Posted by Lieutenant Anastasia Darren (Psychiatrist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

Posted by Civilian Melaia Reez (Scientist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

(snips)

Mel started to say something, but then frowned as the wash of confusion she had felt at least once daily moved through her. She knew how she felt, but she also wasn’t sure how to word it exactly. “I… um.” She sighed. “I guess I’m struggling being a civilian, and not being in command.” Pressing her hands together, she slowly drew her fingers up and down each palm in turn, almost meditatively.

The movement in Reez’s hands caught Ana’s eye and she found herself contemplatively staring at the motion as she listened to the woman speak.

“It was one thing to be on leave after I gave birth. I had a really hard birth and ended up haemorrhaging badly. I had a longer recovery than expected as we got to know our babies and figure out how to be parents. So, it made sense. But I don’t think I realized how hard it would be to not be the Endeavour’s captain and to not be leading those cadets. It was my first command and I know already that it won’t be my last, but what am I here? I guess at the moment it feels a bit like I’m being humoured.” Reez leaned forward. “I mean, let’s be honest here, I have far more extensive skills than sitting about a science lab, but it’s a tiny ship and I’m not in charge, of anything. Except for diapers and lunchtime.” She shrugged.

~Melaia Reez

Ana listened quietly, finding herself mirroring Reez’s hand motion herself. She waited a few moments to gather her thoughts, speaking just a touch before the silence became uncomfortable. “It’s certainly a transition to go from commanding cadets to being commanded by children,” she observed. She gulped and then paused again before continuing on, “how is your spouse handling the transition, both to parenthood and to your new role in your relationship?” While using the term “your spouse” made it seem impersonal, she still was astutely aware of who Reez’s spouse was and her face turned a spectacular shade of red as a result.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

Mel’s face took on a sympathetic expression. “Doctor Darren, how about we just pause for a moment and acknowledge that this is weird? But it will get easier as we go on. I don’t have anyone else I can go to for this stuff. Jon if my husband. Even if it was ethical for him to treat me, objectively he can’t. No matter who I would see in the pysc department, they were going to be dealing with Commander Reez’s wife.” She smirked and leaned forward slightly. “But way less awkward than a captain marrying her second officer while serving together You think you have it bad? You should have seen us navigate that with a ship full of cadets,” she added with a slight laugh.

~Melaia Reez