Posted by Lieutenant Priscilla Simms (Chief Science Officer) in Of sound mind? Priscilla checks in with the Counselor

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Renveer (Executive Officer) in Of sound mind? Priscilla checks in with the Counselor

Posted by Lieutenant Priscilla Simms (Chief Science Officer) in Of sound mind? Priscilla checks in with the Counselor

SNIP

Renveer shook his head with a small smile. “Not crazy at all, Lieutenant. As you said, that’s why most of us are out here. But thank you for clarifying that your motivations aren’t one of the others that you mentioned.” His grin widened, maybe his attempt at light humor.

“Listening is one of the most important aspects of my position,” Renveer said with a nod, “I’m happy to do that when you would like a listening ear. And I have no doubt that you are quite skilled in your field, so I apologize if I implied that you needed my assistance to achieve your goals of exploration and discovery. I suppose I was asking if there was any way I could assist with your emotional needs, either in the short or long term. Do you anticipate any problems integrating with the crew? Or finding ways to balance work and personal life while on a starship 24/7?”

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, Counselor)

Her head shake was a bit too much, a bit too fast. But her smile never wavered. “No, I don’t see any problems or issues arising. I’m fairly good at integration. My work life is balanced with a hobby and trainings, so I don’t see any problems there, either.” She didn’t mention a personal life because to her, this was her personal life. “How do you handle being stuck here 24/7? I mean, you have to handle not just your stresses, but everyone else’s as well. Right?” She wasn’t aware of her deflection, and it happened so naturally it didn’t occur to her she had done it.

Priscilla
CSO

Renveer donned a small smile, both as a genuine friendly response to the question and in amusement at the new deflection. Such a habit could be an indication of deception or defensiveness, but Renveer was inclined to believe that it just showed Priscilla’s inquisitive nature and tendency to ask questions. She was a scientist, after all.

“As a counselor, it’s incredibly important for me to maintain boundaries,” Renveer said with a nod. “I never take my work back to my quarters, I always go to the mess hall to eat and I don’t review notes or anything of that sort while I do so. I’m not a different person when I’m off-duty, but I do give myself more permission to prioritize myself.”

The counselor paused. “Speaking of stresses, Lieutenant, I do want to inform you that about a year ago, the crew of the Dresden endured a particularly traumatic mission where several lives were lost. The effects of that incident are still felt by many of the crew, although there has been a significant changing of the guard, as it were. But I advise you to be prepared to work with crewmen under your command if they need emotional support, as many are still processing that loss. Of course I’ll let you know if they need to be excused from duty due to acute distress, but what is more likely is that they will need some time to open up to you and you may find that those that were present for the event could be slightly closed off or bitter to the newer crew. Kindness and compassion for their struggles is likely the best response to such behavior.”

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, Counselor)

Priscilla smiled. “Leaving work at work is a good thing. I try not to take my ship projects back to my quarters. Though I admit I have a personal project, based in science, that I work on quite a bit.” She laughed, “So I’m not sure if that’s taking work home with me or not.”

She thought about the other things he had spoken of. “I hate to admit, though, I spend most of my time there,” she waved to include the room and the Department. “I eat there,” she laughed softly, “when I remember to. And I sometimes find my crewmembers kicking me out to head to bed long into the next shift. Like you, I’m not different on my off time. Though I admit I’m not sure I prioritize that well when it comes to matters outside of science.”

She listened as he spoke of the last mission and the trauma many would feel. “I have seen it, on their faces sometimes, when they think no one is looking. I haven’t pried since one or two merely claimed ‘day dreaming’. But now that I know, I will be more aware. And they know I have an open door policy and I try to foster a family within family atmosphere around there.” She was glad she knew the reason behind the dark eyes and haunted memories she saw in her crewmen now.

Priscilla
CSO
(Cell made all the ‘there’ into ‘here’ lol… fixed.. I am aware I’m in your office, not mine. So no, not insane (just crazy))

Renveer nodded in gratitude. “Thank you, Lieutenant. It’s a healing process the ship as a whole is going through, and those of us that were spared the pain must do our parts to support those who carry it on their shoulders. I hope your junior officers will return the favor by reminding you to eat and leave your shift on time.” His lips twinged upwards at that. “I appreciate your passion, but it will make both of our jobs easier if you ensure that your physical and emotional needs are a priority.”

“Do you have things to look forward to throughout the week that aren’t science-related? Extra-curricular activities, if you will? Hobbies and the like?”

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, Counselor)

“Well, if you ever want someone to just unload on, I’m happy to oblige.” She smiled and nodded. “As to extras, I guess just what I said. I work on my project. But honestly,” she half shrugged, “guess I never really considered needing anything else. I’m not one to go to Risa on the holodecks, honestly not a big fan of the place to begin with.” Priscilla laughed softly. “A bit too touristy for me, to be honest. And not a big friend maker so not really invited a lot of places otherwise. I just prefer to do my job and get kicked to my quarters on occasion to recharge and do it again. Done it for so long, I think that’s all I look forward to.” It sounded horribly pathetic coming from her lips. Till then, when spoken out loud, her life had seemed perfectly fine and normal to her.

Priscilla
CSO

Renveer nodded as Priscilla spoke, but let what she said hang in the air for a couple seconds before he started. “What would you like to be different about your routine, if you were given the opportunity to change it?” He didn’t intend to explicitly say that Priscilla’s habits were anti-social, but he hoped the open-ended question might help her voice that conclusion herself. Renveer was rarely one to give advice outright, but he couldn’t help but wonder if the Chief Science Officer needed more than she was letting on in terms of support from peers or friends.

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, Counselor)

She had her jaw parted slightly about to respond when she paused. Putting her lips back together, not quite pursing them, she had to stop and think. What would she want different about her routine. “I don’t know…” came the reply, startling her slightly on a mental level when she realized she had spoken it out loud. “I guess I just do what I do and hadn’t considered it needed changing.” She considered the things she did and shook her head. “I mean, other than clearances in places like the hangar and around the shuttle bays so I could do my research, I can’t really think of anything, honestly.”

She frowned slightly and looked down at her hands in her lap a moment. “I am sure I will make a few friends or acquaintences here who will invite me to do things.” There was almost a shrug to her words as if she assumed it would happen so no need to worry. But there was a verbal edge that said she also wasn’t holding her breath or planning her future around such things. Taking a deep breath she seemed to steel herself against what she was about to say. Her own shields slipping silently around her like a hardened blanket. “I guess I hadn’t thought about it cause my routine has always just been that… routine. I never saw a need to change it.”

Priscilla
CSO

The counselor shook his head this time. “‘Nothing’ would have been a perfectly reasonable answer. If you see no need to change it, then there is no need to change it. I suppose I was just offering a chance for reflection on if there was anything missing from that routine. If there was something you wanted to work towards, I’d be happy to help in whatever way I could, but if there isn’t, then I’m glad that you’ve found a system that works for you.” Renveer’s gaze was relaxed, but he could see the shields going up and was trying to avoid losing the open interaction entirely.

“What else would you like to discuss with me while you’re here?” Renveer asked in an attempt to reengage, but also with an uptick in energy signalling that it was an opportunity to wrap up the session if she had nothing else she wanted to talk with him about right now. Renveer knew that initial meetings with counselors were always rather awkward for clients, and certainly didn’t intend to push too far too quickly.

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, Counselor)

If he was watching, there was a flicker of complete surprise on her face before she relaxed a bit and let her guard lower slowly. “Thank you. I think you are the first person who didn’t push. Which is probably why I felt a need to explain.” She felt a touch of embarrassment rise on her cheeks. “I guess I hadn’t expected acceptance so easily. And I think that was probably the best thing I could get from you.” She smiled and nodded. “I can’t currently think of anything else. But I am sure if you gimme a couple days, I’ll have a slew of questions for you.”

She laughed and nodded her head. “It’s been a pleasure, Commander. And if you promise not to put it in my records, I think I might actually find myself seeking you out on occasion. If that’s all right with you, of course.” She smiled because she doubted many folks admitted that at all, much less on the first meeting. But in truth, she liked him and was impressed that he was willing to accept her as she was, but also press her to see if that was all she wanted to be.

Priscilla
CSO

The counselor smiled genuinely, happy to receive affirmation that he had left a good impression on Priscilla. It meant that Renveer was doing his job well. “Of course, you’re welcome to see me any time. I’ve enjoyed your company as well, and I look forward to working with you on our mission.” He rose from his chair and held a hand out to invite Priscilla to move to the door, then followed her to see her out of the office. “Have a good day, Lieutenant,” he said with a slightly inclination of his head.

(Lt. Cmdr. Renveer, Counselor)