A Long-Overdue Hello - Part I
Posted on Thu Dec 25th, 2025 @ 9:01pm by Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren & Lieutenant Vura
Edited on on Sun Dec 28th, 2025 @ 7:45am
1,437 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 17 - Going Home
Location: Office of The Ship's Counselor - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD016 1000 hrs
While Vura and Alyssa had run into each other from time to time and been in briefings, they really hadn't talked. It wasn't because Alyssa didn't want to talk with the counselor, it was that she'd been wrapped up in other things. And, since she'd been on the Pioneer before Vura arrived, she didn't need to see her professionally.
But now that they were both the official liaisons to the Silence, Alyssa wanted to get to know the Deltan better. So, while they were traveling and there was little to do, she made her way to the counseling center to say hello.
Vura had been heading out of her office when she saw Alyssa walking towards it. Alyssa and Vura had not talked for a very long time. The last time that Alyssa was in her office was when Vura was brand new to the ship. Alyssa had asked that Vura take care of Mignon and discussed that horrible mission. She also remembered that they both enjoyed dancing, but much of the remainder of their conversation had faded from her memory.
Other than passing or seeing each other in briefings, the most recent contact that Vura had was with Alyssa during the pact with the Silence. Was she here to discuss it?
With a warm smile, Vura greeted Alyssa. "Alyssa, what brings you my direction? Is all well?"
"Yes, but I realized we really haven't talked. I don't have much occasion to come to sickbay or counseling, but that's no excuse." Alyssa knew it was more that they'd both been busy, but that, too, was no excuse. "Are you heading somewhere, or do you have time for a chat?"
"I was just heading out to get a bite to eat," the Deltan confessed. "Would you like to accompany me? Or, if you prefer, we could have something replicated in my office. I often have difficulty picking out something to eat regardless. Having someone around often helps."
Alyssa considered the question for a moment. "Either is fine with me. What do you like to eat? Or should I say, what have you tried so far?" She knew of Vura's reputation for liking to try new things.
"Why don't we go to After 11, then?" Vura answered. "They have a nice atmosphere and so much to choose from." The words practically melted from her tongue. "As to what I have tried so far, gosh...." Her eyes lightly moved upwards as she considered the problem. "So much. I don't even know what I have not tried. I don't often do anything more than once." She bit her lower lip lightly, trying to think through it further.
"You can tell the computer to keep track of what you've tried so far and only recommend new things," Alyssa suggested. "Speaking of which, have you ever tried Navajo frybread? It's like an American scone, but better."
"I could have the computer keep track, but where would be the fun in that?" Vura wondered aloud. "After all, being surprised by something pleasant or even unpleasant could be a wonderful sensation, too." She shrugged nonchalantly before answering, "I don't think that I'm familiar with either of those things. Is an American scone different than other types of scones?"
"There's a British scone and an American adaptation. They aren't quite the same. Navajo fry bread is like an American scone, only larger. I like mine with honey butter," the science officer replied. "I was thinking you could let the computer tell you if you've tried something before as you don't want to repeat experiences. You'd still have the option of trying the thousands of options available."
"It is not a bad idea, regarding the computer, but I guess it does not matter to me that much, but honey butter sounds delicious. Let's do that!" Vura replied excitedly regarding the scones. "I think that something sweet could be just the thing."
"Great. It's one of my go-to foods. I will often take the ingredients with me when I go camping." It was something else she hadn't done in a while. Alyssa wondered if Jek'Lar had ever gone camping. Maybe they could arrange it for shore leave? If they could manage to coordinate them, that is.
"So, my office, then?" Vura asked confirming. "Unless they have this at After 11?" The Counselor was not certain but she was at least now certain of what they would be eating. "What does one drink with this food?"
"It's in the replicator," Alyssa said by way of a reply. "What you drink varies based on your preference. I like sweet cinnamon tea, or a soda. But some prefer alcohol. I don't think there's a specific drink to go with the fry bread."
"Alright. I'll just do whatever you do." She conceded the problem as she continued, "I might take too long to make a decision and I would rather spend time with you than deciding upon what to drink with this food."
Vura then turned on her heel like a ballroom dancer and started back towards her office. "I am looking forward to this," she admitted. "I know you had been in my office once before, but I can't remember whether you saw it after I decorated it."
Alyssa wasn't sure, either. "I don't think so? But it was about the time you arrived, so I would like to see it now."
The Counselor turned her head and beamed a smile at Alyssa. "Just make yourself at home when you get in." Vura wondered where Alyssa would elect to seat herself. It always was telling.
Vura opened up her office and held her arm open wide for Alyssa to walk by and see her office. At the entrance to her office, there were placed some blooming lavender plants, which gave off a pleasant soothing smell. On a wall, over a couch, she had put up a copy of Katsushika Hokusai's "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife" above a periwinkle couch that swooped up and then down in the middle and then back up again. The couch had definite sensual innuendos written all over the convenient shaping.
The walls of her office were of a deep rose with hints of purple hues. From there, she opted only for a small desk, so the desk would not set a barrier between her and her clients. It was a semi-circle and she placed it carefully in such a way where she could swivel on a chair and quickly type something on a computer or PADD and not interfere with her relationship with her client. The color of the desk nearly blended into the wall but was more mauve on closer inspection.
Warm wooded mahogany chairs were available in case her clients did not prefer to be on the couch. There was a small glass circle table between the chairs. The table contained a small zen sand garden and rake for clients to manipulate.
Alyssa looked at the couch and raised an eyebrow. She wondered how many of Vura's clients found the innuendo...uncomfortable. "This definitely is your office," she said. "That's not a criticism. We all tend to make our offices places we feel most comfortable. I'm just saying that I can see your hand in the decor."
"But you feel uncomfortable?" Vura prodded politely.
"No. But neither does it make me feel more comfortable." Alyssa shrugged. "It's an interesting choice for a counselor."
"We're all different," Vura explained. "Counselors are normal beings too. We have our own strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Not a lot of beings get to see us this way, so I think that some of us express it in our offices and in other ways."
Vura then pointed Alyssa towards the replicator by Vura's desk. "The replicator awaits our lovely meal. I am counting on you," Vura answered with an excited smile, showing her pearly white teeth.
With a nod, Alyssa went to the replicator and ordered two plate-sized pieces of Navajo fry bread with two sides of whipped honey butter.
She set them on the coffee table, then asked, "What do you want to drink with them?"
"Well, there's no alcohol as you suggested, so let's try the cinnamon tea that you suggested."
Alyssa nodded, hoping Vura would like the offerings.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
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