Post # 12 Sympathetic Ear

Posted on Fri May 1st, 2026 @ 4:55pm by Lieutenant Tabatha O'Neil

Mission: Echoes Of The Past-4
Location: Counselor's Office
Timeline: Character Development

::ON::

Lieutenant Tabitha O'Neil was in her Office sitting on the couch going over some of the Crew's profiles when her comm badge sounded "Lieutenant O'Neil, how can I help you" came the inquiry.

"Lieutenant O'Neil this is Ensign Jacob Hobbs, I need to speak with you at your convenience.....it's a personal matter." the Ensign explained.

Checking her PaDD "I'm free for the next hour if that's convenient for you" Tabitha replied as she pulled up his profile.

"Thank you Counselor that would be great....I'll see you in five then" Jacob responded.

Minutes later her door chime sounded "Come in" she stated in a loud voice and with a smile.

Entering Ensign Hobbs returned her smile "So now what....I mean I've never done this sort of thing before.....taking to a Counselor that is."

Tabitha grinned "Please have a seat on the couch and we'll just talk.....forget I'm a Counselor and think of me as a friend" she suggested.

"Ok, I guess I can do that" as Jacob sat in the offered seat across from Tabitha.

"I received a communication from my girlfriend and she wants to call it quits.....she doesn't want a long distance relationship" as he paused "So now what do I do....I mean I really like her."

Thinking a moment "This sort of thing is not uncommon when you're serving in Star Fleet. The people back home feel abandon because you are no longer around. Let me ask you this.....how long have you been in Star Fleet" Tabitha inquired knowing this officer seemed quite young.

"I graduated from the Academy six months ago....this is my first assignment" as Jacob paused "So now what do I do."

"It sounds like her mind is already made up so my advice is take some time to get over her and when you're ready there are plenty of young women aboard that you can date and maybe even have some sort of relationship with. There are around seven hundred and fifty Crew aboard and fifty percent of them are women; give or take. Try to find someone about your age so you can have similar interests" Tabitha stated with a smile.

Sitting in silence for a few moments Jacob then smiled "Gee, I never thought of it that way. Thank you Counselor for your advice....I feel much better now."

"I'm glad to hear that....that's what I'm here for.....to help" she responded happy to see a light return to his eyes "And if you want to talk some more just make an appointment and if you don't that's fine as well" Tabitha commented.

Standing "I'll remember that. I've taken up enough of your time and again thank you for having such a sympathetic ear; I really appreciate it."

Standing as well "Anytime Ensign and I'm glad you're feeling better about things now" Tabitha responded with a smile.

With a respectful nod the Ensign turned and left the Counselor's Office ready for the next chapter in his life.

::OFF::

Lieutenant Tabitha O'Neil
Chief Counselor/Second Officer
USS Amandora