Avoidance

Posted on Sun Jun 14th, 2026 @ 5:37pm by Lieutenant Tyler Malbrooke & Lieutenant Daltom Vesper

1,169 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Friends and Traitors
Location: Quarters of Tyler Malbrooke

Getting to know the Chiefs was a priority for Daltom. If he could determine how they were doing or determine who the other Maquis sympathizer was, then he could win himself some favor with the Captain. The Captain seemed to be a determined man, so getting anywhere with him would be a benefit to his career. He looked down the duty roster and noticed the Chief of Operations was one of the longer serving crew members. Given that, it would stand to reason that this officer might have a better perspective on the crew than even this new Captain.

Thus, he touched his commbadge and asked, =^= Lieutenant Malbrooke, this is Lieutenant Vesper. Where might I meet you? =^=

Tyler was so far into the Jefferies Tubes that he forgot exactly where he was. There was a lot of work that needed to get done. His comm badge going off did not help anything. He could not help but have a little bite in his voice when he answered the call. Tyler tapped his comm badge. =^=At the moment Counselor I am up to my elbows in gel packs. I am afraid I can not meet you.=^= He had not even seen Stormy in days with the amount of system upgrades he had to perform.

=^= You know I'm the counselor?" Daltom asked. =^= Aren't you well informed? =^= he asked wryly. =^= Why don't I give you a hand with those gel packs and we can chat while you're digging yourself out. =^=

Tyler's eyes rolled so far into the back of his skull he practically saw his brain. Fact was he had no interest in seeing the Counselor, no interest in talking to them or anything. He had heard some scuttlebutt as it were and that was enough to keep Tyler away. However, he also knew that no matter what he said there would be no way out. No matter what I say or do, he will just keep coming and coming. He's like a damned Tribble. He thought. The idea came to Tyler all at once. Go meet have the quickest of chats possible and then he would never have to meet the Counselor ever again, unless ordered to that is. =^=Counselor, there is little to no space in the tubes. That said I will meet you in an hour. Malbrooke out.=^=

=^= Acknowledged, =^= Daltom responded. Just another person that has no interest in seeing a counselor and obviously thinks they have no problems when he just demonstrated one. What if I had another client in an hour? Well, they would address that when they met.

Tyler finished his work for the day and headed to his quarters. Once there he kicked off his boots and threw himself on his couch to relax. Fact was he knew he was supposed to go meet with the Counselor. But, what the Counselor failed to do was specify a place. So, it must not be that important. He decided that some food and perhaps a synthetic beer was in order. Tyler got what he wanted from the replicator and took a seat to enjoy some much needed relaxation.

It did not take long for Daltom to figure out that this Malbrooke thought he was humored. After checking with the computer where he was located, Daltom arrived at Tyler's quarters and rang the chime, keeping his patient face on for when Tyler answered.

Tyler took a swig of his beer as the chime rang. He rolled his eyes back in his head. Man he is relentless. Well, I don't have to let him in, and I don't have to talk to him. Tyler thought as he rose to his feet. He keyed the button and the door opened. "Oh, hey Counselor. Sorry, forgot about our meeting repairs got away from me and then I was starved. But, what can I do for you?" He smiled but did not step out of the doorway.

With a great deal of practiced patience Daltom grinned and said, "Spend some time with me. I am meeting with all of the Chiefs one on one. Given the history of this ship, it seems rather important.

"In the time that I have been on the ship there has been nothing in Operations that would merit the need for Counseling. Just business as usual." Tyler's tone evoked the feeling that was he was going to say on that matter.

"Did I say anything about counseling?" Daltom countered with a secretive smile.

Tyler sighed and rolled his eyes. "Lieutenant you are a Counselor. Counselors only set out to visit people when they feel that they need counseling. If this was for idle chit chat you would have waited for me to turn up in the Mess Hall or what have you. So, again I will say that there has been nothing in Operations that would merit the need for Counseling."

"That is an interesting observation," Daltom told Tyler. "However, it is not correct. I am new to the ship and I am trying to meet all of the chiefs as quickly as possible. I have not been referred to you to do any counseling, nor have I considered you for counseling at this juncture." He gave Tyler a smile and said, "Frankly, I find your attitude rather refreshing."

"Well, nice to meet you and I am glad to have been a bright ray of sunshine. If there is nothing else, I have a bed with my name on it." Tyler had no plans on sleeping, at least not yet. However, he also did not want to stand in the doorway and discuss the finer points of attitude and personality. So, this was his polite way of saying this isn't goodbye, but get out of my face.

Daltom was amused. "And here I thought that we could grab a beer." He gave Tyler a small, resigned shrug. "Well, perhaps another time. I would not want to get in the way of your beauty sleep or crew efficiency. Clearly, that is much more important."

The frustration had to be evident on his face. Actually, it is more important sleep is better for efficiency. When the ship runs properly, and its crew runs properly people do not die. Tyler thought, he wanted to say that but held it in. Instead he said. "The beer will have to wait for another time. Thanks for stopping by." He made sure to plaster the most genial smile he could muster on his face.

"You're most welcome," Daltom replied with own grin. "I look forward to that beer," he told Tyler with a short wave as he turned and left. He's a pleasant one, isn't he? I wonder what bug crawled up his butt and died. I also wonder what made him that way. Perhaps I will insist on a session if we never get that beer.

---

Lieutenant Tyler Malbrooke
Chief Operations Officer
USS Thunderbird

Lieutenant Daltom Vesper
Chief Counselor
USS Thunderbird

 

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