Working Together
Posted on Mon Sep 30th, 2024 @ 8:41pm by Lieutenant Maya Canak & Lt JG Adalyn O'Rourke Ph.D.
Edited on on Wed Oct 2nd, 2024 @ 6:18pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Sins of History
Location: Office of the Ship's Counselor - Deck 9 - USS Artemis
Timeline: MD009 1700 hrs
As soon as Maya settled in and set up her office to her specific needs, she went to meet the counselor. The two women would occasionally need to work together and the doctor wanted to establish a good working relationship, and perhaps a friendship, with the other woman.
When Adalyn received Maya's message to meet, she was pleased. Not only did she appreciate any chance to get to know the crew, but she also understood the importance of developing close relationships with them, especially those with whom she expected to work closely. Criminal investigators within Starfleet were already a unique bunch, but she knew she would feel a certain kinship with a fellow healer dealing with the same violence they all encountered.
When the door chime sounded she called out, "Come," and she stood to meet the opening doors.
The doctor smiled as soon as she saw the counselor. "Hello. I'm Maya. Maya Canak. It's lovely to meet you." She was a short woman who preferred to wear a medical jacket over her uniform to have more pockets.
Adalyn stepped back to allow Maya entry. The counselor sported her own smile. "It's nice to meet you, Maya. Feel free to call me Adalyn. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. May I get you something from the replicator? I was just going to get myself some more lemonade."
"Lemonade would be lovely, thank you," the petite doctor replied. She sat down and looked around the office, appreciating the ambiance.
The request was easily fulfilled and it didn't take long for O'Rourke to pass the lemonade to her visitor and seat herself. The office was comfortably furnished beyond the standard Starfleet motif, with even softer colors, plants, and equipment for all sorts of aromatherapy around, but the office was also devoid of personally identifiable items. This was a consequence of having to interview potential offenders as well as survivors of crimes and not wanting to provide anything that would make her a target. "How do you like the Artemis so far?"
"I like it very much. It's different from other starships, but it serves a much-needed purpose. As I see it, you and I constitute the humanitarian side of justice." She sipped her lemonade and smiled. "Everyone on this ship, from the captain to the prisoners is entitled to medical treatment and counseling, and I'm happy to be a part of that." She raised an eyebrow. "What do you think of the ship?"
"Well said," Adalyn replied. "I agree with you. As much as the Federation strives for an ideal, sentient beings since time began have engaged in criminal behavior. There will always be a need for people like us who focus on keeping people safe and providing justice. Nothing against other vessels, of course, but I suppose I always desired to nurture people who have struggled with the sorts of traumas others find it difficult to acknowledge in this day and age."
"Indeed. Speaking of which, the captain said that he wants the two of us to be available to ensure that Gul Vamcet is treated well and gets any medical and psychological treatment he needs once he is found and brought on board. Not," she continued, "that there should be a problem, but it's always good to have precautions in place."
"I agree," the counselor replied. "We are all professionals, but with this kind of case, emotions run especially high. What sort of precautions did you have in mind?"
"I have a few ideas, but I'm open to suggestions. I think we need to ensure there is no deviation from regulations. I expect no issues from the captain and senior staff, but as you said, in a case like this, there may be those who harbor strong emotions about the Cardassians and how they treated the Bajorans during the occupation. Security should deal with most of that, but I would like to take extra steps so that no one can claim we did not treat the patient fairly or that we took advantage of the situation. You more than I know how important this can be."
She took a sip of her lemonade. "I'm less concerned with his treatment as how the treatment is perceived by outsiders. After so many years, I don't want either side to think the Gul is being mistreated or treated too harshly. I have no doubt about your professional ethics, but I am concerned about the rabid opinions that have already been voiced and how they might hinder justice"
Adalyn nodded. "It makes sense to be cautious and by the book. I don't wish to question anyone's professionalism either, but it occurs to me some of our security officers may have their own strong feelings. We are placing a lot of trust in them to follow protocol. To be clear, I am not thinking of anyone in particular, I just recognize they wield a good deal of power and training sometimes requires them to see things in black-and-white terms. As for how outsiders perceive things, short of releasing clearly unedited video footage of our interactions, I’m not sure what else we can do to ensure perceptions reflect reality. I suppose one potential solution is to invite someone the outside community sees as credible and trustworthy in as an observer? It's risky and not without complications, but it could help prevent some unrest."
"I think, for now, the two of us should be enough. We're both in professions that wish to do no harm. I can't see any Starfleet security officer challenging us on that point." Maya smiled. "Or any other officers. A calming word is often all that is needed. However, I do not expect any trouble. I simply like to err on the side of caution."
The counselor nodded. "Given the circumstances, erring on the side of caution makes sense. I don't think the measures I mentioned should be necessary, but I will keep them on the back burner so to speak if circumstances change."
"Excellent." Maya smiled. "I think that will be sufficient. I do not believe it necessary, but with relations between Cardassians and Bajorans still a bit raw, I wanted us to be prepared for anything."
"Of course," Adalyn replied with a smile. "Thank you for reaching out and for making collaboration so easy," she added. "As you mentioned, I expect will be working quite closely together and I want to make that as easy as possible. I know you have a lot on your plate, but I just wanted to add I'm here if you ever just need to talk. All of us are focused on investigating these cases and taking care of the people affected by them, but I think sometimes we can forget that can include us too."
"Indeed." Maya smiled at the doctor. "It was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to future collaborations. Or maybe just a chat over tea."
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Maya Canak
Chief Medical Officer/Medical Examiner, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal INvestigations Unit
Lieutenant Junior Grade Adalyn O'Rourke
Ship's Counselor/Profiler, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
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