Rumors"
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Stardate: 58205.19 1105
Without glancing up, Patia called, "Come in, Commander." She was intensely reviewing the file of an individual still dealing with some issues related to the prisoner take over. Absent mindedly she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she finally raised her eyes to her visitor.
"Hello Counselor, how are you today," Wright asked cheerfully. He was about to have his hand restored and there was no denying his good mood. "I just thought I would stop in and see how you are doing." Wright thought his last statement was just a tad humorous.
A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She leaned back slightly in her chair and swiveled slowly from side to side. "I am well, Commander. How are you tonight? You are looking particularly happy, I have to say."
"Indeed I am," he said enthusiatically, "Who wouldn't be after a nice vacation." Wirght chuckled as he held up his hooked hand. "Even better, my new hand is ready. I will have my hand back soon. Yes counselor I am happy." Wright paused, "How about you? It would seem that you have worked through that problem we were discussing not to olong ago."
"How would you know that?" Patia tipped her quizzically. "Don't tell me the rumors are spreading faster here than they did at boarding school?
Wright laughed, "It's a small ship and a relationship between the Chief Counselor and the Chief Engineer is big news, especially, after all that we went though recently."
Slowly Patia lowered her head to her desk. The groan sounded more like a soft rumble. Gently she rolled her forehead from side to side. So much for living a circumspect life.
She stood up. "I need something to drink and a more comfortable seat. Do you want something?" Patia gestured toward the replicator and then the sofas with the brightly colored cushions.
"No, thank you," said Wright as he walked over to the sofa and took a seat.
"Lemonade, hot," Patia said softly as she paused by the replicator. She picked up the steaming mug and gingerly carried it to the sitting area. She slid her feet from her stiff, regulation shoes and tucked them under her as she settled into her chair. Wanly, she smiled over the top of her mug at Commander Wright.
"Are you bothered by the rumors." asked Wright.
"Yes, actually, I am. Not so much what the rumors are about, but the simple fact there are rumors at all. Part of the very tenet of my position is to keep a low profile. For people to feel confident and comfortable coming into my office, my reputation needs to be above board, with no hint of scandal." Patia drew her knees up to her chest and rested the mug gently on her between her raised knees. She tilted her head back so it rested against the top of her chair and stared at the ceiling. "You know, Commander, that isn't an easy way to live all the time. Sometimes it feels like I am not even allowed to be a person of my own self." A soft sigh escaped her lips as she quickly blinked.
"And this above all else, to thine own self be true," quoted Wright. "You need to live life for yourself too Counselor. Your job is very important on this ship, however, you must not deny yourself the things that are important to you." Wright smiled, "Do you feel that spending time with Silvio is a scandal?"
She rolled her head slightly to glance at Wright. "No, but it doesn't mean I want to be part of the rumor mill either. I am a very private individual, Commander."
"It will all work out Counselor, "said Wirght. "Pretty soon, the crew will have different rumors to occupy them."
"Very true, Commander. Not to change the subject, but when will you have your hand reattached?" Patia nodded toward Commander Wright's arm.
Wright smiled as it this was his most favorite topic, "Soon, I need to speak with the Captain first."
"Ah," Patia nodded sagely. "More time off, I can see it now," Patia chuckled, the notes tinkled like crystal bells.
"Indeed," said Wright as he stood up, "Well, I should get going. I just wanted to stop in and see how you were. I have been reading your crew reports, you have been very busy."
"It has been a troubled time, Commander. We are not that far separated from the prisoner insurgence. A number of the crew are struggling with guilt issues. Then, there are the normal day to day issues which face most of us. Speaking of the insurgence, though, how was Mason doing when you stopped in Sick Bay?"
"I am afraid that there has been no change," said Wright.
"I was afraid of that. It is too bad, really. I think he had a life altering experience. It is unfortunate he isn't recovering to a point where he could show some positive growth from that experience." Patia said.
"He might still come around, you never know," said Wright, "Well, it has been nice talking to you counselor but I need to get back to those reports."
"Have a good day, Commander," Patia smiled. She watched him leave her office. Her head dropped slowly to the back of her chair and she lost herself in memories of a little girl at boarding school whom everyone talked about because she had lost her bonded mate.