Lt Jg Karen Stendhal - A Ten Forward counseling session

[KRN STDL]

(( OOC Sent to the wrong mailing list, sorry))

(( 8-Forward, USS Octavia E. Butler ))

As Karen met Nijal's gaze, she offered a reassuring smile. Nijal was a fascinating individual, but Karen couldn't shake the feeling that Nijal lacked self-belief. It was a common issue, really. If the captain had chosen Nijal for such a critical role as Mission Specialist, it was proof of her capabilities. All Nijal needed to do was relax and trust in her abilities.

Stendhal: I'm sorry, please continue. What would you like to talk about? I'm happy to help! I've been a bit scattered-brained lately. A bit of a rant if it makes sense.

Karen's body shook slightly, a tremor that quickly subsided. It was almost as if she'd hiccupped. Maybe a medical check-up was in order.

Nijal: It does, I think. And what I wanted to talk about was, is, me. I don't know that I'm happy doing what I'm doing, as a mission specialist. I thought Commodore V'Airu had some plan when she appointed me, but then we all moved over to the Butler, and I haven't been sure what I should be doing, or what I want to be doing, or even if I want to keep wearing this uniform.

Nijal: I'm sorry for dumping this all on you unofficially. I'm afraid that if we talked officially that you'd have to report this, if I'm too compromised for duty.

Stendhal: Don’t worry *dear*. What’s discussed with the counselor stays with the counselor. We’re both protected by professional confidentiality. So unless there’s a serious risk to the ship, the crew, or even to ourselves, I’m obligated to report it to higher-ups. (smiles) But I’m talking about red alert situations here. That doesn’t seem to be your case at all.

Karen savored a sip of her orzata, noticing Zi's face contort slightly. Maybe the drink was a bit too syrupy for her taste.

Nijal: I'm sorry about all this. I shouldn't have done it.

Stendhal: Do you know what? When I was stationed on the USS Columbia, the ten-forward was practically my office. I preferred to meet people there. Most of the time, the casual atmosphere of a bar helps people relax and makes it easier to talk.

Nijal: Response.

Stendhal: I have something to talk to you about. Before we get started, why don't you grab another drink and maybe a snack? I think this conversation might take a bit.

Nijal: Response.

Karen smiled and waved to a waiter.
Stendhal:  I'll have a Betazed Blossom Tempura, please. It's a dish made with deep-fried, lightly battered blossoms from Betazed's unique plants. It's served with a tangy citrus dipping sauce. I'll also have non-alcoholic beer, please. :: She then regarded her new mate with a questioning gaze. ::

Nijal: Response.

Stendhal: While we wait for our snacks, I want to reassure you once more. If the Co and the XO chose you for this assignment, then you are undoubtedly the right person for the job. Is that clear? The first thing I want you to do is to fully internalize this. You are perfectly qualified and in the right place.

Nijal: Response.

Stendhal: If you'll excuse me for just a moment, I need to get something from the replicator. I'll be right back, I promise.

Nijal: Response.

A few minutes later, Karen returned with a stack of papers – real paper, and a couple of pencils.

Nijal: Response.

Stendhal: Now, this is optional, but highly recommended. It won't really affect your role or your promotion. It's a psychological evaluation questionnaire for your new role as mission specialist.

Karen smiled, a slightly different smile this time. 

Nijal: Response.

Karen extended a pencil and the top sheet of a stack of papers to Nijal with a steady hand. The paper began:
Stendhal: Don't worry is 6 sections only.

USS Octavia E. Butler. Counselor Karen Stendhal.
Questionnaire for a Mission Specialist Psychological Evaluation
Note: This questionnaire is designed to assess the psychological suitability of an individual for the Mission Specialist role.

Section 1: Personal Beliefs and Values

1) Philosophy of Exploration: How do you view the exploration of space? Do you see it as a duty, an adventure, or a scientific endeavor?

Nijal: Response.

2) Ethics and Morality: What are your core ethical principles? How do you navigate moral dilemmas, especially in situations where the needs of the many may conflict with the needs of the few?

Nijal: Response.

3) Belief in the Unknown: Are you comfortable with the unknown? How do you handle uncertainty and the possibility of encountering the unexpected?

Nijal: Response.

Tags! and TBC!
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Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor  
USS Octavia E Butler

ID: C239604KS0
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https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Karen_Stendhal