Casual Chat - Alicia

Posted on Thu Aug 13th, 2026 @ 10:10am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik

Mission: Interlude
Location: Commodore's Ready Room, Deck 1, USS Elysium
981 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

The Commodore gave a small, knowing smile as Kelea-Salik entered, already moving toward the sitting area. “Commander—I think you probably saw this coming.” Phoenix went to sit. “Tea?”

“Please” Alicia nodded politely as she took a seat. Phoenix was right in that she had been expecting a chat at some point, she just wasn’t sure when it would be.

She poured, then settled into the chair opposite, posture more relaxed than usual. “This is just a check-in.” Her gaze softened slightly. “How’s the crew doing… and how am I doing, if I’m being honest?”

Alicia smiled. “The crew are somewhat divided I’d say, there are those who understand what it’s like to be in a position like yours, trying to keep everything together, and keep the ship moving through it all. Then there are those who don’t see, or don’t understand just what it’s like to takes to push on through. I’ve felt a divide, nothing horrific, more concern and worry than anything else. If I thought it was something more worrying I’d have come to see you.” She paused. “As for how you’re doing, I’d say given everything we’ve been through that you’re doing very well. To hold a ship and crew together after everything we’ve been through so far takes a toll that no one sees.

"Well that's nice to hear. Is your team seeing an increase in appointments?" Phoenix asked. It would be a good gauge.

Alicia picked up a PaDD containing her record of the department’s appointments. “There has been a rise in numbers, but that doesn’t surprise me. We’re a long way from home, and this represents that fact.”

"Yes, that does make sense. I am just trying to make sure we learn of issues before they become major problems. I have seen crews tear themselves apart and I do not want that happening here." Phoenix said as she made mental notes.

“Might I suggest intermingling the crew more, bring those more used to being below decks up above and let them be more a part of what goes on. I know everyone has their duties, and specific areas for those duties, but that can lead to divides.” Alicia added.

"I have restarted my walks. I used to do it a lot when I was Chief of Operations. And it helps I know." Phoenix said softly. "But back then I was a single parent to a 13 year old. Now I am a mother, wife, Commanding officer, and its scary and hard. Without Mattias I think I would be in a ball."

Alicia nodded. “He has certainly made a difference, both to you and the crew. I consider us all to be one big family, but like any family we can have our arguments and differences. With recent happenings I find myself contemplating a future outside of Starfleet if necessary, but I’m hoping it won’t come to that. I treasure my career as well as my family, but family will always come first.”

"You know I cannot speak on that right?" Phoenix said gently. "We would hate to loose you."

“I know on both counts Phoenix. For now I’m perfectly happy here, this ship is my home and the crew are family. As well as my parents and siblings being here.”

Phoenix nodded. "Tell me about your team's moral? are they doing ok?"

“About as okay as we can all get right now” Alicia offered. “We’re one Counsellor down which will add to the workload as well.”

"Have you reached out to the academy? Get the trainees in? Do intake stuff?"

“I was considering the idea, in the long run they could use the experience.” She picked up a PaDD from nearby. “We do have some very promising young Counsellor’s onboard.”

"And it would give your people a chance to do their jobs without the little stuff." Phoenix said with a smile.

“Very true” Alicia nodded. “I’ll admit I’m distracted with Savar’s trial ongoing, I know we can’t discuss it but I wish we could.”

"I know, I wish I could as well. I can't even say it will be fine." Phoenix felt her hands were tied. "Have you taken the children to the holodeck recently?"

“Not recently” Alicia shook her head. “I’ve been pretty busy with my duties. I do try and spend time with them but sometimes it’s difficult to get the time.”

"I would suggest you do so Alicia. Take time with them." Phoenix said softly. "If you like I can make it an order?"

Alicia smiled. “No need, I’ll be only too happy to take time with my family.”

"good." Phoenix said. "If we get home I am putting everyone on a 6 month vacation."

“Now that would be nice, Savar and I need the time after everything that’s happened.”

"True. Everyone will require that break." Phoenix said.

“Agreed, we’ve all been through hell and back again.” Alicia added. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a few left ship simply to take up a life back home.”

"Its tempting." Phoenix said softly. "Believe me, it is very tempting for me."

“I can imagine” Alicia nodded. “You’ve been through just as much as the rest of us, but you’d be sorely missed.”

"I am not going anywhere. If we get home, its a vacation and then back to work," Phoenix smiled.

“I can’t say I’m not glad to hear that” Alicia smiled warmly. “The same here, some time off then back to work.”

Neither of them mentioned out loud the fact that they might not get home and Phoenix was not about to bring it up. They chatted for a bit longer then went back to work.

OFF