She replied, "Thank you, no, not just yet.  I'll need a few minutes.  And I'm waiting for someone as well; I'll order after he arrives."

Justin's incoming chimed, indicating he'd got mail. Accessing the missive Justin tidied up and headed to the OC. After a short time Justin entered the Club and glanced around the room.  Spotting Alison he moved over to her table. Apologising for keeping her waiting Justin asked if she had ordered yet as he slipped into the adjacent chair.

Message for Alison Verault: No, just a chat for now…no need for official paperwork, just need some advice

"No, not yet.  Figured I'd wait for you!   Thanks for inviting me.  I was in need of a break, for sure.  Hm...do you feel like splitting something?"   

Re Tarja:  After I finish this break, I'll be back over in my office thread.   Just show up there, once you're ready.   Or, PM me, if you want to coordinate more specifically then that.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 405):

Sure thing. Whatever takes your fancy. Justin prompted giving Alison's hand a warm squeeze.

She smiled, "Fantastic, I get to choose, I won't complain about that.  Well, then.  How about pizza and salad?  Like, a good, thin-crust, gourmet pizza, if they can manage that.  You can help me pick the toppings."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 407):

Seeing how Pizza bases arecone of the LC's favourites, the only problem I envisage would be they run out of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Tue 13 Dec 2022.

"Well, there's a pizza, and then there's a pizza.  I'm hoping for the latter. But if they're making them to keep the LC happy, I'd say there's definitely reason to hope!"

After the order had gotten placed, she inquired "How's your day been so far?"

Mostly routine Corporate Administration.
replied Justin How's yours been...Any interesting cases?

She nodded. "Yes, you could say.   Of course, I can't talk about it, since sessions are confidential."  She smiled, "You'll get used to me saying, 'I had the most interesting session,' and then giving no detail at all."   

"So do you miss the horses, back on Bura?  I bet you'd like to have one to ride through the tunnels," she winked.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 411):

Justin nodded it's those interesting things that keep things moving. They promote alternatives where ways and means can provide advancements.
This message was last updated by the player at 22:53, Wed 14 Dec 2022.

"So very true!  I've built a career, in part, by making advancements in precisely that way. Of course, on the shoulders of giants, and all that.  I've had some excellent teachers.   Some of them living, and others well before my time."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 413):

That sounds exciting. Have you considered publishing your techniques or findings?

She nodded, "I've done just a bit of that, with definite plans to do more."   She smiled.  "Time's kind of the thing, right now.  Work alone keeps me busy enough."   

At which point the server brought their meal.  "Ah, well, let's dig in," she said, appropriating a slice of the pizza for herself.  After she had a bite, chewed, then swallowed, she asked:

"So, tell me.  Do you see the ESN as a long term career?  I mean, once your term of active duty is done, do you plan to extend your contract, or re-enlist?"   
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:53, Fri 16 Dec 2022.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 415):

Justin considers Alison's question.That depends on the situaion and incentives. By that time I may not have any choice once this conflict is ovet my services may be surplus to requirements.

"Any thoughts as to what you might do, then?  Anything in particular you've always wanted to do?"   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 417):

Spend more hours with different aspects of Universal Enterprises its the Defence Affiliate Conglomerate I started. Before attending Staff College.



I haven't thought about things that far ahead. Justin confessed.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Sat 17 Dec 2022.

She smiled. "I see.  That's okay; sometimes not planning just means you have more availability when opportunity, or inspiration, come knocking, hey?"   

Justin nodded in agreement, to the pricipal of Alisons statement; however theory was oft changed by practice Since joining the 351 I've noticed stuff happens that make it difficult for some long term plans.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:18, Sun 18 Dec 2022.

"Yes.  I understand that, too."  She smiled faintly. "My father, who's a colonel in the ESN, and spent his whole career in the military, liked to say something along those lines, as well."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 421):

Sounds like we've had the same Instructors. Did your Father pass through SF Academy?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:20, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

She paused, briefly.  Then: "No.  My father was part of, and did his basic training with, an EDT faction before defecting to this side.  There was a separate, ESN-specific program for him and others who did the same."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 423):

Good to hear he made the right choice. For two reasond. Forst the adverse effect it would have on you, dear heart. And second it would irk me something serious If he was EDT if we met.

Alison nodded, her expression neutral, a near poker face.

Her father...what a potential can of worms speaking about him was.  Naturally she had to be careful what she said because, whatever his past, James Verault was now a decorated ESN colonel.

She could have told Justin that her father was so much of the reason why she became a psychologist.   If she didn't elaborate at all past that.   Because that detail didn't paint him in a flattering light at all.

"Yes...good thing he chose as he did."   Whether it was a choice born of self preservation or no.

"So, what about your family?  I mean, I know you grew up in the orphanage.   But, I bet there were people there who became like family?   Do you still keep in touch with them?"   

  Flores   entered  with Steele  following her, as she  kept holding a  palm out towards him and shaking her head  hard enough to swish like a Lion's mane.

 Mara with Fitz  as her guest   were laughing   as they were  behind the two.

 Never Gonna Happen Steele...

 Comon!... You know the LC is a  tough nut  to crack..he's really selective...

  Flores stops, her hands on her Hips...you saying   I'm not good  enough for Shadow!

 Steele sohok his head wildy...no no!!!  Your  good for everyone!

 WHAT!!!!..so? Now You think i'm a tramp!... Gods  be damned  , Steele..., and Flores went right back out the door.

 Mara  tried not to Laugh...I'm goign to make sure she is alright...

when She  Left, Fitz  shook his head  at Steele and said,you know? I thought i would..NEVER..see somehtign worse then your  flght combat tactics.... I was wrong.... geez Steele..Just give it up..wait until next shore leave, when the girls   won't know you.. he  was chuckling and ordered a beer for   himself and Steele..

 ..here, put the flames out.