Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Uncovering Surra’s Mind and Soul [Tag Counselor]

Posted by Lieutenant Surra Almikaz (CSO) in Uncovering Surra’s Mind and Soul [Tag Counselor]

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Uncovering Surra’s Mind and Soul [Tag Counselor]
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Once inside her new office, Surra took a moment to appreciate the high-tech equipment and advanced technology that surrounded her. It was a far cry from the familiar confines of the Ogawa, where she had served as the chief of psychiatry. A new challenge, and she was ready for it.
As she settled into her chair, Surra couldn’t help but reflect on the transition from psychiatry to the realm of science. The Genesis, a vessel at the forefront of exploration, carried with it the promise of new discoveries and uncharted territories. It was a thrilling prospect for someone with a curious mind like Surra’s.
The intercom buzzed, and the computer’s voice chimed in interrupting her thoughts. “Lieutenant Almikaz, you are cleared for your medical evaluation. Please proceed to the counselor’s office.”
Surra rose from her chair, and made her way through the corridors of the Genesis, feeling a sense of purpose as she walked. The ship’s artificial gravity kept her firmly grounded, but her mind soared with possibilities.
Upon reaching the counselor’s office she knocked on the door and waited for her session to begin.

Almikaz, CSO

“Come in,” Vanessa stated hearing the chime and closing her console. She had been expecting the CSO and was rather excited to meet her. She had reviewed the woman’s career file before this and always found it interesting when they chose a different path after the academy. It always made for a more interesting intake.

Vanessa Slade CNS

Surra entered the counselor’s office, her eyes scanning the room. As she took in the surroundings, she nodded in acknowledgment and instinctively settled into a chair across from Vanessa.

“Thank you for seeing me, Counselor Slade,” Surra began, her voice steady. “I’ve heard commendable things about your approach, and I believe it’s time for me to explore certain aspects of my past that I’ve kept locked away.”

Surra took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “Perhaps you’re unaware, but for the past few years, I’ve served on the Starfleet Medical Ship, the USS Ogawa, as a psychiatrist. I’ve honed my skills in holistic medicine, utilizing my Osteopathic degree to heal not just the body but also the mind. However, lately, I find myself questioning my competency in that field. It’s as if there’s a part of me that I’ve neglected, and it’s demanding attention.”

Almikaz, CSO

“Is that why you chose to change career fields,” she asked Surra, siping her coffee. She had glanced over the officer’s duty jacket and knew the woman held degrees not only in psychology but in medicine to be a psychiatrist. Commitment like that to one’s education took a strong drive and singular mindset: Getting either degree was admirable but both were highly impressive. Being on the Ogawa was not an easy duty station. They were on the front lines so to speak of medical support and relief. Eventually, the relief needed relief. Vanessa learned that from all her years at the VA.

“So what is on your mind, Lieutenant? How can I help you?”

Vanessa Slade CNS

Surra met Counselor Slade’s gaze, the Vulcan part of her composure holding steady. “Counselor, I believe my experiences on the Ogawa have been both rewarding and challenging. However, in the process of tending to the mental well-being of others, I’ve neglected my own. I find myself at a crossroads, questioning the balance between being able to effectively do my job and emotion within me.”

She paused, tracing the edge of a PADD she held in her hand. “I’ve become adept at understanding and addressing the psychological needs of my fellow crewmates, but I fear I’ve lost touch with my own emotions. It’s a vulnerability I’ve ignored for too long. First it was not growingup with a mother then it was the death of my father. Now I am all alone, all I have is Starfleet now. However, I will admit its my own fault....I have a hard time connecting with people.”

Surra’s fingers tapped lightly on the PADD as if searching for the right words. “I seek guidance in reconciling the emotional aspects of myself. The dual nature of my training has led to a disconnection, and I am uncertain how to bridge that gap. I do not wish for my emotional reservations to hinder my ability to connect with others or impede my professional growth.”

Almikaz, CSO

“So you are looking to make friends and doing some self improvement,” Vanessa picked out the most obvious theme in all the information Surra was trying to impart to her. She understood Surra’s conundrum about having someone one could open up to without reservations. Holding the position of counselor and chief medical officer meant everyone on the crew looked to her for support but there was none for Surra. Being sequestered on a ship meant your access to others for your own well-being was virtually non-existent.

“What aspect of your emotional reservation do you find the most challenging for you to deal with? Being happy…being sad,” Vanessa threw out the top two examples she encountered in therapy sessions.

Vanessa SLade CNS

Surra hesitated for a moment, the rhythmic tapping on the PADD slowing down as contemplation took hold. “I think its’s not a matter of being sad or happy. In the pursuit of discipline and control, I find myself suppressing emotions, fearing they might compromise my effectiveness. Yet, in doing so, I sense a void, an emptiness that undermines genuine connections.”

Vanessa noted with mild curiosity how Surra used the words discipline and control. These two things were on the opposite end of what Surra appeared to be wanting to explore which was emotional responses. It was not too surprising though given that Surra was partially Vulcan. Vanessa nodded and let the woman continue to speak. Getting clients to talk was how one got to know what they needed and more importantly how to help them.

She glanced briefly at the starfield outside the counselor’s office, as if seeking solace in the cosmic expanse. “I struggle to figure out when to let go of restraint and when to maintain composure. It’s as if two halves of myself are in constant negotiation, leaving me in a perpetual state of uncertainty. I am sure part of this is due to my Vulcan heritage. Although my father, who was half Vulcan himself, sporadically and loosely practiced Vulcan principles, I think the culture is ingrained in me and maybe this is what comes through when I am trying to deal with balancing my emotions.”

Surra’s gaze returned to Vanessa, revealing a subtle vulnerability beneath the composed exterior. “I wonder if others, like me, face similar challenges, or if this internal conflict is unique to my training and experiences.” She shrugged then said, “In any case, I know we can’t get to the bottom of all this in today’s session, and I hope me sharing all this will not make me unfit for duty.”

Lieutenant Surra Almikaz
(CSO)

“Oh, you are absolutely cleared for service,” Vanessa let out a soft smile. “I would however like to get to know you better so we can work on anything you want to improve yourself.” Vanessa always tended to lean towards Emersion therapy however not all clients liked the more laid-back approach. She had no idea if Surra would prefer the traditional approach of weekly meeting, sitting on the couch, or getting out there and being active. It would take a bit more time for Vanessa to figure out which approach was the best.

“So let’s take the rest of the time and just get to know each other. What are your likes, and dislikes? Do you have any hobbies or things you can’t stand doing? “

Vanessa Slade CNS

Surra considered Vanessa’s words, her gaze thoughtful. “Likes and dislikes,” she repeated, as if testing the words on her tongue. “I find solace in the study of astrophysics, the dance of celestial bodies in the vastness of space. It’s a language that speaks to me without words. Dislikes… well, inefficiency bothers me. I appreciate order and precision, whether it’s in the alignment of stars or the execution of a task.”

She took a moment. “Hobbies, I suppose meditation is a personal indulgence. I am particularly fond of all kinds of sports such as rock climbing, football, and especially parrises squares. I love it because it requires a lot of energy and it’s a great way to out frustration. As for things I can’t stand doing, there isn’t much so I cannot think of anything at this moment.”

Lieutenant Almikaz
(CSO)