental barrier. The ability to do that requires telepathic ability, which I don’t have. I’m very good at reading body language and physical ques though. If asked I would say that on top of my understanding of psychology, observation and a study of sociology are my best tools for advising you in those instances.”
Lt. Gadi, CNS