Second Opinion

Posted on Sun Jun 1st, 2025 @ 8:06pm by Lieutenant Robin Maxwell & Staff Warrant Officer Madelyn Steele

1,897 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: Riversong Station

His name was Ezekial, battle worn, seen action and helped those who had been in the trenches. He earned his stripes fair and square. Tall broadshouldered, crinkles at the corners of his dark brown eyes. There had been the saying that the best counselor to talk to those who have been in the dirt, slogged through rough terrain, was one who had understanding as they had been there themselves. He got word that there was someone seeking a second opinion, here he was, his door open and ready to see what was needed. He had a pot of coffee and water for tea if the visitor wished either one.

Maxwell had to keep his breath calm; he had to forget his career is on the line, a tug on the uniform jacket to stretch it for any wrinkles that are not there but it eased him a bit.

Knocking on the outer frame of the 'hatch' as per proper etiquette.

Lieutenant Maxwell here for my Appointment Sir." He greeted and wait to have permission to enter.

"The door is open come on in." Ezekial stated giving permission to Maxwell. "Coffee, tea or something else?"

Maxwell entered the office with a polite grin.

"A cold sweet tea with lemon if possible?" He requested and stood closer to the counselor but stll in line with chairs or a place to sit.

"Thank you for seeing me when we dock; I know your time is pressed on a station I'd bet."

"It can be." Ezekila rumbled. "A Cold sweet Tea coming right up. With lemon."

"So, you used to be a Marine. And you are now in Intelligence." Bringing over the cold sweet tea. " What happened?"

"You have to keep this confidential." Maxwell started. "One of the reasons for your recommendation."

Took a breath to seal himself.

"Transition Cover." Maxwell said calmly. "Convert Operations is under the umbrella of Intellegence; Intel is the brain and Covert acts as brawn. I had dealings with tactical planning and execution. After I was worked out of Covert I needed a cover that a person of my training could assume; thus Marine Recon. Having a Major in Marine is same rank as my current in fleet so it was an easy switch."

Maxwell shrugged.

"I was an Intel man for the planning of Covert Operations so moving to Intel gathering ship side is in my Skill Set."

"Don't worry this will not be going anywhere else In fact." he raised his finger up and set things to where no one could just walk in on this conversation. "Locking this down. not to make light of this, but cone of silence." Ezekial not cracking a smile.

"This is preferable to that clear plastic contraption." Maxwell winked. "I do thank you for the preparations though."

"It wasn't clear to me, does your CO know of your previous position? Hopefully she has been read in on this? As i don't know if your Counselor has the clearance to know of your former or current activities? I for one do have the clearance hence us talking." Ezekial taking a sip of his drink.

The Captain is well versed on my career; the Counselor has the full Physiological document as you have." Maxwell took a breath. "But she is unaware of a lot of the Brutality that is under my career 'Eyes Only' portion. And My Girlfriend knows nothing aside from Star Ship rumors. "You are among the few that can know what the Code Name 'Chaotic' has done."

"Indeed I have. Also I do have a transcript as to your meeting with the Counselor on the Ontario, Amanda Rose. If you don't mind my disecting as to what happened. This way I can have a counter as to her possibly relieving you of duty." Ezekial tzking a drink before pulling out the paper transcript.

"What did you want to know?" Maxwell asked. "I felt that she was making rules that I 'have' to follow or I would not be able to be do my Duty." He explained. "I do not feel that it was fair."

"Tell me something, when you shifted from the Marines to Intelligence, what made you decide to go visit the counselor? Your transfer was already approved and StarFleet had already done a psychological profile on you. Therefore, the discussion you had with Dr. Rose wasn't necessary. Are you in the Marines still or are you pure plain and simple completely with StarFleet. Put aside the once a marine always a marine. You made a choice to be placed in Intellligence under StarFleet command." He looked once more at the transcript, and pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Maxwell, you ended up revealing things that you should not have, to Dr. Rose, she will have to keep with the nondisclosure of what you had told her. However you can't go back to her anymore. Does your CO know about the conveersation with Dr. Rose?"

"I was under the impression that 'any change in duty ' warrants a Counselor Evaluation?" Maxwell replied. "Yes My Commanding Officer knows of the conversation and that I am referred to you." He continued. "I am a Star Fleet asset that is under Intel, they moved me to Marines while locating a duty station I could be assigned that is not 'Covert' Operations as that is deemed too High Stress for my condition."

"That was erroneous thinking as you are already on the ship. I don't know if your CO knows fully of what transpired, though she probably felt that you did need a second opinion and I feel the same way. Which is why you are here. I will be having an indepth conversation with your CO, as to this situation. how are you feeling with being on the ship with your dual identity. Do you feel comfortable, had you felt comfortable before going and talking with Dr. Rose?"

"It is just duty." Maxwell answered. "Though I do prefer Intel to the Marine Recon and commander of the platoon." Admitting to the counselor. "Less Heavy Lifting and such with Intel; I can help protect evryone and not be charging heaadlong. I am a Tactical specialist; planning from what facts I can gather is my best attribute.

Maxwell nod.

"Duty is what I live for, getting the job done. I was quite content with training as a Marine CO and look forward to my Intel position. "His eyes darkened slightly. "That is before it came into jeopardy with Doctor Rose having the ability to wash me out."

Ezekial barked out, "Lieutenant Maxwell, Dr. Rose will not be washing you out. This is why you are here talking with me. And why I am reading you the riot act. Will you be going back to talk to Dr. Rose or will you be keeping me as your counselor!"

"I will not be returning to Dr. Rose." Maxwell replied."I will be able to exchange with someone who understands what happened from a practical vantage."

Ezekial read through a bit more, then looked up at Robin, frowning . He drywashed his face with one hand breathing out some frustration. " Maxwell, what caused you to shift to Chaotic ? Or did he come out when you felt your back was up against the wall? It seems that he is very protective of you."

"to say I think f-" Maxwell paused for a few seconds; trying to figure out something.

"My 'Call Sign' is ..." He tried to think of the words or something. "It is more of a unclear patch of thought. Almost like a drinking blackout; I feel strange and then kind of draw a blank until it is over. "

Maxwell took a breath and tried to calm himself.

"Last couple of years I am aware of there being another side to me but I-I cannot recall what happens when I am.... Chaotic. But were I to say I fade out when it hits the fan and I do not know if it will work out really?"

"Do you or Chaotic leave messages for each other or has that occured to you two, to do such? The two of you, even though you are not in the same timeframe could be considered a team. So maybe communication can be done." Ezekial taking another drink from his glass.

Maxwell gave an almost blank look for a second.

"No...I know of him but not what he does while my memory is fuzzy. I have read reports but never tried to... anything. It seems when he is needed he just... does it."

Maxwell told.

"When I get angry or emotional it has always been me. I know a couple of times my Command and I were planning a mission and next thing I know it is over and there is a report on the mission."

Ezekial nodded, as he listened, when Maxwell was finished, he replied. "I would like you to think of a way to communicate with Chaotic, but not to where anyone would be able to find this out. And if you are comfortable with this I'd like a welfare check on him as well. "

"That might be... difficult." Maxwell thought. "He and I do not ... cross, well that is not exactly true from what I have heard. My Girlfriend has... interacted with him I think?"

"I didn't think that you and he have spoken to each other, I am refering to leaving messages to each other and exchanging status reports. That is what I was refering to unless he decides to come talk with me some point in time. Be that as it may, you've got a girlfriend? How is the relationship going?" Ezekial did like hearing that Robin had a significant other in his life.

"Bunny..." Maxwell started and hesitated. "That is what I call her, is great. She accepts that I am not what one would call 'Average human.' She even takes the stigma of dating me." He looked at the Counselor. "I should mention she is Andorian and seen dating a 'Pink Skin' does not give her points." Maxwell had a sparkle in his eye. "She is waiting for this session to end then we are taking our leave time."

"Well from what we have discussed and what I am reading here, you've realized what needs to be done, and what you didn't need to do. When you are back here on the station definitely check in with me. And send a message as well. However, since this is your shore leave, and you've got someone who seems to keep you grounded. You have my officical rendering. You are fit for duty. I will be speaking to your CO as well, in order to keep her up to date. Now though, go see your lovely lady." Ezekial taking another sip of his beverage, and then taking the room off of secure mode.

"Thank you Counselor." Maxwell bow slightly. "You have been great."

No smile creased his face, but Ezekial made a shooing motion with his hands. "Now get out of my offce and go see your lady." he rose up from his chair with a slight grunt, making his way back to the replicator. He needed a refresh.

Maxwell took his leave.

OFF

Lt Robin Maxwell
Intel Chief
Portrayed by Darrell

Ezekial
Station Counselor
NPC: played by Madelyn Steele

 

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