A Chat and a lavender plant.

Posted on 12 Mar 2020 @ 2:03am by Lieutenant Commander True Keading

Mission: Mission 3 - Whom gods destroy ...
Location: True's Office
Timeline: MD 6 1600
2290 words - 4.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Michael determined that it was long overdue for him to go see Lt. True Keading, the counselor. He remembered the short talk he had with her during the Captain's impromptu dinner, and him saying he would come and visit her. He did want to see what her office would look like. It was time and maybe, she wouldn't mind having a potted lavender plant, rather he hoped that she would adopt it. Michael didn't mind having it in his quarters, but, he felt it would be a good addition to the Counselor's office.

Tapping on his comm badge he asked, "Counselor, are you free in your office for me to come see you?"

True tapped her communicator back to activate it. She recognized the voice of Ensign Hawkins, no relation to Tia interestingly. "Of course Ensign, I can be there in five minutes. " True adjusted her uniform, put the remains of her eaten lunch into the replicator and headed out the door towards her office. She arrived and opened up the room, awaiting her guest.

Michael arrived, carrying a lavender plant its blossoms giving off a pleasant scent. He smiled seeing True.

"Greetings Counselor." Michael said as he stepped inside the room. "Thank you for letting me come."

"No need to thank me, my door is always open." She looked from the plant in his hands to his face again wondering why he was carrying such a thing around. "What can I do for you?"

"Well first off, remember when we last talked at the impromptu dinner, I had wanted to see your office? I realized that some time had passed and wanted to make good on what I said. Second of all, I wanted to see how you are doing with all of what's going on with the imposter, and third, would you like to adopt this lovely lavender plant?" the last he said with a bit of a smile.

"Ah yes, well it's not much of a tour as it only consists of this room." She made a gesture with her hands but returned his smile. "I'm okay, been a lot going on but a counselor's life is never boring it seems and don't you want it?" she asked him looking down at the plant again.

"I do have another one in my room, this was meant for another person, however she felt that she'd not be able to care for the plant due to her schedule. I had brought it to her in hopes that it would help to ease her stress." his ears turning slightly pink. " She and her little one have been going through a little bit of difficulty and I wanted to also make contact with her. The situation with the imposter, it made me feel guilty as I didn't know much about our XO and the same for the rest of the crew and command staff. I had spoken with Lieutenant Fox about how I felt, this whole thing has caused people pain."

Indicating the plant,"This lavender, I am wanting to spread some healing somewhere to help out."

True watched him curiously. "Well there's no need to feel guilty about it. A lot of people were duped by her, even people who knew her better. As for the plant, thank you, I will gladly take care of it for you. That's very sweet. I'm sure my office could use freshening up. Would you like something to drink or eat? We can talk about some of the things you are feeling."

Michael looked for a spot to place the lavender plant, then turned to True. "Peppermint tea please, slightly sweetened and a dash of lemon." he answered before taking a seat. "I know I shouldn't feel guilty about not knowing much about our crew, its just that this situation brought out a memory that had happened to my grandfather. There was a member of the crew that not many people knew much about, even those who considered themselves a good friend of hers. She was quiet, rather reserved. She was there and yet blended in the background at times. My grandfather remembered that he had some drinks with her from time to time. She was likable, beautiful, kind but still no-one knew much about her. One day she died in a freak accident, it shocked everyone as to what happened. They wanted to do a service for her, one of rememberance. However there wasn't much to say. They had found a personal journal that she had written in. In it were entries of her thoughts of those she worked with. Her likes, her dislikes her crushes, her first love, her one and only love, my grandfather. He was asked to make an eulogy for her. He told me that it almost shattered him, but he was able to do so.

Michael stopped speaking a lump forming in his throat at the memory of his grandfather's emotions. He swallowed taking a few deep shuddering breaths to gain control. "Sorry"

True was quite used to people spilling their guts in such a manner. If something was really bothering them they tended to let it all out at once or not at all. "No need to apologize, that's what you're here for after all, to tell me what's going on in your life. That's very sad, I'm sorry that she didn't reveal her feelings when she was still alive, not that it would have made her death any easier but I believe in telling the people you care about that you love them as often as possible. It makes life so much more pleasant." True set the tea down in front of him.

"How do you like Andromeda so far?"

"I had no idea that had been hovering in the background." Michael uttered softly before he answered True's question. "I am liking Andromeda very much, the crew I like as well. Everyone has their own unique personalities which I feel make a really good ship." he stated before picking up his cup and taking a drink.

" Good tea, I tend to be drinking more tea than anything else." he said with a smile. "Would it be okay if I call you True? I am wanting to do so, but don't know if you would call this an official visit or a mixture of social and something else."

"Of course, and it can be whatever you want it to be. A chat between friends or an official session. You can call me True anytime, it is my name after all."

"Okay True." Michael said with a smile. "How are things with your kitten? Is he busy being as lively as he was when brought onboard?"

"Atlas is doing well," True had almost forgotten he was the one who had procured him for Jon. "And yes, he's constantly in trouble. It highly amuses me and annoys Jon which is probably where some of the amusement comes from on my end. I try not to bring him here though because I know Dr. Syvar is highly allergic. "

Michael grinned at the news of Atlas, "I did try to talk the captain into having a second kitten as at times a single pet can get bored and lonely if they don't have another companion. He... felt it wouldn't be a good idea. And perhaps its a good thing, what with how active Atlas sounds to be. Syvar had told me he was allergic, when I took him sailing and scuba diving in one of my holo-programs. He seemed to have needed it as well as I. I really like him as a friend, and well.. I'm feeling a brotherly kinship with him. He's a really fantastic person."

"Good, he's been through a struggle recently and could use a good friend and I'm glad you only got the one. I think Atlas will be just fine on his own, he gets lots of love an attention as it is and might be jealous of another animal around, who knows."

"I've determined not to quiz him about what's happened. I did notice a lot of bruising and well.. definitely sensitive to touch. When I brought Sherlock into medical, i had well touched him on the shoulder in a comforting manner and well, he reacted a bit brusquely. That was before we went scuba diving. When I saw the bruising I could understand why he reacted the way he did. And as for Atlas, I agree with you, he's firmly ensconced with you being his person that he will not tolerate another animal to claim your attention." Michael chuckled.

"Yes, Syvar's been through a lot. But he will need his friends around him to get over this." True seemed to drift off for a second as she thought about just exactly what he'd been through. She couldn't share that information however.

"I will be there for him." Michael stated, with a fond smile. "Its hard to explain, but I felt a brotherly bond with him, right from the start. I should see if he wouldn't mind my calling him brother."

"There is something else I was wondering about, and I'd like to ask your advice. Part of me wants to talk with the imposter to ask her questions, ask her why she is acting this way. Why come here and wreak havoc with us. Should I do this or should I just let sleeping dogs lie."

"I'm not sure there's a good way to get a truthful answer out of her. She might play games with you rather than admit anything. I think it's best to leave her be. Whatever her plans were, well we stopped them. We can at least go to sleep knowing that she can't hurt anything any longer."

Michael nodded, though he felt that there might be another shoe that will drop. "I truly want to believe that, I truly do. I am glad though that her plans where the ship was concerned was stopped. I was really worried when she came to the bridge that she'd do something to the Captain. I admire him, and I like him."

True would very much like to believe it as well. She wasn't entirely sure Mirror Amelia's plans were stopped but she couldn't voice her concerns to the crew, it wouldn't do they any good. "Yes, well . . . . you obviously know of our relationship. Thank you for your discretion there."

Michael gave a nod and a smile, "Its something precious and wonderful between the two of you and it isn't my place nor my desire to broadcast it throughout the ship. That is your personal business." he taking another drink of his tea.

He contemplated True for a moment when he lowered his cup. "I do have a question sort of on the personal level, but not really intimate in nature. What sort of hobbies and interests do you have and like to do?"

"People are going to find out eventually but it's nice to have some quiet time together. As for hobbies, when I have time, I like to read, I've taught myself to knit and I don't practice that nearly enough and I like to take walks in nature on the holodeck, I suppose those are pretty boring but they interest me."

"Those don't really sound boring, all are definitely recommended to relieve stress too. My grandmother told me that knitting or even crocheting is like weaving love into something and giving it to someone you love, or even to someone who needs comfort. Its like a physical manifestation of an embrace. My grandmother, she's knitted me a few things especially a comfy blanket. I wrap that around me, and it resonates with her embrace."

"Well it so happens I think she's right but not a lot of people see it that way these days. It's much easier to replicate something than to put your time and effort into it, especially if it might not turn out perfect. What are your hobbies?" True asked, crossing her legs and getting comfortable.

"Watching old time movies, sailing, swimming, singing and dancing. History, reading, playing musical instruments. I even do martial arts. That's just a few things I like to do. My mother was someone who encouraged us to experience as much as we can in life." Michael responded.

"Smart woman. I should probably broaden my horizons and make time for more hobbies but I always seem to be making time for other people. Which is my job, don't get me wrong. I love it."

"I really get what you are saying. However some wise men and women have told me this. If you don't set some time for just yourself, and take care of yourself, you will find yourself running on empty. True, you are a very loving and caring individual and have a lot to give, and you have a great amount of strength. Just make certain you take care of yourself too. I remember coming across a counselor, who had given too much of herself to help someone. She was in tears, I didn't ask what was going on, the best I could do was give her an embrace, and sat quietly with her. It seemed that was all that she needed. I saw the signs though of someone who didn't remember to take care of themselves."

"I am," True assured him. "And if I don't, I have people around here to remind me of that." She smiled and patted his hand. "Speaking of, is there anything else you need? I should probably get back to my regularly scheduled patients."

Michael smiled, "Thank you for letting come to visit, and adopting the lavender plant. This will be a good home."