Posted by Commander Dira Myqian (Executive Officer) in Counselling Suite- Myqian, Third Time’s a Charm

Posted by Lieutenant Surra Almikaz (Chief of Psychiatry) in Counselling Suite- Myqian, Third Time’s a Charm

Posted by Commander Dira Myqian (Executive Officer) in Counselling Suite- Myqian, Third Time’s a Charm
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
She didn’t sleep much.

It was partly her fault for working on reports too late but also a confluence of strange things from over the day. Her session with Surra, moving about the ship on light duty, the awkward social engagement in the lounge. Topped off by the fact that she had no psi abilities and was processing a whole host of new learnings.

It made for a restless sleep.

Stepping into the Counselling Suite at her usual time, Myqian was definitely tired looking, and grumpy. Travel mug of coffee in hand, she arrived at Surra’s office, skipping the reception check-in and simply pressed the chime.

Commander Myqian, XO

Surra greeted the Commander at the door. As she invited her in, it was obvious that Dira was not as put together as she had been in previous sessions. Most notable was the air fatigue from her. This was a little alarming to Surra but she wanted to get an idea of what has happened since their last session before she directly pointed it out. “Please come in, Commander. Can I get you any fresh coffee before we begin?”

Daira inhaled sharply and eyed her mug. “Probably not a bad idea,” she said quietly as she moved to the sitting area and slumped into a seat.

Surra went to replicator and begin to at least make herself a cup. “I saw you yesterday and you are here today, but I can’t help but feel that something has happened within that short amount of time. Is everything okay?”

Almikaz, CoP

She brought Dira over a fresh cup of coffee in one generated from the replicator. “Sorry I should have at least waited for you to reply so I could just take your mug and refill it.” The she sat and waited for her reply.

“Accumulating cups might be a marker of today’s progress,” Dira said flatly. She downed the rest of her travel mug contents and accepted the new cup.

Silence filled the room and Dira took her time trying to find the right words. “I didn’t sleep much. Couldn’t get my brain to shut off. And light duty doesn’t mean I read and write reports, and I stayed up too late doing those. though, quite honestly I was trying to distract myself.”

“I went to the lounge yesterday later n the day. Thought I’d have a drink and mingle off-duty. Try to seem approachable.” Myqian paused. “Someone bumped into me. Not a big deal, but it threw me off because I realized it wouldn’t have happened if I could sense them. And yes, I still want you to give me a dose for today, but I was… unsteady. And it cause a strange feeling of distress, which then Frigga picked up on. Next thing I know, the therapy dog is there nudging me. It was so strange to be singled out but at the same time I was glad for it. But long story short, I asked Frigga to help me find her owner, which of course is Bonner, and Alexis was there with one of the other doctors and I joined them. And it was bloody awkward for all of us. And t was like my basic social skills were hampered because I couldn’t properly tell if I was welcome of not.” She shook her head. “So I’m tried and a little grumpy.”

Commander Myqian, XO

“I see that not having your abilities is exhausting. You can’t help it but you are over thinking it. It’s okay to not know when people are about to cross your path and bump into you. Honestly it’s how some of the best friendships and relationships are formed. I am curious, did you say anything to the person who bumped into you?

“Yes and no,” Dira said. “I was disoriented and though I don’t have my abilities I can tell when that wall of professionalism goes up around a command officer. He apologized and slipped away quite quickly despite my trying to ease his worry.” She shrugged.

Surra took a sip of her coffee then said, “I am sorry you are feeling tired. Hopefully the coffee helps. Also I know this probably is the last thing you want to talk to me about as it didn’t really seem to be a good experience for you, but I must ask because I am curious. Did you all just sat around and stared at each other…or did someone manage to break the ice?”

Almikaz, CoP

“No, we chatted. We even had a bit of a debate about gossip and how it can affect the workplace. It was interesting but there was a whole strained vibe.” Myqian sipped from her fresh coffee. “I think it comes back to what Séan called me out on and you and I started to talk about. That whole idea of me compartmentalizing the parts of myself. Doctor Myqian is different than Commander Myqian, who is different than Dira. I mean there is a time and place for a focused persona. On the bridge, people expect Commander Myqian to show up. But the rest of the time it’s… complicated. Or it feels complicated. I don’t know how to be all three at the same time. And I don’t know how to get past that command uniform separation where people are less likely to mingle. Do I just have to work harder at it? Find more socially outgoing people to interact with? I’m not sure.”

Commander Myqian, XO

“You are making my job too easy. It’s evident you are aware of your issue and you know the remedy. What you do not know is how to implement it.” She took a sip of her coffee as she thought about her next words because she didnt want them to come across they wrong way. “I think the implementation is a simple one. My thoughts are going to contradict what you said about there being a time and place for a focused persona. However, please hear me out. Forget about what you think want or expect. Be the Dira you are feeling like being or the one that is most appropriate in the moment. Just because you are on the bridge, you do not have to be Commander Myqian, you can be Dr. Myqian too. You may have to be her in personal social settings as well. They are all you and the best way to balance them is to not limit them to a specific situation.”

Almikaz, CoP