Posted by Lieutenant Casela Synthi-er (Counsellor / RTF) in Counselling Centre - Cobb comes to meet Gen

Posted by Captain Zachariah Cobb (Commanding Officer) in Counselling Centre - Cobb comes to meet Gen

Posted by Civilian Genesis (Gen) McCallister (Anomalous Individual) in Counselling Centre - Cobb comes to meet Gen
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻
As Cobb followed Synthi-er out of the turbolift and along the corridor that led to the Counselling Centre, she might have noticed him lagging behind somewhat, like a small child on their way to school. He’d avoided this deck until now, for several reasons. One, he’d considered this very much the Counselor’s domain and had no desire for a discussion on how the colour of the walls aided one with achieving zen-like peace, or how the scatter cushions on every single bloody seat were strategically placed to invite an atmosphere of tranquility and openness. And two, he’d been making every effort that he could to distract Synthi-er from the fact that he hadn’t yet allowed her to rummage amongst the debris of his thoughts as part of his damned psyche assessment!

And now, because clearly the gods felt that wasn’t nearly enough discomfort for Zachariah to face, he had to come and talk to the child. Not that he had any issues with this particular child…yet. But when he couldn’t preface a meeting with a few measures of whiskey then he usually found his conversational skills…lacking. But, duty was duty and he had pledged to Casela that he would protect Gen from harm. He just hoped the child wasn’t going to be a bloody pain in the ass about it.

• Captain (and grumpy old sod) Zachariah Cobb

Casela did notice Zachariah slowing down and so she simply slowed her own pace to match. Reigning back her own urgency to get back to make sure Gen was still where she had left her, and unharmed. Most people avoided the counseling deck. She hadn’t take the time to change it from it’s previous incarnation. There were no throw pillows out here though. It was more like the lounge. Tables and chairs around the lobby. Gen had been busy playing with puzzles and painting and so those things were scattered around the lobby. There were comfortable chairs, but no frilly-girrly stuff. Casela couldn’t stand it. Now the mediation rooms down the right hand corridor, those she had taken a lot of time with. She glanced over at the CO. “Oh so you know, you’ve already been cleared for your ‘psych’ evaluation. They aren’t that hard or complicated to do. I can do it with a 5 minute conversation on the go. So don’t worry, I’m not going to trick you into staying down here.” She grinned. She didn’t need to read his mind to know that he was concerned about that.

His relief was palpable, even for those who lack the ability to read minds. Although almost as quickly it was replaced by a nervous curiosity as Cobb wondered exactly which interaction of theirs she had used to determine his mental state. Their first meeting, when she woke him from a drunken stupor? Or their last, when they had talked about the war. And the loss of his son.

She entered the main lobby and looked around. “Gen?” Her mind reached out as well for the girl, Gen, Captain Cobb would like to met you. Is that okay?

Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

“Ah…hello, Gen,” Cobb called out into the room, as gently as a bear of a man such as he could manage. “I just thought we could have a little chat, if you don’t mind?”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

In the corner of the room some chairs had been organised with some throws over it to have created a small fort like structure in which Gen sat with a puzzle and twisted it. She looked up and raised her eyebrows. ”Hello Captain…” she said calmly.

Gen

Casela smiles softly at the pillow fort and Gen inside of it. She nudges Cobb and walks over. She gets a low chair and moves it for Cobb and then sits down on the floor outside the entrance to Gen’s hideout.

Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

For a moment Cobb remained standing, his eyes glaring down at the chair. What does she think I am? A bloody pixie?

But already, the young girl’s greeting had endeared their guest somewhat to the usually misanthropic captain and so, with a puff of resignation, he maneuvered his bulk down onto the tiny stool and attempted an appearance somewhat approaching comfortable.

“Hello, Gen,” he repeated, although where before his voice carried apprehension, now it was as deep and welcoming as warm honey. “How are you liking my ship then? Do you have everything that you need?”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

The girl watched him a moment then showed him the puzzle she was working on. “Your ship is nice, your crew is kind. Mostly…Casela gave me socks…” she gave the captain the same ghost of a smile she had reserved so far for the counsellor.

Gen

“Socks?” the Captain repeated, offering Casela a brief smile. “Aye well, everyone needs socks, eh. I…am glad that you’re settling in okay. Although Gen,” he continued, one hand running nervously through his hair, “when you say my crew is mostly kind, who is falling outside of that ‘mostly’?”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

Casela watched and bit back a smile of her own. Gen liked Cobb. If she didn’t she wouldn’t have smiled at him. That relieved Casela a great deal. She made a note to get Cobb socks next time she got him a gift. The though made her laugh to herself. She waited to see who and if Gen would tell Cobb wasn’t kind. She knew who Gen was talking about, but Gen needed to speak for herself.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

Gently the girl shook her head. “You need to see people for who they really are by yourself. Not what others see them as.” She said as if she were quoting someone saying something profound. She watched Cobb again a moment. “I like your accent…” she said with the same smile.

Gen

“Is that right?” Cobb murmured, sitting back as much as was possible on the tiny chair. “Well, I see you. I see that you’re alone and you’re afraid and I want to help you, Gen. But I…don’t know how.”

The girl shrugged and gave Cobb a look as if she herself didn’t know what to make of the situation either.

Another glance at Casela, this one laden with concern and the desperation of one who was drowning.

“And my accent is from a place called Cape Cod. Nantucket to be precise. Do you know where that is, Gen?”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb
  

”earth?” she asked

Casela looked at Gen. “I know the person who taught you that was very important to you, Gen. But it would really mean a lot to me and Cpt Cobb if you would tell us. We want to make sure not only that you ARE safe but you feel safe as we. So if someone is bothering you or makes you worry, we need to know. I am glad you want us to make our own choices, but it’s okay for you to tell us yours as well.” She reached out and gave Gen a one armed side hug to encourage her to speak openly with Cobb.
Lt Synthi-er, CNS

Gen sighed and shook her head. ”People get scared sometimes…of the things they don’t know, or the things they have done…or are planning to do…or might do.” she looked directly at Cobb then. ”paranoia…hurt…revenge.” she started at him a few moments then looked away, back to her puzzle. ”Not everyones good all the time.”

”and there’s the abomination…” she whispered quietly.

Gen