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"Favors of Adversity"
(Previous Post: "Gravity")

"In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends."
-John Churton Collins

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Setting: USS HATHOR, Deck 4, Holodeck 1
Stardate: 63076.0645

The diminutive Security and Tactical Officer practically prowled her way towards the destination provided by the Ship's Counsellor. Not that the holodeck was unwelcome territory; it was just an unusual suggestion for Eve. If the Cardassian born woman ever spent any time on a holodeck, the whereabouts of her adventures were secrets well kept.

Hex took a breath to steady herself at the door. The pain had not completely subsided, but there was no way she could keep Eve waiting. Counselling sessions were nearly as mandatory as medical exams as far as Starfleet was concerned.

With a gentle move forward, the door opened to reveal Holodeck 1... which looked surprisingly like Eve's office on the ANUBIS. Ensign Dalziel was seated behind a facsimile of her desk, preparing for her visitor. "Hex," the Counsellor said warmly.

Ensign Fanggot's felinoid eyes widened slightly. This was definitely not what she was expecting.

"Are you surprised?" Eve asked, seemingly pleased with her impromptu arrangement.

"Yes, a little," Hex said with hesitation. She would have preferred the harsh desert climate of KZINTI PRIME, or even a snowy mountaintop to the setting before her. It meant that Eve truly wanted to talk.

The pale, dark haired woman gestured to an empty seat, and Hex took it. "I wanted to check in with you. With the mission developing as suddenly as it did, I didn't have a chance to talk with you."

Hex groaned inwardly. The Counsellor was nothing if not honest. "Where do you want to start?" The Kzinti woman didn't want to tip her hand in any particular direction, although there was the risk that Eve would pick something especially emotional.

The older of the two women gazed at her subject thoughtfully. "I haven't seen you around the station much since our return."

Hex's mind flashed to the feelings of persecution, the knowledge that she had been watched, and the crippling bouts of pain. "I've been busy... there was a point where the meetings and examinations were a blur."

Eve nodded in agreement. "Of course. After that was over, what were you doing?"

"Aki and I spent some time on the holodeck... unwinding." It was true, although Hex made it sound like it was a lot more frequent than it actually was. Hopefully Eve wouldn't press Mitshiba for details later.

"Good, good," Eve said. She could tell the Kzinti officer was carrying something with her, although obviously at the moment the feline woman saw her more as an adversary rather than a confidant. Her eyes had a slightly wild and feral look about them, as if she would do just about anything to end their session immediately.

Even though they were worlds apart, the two women had some similarities between them. They were both capable of exacting deadly violence when necessary for the sake of either themselves or their call to duty. They both also seemed capable for great compassion when the need arose. But perhaps for the time being, the Counsellor would demonstrate that compassion more fully.

"Some of the things we've had to do were... difficult." Eve struggled to find a more appropriate word, but that was all she could manage. "But regardless, my trust in the crew remains. I hope that you can say the same for me."

Hex dropped her gaze, unable to meet Eve's gray eyes which had not wavered since they began their conversation. It was not the Counsellor that Hex did not trust. It was nearly everything else around her that she questioned. And then there were the headaches, threatening to take away her ability to function as an officer. This was her life now and she wasn't about to give it up easily. But, even so, it was not the time for full disclosure, regardless of the pure intent Hex could feel from Ensign Dalziel.

Fanggot sat more upright in her seat, trying to give an honest response without further worrying the intuitive Counsellor. "I'm sorry if I gave you an impression of that. I am grateful to be back to a regular routine again, while the ship is being repaired."

"I understand. I appreciate the diversion as well."

Hex seized the chance to turn the tables on her 'interrogator'. "So what do you do in your spare time? I don't think I have ever seen you in the holodeck."

Eve shrugged, smiling. Hex had a point. "Okay, I get your drift. Does that mean I am invited the next time you and Aki go off on another grand adventure?"

"That depends-" Hex shot back, "How do you feel about mountain climbing?"

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Susan M Ledbetter
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Ensign Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501