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Songz Office - Mal'athar's Evaluation

Posted Oct. 1, 2021, 10:19 a.m. by Civilian Sair Songz (Counselor) (Lindsay B)

Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in Songz Office - Mal’athar’s Evaluation

Posted by Civilian Sair Songz (Counselor) in Songz Office - Mal’athar’s Evaluation

(snip)

Songz considered Shedda for a minute. ” How does his process affect the process you’re going through” she asked, trying to understand it’s value in the conversation. This was a case where not everything a person shared was important but if it felt important to them, then it was necessary to get beneath the surface of those feelings.

~Sair Songz, CNS

Shedda tried to lean back against the chair, but instead it was more like she collapsed against it. “Nothing really, except it gives me hope that they won’t dismiss my application simply because I’d be a single parent of one child.” She leaned forward again slightly, palms braced against her knees. “I’ve never had any contact with my mother, nor has my father since he escaped with me. But I am apprehensive since they are conducting the background checks again. There’s nothing there, that I know of.” Shedda worried that perhaps her mother might have more information about her than ‘missing.’

Mal’athar, XO

“In these sorts fo situations, it’s important to remind ourselves of what we do have control over, since so much of it is out of our hands. Whether or not the adoption goes through, what do you know for certain you have control over?” Sair asked. While she didn’t adopt, she understood being a single-parent and it was easy to get overwhelmed by the ‘what-ifs’. Even if the XO could only come up with one thing, well, that was one thing she knew for certain and that was something.

~Sair Songz, CNS

“The only thing I have control over is myself. How I react, how I answer questions, how I help myself be patient. How I demonstrate my conviction and commitment to Mavva. Live call time back to the alpha quadrant is limited, so I’ve been recording messages for her, mostly reading stories for her. I don’t want her to forget my face or my voice. Karra the house mother, plays them for her and sends me recordings of her watching them. I can continue to work hard, stay focused on responsibilities here, and continue to work on completing all of the various requirements.”

Mal’athar, XO

Songz nodded thoughtfully, her lips spread into a smile. Having realistic expectations in a complicated and ever twisting situation meant having a grounded place to return to when (and not if) chaos arose. “And what can you ask of others to help you along in this process? What do you need?”

~Sair Songz, CNS

Shedda really thought about that. “My dad visits her a couple times a week, it’s not the same, but it’s something.” She sighed, “Honestly, I’m not sure what I need. I have the new position and work to help me focus my energy to prevent me on dwelling on the waiting. I have my quarters that have to be set up. It would be lovey to be able to talk to another parent who has been through similar things, but I don’t know anyone on board very well yet. But I’ll get there.” Shedda wasn’t avoiding but she wasn’t sure what she needed at the moment other than patience.

Mal’athar, XO

“Yes, you will,” Sair said simply. “And while I’m not familiar with the unique challenges of adoption, I myself am a single parent, so I can hopefully offer you some perspective in that realm. Especially given that my son isn’t joining me just yet and I was wanting to get settled in here first before I brought him aboard. So know that you are not alone in struggling with the distance and reliance on others. Sometimes the best we can do if focus on being our best selves here and now.”

“That’s what my father says,” Shedda mused. He had been discussing about making a better version of himself after everything that had happened to him and because of him before he fled Orion. But he had always stressed to Shedda the importance of always making choices that you could live with. They may not be the perfect choice but that you did the best you could in each situation. “I would like the chance to talk with you more. I could use an empathetic ear, I am sure as things move forward. How old is your son?” Shedda knew her onboarding evaluation wasn’t the best time for such conversations, but counseling sessions tended to be fluid, and she was genuinely interested to learn more about this newest member of the Manhattan’s senior staff.

Sair grinned. She liked when people asked about her son because it was this rare and wonderful thing and his generation was unexpectedly gifted with more hope and a longer future than any of the previous ones in over a century. “Koro is two. A busy age!”

“Is there anything else you’d like to discuss. I’m a great sounding board, even for small things,” Songz said with a grin.

~Sair Songz, CNS

Shedda leaned back one ankle crossed over her knee and stared at the ceiling, “You know I always dread that question, because I never have an answer. Afterwards I can think of all kinds of things I could have or should have discussed. But in the moment I can’t think of a thing.” She looked back at Sair with a rueful smile. “I’m just honestly really excited for my new position. I’m sure I’ll have missteps and question if I’m doing the right thing, but right now, I’m just excited. I haven’t even hit overwhelmed yet.”

Mal’athar, XO

With a laugh and open smile, Sair nodded. “Well, I am here when you hit that moment. Please don’t hesitate to drop by for a chat, or call me. I’m happy to meet elsewhere and just talk if that’s what you need. But other than that, I see no reason not to set you free to carry on settling in.”

~Sair Songz, CNS


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