Posted by Lieutenant Commander Liadra (Counselor) in Counselor’s Office - Cadet Buckingham reporting for Evaluation

Posted by Cadet Thomas Buckingham (Doctor) in Counselor’s Office - Cadet Buckingham reporting for Evaluation

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Liadra (Counselor) in Counselor’s Office - Cadet Buckingham reporting for Evaluation
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“Do you think you would notice if there was a point where more risks were being taken? Either in yourself or in those around you?” She knew that when you were in the thick of it with others it could be hard to call someone on something that didn’t feel right and many cadets still didn’t know that line between their oaths and following orders. It was a tricky balance to find and one that even the most seasoned officers could still struggle with.

Lt. Cmdr. Liadra, CNS

“In all honesty, I’m not sure” Buckingham answered. “I’d like to think I’d notice, but I’m just not sure. You see, before I trained in medicine, I was a Science Teacher in a High School” He explained “So there were very few risks involved. Star Fleet is very much a new chapter in my life, which means encountering situations that I haven’t been in before, So I expect I shall learn a great deal more about myself in my time serving.” As Tom spoke he could sense the conversation was quite deep and meaningful, and he was being quite open about himself, which wasn’t the norm, but he continued to answer in an open way, simply out of comfort more than anything else. It felt good to speak sincerely to somebody.

• Cadet Thomas Buckingham, Medical

Sensing that it was an appropriate time to shift the conversation, Liadra nodded. “Learn is the correct answer,” she said with a soft smile. “You may not be able to recognize it, but you will undoubtedly encounter it . And when you do, hopefully you’ll know what to do.”

Leaning back, she studied him for a moment. “I know these past couple of years have been hard on you. Where do you feel you are at after losing your wife?” she asked gently.

Lt. Cmdr. Liadra, CNS

“That’s a good question” Tom said, knowing that the topic was bound to come up. He hesitated a moment before bringing himself to answer. “It’s still… Difficult. I’m still getting used to her not being here.” As he spoke a slight tone of Dejection entered his voice. Tom looked away from the Counselor for a moment, seemingly looking into the distance. “It’s hard to stop those thoughts of ‘What if’ and ‘What could have been’, it’s even more difficult knowing those question will remain unanswered. And then every now and then when I talk to people - particularly older people - about losing her, they look at me with that look of condolence and sympathy in their eyes and although I know they mean well I just can’t help but think ‘We were too young to have gone through this’.” And as the feeling of anguish began to rise from with in him, he stopped and took a moment to regain himself. “Though I’m coping” He said with a tone of forced cheeriness, as his eyes returned to the Counselor. “Life goes on within You, and without you and all that. So I try to keep moving forward. I keep busy with various things, and ultimately try to stay positive.”

• Cadet Thomas Buckingham, Medical

“Sometimes that’s all you can do,” Liadra said with a slow nod. “I can’t say I know what it’s like to lose a spouse, but given my people live quite long lives and tend to have multiple spouses at the same time, it will be an inevitability. So I can’t know. But I will say this”-Liadra leaned forward and looked at him directly to catch his gaze-“it’s okay to not be okay. You’re going to have bad days and when you do, the best thing you can do is just to say aloud ‘I’m having a bad day’ and do your best to get through it. And if you feel like you need some company or someone to talk to, call me, day or night. It’s my job, but also my privilege.” It was a truly genuine offer and one she had made many time before, but the frequency never dulled her sincerity.

Lt. Cmdr. Liadra, CNS

As Tom sat and listened to the Counselor he became ever more appreciative of her kind and genuine tone. Although it was Liadra’s job to listen, it was apparent that she really cared, and this meant a lot to Tom. He drew a deep calming breath and smiled slightly. “Thank You Counselor. When you have left everything behind to start a new chapter in your life, it is very reassuring to know that I’ll have a friendly, warm soul to talk too.”

• Cadet Thomas Buckingham, Medical