Common Ground

Posted on Mon Nov 21st, 2022 @ 10:12pm by Lieutenant Commander Klarth & Lieutenant Commander R'elle

960 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Into The Void
Location: Counselor's Office

Sometime after his conversation with Rayek as he promised Klarth went to visit Counselor R'elle in her office.

Klarth paced around the office a bit struggling to find the right words and finally said, "Commander, I know we only recently met, but we seemed to be getting along okay and I know I want that to continue. So, I was hoping we could clear the air a bit before the meeting about the Captain and Elle and maybe try to find some common ground."

"That would be wonderful Klarth. We are in a bit of a mess aren't we?" She said. She liked Klarth and he was the person she trusted most on the ship.

Klarth paused his pacing and met her eyes for the first time since coming in the office and he smiled nervously. He had been psyching himself up for a fight and the last thing he had expecting was for her to be so agreeable, it was throwing him off. So, he returned to pacing about and avoiding eye contact. "Counselor, Can I tell you an old Klingon story? Once there was a rich old farmer who called for all his sons to speak to them when he was on his deathbed. And he told them that there was a great treasure buried on the farm, but that he didn't remember exactly where it was so they should keep looking until they find it. Well, the sons dug up every inch of the farm several times over, but never found any treasure, but all the digging had agitated the soil and made it rich for growing crops and soon the sons realized that the plentiful crops had been the real treasure." Now Klarth stopped pacing and met her eyes so that he could judge her reaction to this last part. "The Federation has been making more and more powerful computers for hundred of years, and I think Elle is the fruits of those labors, a new life form that deserves our protection."

"I understand your position, However, be that as it may, she is dangerous. She has hijacked an entire ship so she could escape. I understand she was trying to preserve her life. However, I am not convinced I can trust her. Not that she would lie but I'm concerned that she may do something that will put us all in danger. She is immature and lacks practical experience. I have no desire to see her die but neither am I willing to put my life on the line to protect hers."

"Yes, I do appreciate that position as well," said Klarth. "I desire for her to be kept to the standards of a Starfleet crew member and I think that going forward if she were to repeat such an impulsive act or disobey orders she would be thrown in the brig. But that is what we must figure out at breakfast, how she can be held to our standards?"

"I'm not sure we can Klarth. She is still a child I'm not sure what we can do to her anyway to make her behave. Perhaps the captain can control her." She sighed. "How do you control a rouge AI?" R'elle was stumped.

Klarth says, "Yes, the Captain has been keeping her largely under control by herself, and that was without our help! Now with our support she might be able to mentor Elle even more successfully."

"What is your assessment of the Gabriel Station survivors?" Klarth said changing the subject. "They went through quite a lot on the station with the attack and now they are stuck here on the Lionheart in a different dimension without a bunk or a job to call their own and not knowing when they'll get home...I can treat their bodies, but I can't treat their minds...Have you noticed anyone we should be looking out for? Anyone that might be a problem?"

"Well most of them are very scared. A few are boarderline full out panic." she gave out a few names. "Those are the worst cases but I think I will be able to help them. I understand what they are going through. Mostly they need to feel that it will be ok or at least that someone is looking out for them and helping them." R'elle responded.

Klarth looked things over and said "Yes, perhaps someone should get them all together and give a reassuring speech. Let them know they are part of the crew now and we'll get through it together."

"Indeed Klarth! The question is who would be the right person? There is the captain but not sure how she would do at a speech like that? What do you think Klarth?"

"I didn't want to say it," said Klarth, "but I don't think the Captain would do it either. Well, since we don't currently have an XO, I'd say one of us will have to do it. "

"Rrrrr, well as councilor, I suppose it is up to me. I will speak to them!" R'elle said.

"And it would be a great honor for me to stand by your side" said Klarth.

That made R'elle smile. "Thank you Klarth. I'd like that! So how should we do this? Just gather them in one spot and talk to them?"

"We could call it an orientation and tie it into room assignments and any other information we need to convey." said Klarth.

"Purrfect! So when do we want to do this?" R'elle asked.

"As soon as we can get it set up," said Klarth.

"Well in that case let's get started/" She said. This was a good thing for all of the refugees. She would give them hope and help them adjust to their situation.

 

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