Posted by Captain Shock (CO) in Meeting with the XO and Chief Counsellor - Captain’s ready room
The door chimed.

Shock set down the stylus beside his open hand-written logbook and glanced toward the entrance. He had invited Witley to meet with him. It had been Commander Skogheim’s suggestion. A sensible one. Insight multiplied when sourced from more than one vantage. Moreover, Skogheim’s presence would provide valuable context as well as act as a subtle bridge between Witley and the ship’s new captain, whom Witley had not yet met.

Shock had reviewed Witley’s file twice. It was extensive. Nearly five years aboard Leviathan, a rare length of service on a ship marked by command turnover and episodic trauma likely stemming from recurrent anomalies. She was both clinician and witness, the one having stayed the longest on the ship out of all senior crew. That dual role gave her influence. While it was informal, it was very much real. And while Shock had not yet spoken to her, he understood her significance. He needed her counsel.

Skogheim had described her as “cooperative, open, courteous”. That, too, could mean many things. He would observe. Listen. Establish terms of mutual cooperation.

He rose, hands behind his back. A calm posture.

“Enter,” he said.

The door parted.

Shock, Captain
Commanding Officer

Commander Skogheim stood behind the now open doorway,

“Apologies, Captain, Dr. Whitley has been delayed.”

Sharp and to the point, as usual.

|Cmdr. Skogheim, XO|
OOC: Consider this a light bump