Lt. JG David Flint: Lost Cause
Robin Hopper
((Amity Outpost – Toliver’s Office))
Flint: I’m… considering requesting a transfer. I don’t know if my request would be approved, but Amity has its fair share of Helm Officers, for a space station. On a starship I could be more out-of-sight, out-of-mind – and more useful.
The truth was he had always felt a little out of place aboard the Outpost, in no small part due to his limited duties as a Helm Officer. Perhaps if he had trained as an H/C/O, he might find more work – but he had followed his passions and minored in Tactical. If he wasn’t in the pilot’s chair, then he saw no point in remaining in Starfleet – and, as important as they were – dedicating his service to recertifying other officer’s basic shuttle skills was not his passion.
Toliver: Transfer is always an option, but I don't think that is the right option...
oO Yes… Neither is Starfleet Command… Oo
Flint: Of course, I’m not sure my request would be approved anyways. ::Indicating the PADD:: The first entry, on the disappearance of the USS Nimitz… The last time I served aboard a starship. I still have waking nightmares about that day…
There was no greater dread he could imagine than facing defeat at the hands of an enemy who would do far worse than kill you – but strip you of everything that made you human, make an object of you. It was an unforgivable violation, and it stuck with him day and night.
Flint: If I could get that under control, then perhaps… Perhaps I could sit behind the helm again. Properly.
The counselor considered what he’d said. He sat, quietly, not sure there was anything else worth saying.
Toliver: David, I know it's incredibly tough for you, and you are here for a reason.
Flint: And that is?
Toliver: Your piloting skills for one. Your freedom from the collective is another.
He shook his head and put his chin in his hands. As far as he was concerned, he’d been sent here for the same reason delinquents and criminals had been sent to Australia in the days of yore. Sure, some of them found ways to build new lives for themselves – but that had never been the government’s intent. Out of sight, out of mind. That’s why he was sent to the Delta Quadrant.
Toliver: Despite what some say, you are a prime example of the willingness to embrace everyone in the Delta Quadrant, even an enemy like the Borg. That can be a powerful beacon in the future. But now, my concern is for you.
Flint: The Borg are not an enemy to be embraced – and I did not come here to extoll the virtues of benevolence towards the Collective.
He stood, ready to grab his PADD and leave.
Flint: If you aren’t willing to help me rid myself of this torment and get back to the life I had before, then I don’t know if there’s any point in–
Toliver: I want you to set up an appointment with Ychol, our Vulcan counselor.
At first he was taken aback by Toliver’s recommendation – but he had been so caught off guard by it, that he had nothing to say – and in that brief silence, consideration was possible. It was strange, yet intriguing.
Flint: A Vulcan counselor? ::Squinting:: Why?
Toliver: I believe he will be able to teach you techniques which will help quell the nightmares. As far as the civilian issue, I will be talking to John and Will about it. This is a Federation installation, and by God, they will respect you as a Starfleet officer or they will be gone if we have to kick every civilian and their employers off this outpost.
Flint considered her words. She certainly had no lack of conviction. Slowly, he nodded.
Flint: Alright… I suppose if anyone is an expert in repressing intrusive thoughts it may well be a Vulcan – though I’d never heard of one of them serving as a counselor before… I’ll admit I’m interested. ::Sighing:: I’ll try it.
Toliver: As far as the residents of the Delta Quadrant, they will just have to get used to you, because you are not going anywhere...
Flint: I… appreciate what you’re trying to say… But in all honesty, if this doesn’t work for me, and I’m not convinced that it will, I’m not above trying my luck elsewhere.
Toliver: Response
He shrugged, not entirely sure he had anything solid to say, other than rumour and gossip – but it was more than nothing.
Flint: I’ve heard that some of my fellow… XBs… have taken up with the Fenris Rangers, following in Seven of Nine’s footsteps. They certainly have no shortage of work for capable pilots.
Toliver: Response
Flint: ::Hint of a smile:: I’m English, counselor – I’m not going to cut and run without giving it a fighting chance. You don’t need to worry about that. But I’m also not above recognizing a lost cause.
Toliver: Response?
END
