Psych' Evaluation / Social Call

Posted on Sunday 4 December 2016 @ 19:01 by Lieutenant Commander David Tan & Lieutenant Caleb Mitchell & Major Richard "Wolf" Johnson, Psy.D.

Mission: Old, New Ship
Location: Operations Center / Tan Quarters
Timeline: MD9 - Early Afternoon
5096 words - 10.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON :


=== Operations Center ===

After accompanying Lana, Kenzie, and Mia to their new school, which would only be in for three hours today, a sort of 'get to know each other' day, before school began in earnest tomorrow morning promptly at zero eight hundred, David went to his office on Deck Ten ..... He wasn't actually supposed to be taking any duty shifts for today, with settling in and getting the new school up and running, but he thought while he had the time before his Family would be home at noon to get some work done,or at least give the appearance of running the Department.

Entering the Operations Center several Officer turned, somewhat surprised at seeing their boss there. He waved everyone back to whatever they were doing and entered through the open door of his office. He had set a president that his door would always be open to any of his Staff that needed a word. His only stipulation was that if it was shut, it was shut for a reason, so no walking in ..... Lysia T'Seng, his Deputy, was sat at his desk and began to stand before he told her to stay put, it was just a flying visit.

"Did Lana and the girls get off OK ?" she asked, putting the PADD down she had been holding when he entered.

"Yes," he said, dropping into the seat opposite and glancing at the reports and requests for power allocations, mainly from Stellar cartography, who always seemed to be deep-scanning some spatial phenomena or other, "They seemed OK, but I think all three would have been a little nervous, for their own reasons. They are only there until noon today. School starts proper tomorrow morning."

"They'll settle in in no time I'm sure," Lysia said, reaching over to switch off the screen he was pretending not to be reading.

"Anything I can do ? I 'am' supposed to be Head of the Department you know." he said, feeling a little guilty for leaving everything to her.

"You questioning my ability. Lieutenant ?" she asked, feigning annoyance. David raised his hands in submission, "Good." she said, a wry grin appearing.

"OK, I'll hang around for an hour, sign off on a few things then leave you to it. I want to back at our quarters when they get home anyway," he said, dividing the pile of PADD's evenly between them ... He only seemed to have been sat for thirty seconds when Lysia reached over and took the remaining reports away pointing at the chronometer over the door:

"Shouldn't you be going ?" she asked. Realising it was almost noon he jumped up, with a hasty 'bye' he left. Entering the turbo-lift he requested Deck Two.


=== Tan Quarters ===


He began to ready everything . He'd decided to hold a small, impromptu, celebration, given it was his wife and children's' first day at school. Nothing special, a few cakes, drinks, he knew they would all have things to tell him and, to be honest, he was eager to hear about their day ... He was about to sit down and have a drink when the console on his desk chirped, indicating he had an incoming message. Intrigued, he got up and went over, activating the screen and reading. It was a note from the Ship's Councillor. Apparently, he wanted to arrange a casual meeting to have an informal chat, nothing to worry about and whenever he had free time.

Satisfied their quarters were fit for visitors, he sat back ... He knew the Major Johnson was meeting with members of the crew, maybe it was his turn. He wondered if he could go to see the Councillor and get back before Lana and the girls, then had a thought ... Both Lana and himself wanted to meet his fellow Officers in a more social setting, maybe the Major would be willing to come to their quarters for the 'informal' meeting, that way he could meet Lana and his Children ?

'Could it hurt to ask ?' he pondered, as he opened a Comm:

=^= Lieutenant Tan to Major Johnson .. .. =^= The Comm was answered after a few seconds ...

Richard was walking down the corridor in a random section of the ship. One of the things that helped keep his mind clear was aimless walks, which he usually did in a station arboretum or the woods on a planet. Just going to the holodeck just didn't have the same effect, so, he decided to just wander the corridors. When his com-badge went off he reached up to his combat uniform jacket and tapped it, "Johnson here, what can I do for you, Lieutenant?"

=^= Major I believe you are conducting a series of psychological evaluations on the crew and wondered what was your criteria for my reason for asking. Basically I'm not sure where I am on your list and my Wife, Lana, has expressed a desire to meet with the Officers and crew of the Merlin while we're assigned here. I wondered if it would be unprofessional or against regulations, to come to our quarters for the evaluation, obviously if you prefer to carry it out in your office I fully understand, and if that is the case I'm sure Lana will be extending a further invite before too long ? =^=

He wondered as he waited for the Major to reply if he was being too 'presumptive' and if it would show on his evaluation as a negative trait.

"Not at all, I will meet you wherever is most comfortable," Wolf replied with a smile, "truth be told I'd love to meet your family," he added and paused, "I am free now if you don't mind me stopping by?"

=^= Well, Lana and the girls are currently in our new school on Deck Eight, but they will be home in around an hour .. Short day today .. If your still free then I'm sure they would love to meet you . Word of warning, though, my Daughters tend to put a whole lot of effort into 'guests' so don't be surprised if you feel as if your being interrogated at times. I sometimes think they already have their career paths all set out. =^=

Wolf chuckled, "Not a problem, Lieutenant. If it is alright with you I'd like to bring the new counsellor with me, he's going to be my replacement after this mission so I'd like to introduce you to him."

David had heard, on the ships' grapevine, that they were to have a new Councillor, a Lieutenant Caleb Mitchell. It made sense to have him come with the Major, it would let him meet at least one of the Senior Staff in a more casual environment rather than on the proverbial office couch. 'Maybe it will start a trend, know knows' he thought wryly.

=^= That's fine Major .. I'm more than happy to meet him ... One hour then ? =^= David replied .....

"Sounds good," the Major replied then slapped his combadge again, "Wolf to Mitchell, could you meet me on deck five at Lieutenant Tan's quarters? And bring a bottle of white wine," he said with a smile.

"Of course sir," Caleb said, "I will meet you there, with the wine. A nice White Merlot." The ship's newest counsellor wasn't sure why the Marine wanted to meet, so his curiosity was piqued.


One Hour Later ::


... With their quarters as tidy as his moderate obsessive neatness allowed, Lana and the girls returned after their first real school day:

"Hi ," he said, kissing Lana lightly before kneeling to hug Kenzie and Mia, "Well, what did you think of your first day, going back for more tomorrow, or have you done with it ?" he asked, trying, and failing, to keep a straight face.

"We have to go every single day Daddy, well, not on erm Saturdays and Sundays, because those days are for us." his four-year-old said, slapping him playfully, "I'll have to go until I'm, seventeen if I want to be a doctor, or a scientist, or dancer, maybe," Mia said knowingly.

"Oh, OK then, go change and wash up, we are having visitors in half an hour or so, so best behaviour you two," he said, adopting his sternest expression. Both girls broke into fits of laughter and he looked at Lana for support, which was not forthcoming given she was trying hard no to laugh too. Shrugging resignedly, he held up his hands.

"I give up," he said, raising his hands in mock submission before dropping into a chair as the rest of his Family vanished into their respective bedrooms, to 'prepare' for their visitors no doubt, "I'll just wait here then shall I ?" he asked of the empty room.

Richard walked through the deck five corridor holding two large glass bottles of root beer. He had told Caleb to bring wine, for the adults, and Wolf had decided to bring soda for the girls. He knew the Tans had made a quick move, so, he wanted to greet them properly, even if it was a bit delayed by recent events. As he got to the door he pressed the chime and looked over to see the new counselor coming down the corridor, "Hey Caleb."

"Greetings Major, " Caleb replied, "Nice to see you again, but we have to quit meeting like this."

In Tan's quarters, Lana and David were discussing the upcoming visit by the Councillors and how they would perceive the Family. While David was a Starfleet Officer, she was a school teacher, one that had not been in space prior to her shuttle trip from the surface of Earth to meet the Transport that would convey them to meet the Merlin. She was sure her time in space made absolutely no difference, Commander Barstow had allowed her to set up the school so he must have faith in her abilities.

"You're quiet." David said, placing a hand on her shoulder as they sat together listening to Mackenzie and Mia in their room, "You have nothing to worry about you know, besides, they are here to evaluate me, not you or the Children, so relax."

"You said this was the first time a psychological evaluation had been done in an informal setting, I just want to make sure it goes well, for you, not me," Lana said as the door chime sounded. He got up and approached the door, hardly surprised that he was beaten to it by the two whirling dervishes that arrowed from their bedroom. They were at the door before he could ask them to wait.

"Good afternoon, Sirs." the two girls sang in concert, with synchronised curtsy's for the two Officers at their door, "Please come in." Mackenzie said, stepping aside with Mia as David reached the door with Lana.

"Major, Lieutenant, please excuse my excitable children," Lana said, feeling her initial nervousness evaporating instantly. David was of course right, they were his fellow Officers and each had a role to fulfil, the evaluation was a requirement and she was now happy to have them in what was now their home.

"Is that beer ?" Six-year-old Mackenzie asked, eyes wide, suddenly all conspiracy, as she reached up and grabbed Major Wolf's tunic, pulling him down to her level, "Because Mummy and Daddy says we're not to drink beer, we're too young ... Or so they say." she whispered with a quick glance to see if anyone had heard her.

Wolf smiled and crouched down, leaning in close like he was telling her a secret, "well,it his is special, it's root beer and that is the only type of beer for kids," he explained with a smile, "remember, only root beer though, and always ask your mom and dad before drinking any, because you don't want to accidentally drink grown up beer, right?" he asked in a soft voice and tilted his head slightly, looking at her with his eyebrows up and eyes like he was looking over the rims of glasses.

"Kenzie, stop annoying the Captain Admiral." four-year-old Mia chastised her older sister dramatically, the glaring mistake regarding Wolf's rank making everyone grin.

"OK, let's sit down, I'll take those if you like," Lana said, taking the bottles from Wolf and Mitchell.

Caleb sat on the sofa, crossing his right leg over his left and resting it on his knee. "It's nice to meet you informally like this, you have two lovely children," he said.

With Mitchell taking one seat on the sofa, Mia parked herself on the arm next to him and began seemingly intently studying the Councillor. Lana told her to stop staring as it was rude.

"But I'm not staring Mummy, I'm looking. There's a difference you know." she said, grinning at Caleb before turning her attention to their other guest, "You can sit down too, my Daddy usually sits there," she pointed to a chair nearby, "So you might want to have that chair, Mummy can sit with, can sit next to Kenzie." who was sat on the other end of the sofa and was also 'studying' their guests.

"You're not the Captain." the four-year-old said, making it more statement than question, eyebrows raised, her comment aimed at the Lieutenant.

"Can I get you both a drink ?" Lana said, throwing her children a stern look for a split-second, a look Kenzie and Mia chose to completely ignore as they gave that secret smile between them their parents knew all too well.

Caleb smiled at both the girls. "No, I'm not the Captain, " he agreed, my name is Caleb, and I'm just a Lieutenant. I'm the ship's new counsellor, which means I mostly just talk to people."

As Wolf moved to the available seat, Kenzi jumped off the arm of the sofa and moved round to stand next to her sister, both gave the Councillor's the once-over, turning to each other with one of those 'unspoken' moments then looked directly at Caleb:

"You just talk then. To people ," Mackenzie mused, both Lana and David wondering if they should have had this meeting when the girls had gone to bed, "Go on then," she said, eyebrows raised, the expression duplicated exactly by her sister.

"Listen, you two." David said, getting their attention quickly, "We said you could be here if you were good girls, the Major and the Lieutenant are here to speak to me. So no interruptions, OK ?"

"Yes Daddy." both said harmoniously, making the universal sign of a zip being pulled across their mouths in unison, David sat back, the girls returned their attention to Mitchell and Johnson." he wondered what Caleb, not to mention the Major, were making of this exchange.

Wolf chuckled as he watched Caleb interact with the children, "It's alright, we don't mind. Besides, I'm with your girls, let's hear it Caleb," he said almost teasingly, referring to the girls telling him to talk, "and yes, ma'am, some of the wine if that's alright?"

"Call me Lana, please," she said, pouring four glasses of wine and two of the root beer, in smaller wine glasses so Mackenzie and Mia didn't feel left out. She had prepared sandwiches and snacks that would hopefully go with wine. Returning she handed their guests their drinks, then gave David his glass. They both appreciated a good Merlot, so the Lieutenant's choice was ideal. she gave the girls their glasses, winking as if she had given them their own wine, both chuckled secretively and sipped the drink, "I imagine you don't come across two, inquisitive, young people during your normal routine, I hope they are not distracting you from the purpose of your visit." she said, glancing quickly at David, who seemed to be enjoying the scene thoroughly .

Caleb took a sip of the wine, then smiled at the two girls, "I actually do more listening than talking, at least I do, if I am doing my job right."

Kenzi and Mia had still to make their minds up about their guests. Both tended to be very good judges of character, knowing almost instantly if they liked someone or not. Watching them David had the distinct feeling that they were playing with them, especially the young Lieutenant. He got up and brought one of the trays sandwiches over, allowing Mitchell and Johnson to help themselves. Mia took one sandwich and a second for her sister then they once again sat on the edge of the sofa.

"Mackenzie, remember your trip to Spain ? We went to the zoo and the aquarium. Mia came too, but she was only eighteen months then." Mackenzie nodded, recalling the holiday abroad, "Well, Lieutenant Mitchell was born in Madrid." Lana said, hoping David had given her the right information and she hadn't got the two officers mixed up.

"Have you been to the aquarium too?" Kenzi asked excitedly, "Did you see the baby elephant and the gorillas ?"

The young counsellor, after taking a bite of his food said, "I've seen lots of different animals, I enjoy watching them all. But, if you like aquariums, you should come to my quarters some time. I have a big one. Of course, it won't be the same as the one you went too, but I like it."

"You have an aquarium, with fish and things, where you live, on this ship ?" Mia asked sceptically, but Mackenzie's eyes had already lit up in anticipation. "Can we Mummy, can we go to see the aquarium ?" she asked eagerly.

"We'll have to see sweetheart, the Lieutenant is very busy," Lana said,smiling at the young Lieutenant. Mia began running around the room doing her best imitation of a monkey. As she passed David he deftly grabbed her off the floor and dropped her onto his knee:

"No messing around, we don't want to spill anything on our guests, OK Princess ?" he whispered.

"OK Daddy. Sorry" the four-year-old whispered her reply, placing a kiss on his cheek. He put her down and turned the Major:

"So how are the evaluations going ?" he asked, genuinely interested.

Richard gave a nod of thanks to Lana as he watched the interactions, both between family and the children to Caleb, "not to bad so far, it's not really evaluations as much as just making use everyone is getting settled in and has everything they need, basically just a follow up to ops' job," the Marine replied with a smile.

"Ah, right." David said, wondering how he'd got the impression that the Major was carrying out official psychological evaluations of the crew. Letting it go he was about to continue when Mia came over and whispered in his ear, "What sweetheart ?" he said, glancing at Major Johnson with a grin, finally nodding, Mia left the room, returning a moment later with what David imagined was the biggest stuffed toy either Councillor had ever seen. She dragged the Leprechaun, complete with massive green top hat, and as tall as she was, across the floor and handed it to the Major.

"This is O'Toole, he is dressed in green too, like you." she said, handing O'Toole to him and watched carefully as he somewhat self-consciously lifted it up and sat it on his knee. Mia smiled, apparently satisfied he was going to look after her cherished Leprechaun. she turned to her Father, a smug expression on her face, "See, I told you he would like it." she said, promptly climbing onto the Major's other knee. David was trying his hardest to keep a straight face during the proceedings, but the look on the Councillor's face was something to behold, and he finally broke into a grin, easing his inner panic that they would think it was a mistake to have the apparent informal meeting in his quarters. Lana and Mackenzie had taken the scene in their stride as Mia tended to introduce O'Toole only to those she deemed likeable, so they knew the Major was on her 'nice' list, which always helped at 'social gatherings'.

"You're highly honoured Major." Lana said, taking his glass, "Not everyone gets to have O'Toole on their knee." she said, turning away quickly to refill his glass and hide her amusement.

"I think O'Toole would look nice dressed like you." Mia mused, critically eyeing Major Johnson up and down critically as Lana returned with his glass of wine, "Kenzie, go to the replicator and get a new suit for O'Toole, a green one like this." she said, pointing at the man who's knee she was sat on.

"No, you can have something new for, O'Toole next week, he's got more than enough outfits." David said, getting up and lifting his four-year-old off Johnson smiling apologetically, "Now, why not get him off the Major and go play in your room, both of you."

"Awwww, Daddy, we're being good like you asked." Kenzie and Mia retorted, the tiniest hint of a pout on both their faces making him change his mind instantly, though he did glance at the two Councillor's wondering if he was somehow being evaluated on his handling of his Family environment. He risked the minutest glance at Lana, knowing she would be grinning, then conceded.

"OK, Kenzie, see if our guests would like more to eat, Mia, no more of your furry friends, O'Toole is more than enough for a first visit." he said, making everyone grin with amusement.

"Nothing to eat for me," Caleb said, "but I wouldn't mind a bit more of the wine."

Lana refilled the Councillor's glass trying not to laugh at David's obvious concerns. She thought that he had nothing to worry about, they were here enjoying an informal get-together, yes, their guests were here for another reason other than drinks, and thought that their visit was only as part of the process for newly-assigned Officers, she imagined every officer would go through the same 'interview process' but more than likely in the Councillor's office, belaying the issue of having two children complementing, or aiding, depending on the point of view.

"I was looking through the list of pupils at the school," she said, curious, "am I right in my assumption that neither of you have children, or at least, not currently on the Merlin ?" she asked.

Richard leaned forward and smiled, "Kenzie, I think I have a uniform that might be just O'Tooles size that I can send for you," he whispered, but knowing her parents could hear him, before he sat back, "no, my son is in flight school with the corps," he replied happily, "so, how are you and the girls adjusting to life on a starship?" he asked nonchalantly, hoping Caleb had a chance to look over the files.

"It's, different," Lana said, lowering herself onto the arm of the chair David sat in. He put his hand on the small of her back for reassurance, "But a school is a school. It's how you relate to the children, and deal with their idiosyncrasies, I have two teachers working with me, so we should have everything covered. It's not like San Francisco though, no walking in the park at weekends, no going to the beach, but we all knew what we were getting into before we came aboard, and we still have the house . As for these two," she said, but both girls decided they could answer the Major themselves.

"We like it. I can go to school, and go to the holodeck to play if Daddy says it's OK." Kenzie said, pausing for a moment while Mia got her thoughts heard.

"We had to leave Dizzi behind," she said. The two councillors looked at Lana and David for clarification, but Mackenzie explained.

"Dizzi was our cat. She is very old and I'm not sure she would like having no garden." she whispered, eyeing Mia for a second before continuing, "She used to sleep under our apple tree in the back for hours and hours, Jenny, who lives next door is going to look after her until we get home for a holiday."

"When can I have the uniform for O'Toole ?" Mia asked, instantly changing the subject, all thoughts of the cat forgotten in a way only a four-year-old can do.

"Don't be rude Mia !" Kenzi admonished, rolling her eyes, "She can be annoying at times." she explained to the Major, her expression beyond her years.

"David, if I might have a moment ?" Lana asked. He looked at the Councillors, who both appeared to be engrossed in what his children were saying, he excused himself and followed his wife into the bedroom.

"I thought they were here to do some evaluation." she said nervously, "Any idea when they might start asking questions, at all ?" David put his arms around Lana, whispering in her ear that he had the distinct feeling that the 'evaluation' had begun the second they walked into their quarters. He'd watched them closely, especially the Major, who was obviously experienced, while the younger Lieutenant seemed to be almost finding his feet, so to speak. It hadn't gone amiss that both Councillors had dedicated a great deal of their time conversing with his children, so maybe they were building a 'Family Profile' for future use and the Tan family were the baseline of that profile, who knew. All he could assure himself was that in his humble opinion, both Lana and himself had conducted themselves appropriately, and as was the norm' Mackenzie and Mia had done their own impeccable research into their guests and had made their mind up accordingly. he released Lana before holding her at arms-length:

"We're doing fine OK." he said, kissing her on the lips for a fraction of a second before continuing, "They came here initially to conduct my psychological evaluation, I'm more than sure that it could have been done in Major Johnson's Office, or in Sick-bay, or pretty much anywhere for that matter, hell, these shrinks know a damn sight more than they let on OK. All you have to remember is this: We invited them both into our home, and as far as I'm concerned, we did a bloody good job of entertaining them while they accumulated their data. I have no doubt I'll not see the end report, but Commander Barstow will, and if he or the Councillors have any concerns, we'll hear about it in due course." nodding, realising she was being totally irrational, Lana wiped the tears from her eyes and checked her makeup.

"OK. Maybe, we should save them from our children?" she said with a wry grin.

Caleb was having fun just chatting with the two girls. He wasn't evaluating them per se, just getting to know them more.

Leaving the bedroom they took seats, Lana smiling, the Lieutenant looked up from what Kenzi was doing and David nodded, hopefully signifying that all was well. The girls, after what in their terms was a thorough investigation, had apparently made their minds up regarding their guests, and given they were now deep in conversation he was reassured that the two Officers would leave their quarter with their sanity intact, or at least, substantially. He looked up at the time, realising that it was only shortly after one and their guests had only been here for little under an hour. He recalled his last evaluation at the Starbase before setting out to meet up with the Merlin and was convinced it hadn't taken this long. 'Granted, this is no standard evaluation' wryly as he noticed Lana was suddenly relaxed as she proudly watched her Children. He too relaxed, knowing that if either Councillor had anything specific to ask him they would do so in their own time. Sitting back, he too watched as his daughters entertained their guests .

Caleb looked over at the Major, "I think I'm satisfied with everything here, what about you Sir ?" he asked.

Wolf nodded with a smile as he stood up, "yup, I think everythings good here," he replied.

As both Councillors stood, David and Lana were shocked to see their four-year-old throw her arms around the Major's neck, forcing him to lift her as he stood. Mia seemed more than happy to allow herself to be carried as they walked to the door.As the Major bent at the waist to lower her to the carpet, Mackenzie whispered something in his ear. Everyone watched as Johnson laughed, looking at each in turn.

"Kenzi ?" Lana prompted worriedly. Caleb looked on in amusement as the spectacle unfolded and he wondered just how the Major would react.

"It's OK mummy, I only asked if the Major was growing a beard." the six-year-old said casually, "He said 'no' he wasn't, so 'I' said he could borrow Daddy's shaver thing if his was broken. That's all." she said innocently.

"Out of the mouths of babes," Lana said, rolling her eyes hoping the Major hadn't taken offence.

"I'm not a 'babe' I am six." she said, nodding to Johnson in triumph.

Caleb laughed at the antics of the children. He was enjoying himself immensely.

Richard couldn't help but laugh again, "No, Ma'am, you aren't." he replied with a smile and looked down, "When you see someone with this." he started and ran his forefinger and thumb down his chin, "Tell them that they are supposed to push down on the razor." he said with a grin, the phrase being one that had been circulating since the early days of the military on Earth to tell someone to shave.

David thanked both Officers for coming, and for allowing his evaluation to be done in a more casual setting ... Once they had left David asked the girls to clear the glasses and plates while he spoke with their mother. Kenzi and Mia did as asked and he asked Lana how she think it went ?

"I have to admit, I felt as if we were 'ALL' being evaluated at times, that Major doesn't say much but I could bet a bar of gold-pressed latinum that he takes a damn lot in."

"Well the girls seemed to like them both." David said, silently agreeing with his wife's assumption, "I think we could have them over again, just for a simple dinner this time." Lana leaned forward and kissed him gently, moving as she noticed Mackenzie and Mia stood with their tongues out."

"I thought you two were clearing things away ?" she asked, eyebrows raised. The girls shrugged, giggling ..........


OFF :

Major Richard "Wolf" Johnson, Psy.D.
Counselor
TDY USS Merlin

Lieutenant David Tan
Chief Operations Officer
USS Merlin

Lieutenant Caleb Mitchell
Counselor
USS Merlin