Nyman had ‘downtime’. Not that the term meant very much to him. Usually he just extended his office hours until it all ran together. But, as he was entering his notes, something bothered him. A pattern, a set of problems he had been presented with. A question, constantly coming up in his sessions he had yet to find a satisfying answer to.

He didn’t like not having answers. He didn’t like staring blankly into the empty field on the form labeled “Further Recommendations”. He didn’t like filling in over and over again, “Will continue to discuss in further sessions.” “Will refer to other counseling staff.”

At this point, he needed to be proactive. His effectiveness as ship’s counselor relied on it. He was going to learn to understand it, to be the most effective and productive counselor he could be.

Who better to ask, he thought as he left his office, than Dr. Maxwell? After all, he was one of the few people he could talk to openly about certain subjects. A colleague in the field of medicine that understood the importance of confidentiality. And, someone who had offered his help before.

Officer Nyman approached the door of the CMO’s office. He paused, and out of habit looked around for anyone who might be watching. There was some hesitation but he did manage to ring the chime. Only then, hoping that he hadn’t disturbed the doctor doing anything important.

|Lt. Nyman,
Chief Counselor|