Posted by Lieutenant Tandra Mika (Chief Mental Health Officer) in Runnin’ From The Daylight (Tag Séan)

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Runnin’ From The Daylight (Tag Séan)

Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in Runnin’ From The Daylight (Tag Séan)
Posted by… suppressed (24) by the Post Ghost! 👻
A few days after their meeting in the cafe, Jezem sent a direct message to Séan from a private line. The message itself was simple, requesting a time and place to meet to have a ‘chat’. Jezem noted that he didn’t care where so long as the location was private because he’d rather not discuss personal matters within sight of other people.

Jezem

Séan was in his office between patients when the message came in. After a moment of thought he sent a reply detailing how to get to his office in the Starfleet complex and setting the time for a half hour after the work day ended. He should be able to clear out any patient running long by then and secure any confidential info.

Counselor Iven

Jezem arrived exactly at the appointed time. Dressed in the revealing orion-style clothing he prefered. Today, he forwent most of the gold jewellery he typically wore and pulled his hair back into a lose braid. The over all effect gave him a more casual appearance and he seemed relaxed as he stepped into the office. Jezem immediately began to poke around, examining the furniture, decor, knickknacks. “Nice office,” He said by way of greeting and sat down in the chair he deemed the most comfortable. “So, what does a counseling session consist of?”

Jezem

Séan was sitting at his desk while still in uniform and he smiled softly at Jezem’s attempt to take the initiative. This was probably going to be a very interesting session. “Well it depends on your needs and what we’re trying to work on. The first few sessions is usually spent getting to know one another and building an initial rapport. I wouldn’t expect you to immediately spill everything about yourself right off the bat. If you do then I’ll likely have a heavy amount of skepticism about why you’re oversharing.”

Counselor Iven

His needs. Jezem reclined against the back of the chair, crossing one green leg over the other, “Isn’t that why people come to counselors? To spill all their secret fears and shame so you can make them feel all better inside? To put their tangled thoughts and emotions into order?”Jezem shrugged, “Alright. Then let’s get to know one another. When did you come to Oed?”

Jezem

“It was just about a month ago now.” Séan said as he studied Jezem more closely. He noticed some bruising and small cuts. “Did you get into a bar fight too? I expect that from Thyr but you seemed far more… haughty, to get caught up in a bar fight.”

Counselor Iven

Jezem scowled, “Just because I’m rich doesn’t mean I’m above a good bar fight.” This was after the worst of it was healed. What remained existed to serve as a reminder for a certain Andorian to work on his worst qualities. “I’m fine. These kinds of injuries are of no consequence to me.” Considering the life he’s lived a beating from an angry andorian was hardly a contender. “Argam and I came to the colony several months ago.”

Jezem

“Considering your boasting of getting dermal regeneration treatment the last time we met, I have a feeling the extent of your injuries were more severe.” Séan commented lightly. “So if your impression of counselors is that you’re here to share all of your fears and shame, what do you feel like sharing now? How are things with you and your husband?”

Counselor Iven

“How astute of you,” Jezem said, then, “We’re good. Our anniversary is coming up and Argam is doing a terrible job at hiding the fact he’s planning something big and extravagant.” A soft smile crossed Jezem’s lips, “He was always fond of buying me flowers and he’s ordered an extravagant amount of my favorites.” Despite every desire to pry into his husband’s plans, Jezem was determined to be surprised.

Jezem

Séan nodded and smiled. “He sounds very attentive as a spouse. I don’t want to sound insensitive but I’m kind of surprised that you married a Ferengi. It was my impression that the Ferengi mainly partnered with their own race. How did you two meet?”

Counselor Iven

Jezem laughed at that, “Three years ago if you had told me I would marry a Ferengi I would have laughed you out of the room. We met several years ago through a mutual acquaintance. I was a humble merchant and Argam a middle man into other markets. He fell in love at first sight. I thought he was annoying but I would put up with him because he gave me very generous deals. It took some time, but he won me over in the end.”

Jezem closed his eyes, remembering that day. He opened them, and stared off at a point below Séan’s desk, “I couldn’t believe it when he proposed, what he was willing to give up for me.” At the time he couldn’t understand it. The sacrifice entirely alien to everything Jezem knew and understood.

Jezem

Séan wanted to protest the humble merchant assertion by Jezem but decided against it. He highly doubted Jezem was a humble anything. Instead he grinned throughout the story. “That sounds like a fairy tale marriage. It seems as if you were greatly favored to have someone pursue you so determinedly.”

Counselor Iven

Jezem smiled, “Our official wedding was on a small Federation station with the local officiant and two people we grabbed to be our witnesses. He loved me when I didn’t even know what love was. I even told him after he proposed, ‘I don’t know if I am capable of loving you’ and you know what he said?” Jezem shook his head, the words ingrained upon his very soul, “He said ‘I love you as you are, and if you would stand by my side then that is enough for me’.” Jezem cried, after hearing those words. He cried because never before had he felt so valued.

Jezem

“That’s a very pure love. You’re very lucky to have been found by it and him who gives it.” Séan said with a soft smile. It was a sort idyllic relationship. “So what’s up with you and Thyr? Clearly you were crewmates together a few years ago. Why are you helping him out?”

Counselor Iven

Argam’s love was pure and honest. Straightforward and clear. Jezem horded that love greedily. “Because he’s one of mine.” Jezem said, “I was his captain and he apart of my crew, we worked together for six years. That means something. We may not be professional associates anymore but I won’t ignore him in his time of need. What do you know about Orions, counselor?” Though the seque seemed sudden it wasn’t without purpose. Take care of those below them was a point of personal pride and honor among Orions. Captains with unhappy crews were shunned or treated with great mistrust.

Jezem

“Not as much as I probably need. None of my postings have been near Orion space so all of my knowledge is based on Starfleet briefings.” Séan admitted. “But since he isn’t part of your crew now, do your obligations still remain?”

Counselor Iven

“All of it is true except for the parts that aren’t,” Jezem said, a little joke shared by Orions. There were many rumors and misconceptions about their way of life and Orions loved being contradictory. As for that question. . . Jezem was not obligated to take care of Shivan, if anything Jezem was obligated to turn the Andorian over to the Syndicate. Jezem, though no longer an active member and relieved of service, he remained apart of the organization. The only way one leaves the Syndicate for good was through death. “Of course it does. Despite his insistence that he can take care of himself, Thyr needs my help so I will help him.”

Jezem

“I’m not convinced.” Séan said while giving Jezem a level look. “From what Thyr has told me, you were always cold, calculating, and transactional with your relationships. If something didn’t provide a benefit to you then you wouldn’t invest yourself. So here I’m left wondering as to your motivations. What do you benefit by helping him?”

Counselor Iven

That comfortable presence and casual attitude Jezem brought into this meeting shattered. In a blink of an eye Jezem shuttered himself behind a cold exterior, face completely blank. “Thyr hasn’t seen me in three years. In my business cold and calculating meant surviving another day, living another year. I told you the truth, Thyr is mine and I look after what is mine.” Jezem leaned forward, turning his comfortable sprawl into something more predatory.

“The benefit, counselor, is seeing him succeed against impossible odds.”

Jezem

Séan grinned at the change in demeanor. He still wasn’t sure who the real Jezem was yet, but it was progress to cause a change. He pressed his large hands against the top of his desk and leaned forward a bit to match Jezem. The tension in the air was likely palpable if there were an outside observer. “But does he agree that he’s yours? If he wasn’t caught in an impossible situation would he be willing to accept any of your help?”

Counselor Iven

Lieutenant Mika had finished up her work day late. She often did, she had department head stuff to do for a very large and still understaffed department. She was going to just leave, buuuut she noticed the light still on in Séan’s office, so she opened the door and peeked in. “Séan? You want to…” Then she saw Jezem and her expression changed. “Oh, whoops! I didn’t know you were still with a patient.”

~ Mika, CNS

The door opened and with a subtle shift Jezem’s aggressive posture became that of someone deeply interested in what the other was saying. Schooling his expression into something softer and curious, Jezem turned to see who the newcomer was. “Do you need the counselor for a moment?” He asked, then turned to speak with Séan . “I wouldn’t want to get in the way of any important business.”

Jezem

Séan’s posture likewise softened and he pushed himself up from the desk. “Lieutenant Mika, actually this is great timing. I’d like to introduce you to Jezem. Jezem is a humble merchant and married to one of Oed’s esteemed business men. Jezem this is Lieutenant Tandra Mika and my superior in this counseling department.” He flashed them both a bright smile as his amusement increased exponentially.

Counselor Iven

Mika stepped into the room and smiled brightly. “Lieutenant Mika. Nice to meet you,” she said, holding out a hand to Jezem. Mika was five foot two, a full foot shorter than Séan, and rather petit, but clearly quite fit. She had short brown hair and a bright, friendly expression.

~ Mika, CNS

How cute. Shame it isn’t a good look on your counselor. Jezem brightened his expression and humbly said, “Oh, I can’t really call myself a merchant anymore. I help Argam when I can but he’s so much more experienced in business matters. But it’s nice to meet you Miss- Sorry, Lieutenant Mika.” Jezem stood and shook her hand. “Really, Counselor Iven gives me too much credit, the most work I do is cooking meals and taking care of the house,”

Jezem

Séan nodded to acknowledge Jezem’s correction. “Of course. It is still important work though. I can barely take care of myself, I’d be overwhelmed trying to take care of a household.” His attention shifted over to Mika. “You were looking for me for something? I think Jezem and I were close to wrapping this up.”

Counselor Iven

Mika blushed lightly. “I was just going to ask if you wanted to do something after you were finished up. It’s been a really long day.” She smiled at Jezem. “Séan is an excellent counselor. You’re in great hands. And I agree. It’s a different kind of work, but still just as important.”

~ Mika, CNS

Jezem’s face remained perfectly placid but for a moment, when his eyes met with Séan’s there was a flash of anger. Eyes that said, ‘Happy now? Are we even?’ and in a blink it was gone. Jezem once again in the masquerade of a dotting husband. “I wouldn’t wish to intrude upon you any longer, counselor. Thank you for meeting with me, I’m looking forward to our next session.”

Jezem