Challenges #17"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58208.02 0800

"The preliminary report has been filed with Fleet," commented Hunter on the events of Gowron's death.

Both Officers knew the consequences of yesterday's situation would have far reaching ramifications.

"Northrop will file a more detailed intel report shortly."

"I see that the Ambassador has left us," noted Wright looking up from the report.

"Yes, against my advice, the Ambassador departed late last night after we returned to the ship. He and Worf have assumed command of the Gho'stah," said Hunter with the correct Klingon inflection on the name.

"I can't help but wonder what will happen next," mused Wright. "The Alliance with the Klingon Empire is very important to us."

"When the Cardassians hear of this I am certain they will try to capitalize on it," agreed Hunter.

Hunter flipped to the next report, "What's next?" he asked, "OPs report?"

"Yes," said Wright. "I would like to propose moving Lieutenant Westfall to Gamma shift."

"Interesting," said Hunter, "why is that?"

"I am concerned that the whole affair with Birkoff has damaged his confidence level," explained Wright. "I would like to try to give his confidence level a boost by making him night watch commander."

"An excellent idea Number One."

Hunter took a sip of his tea as he scanned the reports further. "I also noted that the vulcan science officer will be stationed on the bridge now more frequently..."

"Indeed," said Wright. "Sarik was unable to return to duty, I thoguht it would be best to activate the science station on the bridge."

"I think that is wise," Hunter paused, "are you sure though, that the presence of a young vulcan on the bridge won't be a problem for you?"

"I will be fine Sir," said Wright.

Hunter nodded, "Of course Number One." He returned his attention to the reports.

"Oddly, I don't have the engineering report, I might have uhm..." Hunter looked up from the report, "Do you have that?"

Wright nodded, "Everything is running within normal parameters. Lieutenant Silvio is pleased with the way things are running." Wright paused a moment. "He did report that he placed one of his engineers on leave for two weeks."

"Oh?" said Hunter looking up.

"Ensign Witmore apparently spent his entire shoreleave working and was showing signs of stress."

"Whitmore huh?" Hunter pondered for a couple minutes, "Well, put in a note to Zoei and Dane, he should be evaluated before returning to work."

"Silvio said in his report that he strongly suggested that Whitmore visit the ship's counselor," said Wright.

"Okay, good." Hunter scanned through some more reports, "we have a pregnacy I see."

Wright nodded, "Yes, a young woman named Jaza, from Stellar Cartography," he replied.

"That makes sense," muttered Hunter as he shook his head. "I hope we can get a replacement ASAP. Perhaps we should try and cash in a few favors and get some better science staff."

"Stellar Cartography is probably the most important function," observed Wright. "I hope we can get a good replacement."

Hunter turned off the PADD and put it on his desk. "Time to go to work Number One."

"Yes Sir," said Wright standing up. This was Hunter's customary way of telling him their meeting was over. "Have a good day Captain," said Wright as he left the ready room and took his place on the bridge.

Challenges #19"
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Craig Witmore, Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58208.02 1645

Two weeks, two weeks of doing nothing. Craig sighed as he brought his mug to the recycler. Visiting the holodeck .... relaxing. Well the casino program was exiting and worth using again. Craig shivered. He had done enough relaxing on Qul Tuq and he hadn't a clue how to pass the next few hours let alone the next week.

Working in engineering was his life. Come to think of it did he had a life?

Craig walked over to the little wall console and tapped it. "Ensign Witmore to Counselor Zoei."

"Zoei here," she replied.

"Miss, I was wondering if you could see me this afternoon."

"I have an opening in five minutes, Ensign."

"Thank you Ma' am," Craig responded. He then walked back to his bedroom and changed into some clean clothes. Not taking more than 5 minutes to get changed, and a quick run down the Zion’s corridors, Craig stopped in front of the counselor's office and hit the little chime button.

"Good morning, Ensign," she smiled slightly.

"Good morning Ma'am."

"Come in and make yourself comfortable," Zoei gestured toward the overstuffed couch with colorful cushions.

Craig walked over and sat down. He let his eyes wonder around and waited for Patia.

Zoei tucked her foot under herself as she settled into the chair at a right angle to the sofa Ensign Whitmore had chosen.

"So, tell me why you are here," she leaned forward slightly as she asked the question.

"Well Ma'am, Chief Silvio has put me on a 2 weeks leave from Engineering, he said that I was overworked. But I and not!" Craig blurted out.

"Why would he say that, Ensign?" Zoei shifted slightly as she listened.

"Ah, well I snapped at him, while I was fixing some stuff. Didn't mean to though."

"What about your snapping made him think you needed additional leave?" she asked.

"Apparently he thinks that I haven't had enough R&R. I did help engineering on QT out some times. But you know, I love my work."

"How much work did you do while you were on Qul Tuq?" Zoei kept her face neutral while she spoke.

Craig frowned. "Well according to me not that much, I checked in daily to see if they needed me. I mean working on a star base's engineering department was R&R for me Ma'am."

"I can see why that would be a break from your normal routines, but it isn't a real break from work and responsibility."

He shook his head. "Seems the Chief sees it differently, he says I put in too many hours."

"Do you know why you would do that?" she asked.

"Engineering is my life, its just....."Craig paused.

"It's just," she echoed, waiting for him to continue his story.

"Well you see Ma'am, I'm almost 35, no girlfriend, need to loose a couple of pounds, and you know my friends keep teasing me that I might have missed the boat."

"How would you have missed the boat?" she asked.

Craig slumped into the corner of the couch and hit a pillow. "Dunno... just man stuff... " He knew it was a bad idea talking to a woman about it.

Internally, she sighed. "Ensign, do you feel you have missed the boat? I am not talking about what your friends or peers say, but how you, yourself, feel?"

"Well heck yeah, I'm still an ensign, no family, who will mourn for me when I die?" Craig said softly. " You think I have a burn out Ma' am?"

"I think the possibility exists that you have or you will develop it, if you are not careful," she said.

"I know there is so much more in life, but for some reason it doesn't come my way. So you see that’s why I love my engineering, making stuff, inventing gadgets. I know you are going to say that I need to get out more, but ..." Craig started to whisper. " People don't see me."

"Ensign, if you don't reach out to others, others are not typically in the habit of reaching out to you. What did you love to do as a child?" she asked.

Craig now grinned brightly. "That’s the point Ma'am I love taking things apart. Not the crude stuff, but the really small sophisticated things. Remember those holo-emittors I made for Ms. Tappert?" Craig’s eyes started to sparkle as he talked about that.

"Yes, I do," she smiled slightly.

“Well that’s what I mean, the little tiny thing. While other kids were of playing I repaired our replicator or so, not all the time though." he grinned again. "I mean I love building things, like sculpting from stone or wood. Then you physically see it grows... It comes alive in your hands.

"There are other options you could pursue in your spare time, then, Ensign, instead of just working. You mention sculpting. Is it possible for you to take a class in that? Or you could work on a project on your own? Or what about teaching a class to new personnel on board to cover some of the more basic, practical skills they would need to have on board?" she asked.

" Become a teacher? You mean teach others how to make things work?"

"Why not? If it is something you are passionate about, it will work."

"Hmm I never thought of that.. "

"That is why you are here, Ensign. My job is to help you think 'outside the box', so to speak. It isn't designed as a punishment, but rather an opportunity for you to explore what is happening in your life and what, if anything, you can do to make changes that will make you more satisfied." She leaned back slightly and smiled softly.

"Oh I don't see this meeting as a punishment Ma’am, not at all, you are one of the finest people on the ship." Craig said, now lowering his eyes hoping he wouldn't embarrass Patia or himself.

"I appreciate your candor, Ensign. Now," she gently changed the subject, "what can you think of that you would need to do, or have, to move forward with this project?"

"The Chief gave me two weeks off, so I could use that to set up some sort of a program. Get some materials ready. Perhaps use the holodeck to make a studio." He thought about it a moment. "No the holodeck is not good."

"Why not?" she asked.

"Well, real sculpting needs real materials, not something which is made out of photons. The feeling is not the same then."

"I guess I could try to use the cargo bay," he mumbled. "have some tables there, start off with something simple."

"Who would you want to teach?" she asked.

"Well I think the lesson would be open to anyone who wants to work with his or her hands," Craig replied. "Start off with a small group, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. And, if the lessons become really full, perhaps once a week?"

"That sounds like a wonderful plan. Are you going to target people who have some experience or those who have never sculpted before? I want to caution you against saying 'anyone who wants to come' at first, until you get your feet wet. If you like what you are working on, you could always offer a beginning and an intermediate class as you get comfortable," she suggested.

"Well I think I would start with inexperience people first, cuz they need to learn how to use the tools and get the feel for their hands on the materials. But I need to see if I can get people interested in it first of course." Craig’s eyes were gleaming now.

"There is a database of organized groups that show areas of interest if that would be a good start for you," she suggested.

"Really?" Craig said. "Great then I can ask them if they are interested. Thank you Ms. Zoei. So you think I should take the 2 weeks off?"

"I think you need to, yes," she replied. "It doesn't sound like Lieutenant Silvio meant it as optional time off."

"But what if something drastic happens, I mean I can go back on duty then yes?" he asked her.

"You need to clear that with the Lieutenant Silvio. Hopefully you will be so busy with your plans that you don't miss your time away from Engineering. This will give you a chance to recharge, and it isn't often we get that opportunity. Use it wisely," she smiled as she spoke.

Craig nodded and smiled. "Golly gee Ms. Zoei, thanks for the help. I'm really looking forward to it." Standing up, Craig walked to the door.” Will you come and see me some time miss."

"At your class?" she asked.

He nodded.

"Let me know when you plan to have your first class. I will be there if I don't have any appointments scheduled during that time. Thanks for asking," she smiled.

“I surely will. Great" he replied and then left Patia’s office.

Patia watched him walk away. Purpose, outside of work, was integral to maintaining balance. This might be just what he needed.

Log Index | Go to Stardate 58208.03