Posted by Lieutenant Kiama Naim (Chief Science Officer) in Calloway’s Quarters- Always Time for Dinner

Posted by Lieutenant Faye Calloway (Mission Specialist) in Calloway’s Quarters- Always Time for Dinner

(snip)

Inhaling deeply, Faye gave Kiama a smile and moved over to the open space of her quarters and settled cross-legged on the floor.

Following Faye, Kiama settled down on the floor as well, but not right next to Faye. Instead she sat, with her legs tugged underneath her, a little to the left and slightly behind Faye. An attempt to be close and supportive, but also giving her space. Not to mention that she didn’t want to confuse the kitten.

Shara gestured to her friend. “This is Bethany Davin. She’s a veterinarian who has been breeding therapy animals for years.”

Bethany moved in and sat about a metre from Faye on the floor, with the carrier in front of her. “I work with different mental health professionals to make sure we’re doing the right kind of training and that we make good matches based on a person’s needs. And out of the cats that we had that suited your needs Faye, this is the one you picked.”

Faye looked at Kiama. “Tess is six months old and is a cross between a Terran rag-doll and a Betazoid emzui cat. She’s empathic and been trained to be able to summon help under particular conditions.” Her dissociation was the most pressing one because despite all the work she had been doing, and the ways she could trigger herself to stay present it was still happening and she wasn’t sure why. She was anxious about having Tess in her life but she was more terrified of not being present in her life.

Bethany tilted her head to meet Faye’s gaze. “It’s okay, Faye. We’re going to take this really slow. Tess naturally will bond with you but it will take time for her to get to know all the nuances. Give yourselves both time.” It was clear that Bethany was at least empathic herself.

Kiama smiled at Bethany before turning her attention back towards Faye.

Shara also sat on the floor to be less intrusive but she kept her space knowing that Faye needed to navigate this in her own way.

Faye nodded. “Okay. I’m ready.” Or as ready as she could be under the circumstances.

Bethany opened the door to the carrier and simply scooted back a little to give Tess space. The feline that emerged was petite with a long haired off-white coat with a pale grey face, tail and legs. Tess shook herself out and looked about curiously. Faye sat very still with her hands resting on her knees.

Later Faye would swear her emotions had been a beacon and Tess knew exactly who she was here for, because the cat sauntered over and rubbed her head on Faye’s hand. Slowly, Faye moved her hand and petted the Tess’ head. “Hi,” she whispered, tears suddenly slipping down her face. Tess began to purr.

~Faye Calloway

A soft and gentle smile played across Kiama’s face as she watched Faye and Tess. As always she was sensing all the emotions in the room (and beyond), but she focused especially on Faye.

After several moments of silence and Faye and Tess getting to know each other a little, Kiama whispered, “She is a beauty and such a sweet and docile little one.”

~Kiama Naim

Faye shifted her gaze to Kiama and beamed. “Yeah, she is,” she said, stroking that small cat from the top of her head, down her back and up the tip of of her slightly fluffy tail. As Tess’ tail slipped though Faye’s hand, the feline rubbed her body against Faye’s leg before moving over to Kiama, nudging her head against Naim’s knee. Faye laughed.

“So Tess will start to quickly figure who is who in your life, Faye. And it’s important that she know who you are close with and who you feel safe with. That will help her figure out who can help if you’re in distress,” Bethany said. She shifted her attention to Naim. “And Kiama, it’s okay to interact with Tess here. I think she’s got a pretty rad read on the situation,” she said , smiling widely.

Meanwhile, Shara was watching quietly, but also with a soft smile on her face.

~Faye, Shara & Tess