Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade James Rowe (Scientist) in Pre-Sim - Counseling Intake - James Rowe

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Pre-Sim - Counseling Intake - James Rowe

(snip)

Janna did not rush to respond. Instead, she let his assertions take up space in her office, let them be his truth, or at least a version of it. “What do you think of Medical’s debate over your continued service?” she said, hands wrapped around her mug. The warmth grounded her as she felt open to what was around her, the truths, the shimmers of doubt, the uncertainty or pride. So many different things that could float about in her space without someone else being aware. She was. These days, Janna was always aware.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Rowe allowed the silence to linger as he considered his words. “I understand why it may raise concerns… Doctors are well meaning people who are trained to help others feel ‘better’… but if discomfort were a disqualifier I think half the fleet would be out of the service, certainly anyone older than thirty-five.” His tone was practiced and lighthearted. He took a drink of his water as much for pacing as to address any thirst.

Janna smirked.

“I’m fully capable of performing my duties, and I still surpass the minimum physical requirements for service. My body just reminds me that the engine doesn’t run as well as it used to… it’s loud… the oil has to be topped off regularly” Rowe let his combustion engine reference trail off. “It’s a quality of life issue and not a performance one.” He finally said simply.

-Rowe

Kingston nodded. “Which means you are cleared for duty, but it can still impact you. What aspects would you say affect your quality of life the most? Even if it just feels like more of an annoyance.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“I don’t sleep as well as I once did. I feel nearly constant creepy-crawly sensations on my skin. My feet don’t seem to like me very much, and when I get fatigued I feel like I’m waddling from place to place.” He said honestly.

• Rowe

She liked that he was being forthcoming. It meant that he was more open to the conversation in general and wasn’t viewing it simply as an obstacle to be overcome. “Are there things you’ve found that help those symptoms?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS