Posted by Lieutenant Kohana Black Wolf (Intelligence Officer/Helm) in An offer of help (Tag Calloway)

Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in An offer of help (Tag Calloway)

Posted by Lieutenant Kohana Black Wolf (Intelligence Officer/Helm) in An offer of help (Tag Calloway)
Kohana had just been relieved from his post at the helm and had come to the lounge for dinner. After ordering a bowl of vegetable beef soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, he looked around for a place to sit.

Spotting Cmdr. by herself at a small table, he approached her.

“Forgive me for the intrusion, commander, but I was windering if I might join you?”

Lieutenant Kohana Black Wolf
Intelligence Officer/Helm USS Asimov

Shara tipped her head up and took in Black Wolf. She had a plate before her with some sort of rolled wrap thing and a salad. A PADD rested next to it. “By all means,” she said, gesturing to the other chair. She was in her duty uniform but the jacket was open, revealing the black shirt underneath.

“I’m still dealing with the last of the debrief stuff, but all told things seem to be more or less wrapped up.” At least as far as reports and the mission itself was concerned. The results for the people involved? Well, that was a different matter.

~Shara Calloway, CIO

“I’m sure it affected some people more than others. Most of the crew aren’t trained in the psychology of a mission like this. Going undercover, becoming someone else that isn’t liked or has to take uncomfortable actions. . . . ? For those untrained in how to deal with it, I’m sure it takes a toll on the psyche.”

He took a taste of his soup and thought for a moment. “What about you, Commander? I’ve got a pretty good handle on dealing with the return to normalcy, but does it get any easier after you’ve been in black ops for as long as you have?”

Lieutenant Kohana Black Wolf
Intelligence Officer/Helm USS Asimov

“Nope,” she said, taking a bite of what was mediocre hapserat and not even a fraction as good as what her late friend, Jaris, used to make and her daughter Faye recreated using the recipe he gave her. Shara ate it because it was still nostalgic and comforting. She chewed and swallowed, giving herself time to figure out how to explain.

“My gift of transforming myself so totally also has a downside. I never transitioned back well. Every time was a struggle,” she said. “Some more than others. This time though… it’s harder but on a different level. I mean, I’m still trying to excise my persona but it’s the aftermath that I’m dealing with. Though we got a handle on my nightmares, it’s been a hot mess for the rest of my PTSD.” Shara shrugged. “I’m aware and working through it as best I can.” She didn’t mind being open with him given she already had been. Sure, the stakes were back to normal, but she wasn’t going to suddenly cut everyone off now that she had let them in in some ways. It was antithetical to allowing herself to feel like a true member of the crew.

~Shara Calloway, CIO