Counselor

David

ID:David C0097

Age:24

One of the small percentage of men accepted into the academy David was chosen for his marks in psychology and diplomacy, serving in the inner planets on home fleet stations where heserved without distinction but he's just received a new assignment, to serve as the new counselor aboard the Ode To Infinity a deep space exploration vessel, as they have been without a male for a few years.

The repair station buzzed with activity, a cavernous bay filled with the clang of tools and the hiss of welding torches. The Ode to Infinity loomed overhead, its sleek hull marred by scorch marks from the recent drone skirmish. David followed Captain Valeria Kade through the chaos, his Academy jumpsuit clinging to his fit frame as he struggled to match her brisk pace. His dark, tousled hair fell into his hazel eyes, that boyish gleam flickering with a mix of awe and nerves.

Valeria, a tall woman with silver-streaked hair pulled into a severe bun, exuded authority in her crisp uniform. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the station like a predator, her voice cutting through the noise. “This is the heart of the ship’s refit,” she said, gesturing to a team of engineers welding a new hull panel. “We took heavy damage out there. Your job, Counselor, is to keep my crew focused, not distracted. Understood?”David nodded, brushing his hair back as he took in the scene. The air smelled of molten metal and oil, and the engineers—mostly women—cast curious glances his way. His presence as a rare male aboard the ship was palpable, a state-owned stud amid the matriarchal order.

“I’m here to help, Captain,” he replied, his voice steady despite the weight of her gaze.She led him past a row of diagnostic consoles, where holographic schematics flickered.

“Engine room’s next,” she said, her tone clipped. “Mara Quinn runs it like a tyrant. She’ll test you—don’t let her intimidate you.” Her lips twitched, a rare hint of amusement, before her expression hardened. “And stay clear of personal entanglements. The state owns you, not my crew.”

They reached the engine room entrance, where the hum of reactors vibrated through the deck. Mara Quinn emerged, her muscular brown-skinned frame streaked with grease, her dark hair cropped short and her green eyes narrowing at David. Wrinkles creased her forehead, a testament to her workaholic dedication. She gave a curt nod to Valeria before sizing David up, her stern beauty hidden beneath a scowl.

“New stud, eh?” Mara muttered, wiping her hands on her jumpsuit. “Hope you’re tougher than you look, pretty boy.”

Valeria ignored the jab, leading David toward a viewport overlooking the station’s repair docks. The captain’s posture was rigid, her pale hands clasped behind her back. “Your quarters are near the observation deck,” she said. “Taryn Sol’s been jittery about the nebula mission—counsel her first. And Lena Voss…” She paused, her voice lowering. “She’ll try to use you. Keep your head.”David’s eyes met hers, catching a flicker of something—warning or challenge?—before she turned away. The tour ended at a narrow corridor, the ship’s interior stark and metallic. Valeria faced him, her presence towering. “Prove your worth, Counselor. The crew’s watching."

As Valeria steps away, David feels the weight of the crew’s stares—engineers lingering, Mara’s skeptical gaze, and a distant figure he suspects is Lena observing from a balcony.