Posted by Lieutenant Commander T’Aria (XO / Navigation Officer) in Main SIM: Senior Staff Meeting

Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Captain) in Main SIM: Senior Staff Meeting

Posted by Lieutenant Commander T’Aria (XO / Navigation Officer) in Main SIM: Senior Staff Meeting
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻
(snip, snip!)

William stood up, for a moment he considered staying behind speaking with Taggart but decided against it, perhaps later there would be time but for now he would go the bridge and work with Engineering from his console.

CSO, 2O

Symar rose and gave a nod to the CO and XO before adding, “Thank you Captain, Sickbay will be on standby when it is needed,” before whirling on his heel and gliding out of the doorway.

-Lieutenant Symar: Chief Medical Officer-

T’Aria watched with keen, narrowed eyes as the Department Heads left to attend their duties. When the last disappeared behind metal doors, she rose and approached Taggart. “Captain, may I have word?”

— T’Aria, XO

Uh-oh Chris thought. “Sure Commander. Speak you mind.”

Captain Chris Taggart, CO

T’Aria snaked her hands to the small of her spine, tempted to unleash a series of inquiries as logic dictated she should. But the little voice nagging at the back of her thoughts protested, prompting her to address her quelled concerns. She worried about him. They were fixing to embark on a mission bound to double the burden he carried. And if his display was a testament to the state of his mind, T’Aria worried what the future held.

“I’m here for you,” she promised, “but I’m concerned that this weight you carry may affect your duty and, in turn, the crew.” She spoke as if prefacing a reprimand, but her words touched the air in the form of a question. “So, how can I help?”

— T’Aria, XO

Realizing she cares Chris let out a sigh and begun. “You already have. You’re here for me and I know I can count on that as well from the others, but I will not use that as a crutch. I have my first meeting with our counselor in an hour and although I know one visit will not heal me, just know that I will be going back to her until I know I can perform like I did pre-death.”

“I want you to step in amd take command if you think I’m letting my feelings run me to making a very bad decision. I know you’ll not always be around to catch me. But I know you’ll be there for the moments that count. And to hopefully help elevate some fears, I do not intend to take out my anger on the Romulans . I plan to release my anger in a healthy way by screaming in private or hitting the punching bag in the gym. I’m fairly certain that with the counselors help, I’ll be able to carry around a mental toolbox of sorts to help fix a situation that I need help with because of my current state. I plan to be back to myself again T’Aria. Just not my old self because I can never go back to that with the losses that I suffered. I hope that helps. If not I’m open to suggestions.”

Captain Chris Taggart CO

T’Aria’s glacial expression softened, touched by a thoughtful frown. She never strived to understand grief. To her, grief was complex and erratic and utterly insensitive to time. It ebbed and flowed like waves, each crashing and receding with raw, unstable power. There was no rulebook or framework to latch onto. There was no control. And for a mind tethered to reality by logic’s fraying cord, it was unfathomable. So, she regarded Chris with empathy and patience, knowing that grief was unparalleled every time. And nothing could prepare someone for it.

“Sir, I am confident Command will be grateful for your restraint,” T’Aria acquiesced, “but I will do whatever necessary to avoid an onslaught of nettled Romulans.” Her words were indirect, but they evoked her assent. “There are few who expect you to emulate your past self,” she continued, “so whatever you do, be deliberate and truthful, if only to yourself.”

“And should you ever need a companion,” T’Aria hesitated and hunted for the term, “I make a veritable punching bag.” Thinking to explain what she meant, she shook it off and offered an almost knowing smile.

— T’Aria, XO

“I completely understand T’Aria. I will do the best that I can and that’s all I can do. I know I’m not the first being in the history of the universe to lose someone close to him. I can only deal with it in my own way and with whatever help I can get from my friends and Starfleet appointed personnel.”

“But please believe me Commander. I will come to you first for guidance. Not because you’re the XO but because you’re my friend. I really appreciate your offer to be my sounding stone. That really helps me knowing that I have people out there that really care for me and not because I’m the Captain.” Chris uncharacteristically just reached out and hugged her and merit her close. Mostly because he was vulnerable and felt that, but also he just really needed someone. “Thank you again.” He said misty eyed.

Chris

T’Aria flinched, unaccustomed to his touch; but, sensing the vulnerability that emnated from him, she let go of her rigidity and wrapped her arms around him. Tempted to pull a ‘I was under the impression this is what friends are for,’ T’Aria subdued her sarcastic streak and nodded. “Anytime,” she assured, “my door is always open to you, Chris.” And she meant it. Behind that impeccable poker face was a soft, compassionate woman who cared more than she would ever admit.

Releasing her he stepped back and fixed his uniform as well. “Thank you T’Aria. “

Allowing him to pull away first, T’Aria stepped back and tugged at the wrinkles adorning her tunic. She awkwardly cleared her throat, “mission-wise, did the Admiral apprise you of any suvivors or intact data files from the attacks? Consulting them might provide valuable insight into the enemy’s tactics and where or how they’ll strike next.”

— T’Aria

“Yes. I’ll have the files sent to you right away. But the gist is that there are survivors on every colony and that is why we are dumping for the lack of better terms, medical personnel and security teams at every spot. This will also allow us to see the damage first hand and hopefully let the Romulans know that we are here to save our people and we will defend if need be.”

“Understood.” T’Aria offered a slight, terse nod. “Beyond medical attention, Dr Dran’s background makes her uniquely qualified to address emotional components as well. It would be wise to have her coordinate with a colonial counselling team.”

He turned to fill a glass with water and took a few sips before continuing. “Ah. That’s better. They are doing the basic hit, strafe, run tactics that early 20th century pilots would do. They have no apparent reason to their attacks other than to cause destruction and mayhem. It’s that helpful?” He took a couple more sips while he waited.

Captain Chris Taggart CO

Hit. Strafe. Run. T’Aria knit her eyebrows together. Were they attacking in retribution? Anger. Were they inflicting as much damage as possible to weaken them? Precursing to a larger attack? Romulans weren’t careless. She shook her head, untangling herself from the string of speculations that tormented her. “Yes,” T’Aria assured, “but I’ve never known the Romulan people to do something without a purpose. Chaos might be a symptom of a graver problem.”

“In the meantime, what do you need from me?”

— T’Aria, XO

OOC: Bump!