Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Pizza Night Planning (Tag Lieutenant Witley)

Posted by Lieutenant Laural Corynn Witley, Ph.D., M.D. (Counselor) in Pizza Night Planning (Tag Lieutenant Witley)

Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Pizza Night Planning (Tag Lieutenant Witley)
Posted by… suppressed (10) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Hazel stood in front of Lieutenant Witley’s officer door, excitement bubbling within her. Clutching a piece of paper tightly in her hand, she couldn’t wait to share her latest idea. The paper held a colourful mind map, with a large pizza drawn in the centre, surrounded by branching ideas and doodles.

With a deep breath, she reached up and pressed the door chime, the sound echoing through the corridor. Hazel shifted nervously from foot to foot, her anticipation mounting with each passing second. She hoped Lieutenant Witley would be as enthusiastic about her idea as she was. As she waited for the door to open, Hazel glanced down at the paper again, her eyes tracing over the familiar outlines of the mind map. It was a representation of her vision for the upcoming pizza night on the ship, complete with ideas for toppings, activities, and decorations.

When the door finally slid open, revealing Lieutenant Witley’s office beyond, Hazel offered a bright smile, ready to pitch her idea (well the Captains) with all the enthusiasm she could muster.

Hazel Loughty

Laural called out for her office door to open, curiosity and warmth already gracing her features in anticipation of the young Hazel’s arrival. It wasn’t every day a ten year girl entered the counseling department unaccompanied, so of course a member of the admin team had given her a heads up she was coming, but beyond her intention to see Laural, Wit knew nothing. Seeing the paper Hazel carried, Laural wondered what was about to hear. “Hello,” she greeted brightly. “How may I be of service, Miss –?” Wit asked.

Dr. Laural Witley, Counselor

Bump!

(Woops Sorry!)

“Hazel loughty! I am ten years old and my dad is the eggsegutive officer” She said with a grin that went ear to ear, “He and the Captain asked me to arrange a Pizza night! “The Captain said you could help me?”

Hazel Loughty

Bump

Hazel Loughty

Laural’s smiled deepened. She loved children and couldn’t resist and adorable face. “I’d be happy to help, and in fact, I have some time now.” She gestured for Hazel to pull up a chair. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hazel. I’m Laural. What did you have planned so far?”

~Doctor Laural Witley, Counselor

Hazel’s excitement was palpable as she bounced in her seat, her grin stretching from ear to ear. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here, Laural!” she exclaimed. “Pizza night is going to be awesome! I’ve been thinking we could have different toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and maybe even pineapple for those who like it. And for dessert, we could have ice cream sundaes with lots of sprinkles and chocolate sauce!” Hazel’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she rattled off her ideas. “What do you think? Oh, and I was thinking we could make homemade pizzas too! It’ll be so much fun!”

Hazel Loughty

The young girl’s enthusiasm was palpable and the simplicity of their topic was a welcome respite from heavier counseling sessions. “I think that’s a great idea, Hazel. It may be good idea to invite others to share toppings they’d like to try? Their ideas may seem strange to us, but this sounds like a great opportunity to try new things and get to know new people. What do you think?”

~Doctor Laural Witley, Counselor

“I love it, my dad wasn’t wrong you are clever and pretty!” The young girl paused for a moment, “Or maybe it was Pretty clever” She shrugged, “I cant remember he says a lot of things a lot of the time” She pretended to yawn, “Boring! So what sort of things might people want!?” Hazel Queried.

Hazel Loughty

Laural chuckled, but decided to sidestep the comment altogether. As it happened, Laural hadn’t had interaction with the aforementioned ‘Dad,’ but she had a feeling after this endeavor, that may change. “Well,” Laural began, taking a beat to think, “at the moment, what comes to mind are how things humans tend to enjoy as well as a few Betazoid suggestions, like Janaran sea slugs or pepperoni.” The counselor’s face grimaced at the mention of sea slugs. They were salty like anchovies, but personally, she preferred pepperoni.

~Doctor Laural Witley, Counselor

Hazel’s eyes sparkled with excitement as Laural listed the potential menu items. “Ooh, Janaran sea slugs? That sounds super fancy!” she exclaimed, her curiosity bubbling up. “And pepperoni is always yummy!” she added with a grin, imagining the delicious toppings. “I think we should definitely have both to make everyone happy. Maybe we could also have a pizza with just veggies, like mushrooms and spinach, or one with just cheese, for those who like it simple?” Hazel suggested, her imagination running wild with ideas for the pizza night feast.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

“”Absolutely,” Laural agreed with a nod. She didn’t have the heart to tell Hazel there was nothing fancy about Janaran sea slugs. Instead, she offered, “I’ll check with sick bay just to make sure there’s no particular allergies we need to avoid. We don’t want people sneezing their heads off just because we happen to put the wrong things together,” she added with a chuckle. “This is really thoughtful of you, Hazel. Planning this pizza party has been the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

~Doctor Laural Witley, Counselor

“Thanks!” she said, smiling from ear to ear. “I’ve had fun too.” Hazel’s bright, rounded eyes took in her surroundings before settling back on the counsellor. “My dad said I shouldn’t take up too much of your time, so I suppose I’d better get home before he ‘sends a security team’,” she chuckled innocently. “Thank you for your help!”

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

“You’re welcome, Hazel. My door is always open to you and I’m sure we’ll meet again before the big night,” Laural replied. She would have to approach Commander Loughty and tell him what a kind and thoughtful daughter he had.

~Doctor Laural Witley, Counselor