"Self-Care"

Posted on Wed Apr 1st, 2020 @ 11:11am by Lieutenant Tate Sullivan Ph.D. & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik}
Edited on on Thu Apr 2nd, 2020 @ 5:14am

Mission: INTERMISSION: Rebuild, Reuse, Recycle
Location: Nurse's Office, main infirmary, USS Elysium
Timeline: Immediately following " watching and Waiting"
758 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

***

Sickbay was still buzzing with activity following the recent battle and rescue, but the medical staff was now handling these challenges with their usual professionalism and passion after a decidedly rough start. While naturally Tate was concerned about the well-being of those they had rescued, she was also mindful the medical staff needed to be cared for as well, a reality made clear just a few minutes before . In short order, they had seen members of their crew taken hostage in two individual incidents and she knew that had to remain in the psyches of the crew. "Tea?" Tate asked, approaching Heather with an extra cup in her hand. "I thought about replicating some coffee, but I thought if I had any more caffeine, I would go into orbit." Of course, she didn't mention after recent events, the last thing Heather needed was something to get her more amped up.

“Tea sounds good” Heather nodded. She’d returned from the surface with everyone else and headed straight to Sickbay to lend a hand, but it had brought back memories she’d really rather have not remembered of her early days as a slave. They weren’t pleasant memories.

Sullivan handed her the warm cup silently, letting the stillness hang between them for a moment. After what they had to spend through, there was comfort in the silence.

“Thank you” Heather took a cup managing to spill a little as she cradled the cup in shaky hands. She sipped some of the hot liquid before putting the cup down and wiping the small spillage off her clothing. “I ... thought I was ready for this. I’m not so sure anymore!”

Tate couldn't help but search Heather's fingers for signs of burns as she took note of the spillage. It may have been small, but the liquid was still quite hot. She was tempted to head to the replicator to replicate some napkins, but Heather's words indicated there were more important things to deal with in that moment. "I'm not sure any of us could be ready for this," Tate replied quietly. " I admire your desire to jump in and help. Finding meaning and a purpose after trauma can be quite therapeutic, in fact. That said, there is no shame in needing time and work to heal."

Heather nodded. “It brings back memories of when I first became a slave” She shook her head. “I know what they’ve been through, what they’ve yet to go through as they recover.” She sipped her drink. “I need to get out of Sickbay for a while. Just get some fresh air and a rest.”

"I can cover for you if you want a break," Tate offered, adding gently, "I don't wish to pry, but I'm wondering, are you working with anyone to address the psychological effects of what you've been through?"

“I have been talking with Lieutenant Hol but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have extra advice.” She offered Tate a smile.

"I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with too many counselors and too much therapy," Sullivan answered. It would actually be unethical of her to provide counseling for the same issues if she was already working with a counselor. "That said, I'm here if you need a friendly ear or even just a distraction. Maybe once things settle down, we can grab dinner or a drink?"

Heather smiled and nodded. "I'd like that, it'd be nice to get back to normal again. As silly as it sounds I'd be grateful to get advise or even words of wisdom from you too."

Sullivan matched Heather's smile with one of her own. "It doesn't sound silly at all, and I appreciate you saying so. I realize I haven't been in your shoes and perhaps the last thing you want is for someone to speak as if they know how you feel, though for what it's worth, I'd encourage you not to let any feelings of estrangement or isolation keep you from reaching out to people or talking to those you come to trust about how you feel. Even if we can't climb in your shoes very effectively, it doesn't mean we aren't interested in listening to your struggles and giving you the support you need to continue wearing them."

Heather nodded. "I appreciate that, thank you." She looked down at her trousers which were still covered in the blood of those she'd helped. "I really need to change out of these."

"Go," Tate replied. "I'll hold down the fort here."