A Study in Obsidian

Posted on Sat Mar 4th, 2023 @ 10:13am by Commander Amaya Lance & Lieutenant Commander Savin

Mission: Wrath of the People
Location: Counsellor's Offices
Timeline: MD-06
1281 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

It had been 24 hours since Amaya had arrived on the USS Athena. She had already been forced to shut-out a series of demands from others, as well as the unspoken complaints about this 'stranger' replacing their Captain, and all of the tension said Captain's situation had wrought.

Seeing the ship's counsellor felt like a logical step. Ironically she'd seen a dozen of them over the last few years, so after all - what was one more? But this time she was less setting the appointment to discuss herself but rather the state of the crew's mental health.

She opened the door and was mildly surprised at the Counsellor's appearance. A Romulan. Remarkable, but only in the sense that she figured one in this line of work ought to be rare.

"Doctor...Savin?" she twisted both the recollection of the name as well as the pronunciation. Her hand immediately clasped tightly. "I wondered if you had a moment. I-If that's no too much trouble?"

Unaware of the stutter, but keenly aware of some form of anxiety from his visitor, Savin gestured towards the more comfortable area of his office, where he could properly observe a patient. "No trouble commander," he answered calmly. "How may I help you?" News of a new commanding officer had reached him, but he hadn't made an effort to go meet her just yet. News of his Captain's arrest still needed to sink in.

"Commander Lance. Amaya Lance. We've not met - fully. I've been asked...told...to take command of the ship under some very tricky circumstances," she explained. "I suppose that it will have placed a lot of stress and strain on the crew. I sort-of hoped you might have some advice?"

"What kind of advice ma'am? I cannot discuss anything the crew may or may not have told me in confidence." He offered her a minute smile. "I understand these are not the best circumstances however the crew consists of professional people and they will accept a change of command."

"I'm not expecting a breach of confidence, Doctor Savin. I'm just trying to get a sense of how people are feeling; even if they are professionals, they're likely to experience some...discomfort," Amaya reasoned. Not unlike herself, who was trying to remain as professional as possible despite the sudden circumstances she now found herself in.

Savin nodded. "Oh I do believe they are upset. There is a sense of disbelief, and I too do not believe the captain is responsible. He is an honourable man, I do not believe murder is something he is capable of. I wish I was allowed to see him, to make certain he is alright."

Amaya nodded thoughtfully. The compassionate side of her could sympathise. Yet, in her own past there had been people she felt she could trust that had let her down, too. "Understandable. It is unfortunate that we cannot change what has happened, nor the evidence and facts at our disposal." And that, of course, was the scientist in her speaking. "I do not know if there is anything I can do to help them feel...at ease?"

"I recommend just being there for them, and not let any...discontent they might show get to you. Listen to them, and offer advice in return. Some of us have served with Captain Kane for a very long time, while others may not know him that well at all. My main recommendation would be to get to know the people you work with, especially the bridge crew as you rely on them the most to command this vessel." He paused for a moment. "Trust is earned," he finally said, "but as commanding officer at least you are due a certain level of that, as well as respect."

Amaya nodded. Until they hear about my reputation. Who would trust me, after... She didn't complete her own thought. Instead she consciously straightened her posture again. "I'm very grateful for the honesty. I...I will do my best to earn their trust." It wasn't a statement she believed in, deep down. But maybe giving voice to it would help make it true.

"Grant yourself some time captain," Savin continued, "and honesty does work best in the long run. Especially in my line of work. Evenso, remember your position does grant you some level of respect, but it does work both ways. Trust them, give them time and they will end up trusting you."

Amaya thought to correct him on her title, but held herself short when she remembered that she was indeed the Captain of the ship even if she didn't hold that rank. "Thank you for your counsel," she acknowledged. "Is there...a good starting point you could suggest? For helping them trust me?"

"Listen to them. Acknowledge how they feel. I do not know what else to suggest. I am not yet a command grade officer, though I have requested command training and the opportunity to take the bridge officer's exam."

"You don't need to be a bridge officer to know how to get people to trust you," Amaya replied. She remembered the first time she had been thrust into a position of authority. It had terrified her. But, with time and experience, it had become more natural - even in the face of the worst odds. "You're right though. I guess...I've just forgotten what it's like. Dealing with people."

"No I do not, but it is where I can see first hand what happens, and it will broaden my own horizons," Savin smiled, "same as this experience will broaden yours. You forgot what it is like to deal with people, perhaps we can help each other?"

Amaya's vaguely haunted expression returned, her lips pursed for a moment. "No offense, Mr Savin, but I've been 'helped' by some of the finest psychologists in Starfleet. Help can only get you so far." She shrugged, resigned to that fact. "Some people are a lost cause. Maybe that includes their old Captain, I don't know. But...keep moving forward."

"I would not consider Captain Kane a lost cause," the counselor answered, somewhat colder than intended, "and I doubt the crew will either. Some would go through fog and fire for him, and that would indeed include me."

"It's...nice that he inspires that kind of loyalty," she admitted. Of course, once upon a time she would have wished for that on herself. Loyalty, companionship, trust. Someone to walk through fire for her. In the end, she had been left completely alone to face her demons. "Regardless, there is little we can do about that now. A new chapter begins. We move on. It's cliche'd but that's the situation we're in."

"A new chapter, where you will need to inspire such loyalty ma'am. It is earned, and it takes hard work, but I have no doubt that you will." The counselor smiled at her. "Will you not?"

Amaya didn't answer that question. She didn't know whether she could, at least not yet. "Keep me appraised of the mood of the crew?" she said, a question as much of a request.

"Of course captain," Savin agreed. "Would you like daily meetings to accomplish that?" He nodded towards the tea-set on the table. "Perhaps in the afternoon, over a cup of tea?"

Amaya thought about declining. She suspected that was what the former Captain would have done, in keeping people at arm's length. At least, that was his reputation. But she had to re-learn how to command again, and letting people help was her way of doing that.

"I'll see you tomorrow afternoon then, Counsellor," she nodded with a faint smile.