Emotional Aftermath

Posted on 06 Jun 2023 @ 5:47pm by Lieutenant Cassandra Higgins-Stevens & Commander Amelia Fox & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari

Mission: R&R - Styx Outpost 2
Location: Deck 1 - Main Bridge
1317 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

ON

The Counsellors mind was still racing after the meeting she had just concluded with a very troubled individual, someone who had been through more than anyone person should ever have to deal with but in the same token most would be willing to try and find their own way in life after the fact. In this instance Iola was unable or possible even worse, incapable of existing without someone to hand hold her through life. On an individual level from a psychological point of view it was understandable that she had not ever really had a life of her own. From a ships duty stand point, could she with a clear conscious allow someone to remain on the ship who needed someone to make sure she was living and looking after herself because right now she didn't think Iola was capable of that.

Currently leaning against the turbolift wall, her mind still swimming from the lack of emotional maturity Iola had displayed, like a child with no guidance.
The gentle hum of the ascent to the bridge began to diminish as the car slowed to a stop, the doors parting allowing her to step through into the bridge from the aft turbolift car. A few crewman manned the rear stations, someone at conn and ops at the front of the bridge and both Datari and Fox where conversing over a PADD down by the command chairs.
Her feet moved with ease down the sloping ramp.
"Commander Fox, could I discuss a personnel matter with you? I appreciate you are only just back on duty so please forgive me. Commander Datari I would welcome your input as well!"

The Trill turned his head at the call of his name. "Ma'am?" he queried as he spotted the counselor. What could she possibly want his advice on, since he wasn't qualified in any medical field beyond well...field medicine.

Amelia nodded. "Of course, we can use the observation lounge. Peterson, you have the bridge." She then led them up the ramp into the lounge. "What can I do for you?"

"I have a patient that in my professional opinion, is not fit for the rigors of life on board a starship... This is my initial assessment. I do have further sessions booked in with them but I needed to raise my concerns with either yourself or the Captain. At this stage I am leaning towards the individual being placed into a facility that could better care for their wellbeing and emotional support needs... That being said, I was hoping you two might be able to give me more insight into the patient by and large before I reach my final diagnosis and recommendations!"
She finished her opening as she fell into the chair by the side of Commander Datari, Commander Fox at the head of the table. "I have only been a senior officer for a short time so I am not fully privy to the details of how Iola came to be on the ship. I have seen the reports and her personal record but they are all a little thin on details in regards to her background... Could either of you fill in the blanks for me?"

"I first met her when I was sold as a slave to her Don," Aidan started, the episode clearly difficult for him to talk about. "She couldn't speak, had never learned how but she was clearly intelligent. She could sign however, which I quickly discovered. Her Don did encourage her to learn, and when I was rescued, she was encouraged to come along. He is a fair person, there's actually more to him than I'm at liberty to reveal beyond the CO and XO. It's a matter of trust and safety."

The Trill shrugged. "I helped her learn to speak, as did Michael and they ended up spending a lot of time together. She improved greatly and even seemed to become a little more outgoing under Michael's guidance. He seems to have touched a spark in her that was quenched when he was killed?"

"Since his passing, that spark has turned into something of a crisis of self that is consuming her" a regretful look crossed Cassies features, almost sorrowful. "I can help those that want to be helped. Those that still have the inner strength to work through the issues... Iola has given up... I had to be a little more blunt with her than would have liked. I had to expose her to the truth of her situation in the hopes it will snap her out of this spiral she seems to be riding!"

"I know what that feels like," Aidan admitted, "to lose someone you love, someone who helped make you thrive. But I don't really remember what helped me, other than friends being there for me. She needs that, her friends."

"I'm her therapist, I can't be a friend to her and remain detached... Who are her friends?"
Instantly Cassie jumped on what Commander Datari had said. It could make her life that much easier if she did have even a single close friend on the ship that could help her find her feet again.

Amelia listened to them both and thought for a moment. "I don't think we should give up on this young lady just yet and I agree as her counsellor that you need to remain professional. If she has no friends on the ship presently, maybe she needs to make some new ones? Whereabouts is she now?"

"I'm guessing she is in her quarters... After our initially meeting I stepped away to give her some space" Cassie sat back in her chair, rubbing her eyes. A sudden wave of tiredness washing over her. How long had it been since she had last slept? It felt like a good eighteen hours. She rubbed her eyes quickly, trying to bring back some life to them. "My apologies... Its been a long few days for all of us!"

"I would consider her a friend but given my own situation I might not be the best one to help her right now," Aidan answered, "surely she had made a few friends among the crew? If there really is noone else I can try but I'm not sure I can help beyond her speaking tutorials. I know how she feels, quite well. But perhaps it's also a good idea to just give her some room? I don't think crowding her with offers to help are a good idea either. She might feel overwhelmed..."

"I have one possible option but it is a severe form of therapy... It might be just enough to snap her loose of her sprial though!"
Cassie was shaking her head slightly at the idea. It wasn't ideal by any stretch of the term but it was looking like the only option at this stage.

"I think she needs friends more than anything," the Trill suggested, "she needs to get out and meet people. Be reminded she doesn't need to wait for instructions as she's free to choose. But conditioning is hard to unlearn. I had to learn too when my sister encouraged me to do my own thing instead of being her constant shadow as interpreter."

"Exactly my thoughts Commander..." the Counselor paused a moment longer, steeling herself for the only real course of action she had left to her before writing up a formal recommendation for Iola to be removed from the ship for her own safety.
"I'm going to give this therapy a shot... If the two of you would excuse me, I need to find someone to help me program the holodeck!"

Cassie nodded to both Commander Fox and Datari before rapidly exiting the room. Her course set.

END

Lieutenant Cassandra Higgins
Ships Counsellor
USS Andromeda

Lt.Cmdr Aidan Datari
Chief Science Officer

Commander Amelia Fox
First Officer
USS Andromeda