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

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

Posted by Civilian Melaia Reez (Scientist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(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

Ana squirmed slightly in her seat, embarrassed to have her discomfort noticed so easily. In a blurt of honesty, she replied, “I’m sorry, ma’am, I know he can’t treat you and I’m just new at this.” Her face flushed again as she caught herself before she rambled her life story at the woman who was supposed to be her patient. Biting her lip, she replied, with a somewhat shocking-to-her bit of amusement, “I’m glad I wasn’t the counselor there.” The exchange felt like it had actively loosened the tenseness in her shoulders as she repeated again, with a little more confidence, “how is your husband handling things?”

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

“Pretty well, all things considered. If I hadn’t pushed him to accept the position, we’d probably still be back on Earth. But he knows it’s been rough for me and has been very supportive of my going back to work. And he’s an excellent father. We’re muddling along together quite well, all things considered.,” Mel said thoughtfully.

~Melaia Reez

Ana listened compassionately as Reez answered her question and then tapped on her lip for a moment as she considered what to ask. “Have you been able to communicate with Comm – your husband – about the emotions tied into these transitions?” she queried, catching herself before she could refer to her superior directly.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

“He… knows,” Mel said tentatively. “While he can’t read my thoughts in the way I can, we’re bonded and we can communicate telepathically. We don’t always have to actually say everything- we always know about what the other is going through. Not that we can experience it with them exactly,” she said, frowning slightly. It was confusing to try and explain. “But, we’re very open with each other. We don’t keep secrets.”

~Melaia Reez

Melaia’s difficulty explaining her answer was apparent without her empathy and Ana quickly jumped in, “I understand.” A tentative smile came across her face as she elaborated, “I was born on Betazed…” before trailing off as discomfort set in at sharing a personal fact about herself in a patient scenario. Taking a deep breath, she took a more professional tact as she finished, “I’m glad to hear that you have that support structure.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing, “you mentioned that those on the ship have been fantastic with childcare… what other support structure do you have? How are you handling the stress of these… transitions? What are your coping mechanisms…” Her voice again trailed off as she realized that, in her nervousness, she was rapidly firing questions at the poor woman in front of her. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she settled back in her chair, looking slightly taken aback at her own behavior.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist