Posted by Lieutenant Commander Renveer (Executive Officer) in Pre-Sim - Who Counsels the Counselors? - XO’s Office

(snip)

Renveer nodded with a long sigh through his nose, releasing some pent-up anxiety about the role at Gadi’s affirming words. “Thank you, Lieutenant. And if there’s one thing I know about Molly, it’s that it’s important to say things to her directly and honestly. Any insinuation that we might be conspiring behind her back would be very harmful for our rapport with her. Lets just… all be transparent about our perspectives, and hope that we can work with them from there.” Renveer nodded to himself, as if trying to assure himself that everything would work out.

Bethany nodded, “I got that sense from her that she likes things to be presented straight out, but some times captains prefer their senior officers to present their concerns or differing opinions in private. And I don’t know her well enough to know either way.”

The trill centered his gaze again on Gadi, at least mostly content with the extent of their conversation. “All three of us might have some growing pains in our new positions. But I have no doubt that we can support each other through it.”

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, XO)

“I’m sure there will be, Cmdr. But I hope that it won’t take too long. In the end I hope we will work together, smoothly, as a team.”

“I know you have many new responsibilities. And not to offend or over step, but I’m sure you don’t have all the time for sessions…I mean for.” Bethany took a deep breath. Better to just ask outright than beat around the bush. It wouldn’t create a seamless change if she did. “I’ll be taking over the counseling sessions, as the previous counselor how would you like to do that? To help the crew to transition to my care? Are there officers you want to continue to work with for awhile, or that we should meet with together? Anything I should know about anyone in particular and their care?”
Lt. Gadi, CNS

Renveer nodded in appreciation. “There are a couple junior officers that I have developed a close rapport with that I would like to continue seeing, at least until I am comfortable enough that they are ready to transition to a new support counselor. I’ll forward you their files after this meeting.”

“Lieutenant Reed… ‘Stores’, as he calls himself, is… a character.” Renveer smiled sheepishly. “But he’s a fine fellow, and he never gives as much trouble as it seems like he would. But given that he’s recently been promoted to our Chief Operations Officer, it might be a good idea to review his file more closely. All the other department heads seem to be pretty well put together… but I will make sure to pass along the junior officers of note as well.”

Bethany nodded, “I will make not of their names when you send the files. I’ll make sure to give them plenty of time, until you feel like they are ready.”

Renveer sighed and sunk, as if releasing a weight he had on his shoulders. “As for the crew in general… the Starfleet officers of the Dresden had been through much in a short time immediately before I arrived. Two particularly violent back-to-back missions left many of the crew either dead or grieving. To top it off, they were without a counselor during this crucial time. I was assigned to the Dresden to damage control that situation, and I think I have managed to get the crew mostly stabilized. But there are still those who are wary of counselors and avoid my attempts to engage. Maybe you will have better luck with those hold-out cases than I.” His gaze flickered regretfully at that. Clearly he had tried to do the best he could to help so many of the crew that were traumatized, but there was only so much he had been able to accomplish. Gadi was inheriting a difficult task, but Renveer also fully intended to help her manage it in his role as executive officer.

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, XO)

Bethany tilted her head to one side, listening. “Cmdr, we, as counselors, can only do so much. If they aren’t ready to talk, no amount of good intention on our part can speed up that process. Sometimes the best we can do is to be around, be seen, and be available when they are ready. And in that vein I will try to read the ships records on those missions so that I at least am familiar with the events.” She hoped that she and the XO were on more stable ground now, but only time would really tell. She had no more questions for him, and waited to see if he had anymore or would dismiss her to finish her onboarding.
Lt. Gadi, CNS

Renveer shook his head, lips pressed together. “Thank you, Counselor.” He let out a quick breath. “Well, I believe that concludes our meeting here. Obviously we will speak further in the near future, but for now I’m sure you’re rearing to get settled in. I hope the office treats you well, I quite enjoyed the quaint space myself.”

The trill man rose and swept a hand toward the door, offering to walk Gadi out. “I look forward to working with you, and I apologize if your welcome hasn’t been particularly warm. The Dresden… is going through a lot right now, especially with all these transitions. Once everything settles down, I hope I’ll have the chance to make up for the lack-luster first impression.”

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, XO)

Bethany stood up and moved toward the door. “It’s quite alright Cmdr. I prefer an honest reaction and welcome to a practiced and contrived one.” Even if she felt like she’d be better off requesting reassignment and that though made her sad. “As I have an open calendar at the moment, though I don’t expect it to stay that way, I am at your disposal, Cmdr.” Bethany left to go locate her office, then her quarters and let Luna out of her travel case for awhile.
Lt. Gadi, CNS