Posted by Lieutenant Tal Abara (Senior Researcher (Cognitive Science)) in Check-Ins | Step 2: Imply an Inkling of Sanity (CNS)
The door slid shut behind her, the softest of whistles announcing her release, as Abara lingered just beyond Cobb’s office. Her mind teemed with ambivalence and enthusiasm in equal measure. And though she stood removed from their discussion, reflection on the words that transpired refused to elude her. Tal hadn’t considered – between the whiskey and tacit apathy – to question just what she was getting herself into. She didn’t need to. But though Abara had few reservations for the work she’d entertain or the risk dangled overhead, she was troubled by a question of integrity and personal honour.

Tal had scaled medicine’s proverbial ladder with the mindset of a healer. She’d hoisted herself up the first rung in grave disillusionment with the nuances of supportive care. Passion and doubt plagued the fledgeling nurse in her stagger to the second. And tired, cramped fingers nearly mistook the third. She’d spent seventeen years under the scrutiny of law, policies and ethics. They conditioned her. Now that she stood without their weight, Tal questioned where her heart – the compassion, mercy and empathy – fit into the scheme of things. Would it cloud her judgement as a scientist? Or would it serve again as an invaluable partner in her pursuits?

Dilemmas like these were salt to the wounds afflicting her heart. She craved the blunt, spitfire judgments once imparted on her by Kara Nakuto. Few people could free her from the grip of reservation and disaster than her. She missed their talks – worse, she missed Kara.

But Tal refused to indulge in daydreams and self-pity. Brushing away the thought with a sigh, she let a lopsided smile infect otherwise sombre features and made a beeline for the turbolift. Coincidentally, the next item on her agenda was a pop-in with the counsellor. Tal bore this in mind but made no effort to subdue or compartmentalise her thoughts. She trusted any keen counsellor would dismantle the attempt within seconds of their meeting. Maybe less.

Minutes elapsed before Tal emerged from the lift onto the counselling deck. Her gaze wandered instinctually around the area before it guided her toward the counsellor’s office. Meandering over, Tal lifted a hand, shook her head, and palmed the chime.

– Tal Abara, Cognitive Researcher

Dean just shook his head. How 90% of people always missed him he never knew. “Lt Abara? Lt Synthi-er will be here in just a moment. She’s in sickbay for a check up. Can I get you something to eat? You’ve been with the captain so if you need something to go with his fine whisky I’m happy to get it.” Oh yes the counseling staff knew where most of the crew was most of the time, and new officers had scheduled check-in appointments. Abara got done with Cobb faster than anticipated. “We’re excited for you to join our little group. I’m Dean, the admirative assistant for the department. Just let me know if you need anything.”

Casela stepped off the turbo lift a few minutes later grinning, striding immediately toward the new comer. “Ah Lt Abara yes?” she asked walking up to the lt. “Lt Synthi-er. Did Dean keep you company? I hope you didn’t wait too long. I thought I would be back before you even left Cobb’s office. He’s getting faster. Let’s go into my office.” She palmed the control on the door and stepped inside. The office itself was plain. A couple chairs and a couch. Her desk and a small shelf unit, holding small items away from curious hands, and most knew better than to ask. On the wall were her credentials and a single painting that might be abstract or done by a child. “Have a seat.” This was her office for paper work, evals, and other things. Her counseling sessions were done in therapy rooms about the deck.
Lt Synthi-er, CNS