Season 2 Episode 5 - Practice Makes Perfect

[Felicity Ellis]

[CMO's Office]

"Do take care of it Lieutenant, this type of thing can't be ongoing" He knew such sounded a bit... harsh, but he had to make sure he ran a tight ship, or at least, tight in the right ways, and while he did approve of handling certain situations with violence, this was not one of them.

"Aye, sir. Understood."

[CMO's Office]

While grateful to have Flick and Tritter's backing, Derek didn't show it externally. "I don't think we really need to beat a dead horse any longer. Ensign, return to your quarters. Commander, Doctor Styles is on duty in sickbay, he will mend your shoulder, after which you will also proceed back to your quarters. If you require a security escort, one can be arranged." Derek felt ridiculous, as if he were sending two kids to their rooms for a grounding. He waited for the two to leave before turning to Flick and Tritter.

"Flick, thank you for coming on such short notice. Captain, I apologize you had to get involved in this, but I suspect this may not be an isolated incident, just one that has been more...visible. I have the utmost confidence in the Counselor's abilities, and will advise you of her recommendations."

Felicity was already mentally preparing a plan of action for her charges. She couldn't agree more with the Captain; this sort of thing could not be allowed to continue, it had to be nipped in the bud. It should have been dealt with following the issue on the Gibson, but better late than never. She could only hope to live up to the confidence that Derek had placed in her.

Despite the seriousness of their current dilemma regarding a senior officer, Derek had to smile at Knox's version of a summons. "We're just wrapping up now. Feel free to come down."=/\= Glancing at Flick, he narrowed his eyes slightly, before a knowing expression crossed his face. "Ellis, why don't you have a seat. Captain, is there anything else we can do for you at this moment?"

He than pondered the CMO's question briefly and than stated, "No Chief, although a heads up in regards to our next mission is warranted. With the change in Commanding Officer, the Fleet wants to make sure we are ready to go at a moment's notice, therefore we have been assigned to perform a battle type drill that they will be watching closely. The crew is being split into three teams, with myself, Lieutenant Commander Knox, and our grounded one being the team leads. Chief Black, you are with Lieutenant Commander Knox, and Lieutenant Ellis, you are with me, once they are un-grounded, please come see me" He deliberately left out the fact that they were being put behind because of the antics.

Her curiosity was well and truly piqued by the thought of battle drills, and being separated into teams. Her lips curled with amusement at his choice of words concerning Mackenzie's and Paulsen's current situation. "Will do, Captain." She affirmed as she took a seat across from Derek.

As soon as she and the Chief were alone she crossed her legs at the knee and looked at him with a rueful smile and a slight shrug of her shoulders. "Well, I certainly can't say my time here on Columbus has been boring."

She clasped her hands around her right knee and her head fell to one side as she considered a niggling thought. "I should probably bump up that psych eval timetable. There have been quite a number of changes to the command structure here, I should make sure that everyone is... adjusting."

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Location: Commanding Officer's Office]

Tritter's focus remained on the Cadet as she spoke, his muscular arms folded across his chest. He let her comment sit for a moment as he pulled it over. He than replied with, "I have never been a fan of files, it never tells the whole story. I am not a fan of most people as well, I simply tolerate them, I find it works best to tune others out when under observation."

Her comment about why he picked her required a bit more thought, after a few moments of silence, she was given a reply of "You are welcome Cadet, I choose you for a few reasons, I haven't worked directly with you before and I want to see how you do when under the proverbial gun, theres no way to learn better than by putting one's feet to the fire if you will" Thats how he ended up where he is and he does want to see others thrive and succeed, even though he seems like an ass, he does want others to thrive.

[Tanner Lachlyn]

[Location: Commanding Officer's Office]

Tritter's focus remained on the Cadet as she spoke, his muscular arms folded across his chest. He let her comment sit for a moment as he pulled it over. He than replied with, "I have never been a fan of files, it never tells the whole story. I am not a fan of most people as well, I simply tolerate them, I find it works best to tune others out when under observation."

Her comment about why he picked her required a bit more thought, after a few moments of silence, she was given a reply of "You are welcome Cadet, I choose you for a few reasons, I haven't worked directly with you before and I want to see how you do when under the proverbial gun, theres no way to learn better than by putting one's feet to the fire if you will" Thats how he ended up where he is and he does want to see others thrive and succeed, even though he seems like an ass, he does want others to thrive.

Having spent a small amount of time with Tritter, Tanner realized that this was the most actual conversation they'd had since she'd started. Their paths always seemed to cross, but never for long enough for either to get a real idea of what the other was about. Of course Tanner knew things about him, people talked.

"I've been in my fair share of frying pans. In fact I seem to almost willingly step into them. I'm not sure if that's just me being over eager or a love of the heat." Tanner took a moment to glance around his office before adding, "Sir this new mission we're heading on, can I get the details from you, I know I'll get a report but I prefer word of mouth so if needed I can get a better feel for what we're heading off to do."

[Michael J. Tritter]

Having spent a small amount of time with Tritter, Tanner realized that this was the most actual conversation they'd had since she'd started. Their paths always seemed to cross, but never for long enough for either to get a real idea of what the other was about. Of course Tanner knew things about him, people talked.

"I've been in my fair share of frying pans. In fact I seem to almost willingly step into them. I'm not sure if that's just me being over eager or a love of the heat." Tanner took a moment to glance around his office before adding, "Sir this new mission we're heading on, can I get the details from you, I know I'll get a report but I prefer word of mouth so if needed I can get a better feel for what we're heading off to do."

[Location: Commanding Officer's Office]

Tritter was a fairly perceptive type and he knew a decent bit about each crew member, after twentyish years in Law Enforcement, he had an almost uncanny way of learning about people. He pondered over her comment for a few moments, it sounded an awful lot like his own past, but he didn't often talk about his own past. After a few moments of thought, he replied with, "I've grown to love being under the gun if you will, theres nothing I enjoy more. What I can tell you is this, keep your head on a swivel" He didn't want to give it away, but he wanted to give her some advice to help her along.

[Kyan Mackenzie]

:: Crew Quarters | Mackenzie ::

Part of being a senior officer was having one's own quarters, to which Kyan was quickly becoming accustomed. No more roommates drinking up all the Scotch, or casting those gruppish looks of quiet disapproval when he decided to play with his action figures, or sharpen his knives.... while they drank up all the scotch. Solitude was nice sometimes.

It had been a few hours since the incident in sickbay. At first, Kyan had been angry. Who was a grup Chief to tell him what was what afterall? He wasn't even a real doctor, just a one slip knockoff filling an empty posting to the best of Kyan's knowledge, and a proper curmudgeon for as young as he was... or looked. Thankfully for the little Onlie, his thoughts shifted quickly from ways to make doctors disappear, and onto other matters.... like dragging out his action figures and figuring out new ways for Jim Kirk to meet his gruesome end.

This time the planet conquering grup was done in by Klang on the bridge of his own ship.. as was the pointy eared Vulcan accomplice. McCoy was allowed to live, but he had to watch while the bombastic Klingon commander emptied out his supply of Saurian Brandy. Lush as he was, Kyan figured that to be worse than taking a bat'leth to the chest for McCoy, like his pals did.

And Nurse Chapel left him too... for Klang. Because Grups were like that.

After putting the action figures back in his toybox, Kyan deposited himself onto the sofa and read over some security reports, which were the standard fare. Some drunken shenanigans at Puzzles, and the latest on the drug ring from a few weeks back. Nothing terribly interesting though. He'd have to pay a visit to that computer guy again when he was able. Apparently he needed his proverbial tree shaken again. His flow of information on the drug front had slowed to a trickle.

"An 'e think Oi've forgotten 'im so 'e does." Kyan chuckled, putting the padd aside. He looked up at the wall clock and sighed as it informed him that only a few hours had indeed passed. Patience had never been one of his virtues. He grabbed his jacked and tapped the com badge affixed to it.

Mackenzie to Ellis. When can we meet an have our talk. Oi've work needs doing the now an this whole thing is keepin me from seein tae me duties so it is. Also, me quarters is boring.

[Derek Black]

[CMO's Office]

"Aye, sir. Understood."

Felicity was already mentally preparing a plan of action for her charges. She couldn't agree more with the Captain; this sort of thing could not be allowed to continue, it had to be nipped in the bud. It should have been dealt with following the issue on the Gibson, but better late than never. She could only hope to live up to the confidence that Derek had placed in her.

Her curiosity was well and truly piqued by the thought of battle drills, and being separated into teams. Her lips curled with amusement at his choice of words concerning Mackenzie's and Paulsen's current situation. "Will do, Captain." She affirmed as she took a seat across from Derek.

As soon as she and the Chief were alone she crossed her legs at the knee and looked at him with a rueful smile and a slight shrug of her shoulders. "Well, I certainly can't say my time here on Columbus has been boring."

She clasped her hands around her right knee and her head fell to one side as she considered a niggling thought. "I should probably bump up that psych eval timetable. There have been quite a number of changes to the command structure here, I should make sure that everyone is... adjusting."

[CMO's Office]

"I really wouldn't mind if it was a bit more boring." Derek replied wryly, with a deep sigh. "I'm getting too old for this. Would who've thought in this day and age..." He bent over, opening a small refrigerated box tucked underneath his desk, taking out two bottles of water and handing one over to Flick. "I wouldn't disagree...in fact, I'm considering asking 'Fleet Med for additional counselors to work with you in the short term, just until this higher activity volume goes back to normal levels. All I need is your thoughts on that idea. But enough of talking about others for now."

Derek leaned forwards, hands clasped on the desk infront of him. His tone was almost fatherly, considering his age, a trend he tended to adopt with most of his younger charges. At least the ones he liked. "It's been a tough month and we're not immune, even though we're expected to be the healers. I know how stressful that can be. How are you, Felicity?"

[Daniel Howell]

[ Main Engineering - CEO's Office ]

Jenna took a seat and listened to what Dan had to say. She agreed in her mind that it was a good idea to meet one on one with him to discuss things. When she heard months, she smiled had it really been that long? She passed it off as Dan looked at her to ask her if she was ready to give her one hundred percent. She knew she was not herself over the ordeal, but she felt she was back into a good rhythm. "You heard it from the horse's mouth that I am ready to give it my all. My mind is clear, my soul is calm, and I know I can give it my one hundred percent," She said as she adjusted her glasses. She adjusted in her seat before she spoke again. "Chief I know I was acting a bit reckless a while ago, but I do want to assure you that I am good now. I have taken up yoga, gotten myself some incense, and taken some time to self reflect. I will be on top of my game," as she said this, there was a seriousness in her eyes and there was no way she could be interpreted as lying in that moment. She was ready to give it her all.

She had hoped this would easy any ills Dan had. She also hoped she could hear what she needed to work on so that she could grow. She had a feeling what some of it might be, but she was prepared when she first heard one on one meeting to hear what she needed to fix. She sat back and folded her hands in her lap to show she was ready to listen. She found herself talking with her hands as she was explaining herself so she decided that while she listened, she would keep her hands still.

Main Engineering - CEO's Office
As Jenna replied, Dan lent back in his chair, nodding and giving a look of approval before leaning back forward replying "Good, now I really don't know what they've got for us over the coming months, nor do I know what's gonna get thrown at us, so lets be in there, the whole time, giving it all. There's a lot of potential here and your a good officer. Keep it up."

[Felicity Ellis]

[CMO's Office]

"I really wouldn't mind if it was a bit more boring." Derek replied wryly, with a deep sigh. "I'm getting too old for this. Would who've thought in this day and age..." He bent over, opening a small refrigerated box tucked underneath his desk, taking out two bottles of water and handing one over to Flick. "I wouldn't disagree...in fact, I'm considering asking 'Fleet Med for additional counselors to work with you in the short term, just until this higher activity volume goes back to normal levels. All I need is your thoughts on that idea. But enough of talking about others for now."

[CMO's Office]

She grinned as she reached out and gratefully took the bottle of water. She hadn't realised until that moment just how thirsty she was; too much coffee and crisis could apparently leave one at risk of dehydration. Who knew? Well, obviously Derek did. She popped the cap and took a generous mouthful, all the while eyeing him over the end of the bottle as he vocalised his considerations.

The inference for others might have been that she couldn't handle the current workload. Felicity, however, did not believe that that was what Derek was suggesting. And even if he was, ego had no place in this particular discussion. What was paramount to her, and should be to any counselor, was the mental well-being of her crew. "It's certainly no harm to ask, and I'd never turn down any help offered. In the meantime I'll get on those evaluations."

Derek leaned forwards, hands clasped on the desk infront of him. His tone was almost fatherly, considering his age, a trend he tended to adopt with most of his younger charges. At least the ones he liked. "It's been a tough month and we're not immune, even though we're expected to be the healers. I know how stressful that can be. How are you, Felicity?"

She pressed her lips together and studied her CMO. Naturally, her go-to response was usually that she was 'fine', that everything was a 'process' and any problem would be worked through with time and hard work. Her impression of Derek was of a professional with a compelling no-nonsense compassion, and so she replaced the cap on her water bottle, twisted it, and told him the truth.

"Honestly, I could do with some sleep. The dreams have been disturbing, to say the least." She tapped the bottle against her hand, the water making a sloshing sound that she didn't notice. More memories from the switch had been coming to her in fragments, primarily while she slept. She knew it was her subconscious mind's attempt to make sense of everything while she rested. But Felicity was no stranger to a sleepless night or two; during her first week on the Kildara she'd managed maybe a half a dozen hours in as many days. "But, I've had it worse. I have a good support structure here, and a very understanding Chief Medical Officer." She stopped tapping the bottle and grinned, content then in that moment. "That makes all the difference. I'll get there Chief, being busy helps."

"Besides, I do believe that I'm the one supposed to be asking that question," she added, her tone significantly lighter.

[Auzual Knox]

[Puzzles]

"Two dry cappuccinos, please. One with soy milk. Thank you. And the other ..."

Knox nodded to Derek as he arrived.

"Derek, did you finally stop taking sugar in your coffee?"

Once their drinks were made, Knox smiled at the image of the Station depicted in the froffy foam and lead the way to a quiet, dimly lit corner table.

"How rusty are your command skills, Derek? I would like you to be my XO whilst I take command of the Gibson. This mission is certainly not for the faint hearted, thus your medical skills are likely to be required also."

She looked towards her old friend as the lines on his face changed as his curiosity grew. How could it be that the boy she knew as a man, was now a man similar to the age she had been when she knew him? And, what was more confusing was to find that same man attractive.

"Can I count on you, Derek? Though the Gibson is a little spartan."

After their discussion Knox pressed on her comm badge.

"Now for our engineer."

Knox to McKinson. Until further notice and with immediate effect, you have been reassigned to the Gibson. Our new ship is in Docking Bay 3 and I am curious as to how well she handles herself. I also imagine that we may be in for a few surprises during this mission. You shall be taking the lead as Chief Engineer. Unfortunately that does not come with any pips, however you do have an hour to select your team and collect your belongings. And, Jenna - I expect a full report by the time I am on the bridge. Knox out.

She raised her right eyebrow as Derek looked on, finishing his coffee and then noticed Leanna holding her daughter. Knox nodded to join their table.

"Leanna!"

[Jenna McKinson]

Main Engineering - CEO's Office
As Jenna replied, Dan lent back in his chair, nodding and giving a look of approval before leaning back forward replying "Good, now I really don't know what they've got for us over the coming months, nor do I know what's gonna get thrown at us, so lets be in there, the whole time, giving it all. There's a lot of potential here and your a good officer. Keep it up."

[ Main Engineering - CEO's Office ]

Jenna nodded as she listened to what Dan had to say. "I am ready chief. Here's to whatever curve balls happen to be thrown," she said with a smile. Jenna looked down at her hands and the newly placed promise ring on her ring finger. Her and Molly had exchanged them during a rather nice evening they had.

Knox to McKinson. Until further notice and with immediate effect, you have been reassigned to the Gibson. Our new ship is in Docking Bay 3 and I am curious as to how well she handles herself. I also imagine that we may be in for a few surprises during this mission. You shall be taking the lead as Chief Engineer. Unfortunately that does not come with any pips, however you do have an hour to select your team and collect your belongings. And, Jenna - I expect a full report by the time I am on the bridge. Knox out.

It was then she got the call from Knox. She listened intently and her eyes began to shift as she was given her new orders. "Well I guess c... I mean Dan that we have to cut this meeting short. I am gonna snag Jenkins, Mallaroy, Leigh, Wallace, and Anderson," She said as she got up.

She tapped a few settings on her wrist PADD. She was refreshing her memory about the Gibson before she would take her team down to the ship. She seemed so deep into her immediate study, she almost forgot to reply to Knox. She then tapped on her combadge.   "Roger that Captain Knox. I making a direct route to the Gibson and I will have that report you requested. Jenna Out"

She grabbed her selected crew before they got their effects ready and headed off to the Gibson. That ship would be in top condition to be sure that the ship was ready for the mission. She then quickly shot a message to Molly who was sure had been called to a mission via Knox and that she would be ok. She sent lots of love in the message before she took a quick photo of herself to send to Molly when her group on the turbolift.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Puzzles]
She raised her right eyebrow as Derek looked on, finishing his coffee and then noticed Leanna holding her daughter. Knox nodded to join their table.

"Leanna!"

[Puzzles]

Leanna had finished with the sample platter well after receiving a lot of help from Ariana which to the Betazoid meant that if she liked it then it would go down well with her customers. Glad in a way that she wasn't a picky eater and despite her young age knew what she enjoyed and always made things easier when it came to mealtimes.

Picking her up so they could go and see Oma before Leanna went to check on Marcus, the pair had just started walking over to her office when she heard a familiar voice call out to her. Turning she smiled seeing Knox sat a one of the quiet corner tables with .......... she stopped when she realised it was Derek. She hadn't seen the CMO since the party she had held for Admiral Adeyemi and Captain Tritter and was glad that she was able to hide her emotions at seeing him.

She had found him attractive but not only in the physical sense, remembering their last conversation and how she had enjoyed his company and his compliments. However it became obvious at that point that she wasn't the only one who thought that way and could see why it would happen because he was easy to talk to, kind... she stopped herself from getting carried away especially as she began to feel a little stupid. After her time with Deg'arf she had found herself again and maybe she shouldn't of had thoughts about what it would be like to be more than friends with Derek and made a pact there and then that he nor anyone else would ever know.

She was good at hiding her feelings and this was no different besides she had gained another close friend and that's all she needed or so she told herself. Thinking nothing more of it as Ariana spoke to her delighted to see Auntie Knox. " If I let you down you have to be good" she said but didn't get a reply as Ariana went over to the table and sat down next to Knox. Shaking her head slightly, Leanna followed her daughter. " Hi Knox and Derek" she said in her usual friendly way. " Its good to see you both and from the way Ariana bounded over I think she feels the same" she added with a slight chuckle.

[Derek Black]

[CMO's Office]

She grinned as she reached out and gratefully took the bottle of water. She hadn't realised until that moment just how thirsty she was; too much coffee and crisis could apparently leave one at risk of dehydration. Who knew? Well, obviously Derek did. She popped the cap and took a generous mouthful, all the while eyeing him over the end of the bottle as he vocalised his considerations.

The inference for others might have been that she couldn't handle the current workload. Felicity, however, did not believe that that was what Derek was suggesting. And even if he was, ego had no place in this particular discussion. What was paramount to her, and should be to any counselor, was the mental well-being of her crew. "It's certainly no harm to ask, and I'd never turn down any help offered. In the meantime I'll get on those evaluations."

She pressed her lips together and studied her CMO. Naturally, her go-to response was usually that she was 'fine', that everything was a 'process' and any problem would be worked through with time and hard work. Her impression of Derek was of a professional with a compelling no-nonsense compassion, and so she replaced the cap on her water bottle, twisted it, and told him the truth.

"Honestly, I could do with some sleep. The dreams have been disturbing, to say the least." She tapped the bottle against her hand, the water making a sloshing sound that she didn't notice. More memories from the switch had been coming to her in fragments, primarily while she slept. She knew it was her subconscious mind's attempt to make sense of everything while she rested. But Felicity was no stranger to a sleepless night or two; during her first week on the Kildara she'd managed maybe a half a dozen hours in as many days. "But, I've had it worse. I have a good support structure here, and a very understanding Chief Medical Officer." She stopped tapping the bottle and grinned, content then in that moment. "That makes all the difference. I'll get there Chief, being busy helps."

"Besides, I do believe that I'm the one supposed to be asking that question," she added, her tone significantly lighter.

[CMO's Office]

Silently observing Flick as she spoke, Derek nodded slowly, taking in her explanation without question. Being open about her continuing issues was, in many ways, much harder than having to lie, or to brush off his concerns. Having had many a person pass through his doors, Derek had learnt through much trial and error that his job wasn't to solve someone else's problems, but instead to simply listen and facilitate them in coming to the solution themselves. "Being busy can also serve as a distraction to issues we're facing." He pointed out, smiling gently.

"I can't imagine what you had to go through, or what's been left behind after your incident. I'd like to help in any way I can, all you have to do is ask. My door is always open. One of the reasons I'd like to bring in additional specialists at this time is because I want to make sure that you get both the adequate time to recover, and that there's an avenue in place for you as well." Almost mischievously, Derek winked. "I may be good, but I'm no Felicity Ellis."

[Later - Puzzles]

[Puzzles]

"Two dry cappuccinos, please. One with soy milk. Thank you. And the other ..."

Knox nodded to Derek as he arrived.

"Derek, did you finally stop taking sugar in your coffee?"

Knox, the ever knowing Trill, had of course anticipated Derek's additive of choice. "Yes Doctor, I have." He stated, teasingly grumpy. "Half-sweet please." He added to the barkeep, reluctant to sip at the same bitterly rich brew that she preferred. He knew they made odd friends, especially so that he hadn't met her until being posted to the station, not really at least. That being said, there was noone he felt more familiar and comfortable with. In some ways, he supposed, it was as though he had known her his entire life, through the stories which his parents told.

"What's all this about?" Derek queried, following her to a table. "You're being more mysterious than usual. Not sure if I should be worried or curious."

[Puzzles]

"How rusty are your command skills, Derek? I would like you to be my XO whilst I take command of the Gibson. This mission is certainly not for the faint hearted, thus your medical skills are likely to be required also."

She looked towards her old friend as the lines on his face changed as his curiosity grew. How could it be that the boy she knew as a man, was now a man similar to the age she had been when she knew him? And, what was more confusing was to find that same man attractive.

"Can I count on you, Derek? Though the Gibson is a little spartan."

Almost laughing into his coffee, it took a few seconds for Derek to realized she was being serious. "Kath, it's been nearly a decade since I've last held a command position. You'd need a ionizer to strip the rust off."

Shaking his head, he chuckled, still bemused. "Oh you know you've always got me; hook, line, and sinker. And back in the day, ol' Gibs was state of the art, same as me. I reckon we match up pretty good." He gave her a cheerful grin, taking a sip and managing to hold back a grimace at the burnt taste. I need to start carrying around little packets of sugar. Or get her to start drinking tea. "What has the good Captain got instore for us? I'm assuming Starfleet wants to see what his chops are made of, newly promoted and all."

Thinking nothing more of it as Ariana spoke to her delighted to see Auntie Knox. " If I let you down you have to be good" she said but didn't get a reply as Ariana went over to the table and sat down next to Knox. Shaking her head slightly, Leanna followed her daughter. " Hi Knox and Derek" she said in her usual friendly way. " Its good to see you both and from the way Ariana bounded over I think she feels the same" she added with a slight chuckle.

"Hey Leanna." Derek greeted the young proprietor with a warm smile as she came over, along with her young daughter. "Well hello there little one! What's your name?"

[Auzual Knox]

[Puzzles]

"What's all this about?" Derek queried, following her to a table. "You're being more mysterious than usual. Not sure if I should be worried or curious."

Almost laughing into his coffee, it took a few seconds for Derek to realized she was being serious. "Kath, it's been nearly a decade since I've last held a command position. You'd need a ionizer to strip the rust off."

Shaking his head, he chuckled, still bemused. "Oh you know you've always got me; hook, line, and sinker. And back in the day, ol' Gibs was state of the art, same as me. I reckon we match up pretty good." He gave her a cheerful grin, taking a sip and managing to hold back a grimace at the burnt taste. I need to start carrying around little packets of sugar. Or get her to start drinking tea. "What has the good Captain got instore for us? I'm assuming Starfleet wants to see what his chops are made of, newly promoted and all."

Knox laughed at the comment about being more mysterious than ever. She had not realized that he found her so. Clearly amused and touched, Knox answered him.

"I am sure you shall easily get into the swing of things again, Derek. And, I am glad to hear. I could not imagine anyone else whom I would trust more beside me, other than the Captain of course. Speaking of which, yes. StarFleet were particularly interested in what happened a couple of weeks ago. We are all certainly going to be tested."

She was good at hiding her feelings and this was no different besides she had gained another close friend and that's all she needed or so she told herself. Thinking nothing more of it as Ariana spoke to her delighted to see Auntie Knox. " If I let you down you have to be good" she said but didn't get a reply as Ariana went over to the table and sat down next to Knox. Shaking her head slightly, Leanna followed her daughter. " Hi Knox and Derek" she said in her usual friendly way. " Its good to see you both and from the way Ariana bounded over I think she feels the same" she added with a slight chuckle.

Taking the child up onto her lap with a big hug, Knox beamed as Leanna followed.

"Hello my darling beautiful girl. How have you been? Have you been getting to know the Station more like we discussed last time?"

Knox believed that tiny people should be spoken with as people. She then stood up to greet her.

"You look as amazing as ever, my dear. Glad that all is well."

Knox's smile faulted a little as she remembered the most recent high level security transmission from StarFleet had been a little too interested in her friend. However, she did not have any more information to go on and thus did not want to overreact. Yet.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Later - Puzzles]

"Hey Leanna." Derek greeted the young proprietor with a warm smile as she came over, along with her young daughter. "Well hello there little one! What's your name?"

[Puzzles]

Taking the child up onto her lap with a big hug, Knox beamed as Leanna followed.

"Hello my darling beautiful girl. How have you been? Have you been getting to know the Station more like we discussed last time?"

Knox believed that tiny people should be spoken with as people. She then stood up to greet her.

"You look as amazing as ever, my dear. Glad that all is well."

Knox's smile faulted a little as she remembered the most recent high level security transmission from StarFleet had been a little too interested in her friend. However, she did not have any more information to go on and thus did not want to overreact. Yet.

[Puzzles]

Leanna smiled when Derek greeted her, her heart fluttering for a brief second at the way he spoke to not only her but also how he acted with her daughter then had to remind herself that she had to stop thinking that way. Ariana however seemed interested in the CMO and answered him in her usual carefree way. " Ari"she replied before Knox scooped her up onto her knee and gave her a big hug.

She loved the way her friends were with Ariana and how Knox always treated her more than just a child and couldn't ask for better role models for her daughter especially with how things could of been so much different. Listening as Ariana answered Knox "Hi Auntie Kn .. ox "she said then looked to her mother who encouraged her to continue. "good and yes with Oma".

When Knox then stood to greet her, again she smiled at her compliment although did notice it falter for a moment but decided not to question it knowing if it was something serious her friend would confide in her. " Thank you Knox and things are good".

[Felicity Ellis]

[CMO's Office]

Silently observing Flick as she spoke, Derek nodded slowly, taking in her explanation without question. Being open about her continuing issues was, in many ways, much harder than having to lie, or to brush off his concerns. Having had many a person pass through his doors, Derek had learnt through much trial and error that his job wasn't to solve someone else's problems, but instead to simply listen and facilitate them in coming to the solution themselves. "Being busy can also serve as a distraction to issues we're facing." He pointed out, smiling gently.

[CMO's Office]

"All too true," she replied softly, nodding in agreement. She was personally all too familiar with the concept of trauma suppression. She often coached others through it but remained guilty of the practice herself. Although with her tendency to over-analyse and internalise, and the many hours she lay awake during the night-cycle with all of those pesky, unhelpful thoughts, sometimes work was a blessed break.

"I can't imagine what you had to go through, or what's been left behind after your incident. I'd like to help in any way I can, all you have to do is ask. My door is always open. One of the reasons I'd like to bring in additional specialists at this time is because I want to make sure that you get both the adequate time to recover, and that there's an avenue in place for you as well." Almost mischievously, Derek winked. "I may be good, but I'm no Felicity Ellis."

The corner of her eyes were crinkled as she laughed at his parting shot; which added just the right amount of levity to their discussion following those heavier yet heartfelt words. "You have such a knack for saying all the right things Chief that I might just have to bottle you up and hand you out to my patients after every session." Never underestimate the importance of supportive hierarchy. "But in all seriousness, thank you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support, and the opportunities that I have here on this team. And if anything should jeopardise that then I promise, you will be the very first person to know."

[Later - Counselor's Office]

Having re-read Commander Mackenzie's rather extensive file, which was inclusive of various psychological analyses and reports from colleagues within Star Fleet, she dropped the PADD she was holding to her desk and began to form a plan of action. Upon arriving on the Starbase she had combed through all of the officers' profiles over the course of several weeks, and while Mackenzie's had indeed been one of the more interesting reads, a contrasting opinion of the security chief, based in some part on what she'd read but primarily on observation, was taking shape.

"Please report to the Commanding Officer's Office as soon as possible", it was directed to the following crew members: Lieutenant Commander Daorn, Ensign Dorset, Cadet Graybear, Lieutenant Ellis, Ensign Kentrat, Lieutenant Grok, Crewman Romak and Doctor Lunn.

She rose smoothly from her seat and tapped her badge. "Understood, Captain. ETA: Ten minutes. Ellis out."

Felicity could only speculate that her summons had something to do with the Captain's battle drill plans; and she knew they were contingent on the release of her wards. Or at least, one in particular. Before she could report definitively back to him there was someone she had to pay a quick visit to.

[Passageway - En Route to Officers' Quarters]

Mackenzie to Ellis. When can we meet an have our talk. Oi've work needs doing the now an this whole thing is keepin me from seein tae me duties so it is. Also, me quarters is boring.

Her sure footsteps echoed in the corridor as she turned a corner and strode purposefully, a wry smile tugging a corner of her mouth at the Onlies' timing.  "I doubt you'd find my office any more stimulating, Commander. But as luck would have it, I'm on my way to you. Does right now suit?"=/\=

She tapped the panel outside of his door and listened for that telltale chime.