Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy (Engineer) in Counsellor’s office on the Constitution

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Kastarak (First Officer / Navigation Officer) in Counsellor’s office on the Constitution

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy (Engineer) in Counsellor’s office on the Constitution
Posted by… suppressed (83) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Councillor Lydia Doinakis, a Greek woman of 60 or so years, with warm eyes and wavy grey hair, stood to welcome Lovejoy for her first appointment following her leave of medical absence from the Chernov. Now was the time to begin the first assessment of the actual mental and emotional difficulties in Lovejoy.

Lydia looked forward to this meeting. She rearranged her little office, put out some cushions in the armchairs, straightened her uniform, and waited for Lovejoy to come in.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

She then entered the room and noticed something unusual. A ships counselor. Interesting. However she was happy to see her. “Hello counselor. I’m Sara Lovejoy.” She said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia smiled warmly. “Hello Sara, I’m Lydia. I’m the ship’s consellor. What would you like to talk about?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Honestly counselor anything at this point. I right now feel like I’ve let my crew down but at the same time with me just being new to Starfleet as a Betazoid it’s hard for me to not able to control my telepathic ability.” She said trying to explain it to the counselor.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

That was a lot to digest for Lydia.

She leaned forward to Sara and said, “Sounds like there is a lot on your mind. Why don’t you start about how you ended up here on medical leave? What happened?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Long story short. It’s because I was not mentally aware and spoke out of line to one of my superiors on the Chernov. So taking medical leave was the best choice for me.” She said. The fact that Commander Kastarak had told her she should’ve done something productive but refused.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia is confused. That doesn’t sound like something that would result in long-term medical leave.

“I see,” she said. “Help me understand the context a bit more? Remember, I don’t know you or anyone on the Chernov. I am here to help you. And there is also full confidentiality here. Let’s take it from the beginning”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Okay. So I was on the bridge getting ready for a long 3 to 5 months mission but however, Commander Kastarak was there when I first arrived. I however, said something that shouldn’t have been said like me and my department head Chief Pawl Batario. He then saw how confused I was and such so he sent me to my quarters for a mental health day and what not because with me being a Betazoid I have telepathic abilities and no one on the Chernov are except for the Chief engineer and a few Vulcans. So the captain Chris taggart who suggest I go on leave said that this would be the best. Even the fact that I’m not used to being around non telepathic people and are all human it’s been a little on the hinge. So that’s why I’m taking leave counselor.” She explained the whole story and sat there and sighed.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Bump

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia struggled to understand Sara. Sara was certainly a challenge for her. Perhaps a more CBT approach would be better than a psychodynamic one.

“How about we structure this situation up. Let’s take it from the beginning again. You were on the bridge. Your commander, a Vulcan by the name Kastarak, was also there. Before you started speaking to each other, how did it feel for you to see him there? What thoughts can you remember having?”

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

“I don’t really remember much except almost blowing my temper and what I’ve told you counselor. That’s everything.” She said. “I’m sorry.” As she apologized.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia pondered Sara’s reply. It was difficult to understand Sara, but Lydia didn’t give up. She wanted to understand this situation, and then, only after that explore other situations that might be similar and then compare them across the board. But before that, exploring this situation from beginning to end was imperative.

“So before the two of you even spoke you felt like your temper was blowing. Tell me more about that”

Lydia Doinakis
Counsellor
USS Constitution

“All I can tell you is that I told him that I had feelings with the Chief engineer. He then told me to go to my quarters until my next shift. Until then go to medical find something to do. So I decided to stay in my quarters.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia hesitated. It seemed that Sara had difficulties understanding the instructions she gave.

“In order to understand what happened, we need to go over it second by second. We are focusing on the situation and what it looked at just before Kastarak and you spoke. Let’s go back. You saw him on Bridge. What feelings and thoughts did you have BEFORE the two of you spoke to one another?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“No emotion. Just going by my business and he asked me how I am doing. And then that’s how it all started.” She said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“No emotion”, Lydia mirrored. “He then asked you how you were doing. Before you replied, what thoughts did his question trigger in you?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Again nothing triggered. It was me who brought the whole thing up when I became emotional.” She said to her again.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia kept probing.

“So you were on the Bridge, you saw Commander Kastarak, and you had no thoughts or emotions whatsoever until the two of you started speaking?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Yes. That’s when I brought up Chief Batario and then things when down and I was then relieved of duty.” She said to the counselor.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

One step at a time, Lydia thought to herself.

“What prompted you to bring Chief Batario up? Help me understand the context.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“I told the commander that I have a crush on Chief Batario. That’s what happened.” She said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Progress was being made even though Lydia didn’t understand what was going on.

“Oh really? Help me understand. What made you tell him that? Was it relevant for your task at hand?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“No it wasn’t. But he asked me how I was and I started to be hesitant. So I told him about Batario and told him about how I felt. Had an argument then sent to quarters. Was ordered to go to medical and find something to do until my next shift. I refused. Another senior officer came to my quarters and told me to go and find something to do. But I thought to myself that I needed to see the captain and denied a direct order.” She explained.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia hummed empathetically.

“So the commander asked you how you felt. You then told him you had a crush on Batario. There was then an argument between you and the commander. Is that a correct timeline of events?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Yes Counsellor. It is.” She said with a not so pleasing smile.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia was more and more confused.

“Help me understand the relevance of answering that you have a crush on Batario to a question about you were feeling.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Yes that’s exactly what it is.” She said sarcasticly.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia was getting frustrated. She did not show it.

“Why did you say it? Help me understand. I don’t know the context or anything. Nothing makes sense unless you fill in the blanks”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“That’s the thing. There are no blanks. That’s what happened. The Commander was already on the bridge. I just got on. He asked how I was. I told him I was fine and then started talking to him about Chief Batario telling him I have a crush on the Chief. Had an argument he then told me to leave till my next shift and everything else I told you. Look I’m a Betazoid. New to Starfleet. And I’m telepathic. How hard is it to understand that? Yes I am emotional compromised right now. That’s why I’m taking the time for medical leave. I’m sorry if I’m being stubborn but it’s best I start to shut everything down and be returned to earth until the Chernovs mission is over.” She said not mental stable at the moment.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

This case was unique to Lydia. A highly telepathic and emotional Betazoid with extreme difficulties in taking other people’s perspectives. It was clear that Sara was not mentally stable.

Lydia leaned forward, “Sara, be honest with me. Do you want to be here with me?” She pointed to the door. “I cannot and will not force you to be here. I am here for you, not the other way around.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“I’m sorry counselor. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. It’s just I’m going through over and over with you trying to help you. But it’s difficult when I just keep telling you the same thing over and over.” She stated.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia understood that Sara did as best as she could, but in Lydia’s mind, it was clear that Sara was not fit for duty. The leadership on the Chernov had made the right call. But what was the crux to Sara’s problems? What had caused her to display these outbursts and inability to do her duty? Lydia felt a surge of excitement run through her. She was excited and determined to figure it all out.

“I get that this is difficult”, she said sympathetically. “I am simply trying to understand. Unlike you, I have no telepathic abilities. So… why did you tell Kastarak you had a crush on Batario?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Because I thought it was the right thing to do. What else do you think why I did it. That’s why the captain said for three months for me off the ship and doing what I want to do.” She said with no amusement.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

To Lydia, it was as if Sara was steaming of passive aggressiveness. Perhaps Lydia has to respond in kind, adding some irreverence to her style, in DBT style.

“Okay, so you were on the bridge. You saw Kastarak. You told him that you had a crush on Batario because obviously thar was the most right thing to say at that given second, and then you were sent to see me on the Constitution. You’re sure there’s no context I’m missing?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Except that you did forget I did mention that I was then relieved of duty and was sent to my quarters.” She stated. “then spoke to the captain refused to go see the doctor on my ship and then to you.” She then added.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia struggled to get into Lovejoy’s head. Sara gave her no door into her mind, her feelings, her thoughts… Sara had locked all doors and yet expected to be understood as if everything Sara did was the most logical and straightforward in the world.

“Why do you think the commander reacted the way he did?” she asked, trying to gauge Sara’s ability to take another person’s perspective, her mentalization, which for most people is not a problem.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counselor I don’t know. Also, I am sorry if I’ve locked all doors. It’s not like me. I’ve just never had to do something like this before.” She said as she let her guard down and ended up opening all the doors.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

It was scary for Lydia that Sara had apparently read her mind. Lydia tried to remind herself that Sara was having mental difficulties and can’t really help herself. Lydia took a deep breath and smiled.

“You have no idea why the commander reacted the way he did. Do you think it might be that it’s not normal, indeed strange, to discuss crushes while working? Or could there perhaps be some other reason?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Like I said I don’t know. It’s possible. But I don’t know okay.” She said as she really didn’t know the reason.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“I am not sure I believe you,” Lydia said, being firmer than before. “I sense there is something about Kastarak or Batario or maybe even both of them that you’re not telling me. And I think that is why you are being overly defensive, even somewhat hostile to me.”

Lydia tried a different technique, explaining to Sara how she was coming across. Perhaps it would help Sara get attuned to her feelings and thoughts.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counsellor. With all due respect. I’ve got feelings for Batario. That’s why. How many times do I have to tell you that I’ve got feelings for him but after the fact that I saw the captain, he said that I’m to stay away from him with my feelings for him and not be with him and the fact that the captain was being a little hostile about what he said is what made me lock everything inside, shut people out and at the same time. So I don’t know if there is anything else I’d rather be at the academy and on my leave. Or would you like me to keep wasting your time with me going in circles of the same bloody thing over and over and over and over again?” She started to get even more defensive because she knew that she didn’t want to talk about her emotions anymore. The fact that she is being defensive shows that maybe she should be back at the academy and have the time to herself. However, she does feel bad for locking the counsellor out.

“I’m sorry counsellor but if you don’t believe me then we’re just wasting time at this point.” She added later.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia nodded. She had pressed Sara enough, without reaching through. She tried a different technique, a different opening into the emotional world of Sara. But first, Lydia needed to be transparent.

“You are free to leave this room at any time. But we are not wasting time. I learn much about you. I learn that the situation you had with Kastarak was very sensitive to you. You had feelings for Mr Batario and you told Kastarak about it. It was important to you. But somehow, I feel like there’s something missing in the story. There is something you are not telling me. Perhaps it is about your feelings for Kastarak? Shall we go there? What can you tell me about your feelings for Kastarak?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counselor. I have no emotional feelings for him. He’s not even my type of guy. I mean yes he’s a sweet man but I have to realize that his feelings for Batario is more there then mine.” She said. “It seems like that whatever and whoever I feel just doesn’t feel the same okay.” She added.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Bump

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Internally, Lydia was extremely frustrated. The level of insight and mentalization in her patient was excruciatingly low. This cognitive deficit was worrying. If Sara made no progress, Sara would not be able to be a Star Fleet officer, she thought.

At the same time, Sara finally opened up a little. Maybe there was progress after all.

“When I ask about feelings for people, I am not only interested whether there is romantic feelings or not. Every person we meet brings out emotions in us. For example, I think both you and I feel frustrated with each other. That’s an emotion. Now, you mentioned however that Kastarak had feelings for Batario. Did you mean romantic? If so, that is something I did not know, since you haven’t told me that. Please tell me more.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“I don’t know much about their relationship all that much but I know a little. However, my frustration isn’t towards you it’s towards Kastarak. So I apologize again in advanced.”

“There is nothing in this room you need to apologise for. Tell me more about your frustration towards Kastarak, and what you know about him and Batario.”

Lydia was back into exploration mode. There was some progress here. She was quite pleased with her self so far.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Bump

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
First Officer and Navigations Officer

“Counselor. I don’t really know all that much about them except they were lovers. So I don’t know. Never really talked to them all that much sadly. That’s the only thing I know about them is that they were lovers back in the day and I interfered in their thing.” She stated.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia felt the need to de-escalate the heightened emotional situation in the room. She decided to summarize what Sara had told her so far.

“Sara, from what you’ve shared with me, it seems you told Commander Kastarak about your crush on Chief Engineer Batario while on the bridge. This led to an argument, after which you were sent to your quarters and relieved of duty. You were ordered to go to medical and find something productive to do, but you refused. Later, you spoke with Captain Taggart, who suggested you take three months of medical leave. You feel you’ve let your crew down and are emotionally compromised. You’ve also mentioned that Kastarak and Batario were previously in a relationship, and you feel you interfered with their ‘thing.’ Is this an accurate summary of what you’ve told me?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Yes counselor. It is.” She said with a little calmer tone in her voice then before.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia nodded empathetically.

“Let’s then explore how Kastarak’s relationship with Pawl influenced your behaviour that day on the Bridge. In what way do you think it influenced your behaviour?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counselor. With all due respect. That’s the only thing I know. Nothing else cause I’ve been minding my own business. At this point I don’t really care about anyone else’s relationship. Except for those I’ve made as I have been working on the Chernov. So I don’t really think it’s all that relevant.” She explained it.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia interjected.

“Not relevant? It caused you to be relieved from your duty. I would think that makes it highly relevant.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Listen I get it. But I don’t know much of their relationship history okay. All I know is that they were once together and now their not. That’s all I know. I don’t go prying into other people’s lives. How hard is it to understand that?” She asked.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“That is not what I asked, Sara,” said Lydia calmly. “I asked how you knowing that Kastarak had a relationship with Pawl affected your feelings, and how those feelings may have affected your behaviour. I understand this is very difficult for you, and I only wish to help you.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counselor. It’s because I’m telepathic and empathic. Easier for me to sense how someone’s emotions are for another. As in for commander Kastarak and Chief Batario.” She tried to explain.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“I believe that is what you believe,” said Lydia. She, herself, was not convinced. There was no point for her to not state what she thought and felt, since she, indeed, had a Betazoid right in front of her. “I believe you sense other people’s emotions and thoughts, but that you do not know how to deal with the emotional and cognitive information you receive. You cannot contextualise it. And that is why you end up being emotionally compromised, and keep having series of misunderstandings with people, and not understanding what causes you to act in certain ways. What do you think of what I just said? Perhaps I was too brutal?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Yes extremely brutal.” She said. “Look i appreciate it. But I need to know how much longer till we get to earth.” She said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia smiled. “I haven’t checked. What will you do when you arrive?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Do my own thing. Explore on my own. Probably go to Paris and then back at the academy for my quarters. But that’s all I’m gonna do.” She said. Feeling like she let the counselor down.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Bump

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“I see,” said Lydia. “Now that we have spoken a bit, what do you wish to work on? What are your goals from therapy?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“To control these urges from using my abilities. Its what got me in trouble in the first place. Hey me into a better mental state.” She noted to the counselor.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“Control these urges. That’s a good goal. Tell me about your urges.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“To read people’s minds and emotions that’s the urges. What else?” She had said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

”you tell me,” Lydia replied with a smile to mask her own experience of transference, especially regarding her passive aggressive feelings towards Sara. Surely, she mused, they were mirroring Sara’s own. But since Sara was telepathic and couldn’t stop herself from noticing, perhaps Lydia should just be transparent verbally too. ”I feel passive aggression from you Sara. Why do you think you have those feelings right now?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counselor. Right now I feel like we’re going in circles at this point. Okay. I just need to get back to earth meditate and get back to my ship when her mission is done.” She replied with a little aggressive tone as she got agitated about what’s going on.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“It is clear that you are aggitated, Sara,” Lydia said. “Do you wish to leave the room? Or would you like to stay, and we can continue talking about your emotional reaction.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“I don’t know what do you think?” She said. “All I want is to get to earth and get on with my leave.” She added. “But if you insist I continue this I’ll stay.” She added.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Bump

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

”I think…” she said, mindful of being transparent given the Betazoid telepathy in the room, ”that whether you stay in this room or not will not affect when the ship will arrive at Earth. It’s your choice how you spend that time. What would be a meaningful way of spending your time until the ship arrives?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Stay in my quarters and not leave it until we arrive. That’s how I’m going to do and be until further notice.” She said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

”I suppose that brings an end to our session. Is there anything else you’d like to share before you leave?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Counselor. I’m sorry. I don’t think having this is an end to our session. It’s just a continuous loop of us going around and around and around. The same thing over and over and over. I need time. Time to express myself. But being a new species within Star-Fleet. Doesn’t help.” She said with less enthusiasm.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“That is something we can talk about, of course. Share what you wish to share. I am here to listen.”

Lydia tried a new tactic where she’d be more passive towards Sara. Sara easily misinterpreted Lydia and easily got frustrated with anything that might question Sara. The level of mentalization was low, as was her emotional regulation. It was clear that Sara needed therapy, but in a more slow way. Perhaps a shift of tactic would help.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“All I want is to be treated the same way as the others. Here on the Constitution and the Chernov. Yes my ability of being a telepathic and a empathic yes makes it harder for most people to deal with. But you know something, sometimes I second guess myself if I even should be that person, or if I should be a good officer. You know I tend to over think that kind of stuff.” She told the couuselor.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“I am listening,” Lydia said with a friendly voice. “It sounds very hard for you.”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“It is difficult. I can’t do anything without getting into trouble.” She said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia hummed empathetically.

“I imagine you feel misunderstood often,” she said.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Yeah. Way to often. Hence the reason why I’m going back to earth for medical leave.” She says

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Lydia hummed sympathetically.

“How do you think medical leave will help?” She asked.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

She sat there thinking. “Well, it’ll help by not being overly stressed and overworked. Is all. I guess.” She over thought herself.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

Bump

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“Perhaps so,” said Lydia, “but perhaps… perhaps you’re trying to flee. Perhaps you’re avoiding the feelings in you that your interactions with the crew on the Chernov cause you. Perhaps there is something you’re afraid of there…”

Lydia was testing Sara. She knew she sit in on anything, as Sara was telepathic. Therefore, as the rumours of that Romulan sect went, absolute candour was the way forward. Normally, Lydia wouldn’t have tested a hypothesis so early on, but in this situation, given Sara’s telepathy, she simply had to.

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution

“Are you suggesting that I’m fleeing from my emotions and my friends because of how I feel for them? Or is it because I’m just fleeing because I don’t want to do my damn job? Or is it because I’m fleeing from myself?” She started asking.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Lovejoy
Engineer/Helmswoman
U.S.S. Chernov

“How would you answer those questions? Are you fleeing from your emotions and you friends because of how you feel for them? Are you fleeing because you don’t want to do your damned job? Or are you fleeing from yourself?”

Lt Cmdr Lydia Doinakis, Councillor
USS Constitution