Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Holosuite HIke

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Serena Stone (Executive Officer) in Holosuite HIke

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Holosuite HIke

(snip)

Serena nodded. Her mind went back to these very same hills and streams, back when she was nine, before the skies rained fire and fear. “It’s like in Basic Land Navigation. If you’re off by a degree, it can translate to being off course by kilometers, if you have a destination. Or lightyears off if you’re in space. Tiny things can mean big differences on a long enough timeline.” She shrugged one shoulder, the far one from Janna, so as not to push her off or away. “I suppose that’s true with a lot of things in life”

Her gaze swung back to Janna, now sidelong. “So just how curious are we talkin’? Like just wondering, or are we talking a little medical exploration here?” She nudged Janna gently, breaking out into a crap-eating grin.

Lt. Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Janna laughed and it shook her whole body. “Oh goodness, no! I like Ben as a friend and a colleague. I don’t have any sort of romantic feelings for him. But I think my curiosity lies in recognizing how different events in my life have shaped me so I can appreciate the journey I’ve been on. Sometimes I’d like to go back and tell the Janna that was stuck in Sickbay with a new medical condition that was going to kill her and let her know that things not only get better, but life gets pretty damn good. It’s worth it to keep going.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Serena nodded. “I’d happily deliver that message if I could. And oh, to talk to our younger selves in those darkest moments. To let them know things will be quite alright. Would make things easier to bare, I think. But we don’t really get that option. None of us are fourth or fifth dimensional beings. Yet.” She broke out into a wistful smile, shrugging once more. “I suppose you’re right. It hasn’t been all bad. Done a lot over the years. And still more to go. What about you? Any plans for the future or are you just riding the wave of time?”

Lt. Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

That was a good question and one that she had pondered on occasion. “I’ve never been ambitious in my career, so at least on that end I don’t have any real plans. I had imagined I’d lead a team at some point, and now I am. The promotion in position had been unexpected at that time, but it all feels quite natural now. Other than that?” Janna shook her head. “I’m just taking life as it comes. I’m still here and I have friends and someone I love. I don’t know what I want more than that, but I know I’m content with how things are just now.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Serena nodded. “That’s perfectly acceptable. Fair, and wise even.” Stormy gaze turned distant for a moment, flames of the campfire dancing in her eyes. Perhaps, like the smoke curling up from those flames and logs, Janna might feel the shroud of reflection and melancholy drift over her.

‘You do rather important work, too. Looking after all of us. And it’s not always easy. Some people still don’t like folks in your line of work.” True, in some places there was still a stigma against those in the field. They didn’t like the idea of people messing with their minds. Manipulation, or getting into their head. For others, it was being seen, judged, as weak or lesser somehow.

Those seemed to eschew the importance of taking care of the mind and the brain.

But for a Starfleet officer, their minds were the greater of their tools rather than body or fitness, though they were to be kept in good condition as well.

More than that, Serena appreciated the help. She needed it after all she’d been through and witnessed. And others depended on her as much. But already Janna was more than jus another professional, instead it seemed they were fast friends. Made the transition to a new ship better, as well as a significant step up in responsibility.

“It’s often a thankless job,” she mused. “But I appreciate you, your team, and what you all do.”

Lt. Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Janna had lost track of how many times she had had to get ‘creative’ in order to get someone into her office. Then there were the ones who came because they had to but it was like pulling teeth just to have a basic conversation. So when she had someone who showed up willingly, without complaint and engaged in the process in a meaningful way, Janna was thrilled more then they would likely know.

She smiled at her friend. “I appreciate that, Serena. It means a lot. I believe in what I do and know that it is vital, but there are days when it’s just plain hard. Though, I will say I’ve learned to get rather creative with people over the years. Their relucctance keeps me sharp,” she said, breaking into a grin.

Sitting there in front of the holographic fire, Janna felt more at ease than she had in awhile. It was nice to know it could be achieved and how. “Well, this wasn’t quite the lunchtime hike I think we planned, but I think it’s what we both needed. Shall we make it a regular thing?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“I can think of a few variations. I imagine it’s easier to get people to open up over a drink than it is to get them in the office. Or somewhere off guard, or more familair. Home ground advantage to them and all. That’s half of what I expected this to be, actually.” The redhead smile. “But yeah, I wouldn’t mind doing something like this on a lunch break now and again, or having lunch together or something.”

Lt. Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer