STF

Check-Ins | Step 2: Imply an Inkling of Sanity (CNS)

Posted April 26, 2021, 5:12 p.m. by Lieutenant Tal Abara (Senior Researcher (Cognitive Science)) (Trin S)

The door slid shut behind her, the softest of whistles announcing her release, as Abara lingered just beyond Cobb’s office. Her mind teemed with ambivalence and enthusiasm in equal measure. And though she stood removed from their discussion, reflection on the words that transpired refused to elude her. Tal hadn’t considered – between the whiskey and tacit apathy – to question just what she was getting herself into. She didn’t need to. But though Abara had few reservations for the work she’d entertain or the risk dangled overhead, she was troubled by a question of integrity and personal honour.

Tal had scaled medicine’s proverbial ladder with the mindset of a healer. She’d hoisted herself up the first rung in grave disillusionment with the nuances of supportive care. Passion and doubt plagued the fledgeling nurse in her stagger to the second. And tired, cramped fingers nearly mistook the third. She’d spent seventeen years under the scrutiny of law, policies and ethics. They conditioned her. Now that she stood without their weight, Tal questioned where her heart – the compassion, mercy and empathy – fit into the scheme of things. Would it cloud her judgement as a scientist? Or would it serve again as an invaluable partner in her pursuits?

Dilemmas like these were salt to the wounds afflicting her heart. She craved the blunt, spitfire judgments once imparted on her by Kara Nakuto. Few people could free her from the grip of reservation and disaster than her. She missed their talks – worse, she missed Kara.

But Tal refused to indulge in daydreams and self-pity. Brushing away the thought with a sigh, she let a lopsided smile infect otherwise sombre features and made a beeline for the turbolift. Coincidentally, the next item on her agenda was a pop-in with the counsellor. Tal bore this in mind but made no effort to subdue or compartmentalise her thoughts. She trusted any keen counsellor would dismantle the attempt within seconds of their meeting. Maybe less.

Minutes elapsed before Tal emerged from the lift onto the counselling deck. Her gaze wandered instinctually around the area before it guided her toward the counsellor’s office. Meandering over, Tal lifted a hand, shook her head, and palmed the chime.

– Tal Abara, Cognitive Researcher


Posts on USS Leviathan

In topic

Posted since


© 1991-2024 STF. Terms of Service

Version 1.15.9