One On One - Counselors Only

Posted on 2026, Thu Apr 9th, @ 1:32am by Captain Kate Reacher & Lieutenant Tavi Renn

1,087 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 1 "Operation Iron Justice" USS Halo, Star Base 113, USS Vigilance
Location: Star Base 113 - Chief Counselors Office

Kate had just gotten back from a meeting that she didn't feel like having, but had to since Jack punched someone he shouldn't have punched. She took a seat, took a deep breath, then grabbed the PADD in the left drawer, which held the current active roster for the Halos Medical and Counseling Staff, whom she kept watch over. She noticed there was a new addition, someone who was at 113 until the ship arrived back at the station. She sent a message requesting them to come to the office to meet her.

Tavi had been meditating when he got the message. It was a practice he'd just recently picked up after a lengthy discussion with a Vulcan colleague and fellow counselor about four months before. It had been helping with his stress levels.

He didn't let the disturbance affect him negatively. He acknowledged it with a message that he had received the request and made his way to her office.

He pressed the chime at the entrance door.

Kate was reviewing the latest grades from Tess's Report card when the door chimed.

"Enter!" Kate hollered from her desk in the corner. Outside the viewport, the USS Vigilance was just coming into Spacdock after doing a quick patrol near the Klingon Border, which had seen a pickup of activity from them since the Romulans joined the Federation.

Tavi smiled as he stepped inside. "Good afternoon," he said, "Lieutenant Ravi Renn, reporting in as
ordered, ma'am." He paused. Or would you prefer, sir?"

"This isn't Formal At Ease, Make yourself at home," Kate told Ravi. " I just wanted to chat about your new posting on the Halo, where I used to work before my Husband got promoted.
,
"Of course," the junior officer replied, shoulders relaxing slightly. Chatting is what I do best. I would love to talk to you about this posting. Where would you like to begin?

"Anywhere, ask anything," Kate said with a laugh. "You want anything to drink?"

"Jasmine tea, if you don't mind," he replied. "Let's start with the type of missions the ship is assigned to. Then perhaps you could tell me a bit more about yourself." I

Kate nodded and walked over to the replicator. "Jasmine Tea,......Second Order, Carmel Iced Coffee. Within seconds, two cups appear, one full of Tea and the other of coffee.

"On the Mission types, Well thats depends on what the Admirals have, it varies." She stated as she handed over the Tea.

Tavi reached out for the tea. After he had taken a sip, he said, "Ahh, variety, as humans say, is the spice of life. and spices... I could go on and on about those, but I digress. Tell me about yourself."

"What do you want to know? Mother of 3, Wife to a Starfleet Admiral. Chief Counselor on the Starbase. Also, Academy Instructor for the Medical and Counseling Division here at the station as well." Kate replied and took a sip.

Tavi nodded as she spoke, keeping his focus on her face. "We share the same...passion," he said, "Councellin. Though I specialize in dealing more in diplomacy, tell me about your children. What are they like? If that is not too personal a question.."

"Depends on which one, James is the normal baby, Katie is trying to outdo her sister, who we adopted almost 2 years ago now. Her name is Tess, Shes a Romulan/Vulcan/Human, plus she's a Cadet Junior Grade at the Academy here on the Starbase, Top of her class."

"Tess sounds like an amazing young woman. You say that Katie is trying to keep up with her. Is she at the Academy too, or still in high school?"

"She's 12, 6th grade," Kate replied.

"And probably thinks she is grown, I have no doubt Tavi replied. Are there many families on board?"

"You referring to the Starbase or the Halo< The starbase has tons, the halo has a few but Fleet trys to not have that whens it the flag ship" Kate replied and picked her cup up to take a sip.

The Denoublian gave a small nod as he took a sip of his own drink. "Has Starfleet considered adding students, Senior Cadets? I think it would be a great learning experience, and they could provide some interesting perspectives."

"The Admiral doesn't want Cadets on the Halo after the problems we had with Section 31 and the Terran Empire, but they will allow them on Starbases for now." Kate sighed. " I do agree that it would be good learning, but we can't have cadets getting injured or even killed on a training mission or real mission."

"I certainly see the admiral's point, and I'm not going to second-guess him, even if I had the authority to do so. That is why he is an admiral, and I'm a lieutenant. And it no doubt makes my life easier.."

"But speaking of my job, how do the personnel here, in general, feel about counseling and seeking out help when they need it? I know with some officers, it is... what is that Terran expression, like pulling hen's teeth."

"It's like pulling teeth," Kate replied. "Hard enough most of the time, I had Jack request they go to it."

"What were the results ot him asking? Was there a demonstrable change?"


"They all went off course, some had protests, some didn't, it really depends on who it is," Kate told Renn.

"Well, at least he was able to persuade them. I hope I can persuade them to come willingly and not grudgingly. Of course, I'll be splitting my time between that and acting as a diplomat.
I am looking forward to the dual role.:


"Now I do have a question related to that. Why choose two roles?" Kate asked,

"That is an excellent question. Both roles have similar skill sets. Dealing with people and interpersonal relationships. That can apply whether it is a crewmember who needs guidance dealing with issues, First Contact when we know next to nothing about the culture we are dealing with, or dealing with a hostile species and attempting to de-escalate and defuse."

"While I am most proficient with the counseling aspect. I'm more than qualified in those other areas."

"That's good, now if there isn't anything else, I need to get to a meeting," Kate told Renn.

"Of course. I hope I wasn't keeping you," Tavi said as he stood and turned to leave.

After Tavi left Kate grabbed her padd and made her way to the meeting.

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