Posted by Captain Dira Myqian (Commanding Officer) in Counselling Suite - Shadows Are Not Immune To Light

Posted by Lieutenant Dr. Mariah Lee Grayson (Chief of Psychiatry) in Counselling Suite - Shadows Are Not Immune To Light

Posted by Captain Dira Myqian (Commanding Officer) in Counselling Suite - Shadows Are Not Immune To Light
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

She had been correct that Zoi’s presence would help with this process she was starting. Dira gave Zoi a soft, if weary, smile. “So… um.” She blew out a breath. “It’s a little rough right now. My first officer forced an issue that he had every right to, but there are… consequences. And I need to go see Dr. Grayson, since she’s my new psychiatrist after Dr. Almikaz left.” Her eyes glistened. “I’m not okay, Zoi,” she said with a shaky breath. “And I won’t be until I work through some stuff. So I’m going to see Grayson right now, but I really think I need you with me. Not just for support, but because… there’s a bit more to events with Franks than I wrote in my report. And I really want you to know about it too.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Immediately, Zoi was moving to stand before Dira. She placed her hands on both arms, gently comforting in both touch and demeanor. She wanted to know what happened between the captain and the XO, but now was not the time to push for that story above everything else. The look of concern in her eyes gave way to gentle encouragement. “Of course Dearest. Whatever you need, I will do.”

Was she worried that Zoi would say no? Not really. But there was still relief that flowed through her as Zoi touched her arms. “Thank you,” she whispered.

=/\= Lt. Ruby, I have something I need to take care of. You are in charge. =/\=

=/\= Aye Chief. =/\= came the quick and professional reply. Satisfied, Zoi kissed her love on the forehead and turned them both toward the door. “Let’s go.”

Haven, COS

Dira walked out of Zoi’s office and waited till they were in the corridor before she took her head. She wanted and needed the connection and reassurance and though they had previously shown affection in public, this was not something they normally did. Dira wasn’t even sure precisely why she felt it okay now, but she held Zoi’s hand as if her life depended on it all the way up to Deck 7. Stepping into the crew counselling suite, she had a weird sense of deja vu, of being pulled into this space out of distress. She could only hope that this time she didn’t make hasty decisions with her health. Hindsight was 20/20 and all that, but the conflict over her telepathy still hung heavy over her.

Still holding Zoi’s hand, Dira lifted her chin slightly as she approached reception. “Dr. Grayson is expecting me. Can you let her know I’m here.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Mariah wasn’t sure what to think when she received the request for a meeting from the Captain. Since they last spoke - when Mariah was informed of her promotion in fact - Grayson had broached the subject of offering personal support to Dira. Even though it was offered in the general spirit of wanting to fulfil her new duties, Mariah couldn’t escape the feeling she had somehow overstepped the mark. Was this true? Grayson knew she was about to find out, as reception promptly notified her she was about to be relieved of her suspense. “Please send the Captain in.”

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, CoP

The receptionist gave Myqian a nod. “Dr. Grayson is ready for you.”

“Thank you,” Dira said before looking to Zoi and giving her hand a squeeze. “Here goes nothing.”

Stepping into the office with Zoi, Dira was more tentative than people usually experienced and the weight of everything pulled at her shoulders. “Thank you for seeing me, Doctor Grayson,” she said as they moved to take a seat. “I hope you don’t mind that Zoi is with me. I had something happen today that forced me to confront some recent trauma and… I omitted a detail from my report that impacts me and I shared it for the first time a little while ago. I didn’t tell Zoi yet so I want her to hear it as well,” she said, shifting her gaze to Haven and giving her hand another squeeze. It felt even more important in this moment for her to be open about her relationship with the beautiful COS. It was not something she had done on a whim, nor did she take it lightly. They had chosen to proceed with their relationship knowing the complications, yes, but also the wonderful opportunity for joy and love.

Captain Myqian, CO

To put it mildly, Mariah was not expecting this particular deluge of words before any of them had sat down. This wasn’t a criticism of the Captain or her behavior, but a testament to how sudden the mental shift occurred for Mariah. One moment she was thinking she had pressed too hard for the Captain to open up, and the next, Dira was in her office with Zoi, an apparent romantic partner, sharing she not only had some unresolved trauma to work through, but had apparently kept some detail from official records. It was an extraordinary turn of events. Mariah had done nothing to instigate it, but she knew how she proceeded would set the tone for all the future of her relationship with Dira. Grayson understood the other woman was taking a big risk by being this vulnerable and Mariah was not about to do anything that would make her regret it, at least anything that was in her control.

Zoi’s presence was an added surprise, but for now, her focus was on Dira’s needs.

Mariah gestured toward her seating area comprised of various seating options. “I appreciate your willingness to confide in me. It sounds like there’s a lot to unpack, so please, feel free to make yourselves comfortable.”

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, CoP