Lt Kaya - Unlikely Clients

[Hannah S]

((Counselor's Office, Deck 502, StarBase 118))

It wasn't every day you were greeting a fully grown humanoid bear in your office - but Kaya had yet seen stranger things and even those had never managed to shake her unfazed expression and the everlasting polite smile she had been carrying around ever since being a young girl in a society shaped by the survival of the strongest. 

She knew exactly why they had chosen her as Nagazis new counselor: She had experience, but also little patience for big emotional reactions or expressions of wonder. Nagazi brought an eventful history, but so did most of her clients; he was here because he was forced to, as were most of her clients. They weren't so different after all. 

Kaya was already sitting on her slim armchair, legs crossed in an elegant posture while flipping through Nagazis file. She already knew what it said, and yet the repetition calmed her thoughts. A steaming cup of camomile tea was waiting on the little table next to her and she was just about to reach for it when the door chimed.

Kaya: Please, come on in.

The door slid open and the Grizzela padded into the room, taking a seat opposite the counselor, his weight sinking him into the soft couch as he did so.

Nagazi: Hello, Lieutenant. It's nice to meet you.

His voice was a low rumble, yet he was surprisingly soft spoken for someone so physically imposing. Kaya made a mental note of that, although she was careful not to assume things early on. 

Kaya: Likewise, Mister Nagazi. I am glad you decided to come here today. 

Nagazi: It has been six months since my last session, as I'm sure you're aware. ::he gestured to a PADD on the table:: I am requested to check in more regularly than the usual required amount due to my personal history.

Kaya gave a nod. An unimpressed smile tugged faintly at her lips as she stated the obvious:

Kaya: You feel like this is uncalled for. 

Nagazi: I have been fine. I do not feel the need for any extra sessions than my scheduled check ups.

She tilted her head lightly. Some part of her was amused by all the countless versions she had heard of that sentiment over the years. Another part was very tired of it. 

Kaya: Well, as you will be aware, your presence here aligns with Starfleet protocol. It is nothing more than a safety measure for your own sake, Mister Nagazi. 

Nagazi: I understand the reasoning. Starfleet wants to make sure that I am fit to do my duty. I do not resent it. I just feel that it is unnecessary.

She gave another nod. It wasn't a sign of sympathy or agreement - it was merely an acknowledgement of his feelings. She had learnt a lot of things during her years of service, and one of the first had been not to encourage or challenge every thought immediately. Some ideas were fine to work the room for a few heartbeats: sometimes it was enough to look at them for a while to reveal their true meaning. The truth stood between them in ugly silence: Nagazi felt belittled by the circumstances of his presence. 

The humanoid bear shifted uncomfortably on the couch as he awaited the counselor's reply. Kaya took an extra moment to simply breathe and let the tension linger. 

Kaya: What do you think it is about your background that makes Starfleet want to ensure your fitness for duty? 

She watched him attentively as she was waiting for a reply.

Nagazi: ? 

Kaya: How is that related to your work? Do you feel like those events shape your ability to judge or act appropriately? 

Nagazi: ? 

Kaya smiled thinly. 

Kaya: Well then I wonder how you are able not to resent Starfleet’s decision. It sounds like you feel like you are treated unfairly.

She did not know yet whether she was the right person to help Nagazi. But she was not a counselor who spread false positivity. Kaya held the strong opinion that every feeling deserved its attention. Sometimes it was necessary to point a finger at them and take a good look: but there had been many clients who did not agree with her. They would find out soon enough wether Nagazi was one of them. 

Nagazi: ? 

***

PNPC Lieutenant Kaya

Counselor

StarBase 118 Ops

as simmed by

Lieutenant Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
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