Counseling Appointment

Posted on Fri Jan 24th, 2020 @ 2:31am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: Casperia Prime - A lesson in relaxation
Location: Counsellor's Office
Timeline: Prior to Alicia's operation
1109 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

IC

It was night-shift on the Elysium and while the search continued on the ground, Phoenix needed to take some time to speak with the counselor. She had, to be polite about it, neglected the counseling that had been ordered after the senior staff's rescue from the Romulan prison. So, dressed in casual clothes of grey slacks and her favorite dark blue cable-nit sweater and flats on her feet, she entered the counseling area and asked for an appointment.

Alicia was working slightly later than planned, she'd let Savar know she might be late but she was planning on getting to see him as soon as possible. She stepped out to see Captain Lalor and offered a smile. "Captain, is there anything I can do to help you?"

Phoenix gave a sheepish smile "ah Counselor, sorry, I was just looking to make an appointment."

Alicia raised an eyebrow in more of a curious Vulcan manner. "Well I'm free now if you'd like to talk?" She smiled warmly.

Caught but knowing she needed the appointment, Phoenix nodded. "As long as its no inconvenience." She said softly.

"Not at all Captain, Savar already knows I'm running late..." She paused she didn't mean to bring up Savar it just came out. "He's been...helping me to settle in."

Not sure what to say to that, Phoenix nodded. "I appreciate that you have time."

"It's something that I always ensure, having time to yourself is just as important as being there for others. How can I be a good Counsellor if I'm run into the floor?" She motioned Pheonix towards her office. "The same can be said for you Captain, you need time out as well."

Following the counselor into her office Phoenix shrugged. "I try. I just took 4 weeks off, while the ships crew was on R&R."

"That's great!" Alicia grinned. "Question is how do you feel about being back? Are you glad to be back or did you dread coming back?" Walking over to her seat Alicia paused. "Can I get you a drink or anything Captain?"

"Water please. And I was okay with returning to the ship. Elysium is my home. I do not have another home at this time. And the break was.. after a very rough time. And this current mission is bringing back some things."

Alicia walked over to the replicator and fetched a chilled water. Returning to Pheonix she handed it to her with a polite smile and motioned for her to take a seat wherever she wanted. "Tell me about it. What is it that's bringing back memories for you?"

Taking a sip of water Phoenix replied "A few months ago, myself and 3 other members of the command staff were taken by rogue Romulan officers. We were imprisoned and.. tortured. Among other things."

Alicia nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that, I take it this is the first counselling session you've had since that time?"

Phoenix shook her head."No, i had two straight after I was released from medical after the rescue. I am normally okay with my emotions and the 4 weeks away was good. For me, for my sister and my partner. But with another officer missing, and such, i am struggling to maintain my normal calm."

Alicia nodded. "I can understand that, it's bringing back the fear that being out of control of a situation brings. You have a crew member missing, plus you have a ship full of people that depend on you to keep them safe. It's not surprising that you're feeling tense.

"Tense is one word." Phoenix replied. "I have never felt this strange feeling in my gut before."

"Can you explain what you're feeling? Put into words how it feels to you?" Alicia looked at Phoenix curiously.

The erisian took a breath. "Its churning. And basically, I feel like I want to qaluma de." She paused. "Sorry... human word is... throw up." she translated.

Alicia nodded. "I'm not surprised. After what you must have gone through, to have a crew member missing is bringing back memories of what happened to you. It's a natural response, this is the time when you need to decide whether you can battle through and come out the other side or step back and let someone else take charge of the matter."

She clasped her hands in front of her. "If I could believe that my command staff would not be affected the same way, I would look into the stepping back. But Commander Taylor, Commander Holmes and Commander Qwyyn, were all in the same place as I.. and were tortured if not the same amount or worse in the case of Qwyyn, who was tortured to make Taylor Crack. And Holmes... well she came out of it the worse... she just got back from leave around what happened to her. Medical leave."

"I see" Alicia nodded again. "In that case Captain it's up to me to help you through this, which is what I will do. That's if you're willing to face your fears?"

"I am. I have always been willing to do so."

“Of that, I have no doubt” Alicia smiled warmly. “So, may I assist with your investigation into the missing crewmember? Having a Betazoid along might just give you some insight that you might need.”

"Commander Holmes and Captain Naxea are leading it. You can speak with them. I also believe that counseling will be needed when we recover the missing crewmember and anyone else there with him."

Alicia nodded. "I'll do what I can and there's a whole department at the disposal of anyone who may need to talk Captain."

"That's good." Phoenix said softly.

"In the meantime Captain, I'm here for you whenever you need to talk. All you have to do is call or drop by and see me."

Phoenix stood with a smile. "Thank you counselor. "

"Captain...just one more thing." Alicia looked at some notes she had in front of her that she'd only just pulled up. "How would you say your relationship with Commander Taylor is?"

Phoenix paused, thought for a moment. "Its fine." she said honestly. "Commander Taylor is a fine officer and I have been very grateful for his assistance since he became XO."

Alicia nodded, her answer had been honest but she felt there was more to it not that she was going to push for an answer. “Very well Captain. If you should need to talk again, you know where to find me.”

"Thank you counselor." Phoenix smiled and left the office, feeling a bit better.

Watching Lalor go Alicia smiled and finished off her notes.

{OFF}