Posted by Lieutenant Tandra Mika (Chief Mental Health Officer) in Side sim: Unresolved Feelings

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Side sim: Unresolved Feelings

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Side sim: Unresolved Feelings
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻

Mika arrived to work that morning, heading straight to her office with a mug of tea. She got straight to work on her paperwork, various mundane things. Anything she could work on to get the morning moving and her mind off things.

~ Mika, CNS

It was shortly after that there was a knock on the door before it opened to Séan peeking his head in. “Hey Lieutenant Mika. Do you have a quick minute? It’s not work related but I had a question.”

Counselor Iven

Mika looked up. “Oh! Uhm. Yeah. But make it quick, please.” She smiled, as if nervous, and waited for his question, a PaDD open in front of her.

~ Mika, CNS

Séan nodded before entering and shutting the door behind him. He moved over to sit in one of the chairs in front of Mika’s desk. He wasn’t intending to go slowly as she wanted it to be quick but as he sat there he looked at her as he thought of the best way to phrase his question.

Counselor Iven

Mika watched him for a moment, fiddling with a stylus in her hands. “So.... Question?” She asked after a moment of silence. And then, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to rush you. What’s it about, generally?”

~ Mika

“Oh, yeah, sorry!” Séan said with a little embarrassment. “Have you… been to any of the more shady parts of Oed?”

Counselor Iven

Mika’s brow furrowed and her nervousness was momentarily forgotten. “Uh, no. Why? Whatever you’re looking for I’m sure there’s one somewhere less shady. I’ve heard interesting things about the shady parts of Oed. Besides, Sharah says there’s tensions between Starfleet and some of the civilians here.”

~ Mika, CNS

Séan waved a hand and offered a smile to reassure Mika. “Oh no, I’m not really looking for anything in particular. I just was remembering the conversation I had with Captain McBride about where to go and where not to go. I may have stumbled upon somewhere not to go during my exploration.”

Counselor Iven

“Why? Did something happen?” Mika asked. She had no reason to go to a place like that, nor desire to.

~ Mika, CNS

Séan shook his head. “No, I was safe the entire time. I did however see a very short bar fight between two patrons. I was a little surprised but one of them was a very drunk Klingon so I wasn’t that surprised.”

Counselor Iven

Mika laughed, “Yes, drunk Klingons don’t usually make for good bar patrons.” She didn’t have a ton of experience regarding that, but she’d certainly heard stories. “So what’s the question?” She asked curiously, not trying to rush him out. Or maybe trying to seem like she wasn’t rushing him out. She wasn’t sure which.

~ Mika

“Right, so the question. If I find myself in a similar location and it doesn’t go as well for me, what’s the protocol for that? I mean it’s not like areas are clearly marked ‘Starfleet Stay Out’, so I’m likely going to find out I shouldn’t be there the hard way.” Séan asked earnestly.

Counselor Iven

“Well, to my knowledge you’re not going to get in trouble or anything,” Mika said, “Even if you get yourself hurt.” Though she’d prefer that not happen. “There’s not really protocol for that, I mean, Starfleet doesn’t control your personal time,” she said with a shrug. “For safety’s sake, I’d say don’t stick around there if you know it’s not a good area.” She thought for a moment, “Didn’t you grow up on freighters? Have you ever lived in a city?”

~ Mika, CNS

Séan shook his head. “Nope. My short time on the Alpha Eridani colony wasn’t what you would call a city. The Academy basically is a city but nothing like here. My only experience with something somewhat close would be how outposts, starbases, and deep space stations kind of form a city structure. I’ve dealt with shady places on those as a kid while my dad was off on a drinking binge.”

Counselor Iven

Mika smiled a little, faint smile. “Denver isn’t the worst city but it certainly has areas like Oed’s… You learn where to steer clear of, and then you do, unless you’re looking for trouble.”

~ Mika, CNS

“Ha, well I’m never looking for trouble and since I’ve grown up trouble usually stays away.” Séan commented with a grin. “But yeah, it’s kind of why I’ve been exploring. Learn the layout of the city and where not to go. I want to be a better guide on our next run. Which by the way, when are we going on our next one?”

Counselor Iven

“If everyone’s looking at you like you don’t belong there… It might be somewhere to stay away from,” Mika said. At his question she smiled and shrugged noncommittally. “I’m not sure… I’ve been really tired lately, so I haven’t felt up to jogging.”

~ Mika, CNS

“Oh.” Séan said with a hint of concern. “Do you need to swing by medical? I’m sure Doctor Fayth would say that getting checked out wouldn’t be an issue.”

Counselor Iven

Mika grinned, “Of course she would say that, I taught her that!” She said, laughing a little, but then shook her head. “It’s just the workload, I think. I’m not sick.”

~ Mika, CNS

Séan nodded. “Well I’m sure you’d tell me to not overdue it and that you need to take the time for self-care so… Doctor heal thyself.” He winked at Mika good naturedly then stood up from the chair. “I should get out of your hair so you can get your work done then.”

Counselor Iven

“Of course,” Mika smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll let Sharah know if it gets worse.” Then she nodded, “See you later Sé- I mean, Lieutenant Iven.”

For the rest of the morning, she worked, trying to finish all her administrative tasks before the afternoon. By lunch she was nearly done and she’d have to finish the rest between her scheduled appointments.

~ Mika, CNS

As lunch time rolled around Séan returned, knocked on Mika’s door, and peeked his head in again. “Hey it’s lunch time. You want to go with me to get a sandwich?”

Counselor Iven

Mika had made absolutely sure she’d look busy. She didn’t want him to think she didn’t want to spend time with him, she just… Well, she didn’t know what she wanted. Looking over her work at him she smiled sadly, “I can’t, I’m going to have to work through lunch today. Maybe tomorrow?”

~ Mika, CNS

Séan blinked in confusion for a second but then gave Mika a smile as he nodded. “Alright. I’ll leave you to your work then.” He gave a little wave as he turned to leave.

About ten minutes later he returned with two sandwiches in his hand. “Hey again, I know you’re busy but I thought you could have lunch and work.” He moved over to her desk and put her sandwich out of the way off to the side of the desk.

Counselor Iven

Mika looked up, surprised and clearly pleased, if a bit… Nervous, perhaps? She smiled and picked up the sandwich. He’d even remembered which one she liked. “Thanks. Really, that’s super nice of you.” She said and smiled again, “Uh, do you want to sit and eat?”

~ Mika, CNS

“If… you’re sure that’s alright?” Séan asked hesitantly. “I don’t want to distract you while you’re trying to work. I just wanted to make sure you’d having something in case you got hungry.”

Counselor Iven

She nodded. She really did enjoy his company. She just… She looked up at him and then promptly away, her face flushing slightly. “I am busy but… A few minutes can’t hurt, right?” She said face down toward her PaDD, trying to hide her blush with her hair.

~ Mika

Séan nodded and sat at the desk with a grin. “Shouldn’t hurt at all, I’d think.” He said as he unwrapped his sandwich and started eating. “Your case load been keeping you busy or is it admin stuff?” He asked between bites.

Counselor Iven

“Admin stuff,” Mika replied, unwrapping her own sandwich and starting to eat it. “There’s a lot and not all of our vacancies for fleet counselors are filled.” She shrugged, “It’s nothing I haven’t dealt with in medical. Just a lot more of it than on a ship.”

~ Mika

“Yeah…” Séan said while in thought. “I know that this is your job but if you need any help with paperwork I’ve done this before as well. I’d be happy to lend a hand.” He offered as he continued to eat. Part of the reason he offered was because he truly did want to help and the other was that he could spend more time with Mika.

Counselor Iven

“I’ll let you know if I need anything,” Mika said. On one hand, she could spend more time with Séan. On the other, she wasn’t sure she should spend more time with Séan, she still wasn’t even sure how she felt about him. And then there was that little voice in her head that said people might think she couldn’t do her job if she asked for help, which she knew was utterly ridiculous but the thought was there anyway. She took another bite of her sandwich. “I did paperwork for medical departments on ships. I’ve done all the departmental stuff, and the counselor specific stuff isn’t that different.”

~ Mika

Séan nodded. “Makes sense. Departments seem like they would be run very similarly, especially medical and counseling. Did you ever have to crack down on anyone violating patient confidentiality?”

Counselor Iven

“Hmm… I once had a doctor telling patients’ families privileged information without the patient’s permission. Why? Have you?” Mika asked, looking at him.

~ Mika

“There was a counselor who told privileged information about a department head to a junior officer in that department that she had a relationship with.” Séan replied with a grimace. “That was a mess and a half to clean up. The DH was very upset, as they should have been, so the XO decided with approval from the Captain to transfer the counselor off ship.”

Counselor Iven

Mika made an ‘oof’ face. “That’s a big breach. It’s lucky they found out about it and were able to transfer them. Therapy requires trust in the counselor.” She set her sandwich down to work a little on her administrative tasks. “I think confidentiality breaches are worse in mental health than in physical. That’s not to say a doctor breaking confidentiality isn’t a huge offence though.”

~ Mika

“Oh yeah.” Séan agreed wholeheartedly. “Like a doctor could refer a patient to us because of some mental health issue impacted by an injury but if the patient doesn’t consent to the information being divulged then it can’t be, unless of course they’re at risk for more harm to themselves or others.”

Counselor Iven

“Actually, then it’s a consult and the information can be shared.” Mika said. “Same as if I brought you in on a case of one of my mental health patients. I can discuss specifics with you so long as there is a professional need. But I can’t go sharing that information with the patient’s family unless they’ve noted otherwise, or with other staff that don’t need to know.”

~ Mika

Séan blinked for a moment. “What if the patient clearly directs that they don’t want a consult brought in?”

Counselor Iven

“Then we can’t, no. Unless they’re definitely going to harm themselves or others.” Mika said.

~ Mika

Séan nodded then shrugged. It was about what he expected but he didn’t interact with medical very much even on the Ogawa. He didn’t think there was an issue with Dr Sharah knowing his weakness but this reassured him a bit more and didn’t tip off Mika. He was almost done with his sandwich.

Counselor Iven

Mika finished off her sandwich in silence, unsure how to continue the conversation. She offered him a polite smile. “Thanks again for the sandwich.”

~ Mika

“Of course. I should let you get back to work. Thanks for giving me some time and having lunch with me.” Séan said with a smile as he finished his sandwich then stood and collected their grabbed their garbage.

Counselor Iven

Mika smiled again and nodded. Then she went back to work. The rest of her shift was long and busy. After a particularly difficult appointment in the mid afternoon, she just set her head down on her desk in the bit of time she had between appointments.

~ Mika, CNS

The next day Séan knocked on Mika’s door around lunch time again. After peeking his head in he said, “Hey are you too busy to go to lunch again?”

Counselor Iven

“Hmm?” Mika looked up as if surprised, and then seemed nervous. “Oh, well....” Realising she had no excuse that wouldn’t seem rude, she shook her head. “I um… I have a little time.”

~ Mika, CNS

Séan’s face lit up as he smiled and entered Mika’s office with two sandwiches in hand again. He shut the door then moved quickly over to sit at her desk. He handed her sandwich over and chuckled. “I kind of figured you might have been skipping lunch again. I hope you don’t mind that I got you another sandwich.”

Counselor Iven

Mika smiled. “Not at all,” she said, picking up the sandwich. Did he have to be so nice? She made space for him to eat at her desk and unwrapped her sandwich to eat it. “You memorized my favorite.” She commented, smiling at him.

~ Mika

Séan smiled and shrugged slightly. “It wasn’t a very complicated order. I have a very good memory which certainly helps with this massive case load.” He unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite. He was trying a different sandwich this time, it was roast beef with a lot of cheese and other toppings.

Counselor Iven

“That’s why I write everything down,” Mika said. “Are you settling in to Oed okay, besides the workload?” She asked as she started eating her sandwich.

~ Mika

“Oh, yeah. Things have been going really well I think. I think we need a battalion more of counselor to keep up with all of the personnel we have but can’t really complain otherwise.” Séan said between bites. “How has the admin paperwork been going?”

Counselor Iven

Mika laughed. “I agree. A battalion more of counselors would be very helpful. We’re slowly getting more though. Even if we could get two or three more, fleet or civilian it would do a lot for individual caseload.” She shrugged to his question, “It’s paperwork, it goes how it always goes. There’s a lot of it, but nothing I can’t handle.”

~ Mika, CNS

Séan looked at Mika to see if she wasn’t being fully truthful. She did not seem like the type of person who would ask for help if she needed any. They probably shared that character trait. “Well if you can’t handle it or get overwhelmed, please keep my offer in mind.”

Counselor Iven

“Of course.” She smiled again, as if maybe a little nervous, fiddling with her fingers a little bit. She didn’t quite meet his gaze. “If I need help, I’ll ask,” she said brightly, still not quite meeting his gaze. She took another bite of her sandwich. “What do you like to do outside of work? Besides jog, of course.”

~ Mika

Séan tilted his head in thought for a moment. He was thinking about Mika’s question but also about her behavior. Was she being… bashful? But why? She clearly indicated during their time at the fountain that she’s attracted to women and not men. Maybe he was reading the situation wrong, it wouldn’t be the first time he had. He cleared the thought from his mind and focused instead on her question. “Well I’ve been exploring and finding new areas that are interesting, though nothing like the other day. Other than that I’ve been catching up on some of the Psychology journals I’ve been putting off reading.”

Counselor Iven

“Oh, the psychology journals! Has there been anything interesting in those lately?” Mika asked. “I’ve been way too busy to catch up on reading those lately. Same with the medical journals, actually.” If she was being bashful, she hadn’t noticed. She was glad to have something to focus on in the conversation, the journals, rather than the giant mess that was her feelings.

~ Mika

“I spent the last year basically ignoring them during my recovery and leave.” Séan replied. “The only really interesting thing I read is that physical contact seems to work for Vulcans similarly as it does for humans. Can release mood stabilizing chemicals in the brain and drop blood pressure.”

Counselor Iven

“Huh,” Mika said interestedly. “I wonder what Vulcan agreed to that study. They don’t seem big on physical contact.” She commented as as she ate her sandwich. “Maybe I’ll look into reading that one myself.”

~ Mika

“Must have been someone dedicated to science and the discovery of breakthroughs in medicine.” Séan said with a smile. “I’m sure it would have to be with someone they trusted. Though I do wonder why Vulcans don’t like physical contact.”

Counselor Iven

“There’s no logical reason for it, I assume,” Mika said with a shrug. “In human society physical touch is often seen as an emotional act. You touch a shoulder to comfort someone, hug to show affection or friendship, you know. It’s like how they don’t pick their partners, they do it logically. I don’t get it, but I guess it’s not mine to get.”

~ Mika

Séan nodded. “I’ve counseled Vulcans before and the mental gymnastics required to logically prove that a logic based emotional control system is often flawed can be exhausting.”

Counselor Iven

“That’s why the Vulcan Counsel of Medicine suggests that Vulcan officers be counselled by Vulcan mental health staff. Emotional species just don’t get it, and all that,” Mika said, shaking her head slightly. “I can’t image convincing a Vulcan a logic based emotional system is flawed went that well.”

~ Mika

“That wasn’t an option for any of the ships I was on. Besides even it could be tiring the challenge presented was intellectually stimulating. I did enjoy talking with Vulcans.” Séan said with a grin. “The convincing wasn’t actually difficult per se. There did need to be some empirical evidence provided to show that bottling everything up, even for Vulcans, is not a good approach. Of course this is when working with patients for whom the system is already not working for, so trying to convince a Vulcan who ‘had it all together’ would probably be like headbutting a brick wall.”

Counselor Iven

“No, I didn’t always have that option either. I was usually the only counselor, which is why Vulcans would avoid seeing me like the plague,” Mika laughed. “I don’t know, they don’t bottle it up, you know. Not ideally. They are supposed to let the emotions go without reacting to them, supposedly.” Then she laughed at his last comment, “Yes, I suspect it would.”

~ Mika

Séan laughed at Mika’s description of how it supposedly went. “Yeah, you would think that Vulcans would consult humans on how to manage emotions. We may not have the best track record as a species but we have some exemplary cases in how to let negative emotions flow through and out of us.”

Counselor Iven

“Vulcans historically don’t consult humans on much of anything,” Mika said, laughing as well. “They’ve grown to appreciate us more than history says they did in Earth’s early space days, though.”

~ Mika

Séan nodded then finished his sandwich. “I can only imagine what humans were like right after recovering from a world war. It would have been exciting to see but likely very stressful to experience.”

Counselor Iven

“Oh, definitely,” Mika said. “Especially that world war.” She finished her sandwich and crumpled up the trash. “So.... Um.” She started awkwardly. Then let a silence stretch, not sure what to say.

~ Mika

“So…” Séan replied into the silence after Mika didn’t continue. His feeling that something was going on struck him again. What was up with this? “Are you okay? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you at a loss for words like this?”

Counselor Iven

Mika nodded immediately. “I’m okay. Promise. I just… You know I’ve been a little lost since I came to Oed. But I’ll be fine.” She smiled at him. “Honestly.”

~ Mika

“Okay…” Séan said somewhat hesitantly. He wasn’t sure if he fully believed her reassurance but he wasn’t going to force the issue. “I guess I should let you get back to work then. But if you need anyone to talk to I’m just a couple doors over.” He gave her a soft smile, collected the garbage, then headed back to his own office.

Counselor Iven

The next several days consisted of much the same. Mika seemed to only be in office when she needed to be, and always busy. She wouldn’t outright avoid Séan but she always seemed nervous and in a rush to leave. On Friday of that week she spoke to Sharah, and on the following Monday, she got to her office early and considered what she should do. Apologize, probably. It was a little rude to keep avoiding him. But what would she say?

~ Mika

Séan was in his office after his lone morning run and the rest of his routine. He was still a bit early for everything so he was reading through various correspondence.

Counselor Iven

Mika heard him come in and waited a bit and then headed down to his office and knocked on the door, waiting politely. When he let her in, she stood in the doorway. “Hey.”

~ Mika

“Come on in.” He called out then looked up as Mika greeted him. “Hey yourself.” Séan said with a grin at the surprise visit. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

Counselor Iven

Mika smiled, a little shyly, not quite looking at him. “I just wanted to apologize. You know, for being so… Skittish the last week or so.” She said, still standing in the doorway. “It wasn’t fair. To you.”

~ Mika

Séan blinked in surprise. “Oh uh, I had noticed that you were awfully busy lately but I didn’t want to pry. You don’t need to apologize to me though. No feelings were hurt. But please come in, there’s no need to stand in the doorway unless you’re planning to run away.”

Counselor Iven

Mika stepped in a little further. “I might be,” she said, though she was smiling playfully, if a little nervously. “Do you want to start jogging together again? In the mornings.”

~ Mika

Séan smiled back at Mika’s joke. “I would absolutely love that. It’s been not nearly as fun without you jogging with me.” He took a moment to think of how to pose his next question without scaring her off. “If you don’t my asking, what has had you skittish over this last week?”

Counselor Iven

Mika’s cheeks turned bright red. “I um… Had a personal problem. It wasn’t about you at all.” She said, hoping he’d believe that.

~ Mika

“That’s… not convincing at all.” Séan said with a very skeptical look on his face.”Saying it’s not about me in the way you did means it obviously is. Did I do something wrong? I know I was a bit foolish at the fountain but I thought we had moved past that.”

Counselor Iven

Mika’s blush spread and she took a seat in one of the chairs in his office. “We have, promise. It’s not what happened at the fountain. You didn’t do anything. Actually, you’ve been… really great.” She smiled shyly. “It’s just me. It’s a me problem.”

~ Mika

Séan’s expression shifted from skepticism to concern. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Counselor Iven

“Uhm. No, I don’t think so. I just… It’s…” She started, but she lost her nerve. She remembered what Sharah said, and it helped a little. Considering what happened at the fountain, him not liking her that way probably wasn’t a problem? But they did work together and she really didn’t want to make things awkward. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me, okay?” She said and smiled.

~ Mika

Séan initially started to nod but then shook his head instead. “I’m not going to drag it out of you whatever it is, but I am going to worry. I know it’s related to me even if I’m not the direct cause. Or at least nothing I’ve done is the cause. I can’t help but worry at what’s going on but I can wait until you’re ready to tell me.”

Counselor Iven

Mika smiled. “I will, eventually. I think.” She covered her face with her hands, “I don’t know.” She sighed a long sigh. “Sorry. I don’t mean to…” To what? Be a bother? That wasn’t really it. Be rude? That wasn’t quite right either. “Drag you into my problems.” She decided finally.

~ Mika

Séan shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. We deal with people’s problems everyday for work, and yes it can be tiring but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to help, whether it’s patients or friends. You’re not dragging me into anything because I’m happy to be there if you need me.”

Counselor Iven

Mika smiled and nodded. “Thanks… Séan.” She stood from the chair and moved towards the door. At the doorway she turned around. “When I’m ready, I’ll tell you. See you again at lunch?” She asked and smiled, warm and friendly.

~ Mika

Séan likewise stood. “You’re welcome Tandra.” He moved towards the door and returned Mika’s smile with one of his own and a nod. “I’ll swing by your office and we can head down together..” He gave her a wave as he watched her leave for her office.

Mika blushed lightly and smiled again. “Okay.” She said, and then she was headed down the hall to her own office.

Later in the day it was time for lunch and Séan made his way to Mika’s office.

Counselor Iven

Mika was working on patient notes. Focusing hard on what she was doing, she hadn’t noticed the time. She sighed, stressed about something in the work. When Séan knocked, she pressed the control for the door to let it open. “Lunch already?”

~ Mika

Séan nodded with a grin. “Yep. Come on, you’ve got to take a break. Your work will be here when you get back.”

Counselor Iven

Mika set her PaDD down and stood from her desk, stretching a little. “Okay, okay, I’m coming.” She said, moving around the desk and towards the door. “We’re going to the square?” She asked, smiling at him.

~ Mika

Séan led the way towards the elevator. “May as well. I’m thinking of going to one of the other food trucks for tacos this time. How was work today? You looked very focused.”

Counselor Iven

Mika sighed. “I was working on patient notes. It’s… A hard case.” As they stepped onto the elevator she had to agree with the idea of going to a different truck than usual. “Yeah… I’m tired of sandwiches.”

~ Mika

Séan pushed the button for the ground floor and commented as they headed down. “Yeah. Sandwiches are good for when you need something but after awhile you just need some variety.” He paused for a moment. “Is this hard case something you’d be willing to have a consult on?”

Counselor Iven

“Uhm…” Mika said indecisively. It wasn’t that his consult wouldn’t be useful, or that she didn’t want it. In fact she wasn’t sure what it was. The elevator dinged as it reached the bottom floor and she still hadn’t given him an answer.

~ Mika

Séan waited until after the doors opened before he turned his attention away from Mika and left the elevator. He made sure she was actually following him though. “Well give it some thought and you know where I am if you decide that’s something you want. There’s no need to answer now.”

Counselor Iven

Mika was indeed following him. “I’m sorry. I just… It would be a help, but…” She shrugged and then smiled. “Let’s focus on lunch.”

~ Mika

“Sure.” Séan agreed easily. When they got to the square he pointed out the food truck he was going to and they parted ways. He ended up getting an order of ten street tacos before finding them an empty table and sat at it.

Counselor Iven

Mika ended up going to the same truck and ordering a bean and greens burrito. Then she followed Séan and took a seat. “So how has work been treating you? Not too busy, is it?” She asked Séan.

~ Mika

Sharah was stationed at the infirmary that day. With Hannah out Sharah was busier, but it was worth it to make sure Hannah was taking care of herself and healing. She had gotten a message from Yavia asking if she would meet her at the food trucks for lunch.

Sharah walked into the square and glanced around. She knew Yavia’s favorite and made her way over to the kabob truck to order for both of them. She hadn’t made it to the front of the line when Yavia appeared. The Deltan woman hurried over and wrapped her in a huge hug. She kept her arm around Sharah while they ordered.

Collecting their food she looked for a table. “Isn’t that Tandra over there? Who is she with?” Yavia pointed.

Sharah looked, “Oh one of our new counselors. Come on. I’ll introduce you.” Sharah walked over. “Hello Tandra, Sean. How are you?”

Sharah

“Oh, hello Doctor Fayth. It’s good to see you.” Séan said with a smile and then nodded politely to her companion.

Counselor Iven

“Sharah!” Mika smiled. “And Yavia too. How are your days going?” She looked at Séan and Yavia, “Oh yeah, Séan. That’s Yavia, she’s a nurse at the hospital and with Sharah.” She took a bite of her food, and then went on, “Yavia, this is Séan.... Lieutenant Iven. Our newest counselor. He’s been a lot of help.”

~ Mika

The Deltan woman smiled enigmatically. “It is a pleasure to meet you Lt Sean Iven.” She grinned at Tandra, “I am glad you finally have help, you work too hard, Tandra. Like this one.” She looked at Sharah and grinned.

Fayth rolled her eyes, “Uh huh, like you don’t work just as hard. Don’t let her fool you, Sean. She works harder than any of us.”

Yavia laughed and it rolled over their skin like warm sunshine. “Well I have to. How else would I stay out of trouble.” She winked. “Mind if we join you? The tables are getting full.”

Yavia and Sharah

“Please, by all means.” Séan said as he half stood and moved closer to Mika to make room for the other two. “It is such a beautiful day out that I was happy Tandra agreed to lunch outside today. You can only eat so many sandwiches in an office before you start going a bit stir crazy.”

Counselor Iven

Yavia’s eyes twinkled and she grinned at Sean. “Oh you and I are going to get along famously. I have…mmbrble pobm” she began to mumble as Sharah shoved a piece of grilled fruit in Yavia’s mouth.

“Hush you. Not a word.” Yavia was always after her and Charles both to take a break when they worked. Sharah more than Charles. Sharah was pretty sure she only got after him so that Sharah wouldn’t feel singled out.

Yavia’s eyes closed and a content look of heaven descended in her face as she ate. “Oh, that is…such a delightful contrast.” Watching Yavia eat was something else. She gave it her full attention of the senses. She sighed. “Now back to what I was saying,” she dodged an elbow poke, “I have the same problem with Sharah. She’s working so many hours lately I barely see her. I had to beg her to meet me for lunch.”

Séan nodded in sympathy. “My boss here has been cooping herself up in the office for the last week but being the great coworker that I am, I made sure she had her favorite sandwich for lunch. It was the least I can do. Someone has to watch out for her health.”

Yavia grinned, “Good, but who is looking out for you?”

Sharah nudged her and shook her head. “Yavia takes her role as nurse very seriously. She never stops working, even when she leaves the hospital. It’s her calling, and she is amazing. Someone has to keep an eye on her though.” She grinned, “Well two of us are happy to.” Yavia’s cheeks turned pink as she leaned in and hugged Sharah.

Mika rolled her eyes in an exaggerated fashion. “I will be fine. Someone has to keep the psych wing running. I wasn’t skipping meals.” Then she smiled and looked at Séan. “He did memorize my favorite sandwich though.” She said, turning to look at Sharah.

Sharah looked at Mika then at Sean and back to Mika. Oh! Luckily it didn’t show on her face. “That’s really nice. We all have to look out for each other.”

“Go ahead,” Mika said also scooting to make space. She was definitely closer to Séan after they moved to make space for Sharah and Yavia. “I don’t think he’s used to the fact it’s always beautiful here,” Mika said, shaking her head. She turned to Séan, grinning, “How didn’t you go stir crazy on ships, then?”

~ Mika

Sharah stared at Mika a moment and then grinned, “Arboretums of course. Though they don’t compare. Come in Tandra, you know you love your garden.”

Sharah and Yavia

“Arboretums are great but on smaller ships or freighters you didn’t have that option. So a lot of exercise, stargazing, reading, or vid watching when you weren’t on duty.” Séan responded before taking a healthy bite of a street taco.

Counselor Iven

Mika giggled, “I do love it, but I did have one on ships… If they’d stop transferring me every five months.” She turned back to Séan. “The stargazing is a great way to pass the time when plants aren’t an option, isn’t it?”

~ Mika

“I love star gazing. Keeps things in perspective.” Yavia glanced at Sharah and hugged her again then shook her head. “No thanks. I prefer the view of the stars from the ground.”

Sharah and Yavia

Séan nodded at the ladies. “Stargazing is a pretty common pastime when you’re posted to a ship I’d think. I’ve been in space so long that it’s a little weird seeing the stars from a planet but it’s a neat difference.”

Counselor Iven

“I still miss the ships,” Mika sighed. “The garden helps though. It’s nice to finally have a passtime that… makes it feel more homey here.” She said.

~ Mika

Sharah nodded. “The arboretums were always my favorite parts of the ships I served on. But what I loved most about serving - meeting new people, healing them, sharing knowledge- I get more here of all that than I ever did ship side.” Sharah gave a little shrug, “Oed can be really overwhelming, but not moving around and having to constantly adjust to new input is a kind of relief.”

Sharah

“Huh, I would have thought planetside would have far more new people to potentially meet. I think within a couple of months I had met most of the ship’s crew but there’s so much to explore here on Oed.” Séan said between tacos. “I can’t say plants really interest me beyond the aesthetic though. Going through arboretums was nice but I was always apprehensive about damaging a flower or a random plant.”

Counselor Iven

Yavia quietly leant Sharah her support. She was glad to see Sharah being open, even if it was daunting for her. And quite contrary to everything she had ever been told to do. Sharah nodded, “There are more people to meet, and if it was just the people on the ship, that would be true. It’s…think of it as a base beat, a rhythm. Even though I don’t know everyone, the underlying rhythm of the colony doesn’t change. Ship side it changed with every planet, every alien ship, station, or outpost we visited. It was hard to find balance.”

Séan nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. Tandra told me that you have a very broad psychic sense, I just didn’t realize how expansive the range of it was. Can you sense people in orbit?”

Mika had always shied away from asking Sharah things like that, it always seemed like it might bother her. So when Séan did, Mika turned and looked at Sharah.

For a moment Sharah was transported back, ten years. Similar questions, but very different people. That had ended with Sharah in the hospital for several long months.
She sensed only genuine curiosity, though she refused to pay attention with any fine detail. It was the only way to provide privacy, to hear the noise but not listen. “I can. If they are someone familiar to me, I can even speak telepathically with them.”

Séan smiled. “That is very cool. I imagine trying to keep emotions from overwhelming you with so many people around is a bit of a negative trade-off though. Do you do a meditation or mental focus exercise to shield things out?”

Sharah shook her head, “That is a symptom of my…condition. There is no shielding things out. It is loud and turbulent and constant. I have been in therapy for as long as I can remember. Special training, forms of meditation, and such allow me to maintain.”

“I’m sorry if the topic has gotten uncomfortable for you.” Séan said with sympathy in his voice. “I had a patient aboard the Ogawa who was half Haliian and half Betazoid and they frequently had issues shielding out thoughts and emotion, though their range wasn’t quite as broad. I had read in a study that there was an experimental medication that could suppress telepathy and had offered it as an option with close monitoring. Her system was so frayed that turning it all off gave her a chance to recuperate and regain control. I can forward you the information if you’re interested.”

Sharah shook her head. “It’s alright. I am used to people being curious. That is a kind offer. Thank you.” He was being genuine and so Sharah didn’t deny the offer, though she was familiar with the study and knew it didn’t work for her. “The Ogawa?” She glanced at Mika, “That’s where Hannah’s friend is stationed. Dr. Bonner, or well Kane now. I understand she got married. Such a small world as they say.”

Mika nodded, “I think Hannah’s mentioned a Doctor Bonner before. Wait…” She thought a moment and then gently elbowed Séan, “Isn’t that where your ummm not-a-patient was? Where you were stationed a year ago?”

Mika looked at him with mock shock. “Plants don’t interest you!” She put hands on both sides of her face in a mock, dramatic silent screaming impression. “I will have to teach you!” She said and smiled. “Sharah helped me set up a garden in my quarters, maybe you can come see that sometime?”

~ Mika

Yavia chuckled, “You’re in for it now, Séan. If you ever need one of these two and can’t find them, they will be with their plants. They are more essential than air to these two.” Yavia grinned fully aware of the near pun.

Yavia and Sharah

Séan nodded thoughtfully. “I see. So if I wanted to get on either of their good sides I should get them a plant huh? Like a nice Wisteria or maybe Daffodil?”

Counselor Iven

“Nah,” Mika said, “Wisteria’s a vine. Terrible to grow unless you have the space to put something it can climb, like a lattice.” She grinned at Yavia, “Plants are serene. Relaxing. You should try it sometime. Get a little window plant.”

~ Mika

“Your garden doesn’t have any room for a vine?” Séan joked as he grinned at Mika.

“Have you seen how small our balconies are?” Mika said, giving him a playful look.

Yavia shook her head, “Oh no. I can’t keep a plant alive. I tried. Between Sharah and TK and their agrarian backgrounds, they would be so ashamed. They might have to deny knowing me.”

Sharah hugged her and kissed her cheek. “We would never do that. Your ability to keep a plant alive would not change a thing.” She turned to look at Sean. “Just as long as it’s potted and not cut. Nothing is worse than having to watch a bouquet slowly die.”

Sharah and Yavia

Séan nodded in gratitude. “Thank you for the tips. I usually go with chocolate or something because I’m not very knowledgeable about plants.”

Counselor Iven

Mika made a face. “I don’t like bouquets either, but chocolate is just so overused and generic.” She smiled at Sharah and Yavia. “The three of you are too cute. I’m glad you’re happy.”

~ Mika

“My gift giving has never been exceptionally unique. I just know from my mom that girls usually like chocolate. She didn’t get a chance to tell me what else.” Séan said with a slight shrug.

Mika’s smile faded and she gave Séan a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”

“I am so sorry Séan.” The other women uttered together. Their empathy clear.

Séan waved a hand. “It’s alright. I didn’t mean to drag the mood down. At least I know potted plants are a good alternative now.”

Sharah nodded, “Coffee or some other warm or caffeinated beverage is also always welcome.”

Yavia chuckled, “Oh I’ll warn TK. He regularly brings gourmet chocolates to the hospital for all the staff in the ward. I’ll tell him to include something different for you. Plants and chocolate is the quickest way to convince Sharah of anything. One day I might get her to try coffee.” Yavia grinned and gave Mika a mischievous look, “I think we’re pretty amazing, but Sharah is by far the hottest of the three of us. You should see her in a cowboy hat.” Sharah was suddenly extremely interested in her food and very very red.

Yavia and Sharah

Séan chuckled at the very forward teasing Yavia was giving Sharah. “I think the real question is whether she has cowboy boots to go with the hat.”

Counselor Iven

Yavia slipped an arm around Sharah and grinned at the other two. “She does, and you should see her dance in them.” Yavia fanned herself with a hand.

Mika giggled and shook her head. “Okay guys, give her a break.” She said, looking at a very bright red Sharah, then Yavia and Séan.

~ Mika

Sharah threw Mika a grateful glance. Yavia chuckled and kissed her temple. “Okay, I’ll stop. But it’s still true.” Then she picked up a kabob, “What brings you two out today?” Then she pulled a piece of beef off the stick and ate it.

Sharah and Yavia

Séan merely grinned but didn’t continue to tease Sharah along with Yavia. He pointed to his plate of mostly missing tacos in response to Yavia’s question instead. “Needed some food and tacos were really speaking to me today.”

Counselor Iven

“Séan always either brings me something or drags me out for lunch,” Mika said and smiled again. “We’ll have to head back before too long. Psych is swamped, like always.”

~ Mika

Sharah sighed. “I’m glad you have help, and someone to keep an eye on you, Tandra. We are still short handed all the way around.”

Yavia nodded as well. “We’ve all been working double shifts for the last week. With the new influx of refugees last week, we have almost run out of beds, and we simply will not turn anyone away. The new clinic locations have really helped.”

Yavia and Sharah

Séan’s expression turned sympathetic as he listened to Yavia and Sharah’s words. “I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be with the increased workload and shortage of staff,” he said, his tone reflecting genuine concern. “It’s truly commendable that you’re going the extra mile to accommodate everyone, especially the refugees. The new clinic locations must have made a significant difference in providing the necessary care.”

Counselor Iven

Yavia grinned. “It is why we are all Medical professionals. To take care of those that need it. Sacred Heart was founded on the principle of having a big heart for everyone. How could we possibly turn someone away who needs our help? But it is a lot, but very rewarding.”

Mika nodded. “Sharah has always been an excellent doctor.” Then she turned to Sharah, “If you need any help don’t hesitate to call me. I’m sure I can set aside a little time to pitch in if you need it.”

~ Mika

Sharah flushed a little, obviously not used to praise, but comfortable with Mika. “Well, if I am it’s because I learned from you, Tandra.” She looked at Séan, “I am sure she wouldn’t say it, but she quite literally saved my life. She’s an amazing doctor, but a more amazing person.”

Mika’s cheeks turned a light red to match Sharah’s. “I was doing my job. And you were a friend.” She looked at Séan, “When I was the CMO of an academy vessel, Sharah was my Cadet, and she had an… Illness,” she looked at Sharah, asking silently how much it was okay to share. “I found the cause and cured it. Discovered a new sort of parasite, actually.”

Sharah nodded with a smile. “By all means tell him. I don’t remember much except that my telepathy was super erratic, my empathy more so. The parasite was feeding off the excess amounts of psilosynine in my paracortex.”

Mika nodded. “It was, and both its presence and the by-products it was creating eating your psilosynine were causing your erratic empathy and telepathy… It wasn’t that your abilities were any different than usual, I think, but that you couldn’t control them. I know you were miserable.”

Sharah nodded, “I think that’s accurate, with the qualifier that control of my abilities is a relative thing. It was awful. Jo…Lt Rainns thought I was either crazy and an outright danger.” Yavia grabbed her hand and lifted it to her lips. “He was wrong, about many things. If you were a danger things would have been much much worse.”

Séan nodded, his expression filled with admiration for Mika’s dedication and expertise. “That sounds like it was a remarkable feat, Tandra. Your skill as a CMO and your commitment to your patients are truly commendable. I’m honored to call you a friend and grateful to have you as a colleague now.”

He turned to Sharah, his gaze reflecting appreciation for her strength and resilience. “Sharah, it takes a lot of courage to face and overcome such challenges. I’m glad Tandra was there for you, and I’m sure your experience has shaped you into the amazing doctor you are today.”

Séan’s words conveyed a deep sense of respect for both Mika and Sharah, recognizing their accomplishments and the bond they shared. “You’re both an inspiration, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by such talented and compassionate individuals. Together, we can continue making a positive impact on the lives of those who need us.”

“That’s kind of you. But I do agree Tandra is remarkable. And now everyone is going to get to see it. Oed has a way of doing that.” It was obvious Sharah was highly uncomfortable with the attention and compliments.

Mika blushed deeply and shrugged. I dunno about that*, but I’m hoping to do well enough.” She said, looking between all of them.

Yavia grinned, “You are far too humble, Tandra. You are amazing. You do great work. Own it and claim it. We are lucky you are here.”

Yavia wrapped an arm around Sharah, a shadow crossing her face in a flicker and she reached over and squeezed Mika’s arm quickly. “I didn’t know her then, but I am so very grateful she had you to take care of her.”

Mika smiled at Yavia. “She is an excellent doctor, just like I knew she could be.”

“Anytime you want, we would be glad to have you. There is a schedule on the hospital network for extra volunteer shifts and locations. Don’t over do it though. We aren’t any good if we make ourselves sick,” she grinned at Mika. It was fun tossing the lessons Mika gave her into the conversation.

Sharah and Yavia

Mika chuckled and then smiled. She was glad her lessons made such an impact. “I won’t, promise. I just… Miss being a doctor sometime.” She looked at Yavia and Sharah, “You might see my name on the volunteer list in the next few days.”

~ Mika

Counselor Iven

Yavia grinned, “We would love to have you. You too Séan. They need people to talk to, and we can always use an extra pair of hands. The only requirement is that you care.”

Yavia and Sharah

Séan nodded with a smile. “I’ll take a look and see when I’ve got some time free but I’m more than happy to help.” He lifted a big hand and showed it to Yavia. “My hands are always ready to be put into service to help people out.”

Counselor Iven

Mika grinned and laughed. “You would be a big help, I’m sure. You and I should both volunteer,” She said to Séan.

~ Mika

Séan nodded with a smile. “It would help having someone I’m familiar with there so I don’t get overwhelmed.”

Yavia’s leg nudged Sharah’s under the table, the amused and excited thoughts in Yavia’s mind were clear to Sharah. Yes, she did see what was going on. But did the other two at the table? It wasn’t Sharah’s secret to tell. “Oh I can put those hands to work,” Yavia’s tone was outrageous but still professional. “I will warn Alice about him.”

Sharah almost snorted her drink out. “Don’t you mean warn him about Alice?”

Sharah and Yavia

Séan blinked. This Yavia sure was interesting. He decided to tease back. “I’m not sure if you’d be able to fully utilize my hands though. It takes a certain… experience level to be able to handle it.”

Counselor Iven

Sharah choked on her food and started coughing. Yavia patted her back, but her blue eyes stayed riveted on Séan. She leaned forward slightly and her voice seemed to carry a mystical quality. “Hmmm, of that I have no doubt. I have experienced the same issue. It takes a special person with the right experience to handle all this.” She glanced at Sharah who looked redder than a tomato and then Tandra and Séan. “I have found my people. You will find yours. In the mean time I am sure Alice has more than the necessary experience to make use of your hands. Don’t you think Tandra?”

Yavia

“Of course she does,” Mika said, seeming just a tad disappointed. If Sharah were paying attention she’d catch that Mika was way more disappointed than she let on. Mika smiled at Yavia and Séan, joining in, “Alice would love those hands.” And with those words, a pang of jealousy followed.

~ Mika

Sharah looked up suddenly at Tandra. She was jealous! What Sharah had suspected earlier was suddenly confirmed. Then she realized Tandra didn’t know Alice’s first name. She would have to find a way to let Tandra in on the information.

Séan shook his head. “I don’t know who this Alice is but I don’t just let anyone make use of my hands. They have to earn it. Well and prove they can handle it.” He laughed, shook his head, and decided to change topic. It had gone a little further than he intended. “I will go sign up with Tandra when she goes and see about what help we can provide. Though I expect she’ll be more help than I.”

Counselor Iven

“Nonsense. You will be equally helpful. There is a lot of work that needs to be done and even more people to help.” She looked at Tandra, a very pointed ‘think about it’ look. One Tandra had often given her cadets when they weren’t thinking things through. “You can introduce him to Alice. She’s incharge of the relief efforts. With even more zeal than she organized the charity auction.”

Sharah

The jealousy vanished. Mika grinned as she realized they were talking about Nurse Shrine. A sixty year old woman who worked at the hospital. She’d organized a few events though the only one Mika had been to was the charity auction. With a grateful look to Sharah she elbowed Séan. “Oh you’ll definitely have to meet her.”

~ Mika

Séan felt the shift in tone and was very perplexed by it. He looked at Mika quizzically but just smiled at her in the end. This was interesting, meeting her former cadet and Sharah’s partner. It would be fun to meet up with them again.

He checked his watch and realized what time it was with a bit of a start. He stood from the table and collected up his various refuse. With a look of apology to Sharah and Yavia he said, “I hate to leave abruptly but I’ve got an appointment in ten minutes and have to get back. It was great meeting you two though and I hope we can do this again soon.”

Counselor Iven

Sharah smiled, “It was nice to meet you Séan. Hopefully we’ll see more of you around. And don’t mind Yavia, she’s too outrageous for her own good.”

The Deltan woman laughed, “You love me this way.” She turned to Séan, “It was nice to meet you. If you need anything from the nursing staff, let us know.”

Sharah

“I should get going, too. This was supposed to be a quick break!” She smiled at Sharah and Yavia, “I’ll see you guys later.”

~ Mika

Sharah and Yavia stood. “Tandra, we have to talk later!” She called after her. She and Yavia walked a block together before they had to head in opposite directions.

Sharah and Yavia