Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice Commandant, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in I’m All the Family You Got

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in I’m All the Family You Got

Posted by Commander Janusz Korczak (Counselor) in I’m All the Family You Got
Posted by… suppressed (26) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
The door slid open to reveal Korczak’s office. It had the feel more of an old fashioned den or study than an office. It was lit in a more subdued manner than the rest of the ship by wall mounted lights; and bookcases now lined one wall, filled with copies and originals of many texts on many different subjects and in more than a few languages. The desk was moved, set against the opposite wall facing away from the corner, window to the left of a person seated at the desk and allowing for a large open space in the middle. Here there was a couch and a few chairs, one chair which sat in front of and facing away from the desk. A low table graced the middle of the area, and on it was a small bowl filled with softly glowing crystals. Pictures hung on the walls, some were even old photographs.

Korczak looked up form behind his desk and smiled. “Dr. Fayth, very good to see you.” and he rose to his feet politely. “Is this a social visit to see how I am settling in?” he asked with a smile, knowing all-to-well that Sharah’s schedule left little time for social calls.

Korczak, Counselor

Sharah looked around the office and the tension in her body seemed to drain like a plugged pulled from a tub. It brought back memories of being a cadet. How much simpler and how much more complicated things had been back then. “I wish it was. I am in need of both personal and professional advice, and I can’t think of anyone else I would rather ask.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak scowled slightly in concern and gestured to the seating area while walking from around the desk and taking a seat opposite her. “I am both flattered and concerned. Are you alright? Start with the personal… unless the professional is the cause of the personal matter; in which case start there.”

Korczak, Counselor

Sharah sighed and sat gingerly on the couch and then leaned back. “They are tied together, but it starts with the personal.” Sharah began by telling him about Charles family arriving and then outburst at dinner, how Abigail walked out, the call that Abigail had assaulted Lord and Lady Duroc (she added in an explination just in case Korczak wasn’t aware of who they were yet) and then going to the hospital to see her. Then the very long and tense conversation with Abigail. “She doesn’t feel like a truly hateful person to me Korczak, but she is filled with it and pain and loathing and hurt. I want to help her, but I don’t know how.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak was silent, remaining deep in thought. After a few minutes, he said “Alright. So tell me… do you know where this pain and loathing- I am assuming self-loathing?- comes from? And people who are racist or species-ist are typically filled with hatred and animosity. Indeed, if you feel it is self-loathing, that would be an anomaly.”

Korczak

Sharah sighed, “Jealousy and a feeling of being forgotten. From what she’s said, she was kind of a golden child growing up, she was the center of attention and everyone needed her. Then along came her younger brother and sister, and to quote her ‘they were better than her, everything she wasn’t’ and everyone forgot about her. No one needs her, no one pays attention to her. She thought her brother would come home when his Star Fleet career went wrong. He didn’t and she said that she saw me and Yavia and knew he’d never come home. She said she knows it isn’t our fault, but we are the reason he won’t come home. She said he was ‘screwing around with two alien s/~ts’ and called me ‘a lover of Itsike’. I’m not sure what that is, but the feeling behind it was quite insulting.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak stood and walked to his desk tapped a few commands, and then smiled ruefully. He came back and sat down. “Itsike. The trickster deity of the Osage and other Dhegiha tribes. He is less important to Osage mythology than to the neighboring Omaha and Ponca people, and some of his stories are told with Coyote as the protagonist instead by Osage storytellers.” Korczak recited verbatim from the search he conducted. “The Coyote was and is a somewhat fluid character, morality-speaking, in the mythology of the Indigenous People’s pantheon of spirits.” he said and then smiled at Sharah with warmth. “I would take the declaration as meaning something negative at that time, but perhaps future comparisons cane be more positive.” He exhaled slowly and then said “So her spirituality is very important to her… a cornerstone of her self-image. And her brother and sister have, somehow, made her participation in that faith somehow… ‘less’… is that correct?”

Korczak

Sharah laughed ruefully, “Well it’s not the worst thing I have ever been called.” She nodded confirmation, “That is the feeling I get from her. Though to hear Charles speak of her, she is the reason he is everything that he is. He looks up to, is very proud of her. Or… well he still is though he is hurt, disappointed, and scared too.” Sharah sighed; it was a nasty situation.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

“Which is entirely understandable.” Korczak said. He looked at Fayth for a moment and then said “So what do you need from me, Sharah? What is it you are looking for here?”

Korczak, Counselor

“Advice, help, perspective. The whole family is hurting and it’s hard, Janusz, to remain outside of it. I’m not outside of it, I know. I want to help, but even Abigail, but,” she smiled ruefully, “I understand psychology, but I am not a counselor. There is also a part of me that wants to walk out every time she insults me. But I can’t…” she sighed. “I can’t walk out on her, give up on her. She already feels like everyone has. I’m also too much in the middle of it to be that outside voice of reason. How do I help her, or what help should I get her?” Other than a really good lawyer?

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak thought for a moment and then said “Where does the greatest amount of stress and anxiety exist for you and the rest of your family right now?” He stressed the word clearly to drive home that the family was now hers as well. “Is it the legal aspect? Is it the possibility of public humiliation? Or is it fear of the damage that Ms. Tenkiller is facing due to her actions?”

Korczak, Counselor

Sharah closed her eyes and sought out those people, her family. She’d seen only Charles briefly. “Loosing Abby. Whether to the legal process or the argument her hate and anger this has caused. I think more than that is a fear of loosing family. Not just us here, but their tribe. Loosing that connection.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak nodded. “Very well. So we should deal with that before we try and process anything else at the moment. Now, Lady Duroc. You have a relationship with her, do you not? Is it one where you could suggest an alternative to judicial involvement? Oed V has a long standing legal tradition of mediation prior to legal disputes. Perhaps they could be convinced to go that route? I could mediate, if that would help.”

Korczak, Counselor

“I’m not sure. Under normal circumstances I would say yes. She is not like typical Klingons. When I checked on her while she was here, she was more annoyed at the fussing than upset.” Sharah knew her friend was struggling with her new position though. “It won’t hurt for me to ask though.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak looked at her. “Perhaps you could present the option to all involved. Or… I can speak with Abigail. Either way, both would have to agree to participate. But I am sure that more… level heads… can prevail where emotions were suddenly uncontrolled.”

Korczak

“I don’t know where the legal matters are at this point. She is in the security ward, under guard, and once she is healed from her injuries she’s being transferred to the jail.” Sharah nodded, “I think maybe you should try. She goes between believing I want the best for her brother and I’m an alien psychotic out to play tricks on her and hurt her.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak nodded. “Alright. Take me to her.” he said. “Then contact Lady Duroc and see if you can convince her. If we eliminate, or at least minimize, the threat of jail and juries and the like, then it will be easier for everyone involved to focus on the real issue… helping her express her pain in less destructive fashions.” and he stood up. “Come. No time like the present.”

Korczak

“Thank you, for listening and for the help.” She stood and together they made their way to Sacred Heart’s security ward. Sharah signed them in and led the way to her door. “Do you want me to introduce you?”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

“Please.” Korczak said, and stepped aside as the door slid open when Sharah got close.

Korczak

Sharah stepped into the room, feeling a surprising amount of apprehension, though she was too professional to let it show. “Abigail, I’d like to introduce you to someone. This is Cmdr Janusz Korczak. He’d like to talk to you.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak smiled at her and said “Hello, Ms. Tenkiller. And please, you may call me Jansuz.” Abigail’s eyes narrowed and she looked at Sharah, waves of confusion tinged with fear coming off of her. “What do you want?” she asked flatly. Korczak took a moment and pulled a chair over near the bed. “Commander Fayth came to me and asked if I may be able to help you in your current situation. I am not an attorney, but in discussion with the Commander I brought up the idea of mediation. Doctor Fayth believes that she can convince Lady Duroc to agree to a mediation between her and you. I was hoping to try and talk with you about the same.”

Abigail looked at Sharah and then back at Korczak. “What does that mean? We sit at a table together and talk about our feelings? I say ‘Sorry’ and she forgives me and we all go our separate ways?” Korczak chuckled dryly and shook his head. “No… nothing so simple I am afraid. But yes, the three of us would talk and try to come to a resolution. In exchange for whatever Lady Duroc and you agree is fair restitution- be that financial or social-, she would drop the charges against you and you would not go to jail. But I want you to make the decision fully informed. Klingons are not known for their tolerance of slights to their honor. What you will have to do to secure her agreement will most likely be… intense.” He crossed his legs at the knee and set his clasped hands in his lap. “You have little to lose, Ms. Tenkiller. You are not required to come to an agreement and you can always go before the judiciary. But mediation may allow you to make amends without going to prison. It is certainly worth the time, I believe.”

Abigail stared at Korczak for a long time before looking at Sharah. “What do you think? Is this worth it?”

Korczak / Abigail Tenkiller

Sharah was surprised Abby even asked her. She more expected Abby to demand her brother again or for them both to leave. Her answer was simply two simple words, “I do.” Sharah knew what kind of woman Jal’na was. She wouldn’t know if Jal’na would be willing until she spoke to her. Her friend was having trouble adjusting to her new responsibilities, but this was the kind of thing that Jal’na had always preferred.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Abigail stared at Sharah for a long time in silence and then said “Okay. I’ll do it.” and she looked at Korczak. “Now what happens?” Korczak nodded once and then looked at Sharah. “Doctor Fayth, would you please make that call and see if Lady Duroc would be open to the idea of mediation? I will submit the legal request.”

Korczak, Counselor

Sharah nodded to Korczak, “Of course.” She looked at Abby, “I’ll return later, or you can have the nurse page me.” Sharah left the room, leaving Korczak to do what he did best. Sharah headed toward her office to make the call.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak waited until he heard the door slide closed. “Now then… let us chat.” Abigail snorted and said “No. I’ll talk when I have to for the mediation, but I don’t have to talk to you.” and ahe rolled over to face away from him. Korczak waited a moment and then said “You are right, of course. You don’t have to speak with me. But you really don’t need to. I can assess your psychological state without conversation.” Abigail jerked up and stared at him. “Great. Another psychic. Just what I needed.” Korzak shook his head and smiled slightly as he pushed his glasses up his nose where they had slipped a bit. “No, no… nothing like that, I assure you. I am simply a trained observer and psychologist. A very good one, from what I have been told. Both things, that is. But I digress. As I said, you do not need to speak. I will observe you and make my report ” Abigail glared daggers at him. Crossing her arms on her chest, she said “Good luck. I’m not going to tell you anything!”

Korczak shrugged slightly and said “You already have. Body language is very telling, Ms. Tenkiller. For instance that-” and he pointed at her crossed arms, “- indicates you are uncomfortable, defensive… probably a bit uneasy or frightened. That’s good… it shows you are taking your situation seriously. Next we have your facial expressions. Tight jaw, slightly lifted by tilting your head back when you speak… You think I am bothersome, annoying… and that you are in a superior position to me right now.” Abigail’s face took on a different look and Korczak said “And now you are fearful… wondering what else I know about you or what I will find out.” He smiled warmly at her. “Isn’t psychology fun?” he said with a smile.

Abigail started to speak, then clamped her mouth shut. Korczak said “And right now you wish you could tell me off… demean me… threaten. But you are worried that doing so will give me some kind of victory over you.Well rest assured I do not see this as a contest. And the o ly victory I wish to see is that of you over your darker instincts and pain.”

Korczak, Counselor

Sharah reached out to Jal’na, but the comm was answered by her aide. The greeting was polite but very cold. =/\=Dr. Fayth, Lady Jal’na is unavailable right now. I am sure you understand.” The woman sneered.

“Yes of course. I don’t wish to bother her. She is my friend and I am concerned for her.”

“I understand your family will be dinnng here tomorrow. She promises to speak to you then.=/\= Then the comm went blank. Sharah had not been aware they were dinning but she would be there. She would not let Charles and his family go alone.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Abigail had turned away from Korczak as he spoke, trying to hide from him. “And now you are trying to hide from me.” It was eerie how he said out loud what she was thinking. “STOP IT!” she yelled, prompting the door to open and the guard to look in. Korczak looked over and said “Everything is fine. Just some processing. Please do not interrupt again. I am able to handle this.” The guard scowled but closed the door. Korczak turned back to Abigail.

“You’re an alien. You ha e abilities and you just look human.” Korczak’s head tilted to side slightly as he regarded her. “Interesting. You see… an actual racist or species-ist would have phrased that much differently. And with much more demeaning speech and vocabulary. They would also subconsciously try to put distance between themselves and the ‘alien’. So… now that we know you are not a racist or species-ist… why don’t you tell me why you are so angry? And why direct it at a random stranger?”

Abigail glared at Korczak and then got up and began pacing. As she did, the door opened and the guard appeared, glaring at Abby. “Get back in be-” and Korczak stood up and said “I gave you a direct medical order. Now get out and STAY out.” The guard almost argued, but the look on Korczak’s face made him think twice and he left. Korczak slowly returned to his chair and looked at the now pacing again Abigail. “My apologies.” he said. Abigail looked at him once, then kept looking forward as she paced back and forth. “You wanna know? Fine. FINE! I’m tired of all this bulls#!t anyway!” She stopped and glared at Korczak.

“I was supposed to be the one that kept pur people together. I was the one who was supposed to be the example. The role model. But am I?! NO. That went to my baby sister and my baby brother! I worked day and night my entire childhood and early adult life for what I was supposed to be! I gave up having real friends, a life outside of the People, hobbies, intrests… love. I always close the Tribe over myself. ALWAYS! And what did that get me?! NOTHING! Not a damn thing. I’m just a place holder until Mary comes of age.

Korczak

The disturbance if the patient and a doctor provoked a call to Dr. Fayth. She begged a favor from Ano, and he, as the civilian head of the hospital, was much better known. He was a much better choice to make sure the guards maintained their professional distance and respected patient privacy. The guard was changed out and there were no more interruptions, unless Korczak requested it or Abby became physically violent.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Korczak listened to Abigail with full attention. When she had calmed slightly, he said “I can certainly understand how that would infuriate me… all that work and none of the credit or benefits that come from such? That is absolutely unacceptable. You have every right to be angry.” Abigail looked at him with both surprise and suspicion. “You don’t have to pander to me. I know what people think.” Korczak raised his eyebrows slightly. “Really? I was unaware you had telepathic abilities. I will need to update my records.” Abigail snorted in derision. “I’m not one of those.” “One of what?” Korczak asked pointedly. “A telepath. One of those that can do that kind of thing.” Korczak looked at her a moment and then said “But you wish you were.” flatly, as if there were nothing more obvious. Abigail froze and stared at him. “Y-… you LIED to me! You are telepathic!” she yelled. Korczak shook his head. “No, I did not. And no, I am not. As I said… I simply very good at what I do.” He tilted his head slightly to the side as he thought for a split second. “As you are. And the lack of recognition for that is appalling. You should resent it.”

Korczak

Sharah admitted to herself that she desperately wanted to listen in and watch as Korczak spoke to Abby. She was in custody so it was all being taped, she could watch. Sharah did not. She had too much respect for the sanctity of what Korczak was doing. She wouldn’t ease drop telepathically either. Oh she was going to hear it, but if she let herself focus on something else, she could avoid consciously picking it all up. So, that’s what she did. She spoke to Yavia, she checked in on patients, she focused on the never ending paperwork. She wanted to go home and tell them that everything would be fine, but she didn’t know that yet.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Abigail stared at Korczak for a long time before shaking her head. “No. No, I don’t believe you. Bring Sharah back. Get her back in bere. She may hate me, but at least I know she doesn’t lie to me.” Korczak shrugged slightly and said “As you wish.” He stood and went to the door, letting it slide open. “Doctor Fayth? You have been requested.” he said.

Korczak, Counselor

The nurse at the desk went to the small office on the ward and knocked. Sharah came out and entered the room looking concerned. “Is everything alright?”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

“He’s a liar!” Abigail yelled and pointed at Korczak, who simply shook his head and looked at the floor. “He says he’s not a telepath, but he is! He is reading my mind and subconscious without my permission! Tell me! Tell me he is a liar and he shouldn’t be doing that to people!”

Abigail Tenkiller

Sharah’s eyes widened and she glanced from Abby to Korczak and back. She understood why Abby might think that. Sharah often felt the same way. Abby was only going to get madder. She stepped a little away from Korczak closer to Abby. “I promise you, I give my word, he is not a telepath.” She held up her hand gently, “I will even get you a tricorder and you can scan him yourself, me, the nurses, yourself. If not that, your brother knows him. I will call Charles and you can ask him yourself.”

“I wouldn’t bring someone in here to you that would be dishonest.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO