Posted by Fleet Captain Drudoc Andone (Commanding Officer) in Side Sim - Captain’s Quarters - Fayth Visiting
[snip]

”..I’m aware of your gift to a degree, such as it is available to the public and how it might effect your performance. I must say, that so far I feel you are doing an admirable job in coping with its difficulties.” She said to the first part.

“I’m doing better than I expected. It’s quite a change actually. Challenger and Europa would fit inside of Ark Angel. There are a lot more people here.” But, what Sharah wouldn’t say because it wasn’t kind, although, to her, truthful, was the mental personality of the crew on Ark Angel was much easier to deal with. Even though there were so many more people.

”..The Discovery class ships are still useful in their roles, fast, decently armed for their scientific role, and well shielded they’re certainly a step up from older scientific purposed designs. Though I personally think they could do with a rebalancing of their profiles for maintenance, repair, and refitting needs.” Drudoc said taking a sip of her drink, which was a strong minty smelling iced tea.

Sharah smiled, cold tea. The scent of mint reminded her of Zarath, but he’d balk at the idea of iced tea. Tea was his answer for everything. “The Discovery class is certainly versatile. The first time I ever flew on a star ship it was a discovery class. The USS Galileo.”

To the last whispered bit she clearly caught it and added. “..How would you have hurt your friend?” She asked.

Drudoc Andone CO

Sharah looked away thinking. There were some things about Ashlyn she was restricted from saying. Looking back at the captain. “The previous counselor on the ship we served on felt that we were…she didn’t like that we had served our cadet tour together and then we were assigned to a new ship together and even bunked together. It certainly wasn’t our choice, or a request that we made. She also felt…I’m not sure. She had a very shielded mind, so I don’t know one way or the other, but our conversations always left me feeling like she thought I was dangerous.” She doesn’t exactly shrug. “It’s not a new concept to me. But my friends letter…she said the counselor doesn’t want her to talk to me anymore.”

”..Unless there is a medical reason a counselor or other serving officer wouldn’t be able to order such an event. Even if they did your friend could easily press and I would say win to have the order overturned.” Drudoc stated with a slight frown. “..To me that seems an abuse of their position and power as a medical and counseling officer.”

“As a doctor I would never do such a thing. The ability to connect with someone to have a support system is so central to a pateint’s recovery. But I’m not a counselor.” She sips her water thinking. “Ashlyn made some misjudgements, and she told me she didn’t have anyone else to confide in. My understanding, from her letter, and I know she was upset and may not have been clear, is that the counselor wants her to find other sources of support since I left and now she’s alone. The counselor feels she relied on me too much, I guess.”

“See, Ashlyn was an orphan and we got very close. We both have unique....medical concerns and we helped each other.” She pauses. “I don’t mean to be vague. I know some things about her because I was her doctor and because of that I can’t divulge without her permission. But it was…good for us. We could be ourselves without worrying about the consequences if we were bunked with a stranger. She’s had a hard time adjusting since I left. And now…” Sharah trails off. She loves being on Ark Angel. But she is carrying a lot of guilt and worry about it.

En Fayth, Science

”..Have you or she considered requesting a personal medical transfer? If the two of you are close as you say and can medically help each other perform well for the assignments you undertake I would be again surprised if such a request was denied and if it was not be able to have it overturned..” Drudoc said.

Sharah considered it. “We could. I’m not sure that Ashlyn would. She wants to go into Intellegence. She’s wanted it for…most of her life. She’s brilliant, Captain. She sees things in ways others can’t or don’t. She picks up information like we breathe air. I think she’d be afraid requesting such a transfer would ruin her chances at that. Plus..” she looks down at her hand and the ring there. “I think she might fee like a third wheel eventually. She needs to see her own purpose, her own worth.” The truth of that statement and how it applies to herself is not lost on her.

”..Still I feel you’re feeling like this is your fault somehow? I’m no counselor by any stretch, Ensign, but to me it seems unduly placed guilt and worry in this event.” Drudoc added. Her voice took on a softer tone, one given to comforting others and being approachable. Not the harder more disciplined tone she likely used day to day while on duty. She clearly was trying to put Fayth at ease on some level.

Drudoc Andone

Sharah nods. “I know it’s not really my fault. I didn’t do anything but be her friend.” She looks around again, more into the past than the room. “I’m used to being accused of doing things that are disgusting because of my gift. People accuse others for things they don’t understand. I know Ashlyn made a mistake. She doesn’t trust many, and she’s come so far since we boarded Challenger. She has few close friends and when she was struggling after I left she didn’t talk to anyone. That’s on her, I know that. But I feel guilty that Ashlyn is left there to be blamed for something that…I didn’t force her to be my friend. I didn’t influence her, and I hate that now that I’m gone, they are convincing her that she was wrong, that she made a mistake to trust me and to actually have a friend. The hypocratic oath says to harm none, physically or mentally.”
En Fayth, Science