Getting Settled
Posted on Thu Jul 23rd, 2026 @ 4:06pm by Captain Saelira Venn
1,291 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Mission 1: Through the Janus Gate
Location: Captain's Ready Room | Deck 1 | USS Resolute
Timeline: MD001 - 1100 hours
Cayden dropped his gear unceremoniously just inside the door to his quarters and headed back out into the ship to get the onboarding process out of the way and that, he knew, started with reporting in. He had a general layout of the ship in his head and navigating the corridors, sliding in and out, past busy crew members, none of whom challenged him, proved remarkably easy. Before long, he was on the Bridge and stopping in front of the door to the Captain's Ready Room. He took a deep, cleansing breath and pressed the chime.
Inside the ready room, Saelira looked up at the chime.
“Come in.”
She set the PADD in her hand aside as the doors opened, her attention settling on the officer beyond them. New arrival. New department head. And, if the transfer notes were accurate, someone whose first proper day aboard the Resolute was already beginning with very little chance to ease into anything.
“Lieutenant Zahn,” she said, standing. “Welcome aboard.”
There was no inspection in her tone, no attempt to make the moment heavier than it needed to be. Saelira gestured towards the chairs in front of her desk, then to the replicator with a small lift of her hand.
“Have a seat. Get something to drink if you’d like. I try not to summon new counsellors into my ready room and make them stand around like they’ve done something wrong.”
A faint smile touched her mouth.
“Especially not before they’ve had time to learn where everything is.”
She waited a moment, giving him space to settle rather than rushing him straight into questions.
“I’m glad you made it aboard,” she continued, warmer now. “I know reporting in can feel like one more box to tick after travel, transfers, quarters, and whatever creative indignities Starfleet logistics has decided to invent that day. But I prefer to meet my senior staff properly, face to face, before the ship gives us fewer civilised reasons to talk.”
Saelira sat again, her posture relaxed but attentive.
“So. Let’s get you settled in, Chief Counsellor.”
Cayden smiled and, foregoing the drink, settled into one of the two available seats. "Thank you, Captain," he said, smiling within the feeling of warmth and welcome she projected. "This is only my second posting since the Academy, I'm afraid, so I can't say that I'm particularly well acquainted with logistical formalities. I'm just happy all my stuff made it aboard before we departed."
Saelira’s smile warmed.
“Then I’m pleased to report that Starfleet logistics has managed one small miracle today. Your belongings should already be waiting in your assigned quarters.”
She leaned back slightly, giving him an easier moment before moving into anything more formal.
“And there’s no need to apologise for being new to the ritual of reporting in. Most of it exists so someone can confirm you arrived in one piece and know which door is yours.”
Her expression remained open, attentive.
“You’re here now. That’s the important part.”
Saelira rested one hand lightly against the arm of her chair.
“How much have you had the chance to see so far? Of the ship, your department, or the people you’ll be working with?”
"Not much I'm afraid," Cayden said. "I dropped my gear off in my quarters and was on the way here when I ran into an old friend. I do plan on touching base with the Chief Medical Officer since our disciplines sometimes overlap a bit and of course, checking out my office."
Saelira nodded.
“That sounds like a sensible first circuit. Doctor Lake will be glad to hear from you, and it’s better for Medical and Counselling to work out where one ends and the other begins before a patient forces the question.”
A small smile returned.
“As for your office, I hope it’s more welcoming than most Starfleet counselling spaces. They do have a habit of looking as though someone designed them while deeply opposed to comfort.”
"I've always gone for comfort," Cayden said. "For children, it was always big cushions on the floor and a fort made of soft blankets. "Had many a session in one of those. For adults, I go for comfort. No desks. Nothing official looking. A sofa with a blanket draped across one end and pillows. A coffee table with candles and of course, tea or coffee. Had one patient where I provided the coffee, he brought home-made pastries, and we talked over a 'nosh as he called it. I'm nothing if not flexible in my approach."
Saelira’s smile deepened.
“You may find the blanket fort has a broader audience than you expect.”
There was amusement in her eyes, but her approval was genuine.
“Comfort helps people stop performing. Once they’re not thinking about the chair, the desk, or whether they’re saying the right thing, you usually get closer to what actually matters.”
She gave a small nod.
“Flexible is good. Especially on a ship this size. You’re going to meet people who need very different things from you.”
"That's very true," Cayden said. "You for example." He turned a speculative eye toward her. "I will be here for you as well in whatever capacity you need."
Saelira held his speculative look without discomfort, a small smile still resting at the corners of her mouth.
“I may take you up on that.”
She shifted slightly in her chair.
“There’s a third seat on the bridge beside the command chairs. When your counselling schedule allows, I’d like you to use it. Not every shift, and not when your department needs you elsewhere, but during first contacts, negotiations, or any situation where understanding the people involved matters as much as understanding their ships.”
Her expression warmed.
“Captains are very good at convincing themselves they have considered every angle. It helps to have someone nearby who knows when they haven’t.”
"At one time or another, we all are," Cayden said, chuckling lightly, "myself included. Always good to have someone in your corner who is willing to listen, ask questions, maybe help to see it from another angle. I'm happy to do that and I'll certainly be sure to be on the Bridge when needed."
Saelira nodded, clearly satisfied.
“Good. That’s exactly what I need from you.”
She glanced briefly towards the PADD she had set aside, then returned her attention to him.
“I won’t keep you from getting settled. Meet with Doctor Lake, introduce yourself to your department, and make the office your own. Once you’ve had a chance to find your feet, we can speak in more detail about the crew and what you may be walking into.”
Her expression remained warm.
“We’re already under way, but you don’t need to learn the whole ship in an afternoon.”
"Well, that's a relief," Cayden said, chuckling slightly, "though I've had some fairly interesting encounters by getting lost." He rose to his feet, waiting to be dismissed. "Thank you, Captain. I'm looking forward to serving aboard the Resolute."
Saelira rose with him.
“And I’m glad to have you here, Lieutenant.”
She offered him a warm smile and a small nod towards the door.
“Go and get settled.”
"I will," Cayden said. "I do like my quarters cozy." He nodded respectfully and saw himself out of the Ready Room. Once outside and the doors had closed behind him, he stood there a moment. "So, Chief Medical Officer... or unpacking..." Thinking was short on this score. Visiting first, he thought, unpacking can most definitely wait.
Captain Saelira Venn
Commanding Officer
USS Resolute
Lieutenant JG Cayden Zahn
Chief Counselor
USS Resolute
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