Royal had barely finished unpacking his office when he received a call from Star Fleet Medical. As he activated the comms, the familiar face of Admiral Dorchet filled the screen and she smiled at Royal. “Hello, Commander. I trust the last minute transfer was as uneventful as possible?” asked the woman in a friendly tone. As she was the ultimate authority concerning the psychological and psychiatric departments of Star Fleet Medical, Sinclair knew that tone was sincere, but could also show disappointment just as quickly.

“Yes, Ma’am. Didn’t take to long at all.” Sinclair replied. The Admiral smiled and said “Good. Now then… I know you and I spoke briefly about the issues the Saracen currently faces from a mental hygiene standpoint. Have you had a chance to speak with Captain Knight?” “Yes, Ma’am. We had a very pleasant introduction yesterday. He expressed some concerns that I will make a priority, and then I will start on getting the evaluations up to date for all personnel. I should be able to get them done before the ship leaves after repair, Admiral.”

“Good.” replied Dorchet. “She’s been without a Counselor for a bit, now. I am concerned that the workload may be a bit outside your comfort area. This is your first true posting as - ” and Sinclair cut her off. “Ma’am. With all due respect. I can handle the work. And the assignment doesn’t intimidate me. You should know that, Admiral. I was the first person in your Neurobiological course to receive the highest marks in twenty years. The last person to do so is now… oh, yes. Your Adjunct, Vice Admiral Bojan.” Sinclair said with a wry smile. He knew the Admiral had hated giving him the mark he earned, but with that came a two-way respect and the new path Royal now found himself on.

The Admiral shot him a look that was only half-serious. “You know, some Admirals would take that insubordination, Lieutenant Commander Sinclair.” and Sinclair winked at her. “Some would indeed, Ma’am.” and the woman laughed. “Royal, what ever am I going to do with you? If I didn’t know in my heart that you were going to make a great asset to the Saracen, I would probably have brought you onto my staff.” When she said that, Royal shook his head. “No thank you, Admiral. You and I both know that me behind a desk that isn’t on a ship would be a recipe for disaster.” and he chuckled. The Admiral looked at him and said softly. “You are probably right.” and then she straightened up in her chair and said “I want all personnel evaluated and fitness reports on my desk 48 hours prior to Saracen’s departure, Commander. If anyone is deemed unsuitable for duty, they will be transferred off at the station and reassigned as necessary. Get to work.” and the comms cut out immediately.

Sinclair leaned back and looked around the office. It was inviting, subtly relaxing, and not quite as brightly lit as the rest of the ship. There was his desk in one corner, a couch and chair on one wall; a chair in front of the desk but facing the couch and chair across a small table. The place had a warm feel to it, and Sinclair made sure that the room was secure from eavesdropping daily.

“Ok.” he said to himself. “Let’s get to work.”

Lt. Cmdr. Royal Sinclair, CNS