Looking for Advice

Posted on Mon Feb 6th, 2023 @ 4:14pm by Lieutenant Sturgis O'Connell & Lieutenant Commander Savin

Mission: Character Development
Location: Counselor's Office
1476 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

"Commander Savin?" Sturgis entered the counselor's office. "Could I possibly bother you for a bit? Doesn't have to be now, but perhaps you could work me into your schedule when you have availability?" He politely requested.

Though the occurrence was rare, Savin was so preoccupied with reading, he didn't notice his new visitor. The past hours had been busy with many crew members coming in to chat away their grievances in regards to the Captain's arrest and now he had to catch up on his files. As such, there was no answer to the chief engineer's query.

"Commander?" Sturgis made his way in front of the desk and half waved, hoping to catch the counselor's attention. It seemed like the noise just from anyone entering would be enough, but the engineer couldn't deny having been so wrapped up in something intriguing before that everything else fell silent.

Spotting movement from the corner of his eyes as the visitor reached the desk, a startled counselor looked up before glancing sideways at the dysfunctional indicator light on the desk. "Apologies lieutenant, it appears the indicator is not functioning otherwise I would have responded to your entrance. What can I do for you?"

"Indicator? Perhaps that's something I could help you with. As for me, I was just hoping to find some time on your schedule. I assume you've been fairly busy with the current circumstances involving Captain Kane? I'm in no hurry, but I'd love a chance to talk sometime when it's not a bother and you aren't inundated with worries over the current situation." Sturgis stated matter of factly. For one so rigid in his personal and professional life, he also understood the importance of counseling and knew that it would be healthy for him to establish some sort of professional relationship with the counselor on board. Plus it might prove useful in repairing his relationship with Adrian, which he desired greatly.

"Worry is not something that I indulge in," Savin clarified, "and if someone has need of me, I make time for them. I repeat, what can I do for you?"

It wasn't exactly what Sturgis had met, but he decided to move on. "Well, for one thing, I'm new here. I'd like to know if you have any advice for starting out on the Athena. My department seems to be running relatively smoothly, though it's only been one day. I'm concerned that although things seem well on the surface, that many in the department might have mixed feelings. I can't say I know anything about why the last CEO left, but typically a department develops some sort of attachment to their chief and to add to that, the current conflict with the former Captain." He paused for a second to find the right words. "Basically, things seem fine, but emotions have a tendency to surface whether we want them to or not and I'm concerned that although things seem okay right now, many in engineering may not actually feel that way and that it'll cause performance problems down the road."

Realizing he had misunderstood, Savin nodded. "I must apologize for misunderstanding," he said slowly, "I rely on what I see and sense and misunderstood your statement. I am aware Finn has left and that her friends and her department keenly feel that loss. Have you tried engaging your department? I understand you must feel like an intruder, but they must get to know you and trust you. Perhaps a team building activity will help you with that?"

Sturgis's mouth shifted right and he scrunched his lips in thought, carefully considering what the counselor had to offer. He moved to sit straighter in his chair before responding. "I haven't engaged my department beyond my regular duties and attending to engineers and jobs as they're needed. Then again, it's only been one day. I don't think we have much time for team building activities at the moment though." Not that he liked those sorts of activities anyway. They were all Starfleet officers and would be expected to act as such. Surely they were already a team and worked decently well together, they just needed to get past any lingering emotions tied to the previous command structure. "I think what I'm looking for is your advice on how to best handle situations where performance might dip. My normal disposition is to be fair but firm, perhaps I should stick with that. Or make an attempt to be more understanding? I'm not sure whats best," he admitted.

"Talk to the person in question and ask them what he or she needs to return to top performance. Get to know your team," Savin advised

Sturgis nodded. It was a more blunt approach than he had originally thought, but he did always appreciate practicality. It was certainly a good place to start. "You're right. Thank you for your advice."

The counselor nodded. "Perhaps you could tell me a little about yourself?" He suggested , then offered a small smile, "it also offers me a baseline to compare future behaviour to. Just in case..."

"Sure if you'd like," his posture became slightly defensive. Sturgis never truly enjoyed talking about himself, but understood the need to do so. "Where to start...I was born on Earth. Both of my parents are Starfleet lawyers though lawyering was never for me. I have always enjoyed the stability that Starfleet provides and found myself enjoying the engineering side of things. I served on the Yorktown for my entire career until I recently accepted this transfer to the Athena. My wife, Adrian, remains on the Yorktown with our two kids, Cameron and Evan. How about yourself?"

"I was born on the Romulan homeworld, but raised on Vulcan after my parents fled the empire for fear of me being taken away from them, or even be killed. I was born with telepathic abilities, and when tests revealed I was also born deaf, they chose to settle on Vulcan, and raise me and my brother, who is born in Vulcan, as Vulcans. I have only known this for a little over a year now. Until then, I have always identified myself as Vulcan because I believed I was. I have chosen counseling because it is in my nature to try and help those that need it."

"Interesting. I imagine that was a difficult thing to learn," Sturgis stated matter of factly. The Athena's counselor was certainly turning out to be more complex than he had expected.

"It was disturbing yes, and I am still finding a balance. I have, however, chosen not to confront my parents about it. I cannot blame them for making a choice even if I do not understand it. I was never able to fully control anyway as I need emotions to communicate." He paused, wondering briefly how people often managed to turn the conversation onto himself. "As we do now," he smiled.

"Right," Sturgis nodded with a small smile. He shifted in his seat before continuing. "To be fully transparent, the reason I accepted this transfer was to allow my wife some space. We separated. Though I can't say it's something that I'd like to become permanent. I know they're well taken care of, but I miss my kids every day. I miss Adrian as well. I'm hoping that some space and perhaps improved understanding on my part will help to heal our relationship."

"It is said that time heals all wounds," Savin mused, "perhaps time is ineed what you need though I would recommend to keep communicating. I am not an expert on relationships, I fear, bit I do know that communication is key, in everything."

"I'm sure you're right, though I don't think communicating is my problem with Adrian. I think it's interpreting," he gave a small chuckle. "She says one thing and means another most of the time. It's hard to keep up sometimes, but it's something I need to work on. That and just being more attentive." Sturgis paused for a moment, thinking about his old life on the Yorktown and how much he missed his family. "Perhaps I'll send them a message tonight." With that, he stood and offered a hand to the counselor. "Thank you, Commander. I appreciate your time and advice."

Savin stood as well but did not accept offer a hand. "No touch protocol lieutenant," he reminded the chief engineer as he didn't want to appear rude. "I am a touch telepath." He smiled encouragingly at the man. "Nothing wrong with being more attentive towards a spouse, is there? Perhaps, one day, I will be so lucky to find someone too."

"Ah, understood, Commander. My apologies. Thank you again," Sturgis turned his offered shake into a small wave and exited the office with a new strategy for his time on the Athena and for repairing his relationship.