Byron walked down the corridor towards the medical division of the USS Oakland. He did not know why but it always made him uncomfortable when he had an appointment with the counselor or the physician. He guessed it was because a part of him was worried they would find something wrong, which was ridiculous because he was fine, rarely ever sick and he did not let things get to him. He stopped outside Lieutenant Sh’Thanlink’s office and rang the buzzer, entering once he heard her call out for entry.

“Good Afternoon, Captain.” Thracia said with a smile. “Please have a seat.” She had two comfortable chairs off to the side and she watched as he sat down on one of them. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Yes.” Byron said with an appreciative smile. “No cream or sugar, please.” He looked around her office and found it warm and inviting. It had a comfortable appearance, the painting on the wall and some personal items, along with a picture of her with three other Andorians. They looked both proud and happy at the same time.

“They are my two older brothers and younger sister.” Thracia said as she sat down. “Two of them serve in the Imperial Guard and my younger brother is finding himself.”

“I see.” Byron smiled at her as she handed him his cup. “I cannot imagine not knowing what you want to do with your life.” He watched as she sat down. “But then, I always knew from when I was little I wanted to serve in Starfleet. I just never imagined I would be where I am today.”

“Why is that?” Thracia said as she sat down, taking a drink of her Faridd. It was a carbonated soda made from Srjula. She had brought a case with her, it was a weakness of hers.

“Am I on the clock?” Byron grinned at her and then continued. They both knew he was the minute he came in. “I don’t know, when you’re a kid, you dream of being on a ship, armed with a phaser to shoot the bad guys.” He paused for a moment. “But then, you grow older and you start thinking about what you want to do when you go to the academy.”

“You went into security?” Thracia asked him with interest. It reminded of when she was younger and her brother, Shrel, would do similar things, always wanting to get rid of the enemy.

“No.’ Byron shook his head. “I became an engineer. I found I was really good at taking things apart and fixing them, much to my parents dismay.” His eyes met hers. ‘I didn’t always get them put back just right in my younger days. Thankfully once I joined the Academy, I became much better at it.”

“Do you miss it?” Thracia asked him. “Sitting in the big seat as opposed to running the engineering department and being hands on.”

Byron thought for a long moment. “That is not really an easy question to answer and it doesn’t really have just one.” He took a drink. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss it but it is not in a way where I would go back to it. I loved being an engineer but I also love being a captain. I am good at commanding the ship and I am reachable to my crew. They just don’t work under me, they are my family.”

“And your wife and daughters?” Thracia asked him. She was curious how he would compare them to his crew whom he just called family.

“Elsie and the girls are my everything.” Byron said honestly. “It sounds kind of corny but it is the truth. They may not be with me physically but they are in the ways that count. I know they believe in me and we are very close.”

“It is said that distance is not good for family life.” Thracia murmured. “Yet, you do not seem to be bothered by not being together on a daily basis.”

“Don’t get me wrong.” Byron said quietly. “I miss them but this works for us. I serve out of OverWatch so when we are in dock, we spend quality time together. I pack a whole lot of family time in there with them.”

“I see.” Thracia nodded. She found that Byron seemed very level headed and confident in himself. “Is there anything that has been bothering you since taking this command? Something you wished you could talk to someone about?”

“I have my moments.” Byron confessed. “There are times, like when I had to settle the dispute between Lieutenant Swanson and Ensign Davies where I look at how I handled it and I wonder if I was hard enough or maybe too soft.”

“And what did you decide?” Thracia was curious at his conclusion. “They seem to be getting along better.”

“I have a certain command style.” Byron explained. “I don’t feel that you get far by laying blame and accusing the crew of wrong doing. I let them know they were each wrong in their own way and how I expected them to act in the future. Then, I found positive things to say and sent them on their way. As long as I stay true to myself and beliefs I feel that things will work out as it has for them.”

“What about serving under your wife as your command officer.” Thracia continued. “Commodore of OverWatch, which we serve out of. Does that create any issues for you?”

“Not at all.” Byron returned. “It has not so far and I do not expect it to. We treat each other with respect and we don’t pretend our marriage doesn’t matter when we are on the clock. I would never expect her to treat me any differently than she does any other captain who serves under her, nor would I want her to. Elsie is excellent at her position and I am proud of all that she has accomplished. She worked hard to get there.” He hoped he did not sound defensive because he was not at all. He just really felt strongly about this topic. “Obviously, Starfleet doesn’t have a problem either, they assigned me to this ship.”

Thracia smiled at his words. “I have to say, Captain. It is refreshing to listen to someone talk about how happy they are. You make my job almost too easy. I can tell you are exactly where you were meant to be.”

“It is easy right now to be that way.” Byron murmured. “But do not let this fool you. When we have a mission and things do not end the way I wanted or something happens that is upsetting, I will be knocking on your door. I value what you do. A good captain knows the importance of talking things out and as much as I don’t like talking about my feelings, I know sometimes you have no choice.”

“I am very pleased with this meeting.” Thracia said with a smile. “You remind me of my father’s strength of character, Captain.”

“I will take that as a compliment.” Byron smiled. “You are close?”

“Yes.” Thracia said with a nod. “Though we are all off doing our own things we keep in touch.” She sat her cup down. “I have the picture to keep them close to me.”

“I have an older one of my family on my desk.” Byron said with a nod. “I think I will talk to Elsie about getting an updated one.” He turned back to her. “I am glad we had this meeting.”

“As am I.” Thracia replied. “Unless you have something to talk to me about, I will be sending my report in clearing you for duty, Captain.”

Byron smiled as he stood. “That is good news.” He headed for the door and paused, looking back. “I am having some of the crew for dinner tomorrow night in my dining room. I would like you to join us.”

“I will be there.” Thracia replied with a smile. She watched as the captain left her office and the scene faded away.