Chief Counselor's Personal Log #36 - A Klingon Chaplain Walks Into An Office

Posted on 24 Sep 2024 @ 8:36pm by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle
Edited on 24 Sep 2024 @ 8:52pm

352 words; about a 2 minute read

I’ve just met Hovar Kov, the chaplain-counselor Starfleet has sent to assist me. I must admit, I’m grateful for the reinforcements, especially given the psychological strain many of the crew have been under lately. The strange and sometimes pervasive symptoms—a mix of disorientation, hallucinations, and difficulty concentrating—are increasingly pointing toward some form of temporal exposure. Having another set of hands and a fresh perspective couldn’t have come at a better time.

What caught me off guard, though, was discovering that Hovar is Klingon. It’s not every day you meet a Klingon chaplain, let alone one who’s also a counselor. I’m genuinely curious about how he came to choose this dual path, especially considering the deeply traditional Klingon values he seems to have grown up with. Before our first meeting, I found myself wondering what kind of person he would be—how someone raised in the honor-bound Klingon culture could balance that with the nurturing, reflective roles of both counselor and spiritual guide.

I’ve had limited exposure to chaplains, but I know they play an important role in promoting emotional and spiritual well-being, and after meeting Hovar, I can see he’s deeply committed to both his faith and his professional responsibilities. He strikes me as someone who’s endured significant hardship, particularly the pain of defying his family’s expectations. I imagine challenging one’s culture takes a toll that lingers for a long time.

That said, there’s a steep learning curve ahead for both of us. We’ll need to figure out where his role as chaplain ends and mine as counselor begins. I’m a bit concerned about his relative inexperience in either field, which could make these blurred lines harder to navigate. But Hovar’s humility and reasonableness are encouraging traits. He seems open to learning, which makes me want to be the mentor he deserves, even though I already have my hands full.

This is a difficult time, but I’m confident we’ll find our way—and, with any luck, become a stronger team in the process.

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