Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (CNS) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

Posted by Ensign Viyara Nazeen (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (CNS) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

For a few moments, Janna just let Viyara feel whatever she was feeling, but then finally spoke up. “I know it may feel like it at times, but your being here with me isn’t a punishment, Viyara. I’m not here to point out your wrongs or chastise you for having feelings and urges. If I have to take steps because I feel you are a danger to yourself, I will do that, because care about you. Yes, as we’ve established, this is my job, but I think by now you can see why I chose to go through all the trouble of getting my Doctorate. Finding the best ways to a particular person through their difficulties is something I truly believe in. I can’t take away your pain, nor will I try. But I can help you find ways to make it hurt just a little less.” She paused for but a moment because she, very consciously said her next words. “I’m not your father here to punish you and pass judgement on who you are and what you do.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

When Janna paused, Viyara had nodded and almost started to say something. And then Janna continued speaking and her words hit Viyara rather unexpectedly. A soft gasp escaped her lips and her breathing and pulse quickened. She didn’t understand why she reacted like that to a simple statement of fact. She felt the urge to run and at the same time felt as if she was rooted to the spot. Paralysed from head to toe. Trapped in her own body. Unable to say or do anything.

~Viyara Nazeen

She didn’t rush to her feet, in fact Janna made a deliberate choice to react calmly. It was not her intention to cause Viyara distress, but she also knew that provoking a reaction would allow the scientist to acknowledge and understand her own reactions to certain things. And with understanding came an ability to have control over those reactions.

Moving to the window, she reached out and took Vyara’s hand i hers, rubbing slow circles with her thumb on Viyara’s palm. “Tell me more about Scales. What sort of care does he need?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

It took several moments till Janna’s words truly reached her and Viyara actually understood the question she had asked. It was around the same time that she consciously registered that Janna had taken her hand and was gently rubbing it. Slowly turning her head, she sort of looked at Janna, but didn’t make eye contact. “Uhm,” she swallowed and took a deep breath while blinking a few times. “He needs to be fed three times a day. He mostly gets fruit and vegetables and replicated insects. But sometimes he also gets live ones. We need to clean his cage regularly and always make sure he has enough to drink and that the temperature is right. He likes his heat sources. His preferred one is actually Commander Madison’s arm.” Her voice was soft and at first unsteady, but with each word she spoke her voice became a little steadier and Viyara became a little more present again.

~Viyara Nazeen

Janna kept rubbing the palm of Nazeen’s hand. “Does Scales have any quirks? I understand different creatures can have their own unique personality traits.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“Yeah, he is a real escape artist. No matter how careful we are and how often we check to make sure his terrarium is secured: He still gets out. All the time. And then we just need to find Commander Madison for he almost always escapes only to climb onto his arm,” Viyara replied and then started to chuckle. Before she knew it she was laughing softly while tears began to run down her cheeks again. She felt a litle as if she was going crazy and tried to stop both the laughter and the tears. Though rather unsuccessfully.

~Viyara Nazeen

Janna just closed the half step and let go of Viyara’s hand and slipped her arms around her, giving her a firm embrace. “It’s okay. You’re okay,” she said softly.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“I don’t feel okay,” Viyara whispered as the laughter turned into sob and she twisted a little. Not to pull away, but so that they were face to face. Wrapping her arms around Janna, she clung to her as if for dear life.

~Viyara Nazeen