Getting inside Intel

Posted on Wed May 20th, 2009 @ 2:26am by Commander Acle Walex & Lieutenant Bradley Openhouse

Mission: Dark Discoveries
Location: Chief Counselor's Office
Timeline: --

Acle walked purposely down the corridor on deck 7, his face impassive. Inside, however, he was annoyed. The Chief of Intelligence having to undergo a psychological evaluation? He would have simply refused the evaluation, pulling not only rank, but, also his security clearance... Except for the minor fact that the good Lieutenant LaToon would most likely ignore both of those excuses and then relieve him of duty. Acle was not dumb, he knew when and where to fight his battles, and this was not going to be one of those that he could win... Not yet anyway. He still had to go get a dratted physical done as well...

Acle might have to go to this evaluation, and even to a certain degree cooperate, but, he would only do so to the most that he was directly required to. He did not particularly like psychologists, or counselors, or whatever they decided to call themselves, never had. He had dodged or escaped several such evaluations, he was long past due for one, and he knew that he had to have an evaluation done, before he was charged with disobeying an order. However, that did not mean that Acle intended to make it easy for the doctor in question. Quite the opposite in fact, Acle intended to "cheat" and bring some of the techniques that his training had taught him to bear. Should be an interesting time at least.

Acle paused before the door leading to the counselor's office, going through a mental check-list quickly before then depressing the button to the side of the door, letting the occupant inside know that he was outside.

Bradley sat behind his desk looking over some files when his door chimed.

"Come in." said Bradley.

Acle stepped through the opening door, his steps sure and his face as expressionless as always. He looked about the office as his unhurried steps took him to stand in front of the desk that the counselor sat behind.

Acle stopped himself several feet away from the desk and gazed almost absently at the man behind it. This then was to be his foe... Acle had nothing against the man personally, indeed, the few run-ins that he had had with the counselor, while brief, had been pleasant enough. That, however, had been a different time and place. All was fair in love, war, and psychological evaluations.

"Lieutenant Commander Walex reporting for psychological evaluation... Per orders and Starfleet Regulation 121, Section A." Acle said.

Bradley was familiar with All of Starfleet regulations including Regulation 121, Section A.

"Please make your self comfortable Commander, while I pull up some information from your records." said Bradley.

Acle nodded slightly then cast about, finding a chair to sit in. He sat in the chair, his back straight, sitting with perfect posture. He looked about the office again, then turned his gaze to rest on the counselor, content to wait.

"I understand you were Captain Kraces former Executive Officer?" said Bradley.

"You would be correct." Acle replied.

"How do you feel about be back under his command?"

"I enjoy being back under Captain Krace's command." Acle said simply, then waited for further questions.

Bradley could tell that Acle was uncomfortable being here so he decided to make it quick and painless.

"Has there been any traumatic situation or bad dreams that you wish to talk about?" he asked.

"No counselor."

"Well as a requirement for your evaluation I am going to give you a word and I want you to tell me what's the first thing that comes to your mind." said Bradley.

A wry smile twisted at Acle's lips and he simply nodded, waiting for the word.

"Diamond." said Bradley.

The wry smile disappeared totally and Acle's features turned expressionless. His eyes took on a slight steely look as he answered slowly "Gem."

"Panther."

"Noble."

Bradley made some notes on his PADD.

"Ok now I want you to relax and close your eyes. Breath in through the nose as deep as you can and let it out slowly." said Bradley.

Acle looked at the counselor briefly. The counselor was trying to get him to relax, but, for what purpose, Acle did not know. This made him immediately wary, although no outward signs showed. He lowered his shoulders, slightly, and slowly closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.

"I want you to remember a point in your life were you felt you were in danger." said Bradley.

A brief smile tinged the corners of Acle's lips, but, he complied with the good doctor.

"Describe what you are seeing. said Bradley.

Acle was silent for a moment. He hesitated saying anything. The event that had popped into his mind was the most recent time that he had been on assignment. That assignment was highly classified. He mentally sighed though. He supposed it would not hurt to mention the surroundings so long as he did not mention the assignment itself.

"I am behind an engineering console. The bay is dark and voices are echoing through the room. It is hot and humid as air recyclers struggle. It smells like bottled oxygen and fear. I hear a sniffling sound, like someone is trying to restrain themselves from crying. Then I hear shuffling, of foot steps approaching. A person rounds the corner of the engineering console. I react." Acle said. His features did not change during the telling of his slight tale.

"Who do you see?" said Bradley.

"A human male." Acle replied. He did not see any need to explain that he human male in question was a wanted terrorist who's picture he had studied for a month.

Bradley entered someinformation into a PADD.

"What is the man doing? Is he talking to you?" asked Bradley.

Acle thought for just a moment before replying further. "He is rounding the corner of the machine. He did not attempt to communicate with me nor did he have the chance too. Counselor, I fail to see what this is demonstrating." Acle said, his tone still even.

"It lets me know how a person handles a disturbing situation. Now can we please continue?" said Bradley.

Acle grunted then sat still. "My apologies counselor."

Bradley finished updating his PADD.

"Well Commander I believe I have all the information I need. Until next time." said Bradley.

Acle's eyebrow lifted slightly, then he stood. "I see. Thank you for your time Counselor." Acle said before turning for the door.

Once outside, Acle paused briefly in the empty corridor. He took a moment to think back over the meeting. It could have gone worse...

Acle mentally shrugged and then started to make his way back to his office.