Let’s Talk

Posted on Fri Apr 23rd, 2021 @ 8:10pm by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant JG Gallia Norris

Mission: Challenge Missions
Location: Counsellor’s Office
776 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

{ON}

Sitting in her office with her feet up, a pile of PADDs, and a drink to hand Alicia was going through reports from Tate, Savar, and the other Counsellor’s onboard ship. Now she was on maternity leave she’d cut down to just a handful of appointments a day along with keeping on top of some of the paperwork.

Gallia came into her office with Tayalas in her arms, to see Alicia, probably some sort of counseling session, "Hello , Alicia, what can I do for ye?"

“Hello Gallia” Alicia smiled warmly, “And you too Tayalas” she grinned, “There’s a whole play area over there with books, toys and other things if you’d like to play while I talk to your mummy.” She smiled as she looked over to a cosy corner all set up for children.

Tay didn't have to be asked twice, she was off like a shot and playing with the toys, happily humming the baby duck song.

With Tayalas playing Alicia turned to look at Gallia. “I heard about you drinking, and I thought maybe we should talk?”

"well, never have I had so much interest in me poundin' a ew scotches." Gallia laughed, "Farst that ignorant reporter, now ye. What comes next? Has the ship gone on the wagon and fergot to tell me?"

“Not at all Gallia” Alicia motioned to the sofa. “Please take a seat.”

"Aye." Gallia sighed, "So, just cut my hair, maybe ye wanna speculate on that?"

“I just wanted to check in with you, we haven’t really spoken much.” Alicia offered a warm smile. “How is life aboard the Elysium for you and Tayalas?”

"Aye." Gallia smiled, "Is good to be home, and Kara jus came back so Tay's happy as can be, got both her mommies here on the ship. I'd say life's rale good right now.''

Alicia nodded. “So how do you feel about Kara being home? You said Tay is happy, but what about you?”

"Oh, I'm happy as a clam, too, don't get me wrong." Gallia said, "But is still hard for me te process."

Alicia nodded. “I can imagine.” She looked towards Tayalas making sure the girl was engrossed in playing. “It must have been difficult for a while, before Kara returned?”

"Aye, difficult it was." Gallia sighed, "I let Tayalas dye her hair pink, had resigned meself to going on without her, even picked a new girl, but my girl Tay, she wouldnae give up on her mummy comin' home."

Alicia smiled and nodded understandingly. “So you had someone else you were planning to date?”

"Aye, that I did. I mean, I'm not the type a girl te be alone too long." Gallia laughed, "The ops chief, Beryn Whavi, she got me attention when Kara wasnae there for us, Tay loved her."

“So I take it your relationship with Beryn had to be ... cut short?” Alicia looked at Gallia curiously.

"Cut shart ye say? More like never existed." Gallia laughed, "I dinnae if she even liked me."

Alicia nodded. “Well I guess that’s a small blessing in disguise” she smiled warmly. “Do you regret not having had a chance to find out?”

"In a way, yes. Tha's not te say I'm upset about Kara comin' back because I'm not, not at all, but I do wonder what mighta been." Gallia answered honestly, "But, I got the love of me life back, so..."

Alicia nodded. “That’s good. Are you worried that as Kara left once she might do it again in the future?”

"Aye." Gallia admitted in shame, "It haunts me thoughts."

Alicia nodded understandingly. “I’ll tell you what how’s about we talk about this again when you’re ...” She looked towards Tayalas. “Able to talk more freely?”

"Aye, that we should." Gallia agreed, wiping her eyes not realizing how sad that had made her.

“Here” Alicia offered a tissue, “Let me know when you’re free next and we’ll arrange another appointment.”

"Aye, let's try fer next Thursday?" Gallia offered, knowing her schedule wouldn't be too hectic and that Kara could take care of the baby.

“That’ll be great” Alicia smiled and nodded. “Looks like you’ll have to pry Tayalas away from the toys, she’s having great fun over there!”

"She does seem te be havin' fun, hey?" Gallia laaughed, remembering that Tayalas, in spite of her occasional grown up moments, was still a child.

Alicia smiled. “The wonder of being young, you’re a lucky woman to have such a wonderful little girl.”

"Aye, she's a blessin', she is." Gallia smiled, happy to have Tayalas.

{OFF}