Impairment as Opportunity

Posted on 01 May 2013 @ 8:31am by Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Aria Rice & Lieutenant JG Kestra Orexil
Edited on on 01 May 2013 @ 1:46pm

1,347 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Security Chief's Office
Timeline: MD 06 1530

ON:

Lt. Rhodes walked into the Chief's Office, his office, and sat down in his chair. He hoped the newness of this situation would go away soon. This redefining what was his was beginning to bother him.

Rhodes thought that the meeting for the security department had gone well. Now, he had to find a meeting of minds with someone he respected, but was unsure of their capabilities.

Kestra brushed her fingers over the controls on the hoverchair and navigated into the office she'd once held. It was by no means an easy feat, physically or emotionally, but she fought her frustration with her own situation back and thanked the Deities she'd taken basic pilot training when she'd been in Academy - otherwise the hoverchair would have been far more difficult to manage than it was.

Aria smiled gently as she looked at Kestra, standing beside the desk...not claiming anything, just standing because it was easier given the limited space.

Rhodes nodded toward the door, "Aria would you get the door?"

"Of course," Aria said and moved to the door, letting it slide shut. She kept by it though, in case Theron sent her out.

Sitting with his hands in his lap, Rhodes went over in his mind what needed to be said and accomplished here. "Lieutenant Orexil, I am so very pleased about your recovery," he looked to Aria and back to Kestra. "but at the same time I need to make a determination as to how to use you." He shifted in his chair slightly, "I know you have a long recovery ahead of you . . . and rest . . . but I feel we need to keep you engaged in security as well."

I could wish for nothing else, Kestra told them, silent and still as a statue. The peace and protection of others has always been my life's goal and I would contribute again as soon as possible. I am more than aware that certain... limitations... preclude my being able to take full active duty.

Theron was please to feel/hear her presents in his mind.

Aria looked down, frowning slightly. She never liked having people in her mind, but for Kestra it was the only form of communication at this point. Which was why she let her do it. She let out a breath and looked at Kestra. "Truth is, we need you here," she said, watching the other woman.

Rhodes looked to Aria for support, then focused on Kestra, "What would you like to accomplish during duty hours?"

Anything you wish; what would you have me do? Her smile was a dry one. You are the Chief, after all, are you not?

Theron let the obvious slide and not correct her nor diminish her, for she was speaking her mind. He found so far that she very much had her wits about her, but seemed only limited by her ability to move about and interact.

Perhaps more information would help you to see your options in this case. Kestra folded her hands in her lap and lifted her chin, My prognosis is cautiously optimistic. I have regained the use of my upper body more quickly than anticipated after the stasis applications and am rebuilding my strength day by day. Something happened to me while I was in that coma that has - I'm unsure how to explain it - expanded my presence of mind. My telepathic and empathic abilities reach farther than I thought possible, and, where once - as you'll recall - I needed physical contact to establish a telepathic link... I appear to hear and speak to the minds of others as easily as breathing, whether they've enhanced psionics or no. I hear a great deal that goes unsaid, though it is often trying to sort through and figure out just who it is that is thinking what, but this may be of use to you. I haven't been to the range, yet, but I believe my aim with a phaser should be unchanged by my place in this chair. I could teach, train, conduct interviews, monitor consoles... It is my belief that I could manage any duty you should need me to beyond talking, walking, or crawling through the Jeffries'. She waved absently at the chair. I don't believe I would fit. But there can be benefits, I have learned, to appearing weaker than one actually is; you may wish to take advantage of my physical impairments as an opportunity.

Rhodes thought about her ideas that were placed directly into his mind. Answer the last first. he thought. "Using your impairments as an opportunity could be very advantagious in a crisis situation. I will keep that in mind."

Rhodes began to make some notes on his command console then looked up at the Kestra, "As far as duties, here is where I would like to begin, with authorization by Medical. First we will limit your work day to 4 hours. During which time, 30 - 60 minutes every other day will be on the Bridge with the current Tactical Officer. Other duties will include assisting with crewman preformance reviews." He looked to Aria for other items.

Aria smiled weakly as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Really, what we need you to do is not only help us with reviewing reports and the interviews...but we need to you keep the pulse of the department. We've been through a lot and I think there might be a bit if a rift that needs healing. But I could be very wrong..."

Theron nodded quietly in agreement to Aria's point. "In one way you will become our department counselor and information officer. We . ." The Chief looked to Rice and back, "We look forward to your insight and recommendations for this critical department, and inevitably the safety of his ship."

Kestra wasn't sure what she'd expected, but this wasn't it. What else was there for her, though? Constrained as she was by this chair, unable to speak, still regaining strength in her arms. Useless. I will do what I can to be of service, she tried to keep her thoughts even and cool. Is there anything in particular you wish me to look out for?

"General..discontent..." Aria said and looked at her. "We're not going to punish people for being upset. It has been a rough ride. But if they don't tell us, we can't change things."

Theron glanced at Aria, very much in agreement with her view. He looked at Kestra, and with a serious and professional tone. "Do you have any further questions Lieutenant?"

No. None. Your requests are quite clear. Kestra bowed her head. Only... is it your wish, I should conduct myself through writing? Would that help to ease your troubles with- she touched her temple gently. I do not wish to distract you by taking you from your comfort zone on duty.

Theron replied, "I understand. And appreciate that. I'm sure I will become even more accustomed to it with more time."

Rhodes looked to Rice, and with a nod looked to Orexil, "Alright then. Get out of here and I look forward to your first report." He smiled slightly and gave her a wink.

As you say, the Betazoid withdrew, the whirr of the hoverchair the only sound in her wake.

Theron waited until Kestra had left the office and the door closed, before he turned to Aria and said, "I think this is going to work out quite well."

"I think so too," she said and smiled weakly, looking at him. "You should rely on her. She...has done this before. She'll give you a lot of support that others can't give you."

OFF:


Lt.(jg) Theron Rhodes
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

Lt. JG Aria Rice
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

LTjg Kestra Orexil
Security Officer
USS Galileo

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