Finding a Way Forward

Posted on Wed Jul 2nd, 2025 @ 8:17am by Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D.

Mission: Season 6: Echoes of the Zynari
Location: TBD
2142 words - 4.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Tate finished her last note for the time being and sat back in her chair, contemplating what to do next. The truth was, there was one thing she wanted and needed to do, but she had been putting off. It wasn't because she dreaded it, but because she wanted to be respectful of current circumstances. Despite Sullivan's profession, she understood not everyone needed a therapist for every wound at every moment. Still, there was giving someone space and then there was neglect, and Tate cared too much to stay away too long.

Tapping her combadge impulsively, she offered, "Sullivan to Taylor. Just checking in. Need a break and a change of scenery by chance?"

A moment later Gary's voice came back through the combadge pleasant and full of warmth. "Taylor to Sullivan. Good to hear from you. Your call came at just the right time. I can certainly do with a change in scenery. What did you have in mind?" As he waited for Tate's reply, Gary reflected on how much Tate had helped him professionally and that he liked the counselor on a personal level as well. She was intelligent, a good conversationalist, a good sense of humor with a quick wit.

“How about the mess? I could use a bite to eat along with the chat, if you’re game?”

"I am game, and the mess is fine. I'll see you in ten minutes." Gary replied.

"See you there." Tate responded, closing the channel. In response, her stomach growled in approval. She was hungry.

***

There weren't too many people in the mess when Sullivan arrived, but nevertheless, she knew she wanted to opt for a more secluded spot. Although this was just going to be a friendly chat and not an official session or meeting, Tate wanted to afford them some privacy given all they were dealing with, not the least of which was Lia's death.

She decided to stand near the table for now, not wanting to get food before Gary and not even sure what she wanted.

Gary entered the mess hall, his eyes searching the area. Thankfully the mess hall wasn't crowded, and he spotted Tate standing next to a table. "Hi Tate." He greeted her as he drew close. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting long."

Tate smiled. “Not at all,. I figured we could get our food together. To be honest, I’m hungry, but I’m not sure what I want, so I was going to see what you picked.“

Gary nodded, " Sounds like a good idea and I'm all for that. As to what I want that is a good question. I don't think I want a full meal. I think I'll go for some sort of sandwich and sides whether it be fries or mac and cheese." He gave her a look and a grin. "Does that help you?"

Tate feigned a swoon. "You had me at fries. I think a grilled cheese with bacon sounds good. Just don't tell my doctor, ok?"

Gary laughed. It was full of good humor, and he needed to find humor again. "Mums the word. Your secret is safe. I think I'll have a ham and Swiss with fries."

"Great," Tate replied, gesturing for him to lead the way to the replicator. She sidled up beside him on the way over. "I really appreciate you making the time for me. I know you've got a lot on yout plate." She didn't want to make specific reference to Lia's death until they were in a more secluded space, but just because it went unsaid didn't mean it went unacknowledged by both of them.

Gary gave Tate a sideways glance as she slid up beside him as they approached the replicator. "You're a friend Tate, no that's wrong, you are more than a friend you a very good and close friend. You've helped me more than I could ever thank you for. I will always make and have time for you. As for my plate, I have my fair share on it to be sure." he answered simply know that she like he, knew exactly what each was referring to.

Sullivan nodded. “I promise I wasn’t fishing for compliments, I’m just saying I would understand if as much as you wanted to, you couldn’t make time for this.“ take new Gary well enough to know he was affable much of the time. She was truly convinced if his hair was on fire, he would simply acknowledge being just a little warm. She tapped the keys on the replicator and watched her meal appear. In short order, they were moving back to the table together, and she was relieved to finally offer, “How are you holding up?”

Gary waited until he and Tate were seated before he answered. "Oh, I know you weren't Tate. It's part of what makes you such a great counselor. You are always thinking about others." He paused for a moment as he considered her question. "I'm holding up Tate. It's hard." He admitted. "Having LL here with me helps as I have her to take care of and look after."

Sullivan nodded. “Children have a way of giving you perspective. Others have shared a similar sentiment with me. I don’t have children of my own, of course, but as the pediatric counselor, the children keep me going. Dare I say, I find it easier to talk to them much of the time compared to the adults.“

Gary listened to Tate, "Tate you are wrong, you have dozens of kids of your own. All the children you have seen and helped, you are part of their lives, and they are part of yours and always will be. I imagine talking, dealing with kids is interesting. I know talking with LL always gives me a different perspective."

“How is she doing with all the changes?“ Tate asked. Ever since she had helped Gary cope with his trauma after being tortured by Romulans, he seemed to always return the favor by cheering her up whenever she seemed even remotely down. Sullivan appreciated it, of course, but it always felt a bit strange being on the receiving end of his support.

"I think she is doing remarkably well. She misses Lia a great deal to be sure and she has her moments where she is down. However, I take her to the arboretum, where we feed the ducks, get an ice cream and ride the merry go round, we spend time together, I read to her, we play games, draw. She really likes her sitter Cerese and that helps a great deal."

"I'm glad. Children can be quite resilient with sufficient support," Tate replied. She took a bite of a fry and contemplated if she should say what she said next. "It's been much more difficult for the adults to cope with all of the unknowns. Starfleet service is all about dealing with the unknown and the unexpected, but everyone seems angrier and more hopeless than I ever remember."

Gary nodded, "LL is quite resilient. She has been through so much for being so young." he paused as he considered Tate's statement. "I think the reason is twofold. The first is as adults we deal much of the time in absolute's, where children embrace everything nothing is off limits to them. The second reason is we're on the other side of the galaxy and that fact alone will make people cranky."

Tate chuckled. “Cranky is an understatement, I think.“ Sullivan had the impression he believed the same, but she wondered if he chose such a simple word just to make her smile. Gary was the sort who would do just that. “Maybe that’s what I need to tell myself. People aren’t hopeless, they’re just cranky.“ She hadn’t intended for this to become an opportunity for him to cheer her up, but she was grateful all the same.

Gary smiled boyishly at Tate. He enjoyed their conversations and Tate's company. They were serious without being heavy or drawn out. He like her insight and her opinion's and he really liked when he could get her to smile and/or laugh. "People aren't hopeless Tate. They may need guidance every now and then as well as be reminded of what they have. Even those who have lost a great deal." He reasserted, "And feel free to use cranky and truth be told it probably is an understatement. However. we have to stay positive, if not upbeat." He finished as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Tate took a bite of her own food and after chewing thoughtfully, she swallowed and offered, “I think asking people to be upbeat might be a bit too much to ask, but I know you’re right about staying positive. Attitude is more than half the battle with any challenge.“ Sullivan smiled. “Thanks for the reminder and the support.“

Gary didn't reply right away due to the fact he had a mouthful of food in his mouth. Swallowing and then washing it down with his drink, he replied. "You may be right. You know more about how to talk to people. As for thanking me Tate no need and you always have my support."

Tate laughed. "I appreciate the modesty, my friend, but I know you don't get to be where you are without knowing more than a little something about people." She paused, then added, "I was actually thinking of reaching out to the Commodore just to see how she's dong. I've always deferred to Alicia in that regard, as she is meant to be the primary command advisor, and I'm a bit embarrassed to say I don't know the Commodore as well as I probably should given how long I've been here. I respect her, of course, I just don't know her well. I don't expect you to break any confidernces of course, but since you know her and me, I was wondering if you had any tips for interacting with her?"

Gary smiled, "I think that is an excellent idea Tate. You should reach out to Phoenix. I think, no I know she would like that and the chance to know you better as well." He paused for a moment, "Well, you are caring and compassionate. Phoenix is as well she just doesn't show it so readily. But she cares deeply about the crew and their well being. So, you both have that in common. As for interacting with her, be yourself. be open and honest. Let her see what I see, the caring and compassionate highly qualified counselor and you will do fine."

Listening to Gary, Tate knew he was right. She couldn’t ever be someone but herself, even if she wanted to try to be someone else. Phoenix‘s position shouldn’t drastically change how Sullivan offered support. She was simply apprehensive because it was new. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

Gary smiled and gave a little nod of his head, "My pleasure Tate. You spend so much time helping others, helping me I am more than happy to return the favor." Gary replied honestly. Tate was a good friend and there was nothing he wouldn't do to help her.

"The feeling is mutual." Taking the final bite of her food, she offered, "As much as I'd love to keep you to myself and play hookie today, I suppose I should let us both get back to the mill." She had a variety of sessions scheduled, including with many children, who seemed at times excited and fearful of their encounters with Zynai mischief. "I'll be sure to let you know if my interactions with the children yield any clues to understanding the Zynari."

Gary laughed in good humor at Tate's comment of keeping him to herself. "I always enjoy our time together Tate. We need to do this more often." He sighed dramatically, "If you must." He jokingly relented. "Please do Tate. The children and their interactions with the Zynari just may be the key to understanding them as well as communicating with them and not just guessing at what they want or are after."

Tate nodded solemnly, picking up her tray and pushing back her chair to stand and return it. Before she left, however, she came alongside Gary and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "Thanks."

Gary nodded and then spoke, "Tate you are most sincerely welcome." As his hand found hers and his fingers wrapped around it to give it a gentle squeeze.

OOC Lori: End and post? I love the genuine affection between them!

OOC Jeff: I thoroughly enjoy our posts Lori and like you I love the affection between Tate and Gary. We need to do more of these.