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

Posted by Lieutenant Laural Corynn Witley, Ph.D., M.D. (Chief Counselor) in Meeting with the XO and Chief Counsellor - Captain’s ready room

Posted by Commander Vivian Skogheim (XO) in Meeting with the XO and Chief Counsellor - Captain’s ready room
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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

The slight hum of her grav-chair that always followed Laural somehow seemed just a bit louder as she entered. Despite her experience, she didn’t mind admitting she was filled with anticipation and a touch of nerves as she contemplated this meeting. Meeting a new commanding officer was a significant moment for a counselor, but especially a chief counselor. Tasked with serving as a personal confidante and command advisor, she understood the importance of building positive rapport with members of the command staff, and the commanding offficer in particular. Wit was always professional, but like any other being, some people meshed more easily with her personality than others, and she hoped her luck hadn’t run out in that regard. Despite the turnover she had seen, she was fortunate that past commanding officers had respected her profession generally, and herself in particular.

Wit had no reason to doubt that would change, but like anyone in Starfleet, and anyone on the Leviathan, she knew she had to be prepared for anything.

She smiled as she entered, but made no move to offer her hand just yet. She wanted to show Shock respect in a more formal way until she knew otherwise what was okay with him. “Reporting as ordered, sir. Apologies for running late.”

~Dr. Laural Witley, Chief Counselor

Witley hadn’t been much late. On a ship like this, some delays were to be expected. “It is not a failing, there is no need for apologies,” he said, and then greeted her. He lifted his hand in the Vulcan V-like shape, “Peace and long life, Dr Witley. It is agreeable to meet you. May I offer you a drink? I am about to make some tea, but there is also a replicator for anything that should be your liking.”

Shock, Captain
Commanding Officer

Skogheim nodded at the Captain’s words. Showing she too did not consider the counselor terribly late. She slipped behind him and slightly to the side. Showing herself present but as more of an observer to the conversation.

|Cmdr. Skogheim, XO|