A Less Formal Welcome

Posted on Sat Jan 22nd, 2022 @ 6:31pm by Captain Temperance Harding & Lieutenant Rose Kersey

Mission: Shoreleave
Location: Starbase 48 Lounge

ON

The Personnel department had forwarded the file of one Lieutenant Rose Kersey to her data PADD. Chief Counsellor - that would be new for the Endurance, Temperance mused to herself. With the transfer request approved, the Commander had sent a message to the young woman, inviting her for coffee in the Starbase lounge, a less formal first meeting than on board the starship. Plus, it allowed Temperance to continue her meetings, without darting to and from the ship.

With the table picked out - a small one on the edge of the upper level by the balcony, and the lounge staff alerted to keep an eye out for the Lieutenant, Temperance sat, going over some reports, idly waiting for what she was sure to be an interesting meeting.

Rose had arrived at the Starbase a few hours prior to receiving her new Commanding Officer’s message. Having moved her things onboard, and checked in with security she’d enjoyed putting her feet up to rest, carrying around a six month bump was a strain on her back at the best at times. Making her way to the Starbase lounge she was grateful to the lounge staff for pointing out where Commander Harding was sitting. “Commander Harding?” Rose offered a polite smile. “I’m Lieutenant Rose Kersey, your new Chief Counsellor.”

Temperance rose when she heard the voice, and smiled at the woman. Sure enough, just as the personnel file said, she looked to be about two thirds pregnant. Well, that was what the file said. Temperance herself had zero basis for an estimation.

"A pleasure, Lieutenant." As always, the British pronounciation of Left-tenant. She moved around the table, and pulled out the other chair, wanting to be helpful. "Would you care for a drink? I held off ordering one, until your arrival."

"A fruit juice would be lovely, thank you" Rose smiled as she took a seat, making herself as comfortable as she could be given her condition. "Please feel free to call me Rose, it saves the formality."

Temperance passed the order on to a member of the lounge staff - a fruit juice, and an English tea for herself. "As you wish, Rose." She said, retaking her own seat. "How are you faring, given your condition?!

"I believe the term would be, About as expected ma'am." Rose grinned. "It feels like I'm carrying around a ton weight, and my back doesn't like it one little bit, but all in all I can't complain. I'm currently six months gone, with four more to go."

"Well, I am glad that you are as well as can be." Temperance offered a bright smile. "Anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact either myself, or the XO. We will be happy to assist you. Can't have our Counsellor suffering now, can we?"

Rose smiled warmly. “Thank you Commander that’s very kind, and I will I promise.”

As the drinks were delivered, Temperance picked up her tea. "So what made you go into Counselling?"

“Well as a child my mother and I were assimilated by the Borg” she paused. “After my rescue I spent a lot of time in and out of counselling, it peaked my interest plus my mother used to be a counsellor. It seemed a good career choice for me.”

"You were assimilated?" Of all the details in the woman's story, that one piqued Temperance's interest.

“I spent seven years in the collective, my mother as far as I know is still out there somewhere. I was raised by my father.” She paused to sip her drink. “Fortunately I was too young to send out on assimilation duties, but I have the collective memories.”

That took the commander a few moments to process. She sipped her tea, ruminating on what she had been told. "It must be hard, having such memories from a young age."

“It was, and still is” Rose paused. “I’m fortunate though most of my implants were removed, apart from one above my right ear, this web...” She held up her hand. “And the internal implants that are woven into my brain and spine. They’re unremovable, to try would most likely kill me.”

That perked Harding's interest. "Is there anything specific you require, in terms of medical attention or equipment?"

“Well I don’t need an alcove I’m glad to say, just someone with medical knowledge of the Borg. I do have medical records and all the information that the medical staff are likely to need. My implants are maintained by a whole host of reprogrammed nanites, their job is to keep everything in functioning order, as long as they’re active I’m all good.”

"Good to hear." Harding was more than willing to make accommodations, but wasn't fond of having an engineering team rig something up. "I suppose - now that I have grilled you-" she offered a friendly smile to show she was having fun "-is there anything you want or need to ask me?"

Rose nodded.“Do we have much in the way of family facilities aboard ship? A crèche or nursery for children when their parents are working?”

"Some, yes." Harding admitted. "I'm not sure how well managed it is. I've not had any complaint thus far, but I've also had operational priorities recently. Tell me, Rose, is that something you might be interested in heading up? Maybe not permanently, but perhaps find out what we have, what we need, and how well run that part of the ship is?"

Rose paused then nodded. “I’d be glad to, that would put my mind at rest ahead of When this little one is born” She smiled warmly.

Harding offered the woman a broad smile. "If you need anything, my door is open. I would never want you to feel nervous about coming to me. My policy is that no one is to be yelled at for waking the Captain."

Rose grinned. “I appreciate that, thank you. With regards my duties, I plan to work on reduced hours up until the baby is born. I can’t leave you without a Counsellor when you’ve just been assigned one. I plan to request further Counselling staff from Starfleet to help with the workload.”

"Just let me know if you need anything." Harding gave her a nod. "I am happy to work with you, and your pregnancy."

Rose nodded. “I will, thank you. I’ll keep you updated on the family facilities.”

"I look forward to working with you, Rose." Harding finished her drink. "Unless there's anything else, I think we both have work ahead of us."

“Of course” Rose nodded and stood ready to depart. “I’ll see you aboard ship.”