Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in My Hot Blood’s Been Burnin’ (Tag Séan)

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in My Hot Blood’s Been Burnin’ (Tag Séan)

Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in My Hot Blood’s Been Burnin’ (Tag Séan)
As always, Jezem arrived to his counseling appointment right one time. Dressed in nice silks and gold bangles inlaid with gems and other precious things that clinked together with every subtle motion. He forwent any greeting to slide into his usual chair and took several moments to arrange himself into a comfortable seated position. Uncharacteristic silence hung over him as he played with one of the many rings on his fingers, pondering his dull faded reflection in the shine of a pearl inlay.

Too many thoughts tangled together in his head. Too many scattered and broken reflections that could never become the whole image. A world of unknowns filled the empty spaces between. The rage and anger that held him together fizzled into ash and smoke and in their absence allowed him see the burn marks left behind. Jezem stared at the broken, jagged pieces of himself. Contemplated the scars and corruption and came up empty. Himself a puzzle whose pieces changed shape and no longer matched the image of what it was to represent.

Jezem waited for the counselor to speak first.

Jezem

As Jezem entered the counseling room, Séan observed the man’s distinctive attire and the way he adorned himself with intricate jewelry. There was an air of elegance around him that was hard to ignore. Séan took a moment to greet Jezem with a respectful nod before he settled into his chair, giving the man his space and time. The silence between them seemed to carry a weight of unspoken thoughts and emotions.

When Jezem’s gaze met his own, Séan maintained a calm demeanor, giving him a moment to process his own thoughts. The counselor’s training allowed him to pick up on the undercurrents of distress and introspection that ran through Jezem’s demeanor. Séan chose his words carefully, addressing the silence without intruding upon it.

“Jezem,” Séan began softly, his voice gentle, “I’m here to provide a space for you to share your thoughts and feelings, whatever they may be. It seems like today you’re carrying a lot on your mind. If you’d like, we can explore those thoughts together, piece by piece, untangling the complexities that often occupy our minds.”

He paused, allowing his words to settle before continuing. “Or, if you’d rather, we can simply sit in this moment of reflection. Sometimes silence can be as meaningful as words. The choice is yours.”

Counselor Iven

Jezem blinked and absorbed the words, expression totally blank. Eyes empty of emotion as he considered. This was perhaps the truest part of him. Calm, cold, calculating, lacking empathy and the reflective behaviors that endeared people to one another. Connection and care. He weighed the options of each choice. Balanced against pros and cons, risk and cost. Measured against a past he both scorned and fiercely protected. What was worth more? Prying words or reflective silence? Orions held an innate sense of the worth of things and believed that nothing was received without something returned in exchange.

“You said something. . . at dinner,” He clarified a moment later, “Look back at your life and identify the moments you felt the most happy and fulfilled. . .” Jezem met Séan’s gaze again, “What if there was no happiness?”

Jezem

Séan observed Jezem’s thoughtful expression, recognizing that the man was taking his time to weigh his options and make a choice that resonated with him. The silence between them persisted, filled only by the subtle sounds of the room, the distant hum of the ship, and the slow passage of time. It was as if Jezem’s stillness was a reflection of his inner contemplation.

When Jezem spoke, Séan’s attention shifted fully to him, his calm and attentive gaze locked onto the Orion’s eyes. The question posed was deep, one that held the potential to unveil layers of complexity within Jezem’s psyche.

“I understand that the notion of happiness might be elusive for you,” Séan replied gently. “The concept of happiness varies from person to person, and it can indeed be challenging for some to identify moments of fulfillment. But, Jezem, that doesn’t mean such moments are entirely absent.”

Séan leaned slightly forward, his voice soft and sincere. “While life might be marked by struggles and complexities, there are often fleeting instances of contentment, even if they’re not as readily recognized. It’s possible to find fulfillment in small achievements, connections with others, or even within yourself. I’m here to help you explore and understand those aspects, should you choose to.”

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to settle. “So, I invite you to reflect on the times when you’ve experienced even a brief sense of contentment, even if they seem few and far between. Those moments, no matter how subtle, can offer insights into what brings you a sense of purpose and well-being.”

Counselor Iven