Posted by Civilian Kara Nakuto (Engineer (Consultant Researcher - Yellow)) in Counselor’s Office - Nakuto drops by

She knew the drill. Fifteen years as a Starfleet officer had done nothing to temper her unease around counselors. Her tour as the captain of the USS Viking had done everything to prove to her how much she relied on their wisdom and their sense of calm. Her last counselor on the Viking, prior to her own disappearance, had been not only her closest confidant but also her most cherished friend. Gods, she missed Tal’ahali Beveres so much.

But this was a new beginning, or so the ARU had attempted to convince her when ordering her into this assignment. A chance to “get back onto the horse”, Admiral Roebuck had insisted, not that Nakuto had any hint of prior equestrian experience, nor a desire to acquire any in the near future. But still, perhaps there was some truth in their threats masquerading as friendly advice. If nothing else, the transfer to the USS Leviathan had allowed the half-Klingon to escape the clutches of the Viking once and for all.

Or so she prayed it would be true.

It was late in the day when she arrived at the office of Lt Casela Synthi-er, but the computer had assured her that the Betazoid counselor had not yet signed off on her shift. So Nakuto pressed the chime and waited…hoping to once again find a friend amongst the ever-present chaos that had become the very hallmark of her existence.

• Kara Nakuto (Consultant Researcher)

Casela had been working on compiling a special file. It was depressing work, what she was doing now, but one that was necessary. And though depressing it was fascinating at the same time. A project that should have, normally, been engaging enough to keep her attention. But she found her self, much to her derision, falling asleep at her desk. She’d gotten up and paced the room, stretched, even done some Mok’bara to try and wake herself up. Something was very very wrong with her.

She felt the presence outside her door before the chime was pressed. She got up, stretched, rolled her shoulders, and took a sip of coffee, that she never used to drink, and walked over to open the door. “Good afternoon, please come in. I’m Casela Synthi-er. Ship’s counselor.” Casela held out her hand, and briefly wondered if this part Klingon woman would spend the session making passes at her just as Crewman Jessie had. That was absurd of course because that was not a .... by the four gods she was tired.

Casela’s hand was quickly enveloped in the strong, enthusiastic grip of a Klingon greeting. “Kara Nakuto. Consultant Researcher,” the woman replied efficiently. Her hesitant entrance into Synthi-er’s office, however, could not have offered greater contrast.

Most people hesitated to enter her office. They never knew what to expect as all counselors were different. She shook the hand firmly and motioned to the array of chairs or couches available.

Her office had no pictures. Her educational credentials went up on the wall. She may lack rank, but not the training, and not the experience. There was a small shelf next to her desk, that was away from prying fingers. Several small items went onto that shelf that had significant meaning to her, but the wise would never ask her about them. Next were her weapons. So. Many. Weapons. Unless you knew what you were looking for, you’d never see them, but Casela was Never comfortable unless she had a weapon within hands reach. There were however, several chairs or couches to choose from.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

Battle-trained eyes were immediately drawn to the weapons, Kara nodding appreciatively at the number and diversity on display. Clearly she was in the company of an esteemed fighter and would maintain the appropriate level of respect.

Casela noticed that Kara was quick to identify where the hidden weapons were. This woman had experience. She usually took the time to make sure anyone coming on board was vetted, personally. Old habits and all that. And this name hadn’t gone unchecked. She was the former CO of the USS Viking. A ship that came across S31 desks regularly. She’d never seen anything to warrant the interest except someone making a prank. But in truth, she hadn’t had time. She’d never been sent out to check and her work took her elsewhere. The accounts told her that Kara had been missing until recently. The woman was also a fierce leader and before that a skilled engineer. She had been looking forward to meeting her. She’d seen Kara Nakuto’s name come across her desk as a civilian consultant, and she had completed the background check quickly. It was her job after all. Well of course there was Remmington as well, but as he had pointed out, she never let anyone watch her six.

By contrast, Nakuto’s outward appearance could only whisper of her warrior soul. Impossible to mistake her Klingon genetics in the subtly-ridged forehead and muscular frame, or her Japanese ancestry in the raven-black hair and delicate, golden-brown eyes. But the cloak of exhaustion and trauma woven from her time on the Viking did much to diminish her presence, so that her head drooped a little lower, her shoulders hung a fraction more rounded, than one who carried themselves with rightful confidence and pride.

She had long since eschewed her Starfleet uniform, choosing instead to dress in an homage to her oldest lost friend - the black tank top, utility trousers and heavy black boots the very hallmark of Commander Majandra Guerin. Her long hair was piled on top of her head in the manner of one who styled, and dressed, with no knowledge of mirrors. Overall, her appearance was more suited to a bar than to an officer’s station on duty. But if her nightmares had taught her anything , it was how agonisingly irrelevant cosmetic trivialities could be when compared with this world’s true horrors.

Her mode of dress and the haunted look in her eyes reminded her of F’actar, and suddenly Casela felt home sick. F’actar was fierce and hot headed and a force of nature, and life had pushed her down at every turn. Casela made a note that she had to send a comm to Norda III soon.

Coming to a halt in the centre of the room, Nakuto took a moment to study her surroundings and appreciate the minimalist arrangements. No ornaments or cushions to complicate matters, the room was as functional and reassuring as the woman it belonged to. To that end, Kara also allowed herself a fraction of time to study the counselor herself, drawing as much reassurance as she could from Synthi-er’s calm and grace.

Casela moved across the room. She’d gained her center of gravity by this point. The extra weight that Kastil had added to her, now, almost not a thought. Casela always moved with balance and awareness of her position in a space. Long habits that had kept her alive. Even when she might seem panicked or hurt she outwardly appeared calm. Armour, as she and Zachariah had mulled over, that slipped back on all too easily.

Still, it was with a great deal more anxiety than she would have chosen to display, that her next words shuddered to life. “I…hope I am not disturbing you? I wondered, perhaps, if we could talk a little? I have a requirement to obtain my boarding clearance and…a desire for friendly conversation.”

• Kara Nakuto (Consultant Researcher)

“No bother at all. I can only pretend to work at crew evals for so long before I get bored of staring at the screen.” Casela grinned. There were other things she could have found to do, but after the last mission she had tried to stay near her office to be readily accessible. A lot of nightmares and sleepless nights for the crew after Sandman. Herself included. “I would love some friendly conversation. Have a seat.” She took in the tone and slight sound of anxiety. And apparently Cobb was rubbing off on her. She turned to the back of her office and opened a panel revealing a safe. She opened, took something out, closed it up and walked over to her desk. She poured a large glass of Klingon Blood Wine for Nakuto, and picked up her own cup of coffee from her desk. She moved about the office and to Kara’s side and handed her the glass. Then she casually took a seat in an adjacent chair and relaxed back into it.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

Kara accepted the glass with the attitude of a woman being handed water after a week in the desert. Settling herself onto the couch, she remained in silent contemplation of the red liquid for several seconds, before taking her first, long drink.
“Counselor,” she declared as she wiped at her lips with the back of a hand, “if this is how you conduct your therapy sessions then I shall have to attend them more often.”

Casela raised her glass in acknowledgement of the compliment and an indication that Kara is welcome at any time she would like. But Casela sensed that silence was the better part of encouragement right now.

In a heartbeat her expression grew serious, brown eyes misting over with the pain of tortured memories. “It has been a while since I have been offered such open kindness. I am…more grateful than I could put into words.”

“Then, I am happy to be able to offer it.”

Would she also fail to lend words to the reason for her visit? Did she retain the strength to revisit her darkest moments and describe them anew for another? The bloodwine was doing much to increase her confidence, but only speaking aloud would reveal if it was enough.

“Does it appear strange to you, Lieutenant, that a woman who once commanded a starship would transfer to you as a nondescript researcher? Or that one with such obvious Klingon heritage would come to you now with such weakness?”

• Kara Nakuto (Consultant Researcher)

Casela sat in silence for a brief moment, contemplating. “No, it does not. Some of us need to change who we are, in order to find…well some of us will never find peace, but at least a less violent existence.” Casela motions around her office and the stores of weapons hidden there. “would it surprise you to find an operative turned counselor? Or that a Betazoid would have a life so full of blood and battle it would make a Klingon warrior jealous?” That last part may be an exaggeration since Klingon’s don’t like subterfuge, but close enough.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS