Speaking with the Counselor

Posted on Fri Jul 17th, 2026 @ 2:46pm by Lieutenant Commander Kuzos & Lieutenant Amber Laurell
Edited on on Mon Jul 20th, 2026 @ 2:48am

1,068 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: 9a. Oubliette - Short Treks
Location: Counseling Offices

Kuzos walked to the counseling offices aboard the Enterprise. His walk brisk but unhurried. His destination already determined. The office of chief counselor Amber Laurell. Moving to the door he pressed the chime hoping he was interrupting and that the counselor would have time to speak with him. As he waited he straightened his tunic and brushed away invisible dust specks off his uniform.

Amber was updating files from her appointment notes when the chime rang. Getting up she smiled politely as she opened the door seeing Kuzos standing outside. “Hello Kuzos.”

"I apologize counselor for showing up unannounced and I realize I should have contacted you by our combadges. However I have a matter i wish to discuss with you if now is a convenient time."

“By all means” Amber motioned Kuzos inside. “Please come in and take a seat.”

"Thank you." Kuzos replied graciously as he took a seat opposite Amber. As he sat he looked at her and tilted his head. After several seconds he spoke without preamble. "You seem different. In a good way to be sure. You look radiant, glowing. Whatever it is it certainly agrees with you." He complimented her.

“Thank you” Amber smiled. “I have no idea what’s different but I’ll take the compliment. Now what can I do for you?”

Kuzos continued to look at her, his eyes dropping to her hand and the engagement ring on her finger. "I believe I see the reason Counselor." He said smiling. "Let me add my congratulations." He paused for a moment then spoke again, "I need your advice."

“Thank you” Amber grinned as she looked at her ring then back at Kuzos. “What can I do for you?”

"You are welcome. " He smiled, "He must be a very special man." he paused for a moment, dropped his eyes. before raising them to look at Amber. "I see how popular and well received you by the crew and I am sorry to say am not. Many of the crew are suspicious and still harbor distrust towards me. Despite my helping in several missions." He lowered his eyes, "How can I get them to like me?""

Amber gave Kuzos a caring gaze. “It’s not always a quick process I’m afraid, it can take time to earn people’s trust and not everyone may see you as someone they can trust no matter how hard you try. All I can suggest is that you keep doing what you’re doing, have you tried interacting in a social setting?”

Kuzos shook his head slowly from side to side. I see." he replied at Amber's answer before going on. "No, I have not." He admitted. "I am afraid I am awkward in those settings and tend to stay to the background." He was silent for a moment before continuing. "This would never be an issue on a Dominion ship. The role are clearly defined and adhered to." He shook his head again. "I am here because Odo said i was the best for this role but I wonder if I truly am if I can't master social settings."

Amber smiled. “I’ve never met Odo, but from what I know of him he was pretty much an outsider himself for many years. He eventually mastered that to be who he is today, I think if he chose you he knew what he was doing. Maybe you’re here to learn just how to fit in and be a part of our crew.”

"He is very wise and very knowledgeable in these types of situations." Kuzos grew silent and after a few seconds he spoke again, "Perhaps you are right Counselor, I confess I hadn't thought of that. It is something I will need to think on." He looked at Amber, "Do you have any hints or suggestions to help me with social situations?"

“I would say be yourself” Amber smiled. “Don’t let those who are negative towards you put you off trying to socialise. I tell you what, why don’t you join Josh and I for lunch in the lounge later? It would give you a chance to be in a social setting.”

"Are you sure Counselor? I do not wish to intrude on you and your Josh's. time together. Also, are you sure he will be fine with having an unexpected guest come to lunch when he is expecting just you?"

“I will ask him, but I don’t think he’ll mind” Amber smiled. “If not we can arrange another time.”

"I hope he is as open minded as you are Counselor." Kuzos replied smiling.

“I’ve known Josh a long time, not just here aboard ship. He’s a good person.” Amber smiled. “I’ll let you know what time to meet us.”

I can hear in your voice and see on your face that you think very much of him, so he must be a good man for you to hold him in such regard as you are an extraordinary woman." Kuzos replied smoothly. "I look forward to your call and meeting this Josh in person."

“I won’t keep you waiting too long Kuzos, that’ a promise.” Amber smiled warmly

Kuzos bowed his head, "That is the least of my worries Counselor. I look forward to your call as well as meeting this Josh of yours."

Amber smiled. “No matter what Kuzos you’ll always be welcome here.”

Kuzos gave a small nod of his head. "That is extremely nice of you to say Counselor and it makes me feel good to know there is one place I am welcome."

Amber nodded. “I’ll admit I was a little unsure about you when I first came onboard, but I’m not anymore. I am quite happy to be your friend.”

"Thank you for your kind words and your friendship Counselor. You have indeed made me feel welcome and I am obviously happy to be your friend as well." Kuzos stated with his customary smile.

“My pleasure Kuzos” Amber smiled warmly. “I’ll be in touch about lunch.”

"I shall anxiously await your call Counselor and thank you." Kuzos replied with a smile of his own. Perhaps he would indeed make a new friend when he met up with Amber and her beau. The addition would be added to his small but hopefully growing group of friends.

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