The plan moves forward

Posted on Wed Aug 12th, 2026 @ 3:01pm by Lieutenant Kah’lyn Chiara

585 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Side Plots
Location: Counsellor’s office
Timeline: Morning after ‘A problem shared’

Kah’lyn entered her office feeling more secure now she had a security escort. Xalanth had arranged to keep someone with her at all times to make sure whoever was plaguing her didn’t get a chance to do anything to hurt her.

Little did Kah’lyn know that her escort was the very man who’d been following her around for some time. He’d managed to integrate himself nicely into a Starfleet life thanks to his twin, who was now very much deceased. He’d taken his own brother’s life just to get a second shot at a life, his own file was a mile long with criminal convictions and he’d spent his time in mental institutions. That’s where he’d seen her years ago, she fitted his profile of victims and he’d taken his time getting to know all about her.

“You really don’t need to stand there” Kah’lyn offered with a smile. “You’re fine to take a seat while I’ve got no patients, but once the time comes I’m afraid you’ll have to wait outside.”

“Of course ma’am” he nodded respectfully and politely. “It’s my job to look after you, I have to be ready to take action at a moment’s notice hence why I’m standing. Once your patients arrive I’ll move right outside the door, all you’ll need to do is call if you need me.”

“Understood” Kah’lyn nodded. “If you don’t mind me asking why is it I can’t read you? It’s unusual for me not to be able to sense a human.”

“Apologies ma’am, past training. It’s a hard habit to break once you’re trained. I wanted to be the best when I was younger so I learned from a Vulcan.”

Kah’lyn nodded not entirely sure of the explanation but she let it rest. “ If you’d like anything the replicator is available for use.”

“Thank you.” He nodded simply watching her going about her business. He had ‘souvenirs’ from every victim he still had to decide what hers would be when the time came to help her to sleep forever. Maybe it would be her heart, or perhaps those beautiful eyes. He looked away when he realised how hard a look he was giving her, luckily she hadn’t seen it.

On a shelf near Kah’lyn he’d left a little gift, loosened it off just enough for the slightest weight to tip it. Now all he had to do was wait, and it didn’t take long. As Kah’lyn placed a book on the shelf, he quickly rushed forward his arm around her waist as he yanked her away from the falling shelf. A chance to be close, to hold her if just for a moment.

“Thank you!” Kah’lyn gave him a smile as he released her waist. “I guess that’ll need sorting out later now.”

“Not a problem” he smiled. “Can’t have you getting injured on my watch, the boss would have my hide!”

“Accidents happen all the time” she smiled warmly as he helped her pick up her things. “It wouldn’t have been your fault.

Little did she know it was.

As the door opened to reveal her first patient he moved outside, a sky smile on his face as he took his position outside the door.

[Tbc]

Lieutenant Kah’lyn Chiara
Chief Counsellor

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