The Counselor Meets The Crew

Posted on Sat Mar 8th, 2025 by Captain James Cohen & Lieutenant Commander Freya Preston & Lieutenant Amelia Baird & Lieutenant Commander Samuel Bancroft & Lieutenant Shral ch'Vyrhor & Lieutenant Rhys Bennett & Lieutenant Choyi Zaimu & Lieutenant JG Elle Hayashi

1,022 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: M01 - The Hooke
Location: Observation Lounge, USS Hooke
Timeline: Present

By the time James had arrived inside the observation lounge, as expected, his senior officers had all arrived ahead of him and taken their seats. He could tell that some of them were confused by the appearance of a different counselor. James opened the meeting, "Counselor Aval had a family emergency and as such decided it was optimal to resign her commission and return to Vulcan. I won't say anything further and will instead turn it over to Counselor Choyi."

Zaimu grinned warmly and said nothing of the Vulcan, "I'm Counselor Choyi, though you can call me Zaimu and it won't upset me. Starfleet literally told me this morning to report aboard the Hooke after the ship arrived in the system so I'm still trying to get my feet under me. I'll try and sit down with as many of you, and those in your department, as I can over the coming days. If you have any questions just let me know, I'm pretty much an open book."

Elle was somewhat surprised that Aval had left the ship and been replaced. She looked at the Captain, "Sorry for asking this Captain," The young Doctor said, "But does this have anything to do with the conflict that was actively happening on the ship?"

James shook his head, "As far as I know this has nothing to do with any of you. Aval simply had some sort of long term issue back at home and chose to leave Starfleet. I can't speculate much further than that," His expression softened quite a bit. "I didn't get the chance to talk to her about the things we discussed anyway."

Elle nodded then looked at the new Counselor, "Welcome aboard Counselor." She said simply.

Rhys was rather relieved that Aval was no longer on board. He wasn't overly fond of her in the first place, though he'd kept it pretty close to the vest. He didn't have any questions about it, "Welcome aboard." He said with a relaxed smile.

Amelia wondered if there was more to this than what the Captain was saying. She was certain there was, however, based on the expression he was carrying and the look on Commander Preston's face, she concluded they were simply as surprised as she was. "Welcome aboard," She said.

Freya looked at the Captain, then at the Counselor. She hesitated only for a second before communicating with the other officers, "I'm sure this doesn't need to be said, but it sounds to me like whatever happened was a private matter. It would be best if everyone simply leaves Aval alone and allow her this time to herself. If she wants to tell us anything then I'm sure she will reach out." Freya looked toward the new counselor, "Welcome."

Sam had no inclination to contact Aval, he'd not communicated with her anyway as he was pretty content avoiding the new counselor. He was considering that option with Zaimu as well, it wasn't personal either. Sam simply didn't care for counselor's for a variety of reasons. "Welcome aboard Counselor Choyi."

Shral lacked any opinion either way, as far as he was concerned this wasn't his business to begin with. "Welcome aboard." He said to the Counselor. He turned and looked at the Captain, "What's the plan with Terra Nova Captain?" He asked the Captain.

James nodded, "Right." He answered then turned his attention to the matter at hand, "Commander Preston will be leading the away party down to the planet. The first thing we need to do, is know what we're contending with. I would like for Lieutenant Bancroft, Ensign Roma, and Ensign Elliott to go with her."

Freya gave a nod, "Understood Captain. If we find anything of importance would you like us to proceed after letting you know?"

James thought about the question for a moment, "Yes, wherever the investigation leads go ahead and follow it. I trust in your abilities Commander," He said warmly.

"Security should probably go down as well just in case there's something dangerous down there." Shral recommended to the Captain.

Zaimu shook her head slowly, "There's really nothing all that dangerous down there, besides the expedition teams in the area have a standing security force with them. I would be hesitant to bring any security with the away team as it may lead to some concern. There are still a small minority that doesn't quite trust the Federation, or people from Earth."

"All the more reason." Shral quipped.

Zaimu smiled warmly because she appreciated the Lieutenant's enthusiasm. "Like I said it's a very small minority and there aren't people down there protesting the Federation or anything like that. I would call it more of a minor undercurrent than anything else. Most of the people who feel that way are distant ancestors of the survivors from the attack, and they've never been very vocal about it either."

Shral managed to breathe a slight sigh of relief before admitting defeat to himself, "All right," He answered and fell quiet once more.

James also appreciated the enthusiasm, "I'd rather keep you up here on the ship Lieutenant. Besides, this is a scientific mission and I don't want to make anyone down there feel uncomfortable. They've been members of the Federation for a long time and all that." He turned his attention to Rhys, "Any artifacts that are found are to remain in the custody of the Novans is that understood?"

Rhys nodded, "I'll make sure Ensign Roma is aware of that sir. I don't think it'll be a problem anyway, they are Federation citizens anyway. Besides, they should have the facilities we need."

James nodded, "Is there anything else?"

Elle spoke, "Would you like my medical team on standby in case anything crazy happens?"

"If that's necessary yes, but the Novans have better facilities than we have up here on the ship. It's most likely going to be a matter of diverting any injuries to the medical facilities down on the planet." James told her. He tapped the edge of the table, "I think that should cover everything?" When nobody answered him, he dismissed them.

 

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