Do You Have a Moment?

Posted on Sun Nov 23rd, 2025 @ 12:20pm by Lieutenant Amber Laurell & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos

994 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Counseling Complex
Timeline: 2439-07-23

Kuzos had been in a silent debate with himself as he walked the Enterprise's corridors. Despite wearing a Federation uniform he felt more apart from the crew than when he wore his Dominion uniform. He decided he needed to talk and who better to talk than the person who had befriended him when he had first come onboard? Counselor Amber Laurell. The closest person to a friend he had. He walked to her office and buzzed the chime. he knew he was showing up unexpectedly and that the counselor may not have time to meet with him, still he decided to chance it.

Inside her office Amber looked up from where she was sitting. “Come in.” As the door opened to reveal Kuzos she offered a polite smile. “Commander, this is a surprise. What can I do for you?”

Kuzos bobbed his head, "I apologize for showing up unexpectedly. I was hoping to talk with you. If now is not a good time. I will come back later."

“Oh no, please…” Amber motioned Kuzos to sit down. “Now is as good a time as any. My calendar was rearranged to give me time to rest so I have some free time.”

Kuzos moved to take a seat. "I again apologize for intruding on your free time. I know you must be especially worn out after your recent episode."

“I’m feeling somewhat better I’m glad to say” Amber smiled warmly. “Suffice to say it’s not an experience I’d care to repeat. Anyway, what can I do for you Kuzos?”

He looked uneasy and hesitated in answering as if weighing if he should even be here. Finally he spoke. "I accepted a battlefield commission the Commodore offered as way to help bring our governments closer together but I am questioning that decision as i see the looks of the crew when they see me in Federation uniform. I feel more alienated than when I first arrived."

Amber nodded as she sat down in her seat. “I understand your concerns, being seen in your dominion attire placed you separate from everyone else onboard, perhaps you thought that being in a Starfleet uniform would change perceptions about you? In all honesty I was surprised to see a Vorta onboard ship when I arrived, at first I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but as a Counsellor I don’t differentiate between my patients so why make you stand out? The crew will eventually get used to seeing you in that uniform, it’s just going to take some time I’m afraid. That, and the fact that you hold a Starfleet rank without ever having attended the Academy, though you do have the necessary experience to warrant it, to the crew it’s yet another way you stand out.”

Kuzos considered what Amber said. "You make valid points counselor. As to this uniform, the Commodore suggested I wear it to show unity with the crew. Also though I didn't attend your Starfleet Academy. My education and training is equal if not above it. In addition as you pointed out my experience is that of a captain a rank I hold with the Dominion." He looked at her, "I wish I could share your positive outlook. I feel there are some in the crew that will never accept me which I can accept but they risk destroying the fledgling alliance between our people."

“There are always those who take a long time, or maybe never understand, or don’t want to” Amber added. “As part of Starfleet they have to abide by Starfleet rules and regulations, that doesn’t mean they have to like it. You’re the only Vorta serving with the Federation I believe? There’s not much else you can do than what you’re doing. People may come round, we just have to wait and see.”

Kuzos nodded at Amber's wise words. "You make good points Counselor. I suppose this is the cross I must bear as a trailblazer. I wonder if the first Klingon in Starfleet faced similar obstacles." He flashed his mega watt smile. "I shall continue to serve this crew. This is alliance is very important to our races. Founder Odo has great hope for it's success."

Amber nodded. “I’ve heard a lot about Odo but I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him. I’d imagine all the trailblazers had their share of problems to begin with, don’t let it put you off. Forge ahead and who knows where you’ll be in years to come, speaking of which I’d still like to learn more about the Vorta.”

"A truly magnificent and legendary individual. He holds a special place among the Founders as well as the Vortas." He smiled at her. "I shall not let it put me off, thank you for your keen insight. As to knowing more about the Vortas. anytime you wish to learn. I will be happy to impart what information I can."

“Wonderful” Amber smiled warmly. “Would you meet me for lunch one afternoon and we can discuss it then?”

"It would be my esteem honor to have lunch with you and share information about the Vorta. Just name the time and date and I will be there." He finished, flashing his trademark smile.

“Wonderful” Amber smiled. “How’s about lunchtime tomorrow, provided nothing crops up to change those plans of course.”

"That sounds marvelous! Simply marvelous!" Kuzos leaned back in his chair his smile spreading across his face. "I shall be there Counselor, I am already looking forward to this."

“As am I” Amber smiled warmly. “I’ll see you there.”

"I believe or i should say i hope you find our upcoming meeting informative Counselor." Kuzos replied flashing his megawatt smile.

Amber grinned. “I have no doubt I will Kuzos.”

He nodded and his smile seemed even brighter. "I could not agree more Counselor."

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