Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Arboretum 3- An Offer You Can’t Refuse

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Liam Madison (Chief Science Officer) in Arboretum 3- An Offer You Can’t Refuse

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Arboretum 3- An Offer You Can’t Refuse
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“So, you’re not sleeping somewhere restful, not eating and not socializing in any meaningful way. If you were in my spot, would you declare that a suitable and healthy lifestyle?” Janna said.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“By normal standards, no. Most of it was born of habit before the parasite and got better before it fell down again. Oddly enough, I have not lost any weight.”

Liam seemed unbothered by the poor habits he held, but he at least acknowledged them.

“The main reason I even remember lunch is because of a young lady and it’s a highlight of my day I look forward to. Even if it ends with me getting a shot then being sent on my way. Most of my fencing students have been reassigned and few show much interest in the sport.”

-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.

“Well, I don’t care so much about normal standards, because there’s not such thing as normal, except what is typical for you,” Janna said pointedly. “Part of what we need to establish is what is working and what isn’t and start to fine-tune everything so that you are living the best life you can, that fulfills you.” She watched him, studying his reaction to her statements.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“Fulfillment is subjective,” Liam countered.

“For me, it is within my work, expanding my knowledge, and aiding others into becoming better individuals. The later has its issues lately. I can not help others if I have to worry about the risk that the parasite might run rampant suddenly.”

At the thought, the creature stirred and his hands warmed slightly. Liam took a deep breath to collect himself.

“When thinking about it objectively, my life rotates around my work. I’ve never explored other possibilities to obtain that same drive or enjoyment. I wouldn’t even know where to start now.”

It was a painful admittance, but she wanted the truth.

“Amusing enough, the parasite hasn’t become really aggressive during this conversation. Occasional discomfort, but I was prepared for that.”

-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.

“What do you think the difference is?” Janna asked. She had her suspicions but was curious if they matched Liam’s thoughts on the matter.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Liam’s fingers raised as he listed off possible factors involved.

“Recently fed, no threat, and possibly because I’m calm. Those are factors off the top of my head. However, none of them will last forever. All I need is one stress factor to turn this serene moment into chaos.”

He moved on after a moment of silence.

“We discovered a connection with my emotions and the parasite triggers. Stress chemicals cause the creature to react and theoretically protect its host. In my mind, living creatures like people are risks that could add to the stress.” Liam didn’t need to explain farther where his logic was leading.

-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.

“And unfortunately, a being can’t avoid stress in life, no matter what you do. But you can mitigate the worst of it. Look, we could sit here all day, but I think we hav a good direction to go in. So what I’m going to propose is that I give you some homework. Then you and I can meet next week, in a location of your choosing and youcan tell me how the homework went. That sound fair?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Liam exhaled deeply, silently agreeing with her. Knowledge thrived better with tests than theories in the end.

“Yes, it does. I can manage a little homework as long I’m still allowed to resume my duties. As for where to meet next week, I suggest the holodeck.” He knew the location was odd, but it allowed more security options than here.

-CSO, Liam J. Madison, Sci.