Posted by Ensign Domingo Chavez (Security Officer) in Counselor’s Office (Post-Sim Side Sim)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Katie Nunn (Counselor) in Counselor’s Office (Post-Sim Side Sim)
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Before she could control it, Katie’s face lit up in a good dose of surprise, but it was quickly brought back under wraps as she covered her first instinct with a friendly, welcoming smile. “I don’t commonly hear about human security officers embracing meditation,” she commented as an explanation for her initial reaction. “Mindfulness is such an important tool and it sounds like it’s been of immense help to you.” She thought for a moment, the fingers that had tucked rogue hair behind her ears making their way to her lips as she idly nibbled at one of her fingernails. “How has the social aspect been? I imagine it’s difficult to be reintegrating not only with society but with personal contact as well.”

Lt Cmdr Nunn, CNS

“I wouldn’t say ‘embrace’ exactly, it’s more of a coping mechanism now. When you’re given so much time alone without any outlet for anger, stress, anxiety or what have you, meditation can be like a safety valve, just easing the tension. I prefer a hard gym workout punching a bag or running until I stop thinking.” Domingo responded to the surprise and compliment towards him.

Katie smiled gently at him, appreciating the time he took to differentiate between a necessity and a desire. She noted that he hadn’t answered her follow up question yet, and so she remained silent, giving him the opportunity to put together his thoughts and to do so.

He was caught off-guard by the follow up question, which made him unconsciously cross his arms. Domingo blinked a couple of times before looking down and seeing his own closed off body language, It took a conscious effort to drop his arms and put his hands back on his leg. With a sigh he ruefully shook his head, “Integration has been okay, as I’ve been used to changes in environments and surroundings. Personal contact has been a lot harder. I find it hard to trust and let anyone in. Professionally this doesn’t affect my ability to work with people.”

Ensign Chavez, Sec

The small smile remained on her face as Katie watched Chavez’s change in body language and then forced change back develop in front of her eyes. She leaned forward, resting her elbows just above her knees as she listened to his reply. As his voice trailed off, she reached her right hand forward, gently placing it on his left knee and squeezing in a comforting manner. She let it rest there as she remarked, “of course part of my job is to ensure that you are professionally fit for duty, Ensign, but your personal life matters as well. I can’t begin to imagine how the last several years of your life have impacted you – and not just because your file is remarkably blank in some places.” She paused, one side of her lips turning up slightly more in a small smirk.

An idea flashed through her mind as she gave his knee a final squeeze and then leaned back against the back of the sofa she occupied. Pondering the man in front of her, she continued after a few moments, “you’re going to have a lot more freedom to get used to here on the Dresden. Do you plan to keep up with your meditation? How else do you think you’ll spend your free time when you’re off duty?”

Lt Cmdr Nunn, CNS