Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Cassidy Abrams (Chief of Security) in Avik’s Office

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Avik (XO) in Avik’s Office

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Cassidy Abrams (Chief of Security) in Avik’s Office
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
[snip]
“The report can wait,” Cassidy said, moving in closer. “Mostly I just wanted to check in on you and see how you were. Can I help tidy at all?” she said gently.

Abrams, COS

“I appreciate your assistance. I knocked over some holo displays from that shelf,” Avik pointed to the corner she had been about to address before the COS came in.

“Sure thing.” Moving over, Cassidy began to carefully gather the spilled items.

“As for my condition, I am doing much better than earlier. The experience was unexpected and I was ill prepared for it.” She replied as she began to pull up the fallen datapads from the floor nearest her desk.

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

“I could only glean the basics of the situation at the time, but Vora explained a bit about what happened from her perspective. I know how intense her emotions can be when she’s under stress and in pain, so I guess it’s not surprising,” Cass said. “I know not all Vulcans aim for complete mastery over their emotions, but if I might make the observations that you’re generally a pretty stoic person, Avik. I guess I was surprised Vora affected you so much.”

Abrams, COS

“I’ve experienced the intensity before and from what I’m aware of, it likely stems from past trauma. I should’ve been more prepared, but I let my guard down.” She placed a picture on the shelf. Her hand paused then adjusted it, straightening the hologram picture of her mother and father surrounding her. It was a glimpse into her own past.
She released the picture then turned to Abrams.

“For most Vulcans, touch contact is required. In my situation, it is not. I am one of the less common Vulcans that can easily read a room without touching anyone. I respect the boundaries of other beings, but there are times it is difficult to block out strong emotions. Especially ones I’ve experienced in the past.”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr

Cassidy nodded slowly as she carried the items over to Avik’s desk. For a moment though she just gazed off to the side, pondering if she was crossing a line here, but ultimately knew that her and Vora’s friendship was strong. This would be okay… or so she hoped. “Vora won’t say so to you, but she’s very embarrassed about what happened. For her, it’s that situation on that planet where you were all captured all over again. She’s had a pretty hard life Commander, and so sometimes she gets triggered. She has a lot of her own trauma that she’s worked through, but it doesn’t mean it can’t surface now and again. It’s not the first time she’s broken an arm, but then to also be stuck in a small space was overwhelming for her. I think… perhaps, she’s worried you will think even less of her than she believes you already do, even if you haven’t said so to her. Despite how amazing she is as an officer, and how far she’s come, she still carries these threads of self-doubt.”

Abrams, COS

Avik paused and weighed the words. A moment passed before she broke the silence, relating to the subject at hand.

“I know she’s a remarkable individual. Her mental health was my primary concern after the ship incident. I don’t want to dismiss her, but rather seek out other solutions. Even if it meant avoiding the triggers by excluding her on away missions.” It was the same feelings that Avik held when she first approached the Captain over the officer’s fate on Europa.

“Trauma is something I’m familiar with on both a personal level and during my medical career. I hold myself to the same standards. If I think less of anyone, it is myself. I failed to keep her emotions separated from mine and instead, lost control. Something a Vulcan is taught never to allow happen.” Avik, with a sober expression, placed a picture of her mate and her standing next to each other.

Despite the indifferent expressions, she vividly recalled the event and its emotions fondly. A happiness flooded between them as they held hands. It was a blissful time before his loss. While she had moved on, she had to face the fact she still missed that depth of connection with other male dearly. He would’ve known what to do or at least how to deal with this pit of emotions within her.

“Sadly, I don’t believe anything I will say will hush her self-doubt. If anything happens, I expect us to have heightened wariness toward each other or avoid one another.” From her words, Avik turned to the replicator.

“I think it’s time for a break. Would you like something to drink?”

–XO, Avik, Lt. Cmdr