Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in PreSIM: Psych Check-In

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Zef Rollo (Counselor) in PreSIM: Psych Check-In

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Namid Argimeau (Scientific Intelligence Officer) in PreSIM: Psych Check-In
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Cleared with a bill of good health, Namid crossed another check-in off their mental list of ‘things to do.’ Pausing just beyond Sickbay’s doors, they considered which option to take next. Naim’s office was closer to them, but they didn’t want to hop from medical to introduction to medical again. All the sudden changes would make for an even longer day. Shaking their head, they tugged at their uniform and found their way back to the turbolift.

If nothing else, they were starting to get used to Manhattan.

Minutes later, Namid roamed up to the Counselor’s office and palmed the chime. They stepped back should another patient came strolling out and released their shoulders into a somewhat relaxed position. Argimeau wasn’t overly concerned with the psychological element of the boarding process. They were eccentric with a whim for the hasty, but they weren’t exactly a compelling case. For once, that seemed to work in their favour. A quaint little grin plastered onto their lips, Namid waited for the Counsellor’s response.

– Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intelligence

Zef was returning from a quick meal break. As she approached the outer door to her office, she saw a woman just palming the chime. The doors opened to allow the visitor in before the counselor reached them, but she followed through to hear Yeoman Brooks explaining she was out of the office but would return shortly. “It’s alright Dave, I’m here.”

Walking around the reception desk to see the visitor face to face, Zef was a little surprised by the asexual appearance of the person. As a student of all things psychological, she usually had a knack for determining the gender of those she ran across. The human in front of her wasn’t so easily read. “I’m Counselor Rollo. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before. Do you have an appointment?”

—Rollo, CNS

“Hello, Counselor.” Namid held out their hand in greeting. They were neutral in appearance, embracing thick, waist-length braids tinged by a coarse toffee brown reminiscent of their family line. They didn’t fit classic ‘muscular or ‘thin’ statures, instead favouring a somewhat slim appearance. They bore dark, heavy green eyes carved by thick eyebrows and narrow cheeks; a broad, aquiline nose; and a square jaw that afforded them a perpetually pensive look. When they smiled, there was a slight mischief ever-present in its echo.

“Namid Argimeau,” they hummed. “I don’t have an appointment.” They waved a hand and smiled at Dave, “as I was just about to ask Dave, I’m hoping to schedule an onboarding evaluation.”

– Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

Zef looked at Dave. “When is my next appointment?” The Yeoman brought up her schedule on the console.

“Ensign Pontal shouldn’t be here for another 38 minutes.” He looked up at Zef from his seated position. “It should be enough for introductions?” She gazed down at him and smiled. He had no idea of the layers involved in counseling, but he was good at the specifics of his job and was easy to work around, so she just nodded.

“Lt Argimeau, if you have the time right now, I can see you. We should at least be able to get you cleared for duty.”

—Rollo, CNS

Namid wasn’t sure they understood the layers involved in counseling, but they figured 38 minutes was enough time to get a ‘you’re well enough to work.’

“I doubt I’ve got anymore pressing issues,” they assured. “How do you want to do this?”

– Namid Argimeau, Scientific Intel

Rollo turned and headed towards her office, beckoning the Lt to follow. “Let’s just have a quick chat.” After they entered, the doors swished closed behind them. Zef took a seat at her desk and motioned Argimeau to a chair on the opposite side. A few, quick, keystrokes brought up the scientist’s file. The words non-binary jumped off the screen for Zef and made a few things more clear for her.

“Why don’t you give me a quick rundown of any past counseling issues followed by how you feel about this posting.”

—Rollo, CNS

Namid settled into the chair opposite of hers and took a moment to reflect on their past. “There’s not much to report. I went through grief counselling in ‘85, after my partner passed away.” Their voice softened, the vibrant green of their gaze tempered by a moment of dormant affection. “Uhm,” they cleared their throat and pressed their index finger to their temple, “I pursued steady treatment for about a year and continued with on-and-off sessions for another four. It’s been a couple years since I’ve needed the expertise of a counsellor.” Their smile seemed almost dampened, but the confidence in their voice persevered. “Otherwise, there’s the annual visits and the occasional ‘I could use your advice before I do something I might regret.’ Whether I listened..” they shrugged, subtle mirth hidden in their gaze. It was a habit to resort to humour.

What they described was certainly within the realm of normal after experiencing a personal loss, so it didn’t set off any warning signs in Zef’s mind.

“Concerning my post,” Namid straightened their posture, “I am both invigorated and nervous.. but hardly reserved. Most of my work has been done in the comfort of an otherwise desolate outpost or mainstream ship; Manhattan is the first that’s requested more than hypotheses, an analysis or savviness in crisis.” They tilted their head and stroked their chin. “In some ways, it’s what I’ve ached for. In others, I know there will be unique incidences that I’ve never encountered. Naturally, I am concerned I may not be equipped for them.” Argimeau delayed a second longer, recalling Cochrane’s order they entertain away team and self-defence training. They were so used to being one of the brains behind an operation that they weren’t sure what it was like having a piece of the action. Namid trusted they would soon find out.

– Namid Argimeau, SIO

“If I understand it correctly, your post is new to everyone. As such, a feeling of excitement is normal, but so is the concern that you won’t know how to handle something that comes up. Since there aren’t any already established right and wrong answers for the situations you’re going to come up against, a lot of what will happen will be trial and error, won’t it?”

Zef tried to imagine what Argimeau might be feeling about their new posting, but didn’t really have anything in her own memory bank to equate it to.

“The officers here on the Manhattan are eager to help each other, so you will have all the advice you’ll need to make an informed decision. Just do the best you can and I’m sure it will all work out. Do you feel up to the task?”

—Rollo, CNS