Counselor Swap

Posted on Fri Mar 7th, 2025 by Captain James Cohen & Lieutenant Choyi Zaimu

1,042 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: M01 - The Hooke
Location: Ready Room, USS Hooke
Timeline: Present

The ship had arrived at Terra Nova, and the first thing that happened after her arrival, Captain Cohen had a visit from the ship's counselor. He'd been intent on speaking to her about some of the problems she'd been causing, but before he could get two words out she'd placed her commbadge down onto his desk, apologized for not mentioning this sooner, and left. James was still confused when his door chime sounded.

"Enter please." He said while looking at the communicator.

Counselor Choyi entered the office. The young Bajoran woman had a slight smile on her face that quickly melted away when she saw the expression on the Captain's face. "You may want to sit down sir," She told him politely.

James looked up at the Counselor prior to sitting down behind the desk. "How may I help you Lieutenant?" He asked her. James had barely registered the ship was in orbit around Terra Nova as things suddenly changed for him. Yes, he was rather lost about it.

Zaimu reached across his desk and gently shook his hand, "I'm Counselor Choyi Zaimu." She told him then proceeded to sit down across from him. "I know this may sound as something of a shock, but Counselor Aval found out that her mother has been suffering from an illness and she needed to return to Vulcan. She's resigned her commission, I'm not surprised that she didn't tell you this sir. She seems like a private person," Zaimu remarked. "Starfleet had to scramble to find a replacement for her, and I was already here at Terra Nova."

James was eventually able to process everything the Lieutenant had said. He sighed and nodded, "All right," He told his newly assigned Counselor. He wondered why Aval hadn't told him, but he presumed it was something that he'd probably never get an answer to. "She wasn't really a good fit here anyway," He admitted. "Do you have your personnel records?" He asked the Counselor.

Zaimu grinned, "Yes," She answered and leaned all the way forward to place a data pad onto his desk. "Starfleet also felt that perhaps a Counselor with some experience may be a wise course of action. I understand much of the crew on board are lacking in experience. Including yourself?" She asked, "There's nothing wrong with that sir, however, they thought maybe someone with experience could help balance that out."

James began reviewing her record and noticed quickly that she had quite a bit of experience. Even spending the last several years going from location to location. "Are you comfortable being aboard starship and not bouncing around as much?" He asked her. "It looks like that's what you've been doing for a while."

Zaimu breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh yes sir." She told the Captain. "It was certainly time for a change. My work here was almost done anyway, I was here helping a trauma victim overcome the mental anguish they were feeling. I'm confident that they can function on their own now." She raised her hand, "Obviously I cannot talk about it." She was relieved that her new Captain had some faith in her already. Or, at least that's how it seemed.

James finished reading through the profile and flipped over to her orders before he pressed his thumb to it. "Here you go Counselor," He said and placed the data pad down onto the desk. "Honestly, I'm glad Starfleet eventually listened to what I'd been telling them. I was really concerned that what I'd said had fallen on deaf ears." He leaned all the way back into his seat. "We're going to be having our staff meeting here soon since we just arrived in the system. I would like for you to introduce yourself if that's something you're comfortable doing?"

Zaimu grinned, "I would be glad to introduce myself to the other senior officers."

James nodded, "I think some of the senior officers ran into some problems with Aval." He pointed out, "I'm sure they'll be accepting of the change, hopefully nobody gives you any issues." He wasn't sure if the words had come out quite the way he'd meant for them to come out. He paused for a moment then spoke again, "I apologize that may have come across as somewhat harsh. I'm sure Aval meant well."

Zaimu shook her head, "No, no I get it." She remarked. "I spoke to Aval briefly before she left the ship. She seems like somewhat of an abrasive person. Vulcans are known for their smugness whether it's intentional or not." Zaimu then left it at that. "I would like to sit down with individual crew members in my office and talk to them. I think it's the best way to compare their base psychological profiles rather than just making assumptions. Aval may have simply made assumptions about them without talking directly to them.

"It's a common mistake that new counselor's make. I wouldn't put too much stock into it sir," She thought about it. "At least I think that's how the Human expression goes?" She shrugged, "Nevertheless, I'll try to find time to talk to the crew throughout the coming weeks. After the staff briefing."

James smiled warmly, "Okay," He provided a nod then stood up. He smoothed out the front of his uniform with both hands and pulled down somewhat roughly. Then James activated the communication system on the ship, "Senior officers report to the Observation Lounge." He looked at the Counselor, "I'll be in there shortly."

Zaimu took this as a cue for her to go ahead and leave the office. "I'll see you there." She replied warmly then departed the office. Just from their conversation she was already able to pick up on the kind of personality the Captain had, and she figured they'd get along perfectly well.

James watched her leave before turning toward the window. A few steps later and he was looking out at the planet Terra Nova. He'd heard stories about this place, and was anxious to see the surface. Assuming his Exec let him leave the ship at all while they were there. He would just have to find time to go to Logan City. James grinned at the thought before leaving his office.

 

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