First Impressions

Posted on Wed Jun 25th, 2025 @ 8:43am by Lieutenant Amber Laurell & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos

1,325 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Counselor's Office

Kuzos wore a huge frown on his normally smiling face as he made his way to his destination. "Of all the silly ideas! A psych evaluation! I never should have accepted this commission and just kept my Dominion rank." He muttered as he walked the corridors. It felt like he was going to his own execution. Still..... by the time he reached his destination his usual mega watt smile was back, plastered on his face. Reaching the counseling complex, he headed for the specific office he was directed to. Reaching the door door he pressed the chime and awaited entrance. As he waited he looked at the wall, the floor (a ghastly off white color) some flowers that he didn't know the names but they looked and smelled nice. He looked down at his his still new Starfleet uniform and tugged it down and picked invisible dust of it. He tapped his foot, crossed his arms as his wait continued.

Inside her office Amber hadn’t had much chance to organise yet, she usually liked her room to be an oasis of comfort and calm but so far it was still a bit sterile. She hadn’t had much time to settle in either, but such was the life of a Starfleet Counsellor. Walking out of her office she was surprised to see her first appointment, a Vorta of all things! To say she wasn’t comfortable was an understatement, but she didn’t let it show.

“You must be Commander Kuzos?” She offered a well practiced polite smile. “Please come in.”

Kuzos smiled graciously at Amber "Yes, you are correct and thank you I am Kuzos. I am here for......" He paused as he searched for the right words. "My boarding psych evaluation which is actually quite humorous as I have been aboard for some time." He offered but didn't elaborate.

Amber nodded. “Well I guess Starfleet has decided that you require an evaluation now that you have a Starfleet rank.” She was looking at his file on a PaDD seeing his recent change to a Starfleet crew member. “You recently accepted a position and rank, so that puts you under the perview of the Counselling department.” She took a seat and made herself comfortable.

"I suppose it does. Quite correct Counselor." He agreed reluctantly. He looked at the vacant seat across from Amber, "May I?" He asked gesturing towards the seat.

“By all means” Amber nodded. “I usually make sure my office is less…sterile, but I haven’t had chance to set it up how I like it as yet. So, Commander tell me you feel about having a Starfleet rank and position aboard the Enterprise?”

"I understand Counselor, we go where we are told. I am sure you will have your office decorated just as you wish to reflect your personality and taste in no time." he sat back in the chair. "It is strange." He confessed. "I am Vorta, I serve or served the Founders. I was sent here by Founder Odo to be the liaison officer between our people. Commodore Targaryen was impressed with actions in some scenarios played on us by Q and offered me a field commission. He said it would allow me more access to the ship." He paused and leaned slightly forward, "I do not feel the crew likes the fact of me wearing a Starfleet uniform. In their eyes, I am the enemy."

Amber nodded. “I’ll admit that it isn’t easy seeing a Vorta aboard ship after the events of the Dominion war, people lost a lot during the war all those years ago, and you’ll find that not all forgive easily. Although saying that this crew will be expected to treat you the same as they would another Starfleet Officer.”

"An honest reaction and one I respect Counselor and you'll forgive me for saying this but what of the Dominion and Vortas lost during the war? The sword cuts both ways does it not? I see no one shedding a tear for them and there were atrocities committed on both sides even if Starfleet is slow to admit it." Kuzos answered calmly.

Amber nodded. “You do have a point, there were a lot of Betazoids killed when the Dominion annexed Betazed, I’ve only heard stories and stories can be somewhat changed over time as they get re-told from generation to generation. I’m guessing that you’re a clone? Most Vorta appear to be clones of those who came before.”

Kuzos nodded at Amber's reply. "You are most astute in your observations Counselor, my compliments." He finished brightly. "However, I must correct you on one detail. You are incorrect in thinking I am a clone. I am not. In your terms I am an original edition."

Offering a smile Amber nodded. “I will make a mental note of that fact, and make sure it’s noted for future reference in your records. So, how do you feel about being made a more permanent part of this crew? Do you like serving here?”

"Thank you Counselor, it is much appreciated." Kuzos replied. "As to how do I feel about being here, it is a challenge. When I was selected for this assignment, I was dismayed but I have since come to regard it as an opportunity to better understand the Federation and it various races and hopefully for them to do the same with me." He paused for a moment. "As to like serving here, I don't dislike it. It is not like a Dominion ship. There everything is ordered, here it seems chaotic and it takes some getting use to."

“I can imagine it does.” Amber nodded. “We thrive on our individuality, things may seem chaotic to you, but in an emergency we pull together as one. That’s what makes us stronger, what keeps us going.”

"Yes. It does make you a rather formidable ene... my apologies Counselor, former enemy." Kuzos recovered quickly on his mistake. "Still the fact remains you are a tenacious group."

“You’d be surprised just how tenacious” Amber smiled. “So, where do you see your career going from here?”

"I imagine that once my assignment here is finished I will be recalled to rejoin the Dominion military." Kuzos replied and then added, "I'm sure there will be some who will say not a moment too soon."

“Maybe some may think that way now, but I’m sure you wouldn’t have been given a Starfleet commission if the Captain had any doubts about you.” Amber offered a polite smile. “Now is there anything you’d like to ask?”

Kuzos flashed his megawatt smile. "Oh, you are a charmer Counselor. My compliments on knowing the right things to say." He shook his head from side to side, "I do not believe so however, I shall make a list of any questions that come to mind as soon as I leave your office." He said smiling.

“Very well” Amber nodded. “In that case I think we’re done here.” She offered a smile as she put down the PaDD she’d been making notes on. “Thank you for coming to see me Kuzos.”

He rose to leave, "Thank you for a most interesting and painless discussion Counselor as well as your calming presence. I must confess I had visions of a most painful and torturous interview."

“I do my best to make people feel at ease when they come to see me” Amber smiled warmly. “You are no exception. I also apologise for my initial unease at your arrival, that wasn’t fair of me.”

Kuzos bowed graciously. "Lovely lady, Counselor. I assure you there is nothing for you to apologize for. If the situation had been reversed, I probably would have fainted." He joked.

Amber couldn’t help but grin at that response. “Thank you Kuzos. I will no doubt see you around.”

[OFF]

 

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