Aiding the Counselor - Part II

Posted on Sun Jul 13th, 2025 @ 9:28pm by Lieutenant Endymion Tox & Commander Grace Vetur

1,229 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: Mess Hall | USS Ontario

[PREVIOUSLY]

He slipped his hand through the Captain's arm. "The doctor's been fed and watered and is flexing his beautiful mind. Let's do lunch and tea! You can tell me more about my new amazing Captain. We didn't talk much on the shuttle ride back, partly cause I was seated next to the oddly hot yet silent and grumpy pilot and partly cause you had a Raven beside you and I have a tiny fear of birds."

[CONTINUED]

"I can tell you Yiv's partner is taking a brief leave to work through some issues. He will be back before long and then we will have a wedding," Grace said, going along with him. She paused and looked at him. "Why do you have a fear of birds?"

He sighed. "Well, that is actually all the fault of Humans. I love watching old Earth films and I saw one called the Birds....then I was on a medical mission with a previous Captain and we got chased by some bird like creatures. Since then, I can't stand the sight of them. As for the XO's partner...if it was as simple as him leaving the Commander wouldn't be so deflated and frustrated. The emotions that are radiating off him are a mess." Tox sighed. "You know what, never mind. I tend to get carried away trying to help people, even if I'm not wanted." He laughed. "So, tell me more about you, Captain."

Grace nodded. She noticed that about him. "Percy decided on a course of action and is hard to dissuade when he does. I don't know if it's absolutely necessary, but he thinks it is. I think Yiv would prefer to go with him."

"Ah, but what about his position. If this Percy loves the commander, Yiv is a commander and perhaps Percy felt as if he had no choice. To ensure that his mate would not be hurt, or looked down upon perhaps he chose not to fight so as not to risk his mate’s career and if the commander were worried about showing favoritism of being accused of it he didn't fight his mate's decision so that it wouldn't be taken out on Percy. Inter ship relationships are difficult to navigate. I don't know the details of what happened but I know something similar happened on a former ship I was on with the CO and XO who were in a relationship."

"Not with a commander who supports them and their relationship," Grace countered. But it could also be that Percy didn't want Amanda to declare him unfit for duty.

Tox looked around. "Oh Gods, have you realized we're in the mess hall?" He'd been so engrossed in the conversation that he hadn't noticed they'd arrived. "Well let's get a drink and then sit down. As to Percy, I don't know him but you all who do have to ask himself is he the kind of person who is afraid to rattle some cages, or cause other's trouble? Is he the walk away before I can be hurt type?" Tox shrugged. "I'm no counselor but perhaps counseling could have helped."

Grace could only laugh at the questions. "I think you should wait until you meet Percy and decide for yourself." It was not her place to tell the nurse that Percy was dealing with the death of an old friend and was doing so after the counselor suggested it. That information was for Percy to share or not. As for the rest...well, Percy was Percy.

He grinned. "I look forward to it." He took a breath, "Okay Captain, so tell me about yourself."

"Me? I'm fairly boring. I went to university and studied literature and history. Then I joined Starfleet and became a counselor and diplomat. I'm more an accidental commander. I took the command course because one of my captains asked and I thought it would be an interesting challenge. The same with becoming a first officer. But I never really expected to be captain. That being said, I do like to think I have the right ship and crew."

He smiled. "I think so too." He studied her. "So, literature and history! What's your favorite book?"

"Terran or New Islandican?" She shook her head and smiled. "You probably wouldn't know any of them anyway, so I'll go with earth." She paused for a moment, thinking. "J.R.R. Tolkien is one. And William Shakespeare--but the comedies. There is enough tragedy in the world for me to want to read more. I like fantasy, mostly. And fairy tales." She raised an eyebrow as she looked at Tox. "And you? What do you like to read?"

He sighs. "I have read Tolkien. Lord of the Rings was epic." He pauses. "I like romance, historical, fantasy, classics. I pretty much read anything I can get my hands on. For me books have always been ... an escape from life, a place of my own." He shrugged. "For the time I read I can forget that I even exist and sometimes, after a rough day. That's what I need. To be someone else, to live another life. I think that's why I love Pl..." He paused. "I think that's why I love to read and what binds me to my...uh... best friend."

Grace nodded. "I like a little romance with my fantasy, but it can't be the main focus. I want a good story with an ending where the good guys win. Some of the books I gravitate to were written in the early 20th century when life was simpler." She smiled. "It sounds like you and counselor Rose share the same love of romance."

She paused, debating whether or not she should ask about Tox' friend. Then decided to go with a less direct question. "Do you and your best friend often talk about books?"

He smiled. "Yes. Not so often in the past. It would take a few days, sometimes weeks, to get a message but now that our ships seem to be in the same sector we write one another often."

"Really? That's fortuitous. I hope you take advantage of the proximity." At the same time, she wasn't sure if there were other ships in the sector.

"Indeed. We have conversed for fifteen years and going. Pluto is...a very special soul. I hope to meet them one day."

"I hope you can, too. That sounds like a special relationship."

He smiled. Tox looked around. "You know, you have a pretty special ship. I know that you didn't ask for me to be transferred here but thank you for accepting me."

"You're welcome." She smiled. Tox could be a bit much, but she was growing used to the head nurse. "I should head back to the bridge. Thank you for your help."

He smiled. "You are most welcome. Thank you for coffee!"

“Any time.” She smiled at him. Grace actually meant it. He could be a bit much to take in, but he had a good heart, and he would be good for Amanda. At least, she hoped he would. She also hoped that Tox and this friend of fifteen years were actually on the same ship. They deserved to meet each other after so long.

OFF:


Commander Grace Vetur
Commanding Officer
USS Ontario

&

Lieutenant Endymion Tox
Head Nurse
USS Ontario

 

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