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Side Sim: Psychiatry

Posted July 23, 2019, 5:53 p.m. by Lieutenant Anastasia Darren (Psychiatrist) (Sarah M)

Posted by Civilian Melaia Reez (Scientist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

Posted by Lieutenant Anastasia Darren (Psychiatrist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

Posted by Civilian Melaia Reez (Scientist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

<snip>

“Well, I took a leave of absence from my career to start a family, had twins, and when my husband had the opportunity to take an important role here on the Ogawa, we packed up and came along with him,” Mel said simply, her hands resting casually in her lap. “Jon and I did the whole distance thing for awhile when he was stationed on Earth and I was captain of the Endeavour and I didn’t want to do it again. We’d been through too much to be apart. So, we’re here and now I’ve just dipped my toes into going back to work.”

~Melaia Reez

“How is that going?” Ana queried, just as simply, but then felt it necessary to add on, “the going back to work, I mean…” Forcing herself to lean back in her chair, she tried her hardest to make her body appear more relaxed than her mind currently felt.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

Reez shrugged slightly. “Okay, so far. I have a bit of a pet project that isn’t time intensive and it makes it easier to step away from it when I need to be with the twins. And though it’s a small ship, people have been pretty great helping us with childcare.” She almost continued speaking but stopped herself and simply drew a slow breath inward.

~Melaia Reez

“It sounds like you’re balancing things well, then…” Ana responded, but trailed off as her alert eyes noticed that it seemed like Reez might have more to say. “Was there something else you wanted to add?” she queried, somewhat indelicately. Her attempts to adopt a relaxed posture finally failed as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her desk and studying Reez with interest. Her left forearm impacted slightly with the decorative container her lollipop collection resided in and she frowned slightly, remembering that she hadn’t offered Reez one, but not wanting to interrupt her right now.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

Mel started to say something, but then frowned as the wash of confusion she had felt at least once daily moved through her. She knew how she felt, but she also wasn’t sure how to word it exactly. “I… um.” She sighed. “I guess I’m struggling being a civilian, and not being in command.” Pressing her hands together, she slowly drew her fingers up and down each palm in turn, almost meditatively.

The movement in Reez’s hands caught Ana’s eye and she found herself contemplatively staring at the motion as she listened to the woman speak.

“It was one thing to be on leave after I gave birth. I had a really hard birth and ended up haemorrhaging badly. I had a longer recovery than expected as we got to know our babies and figure out how to be parents. So, it made sense. But I don’t think I realized how hard it would be to not be the Endeavour’s captain and to not be leading those cadets. It was my first command and I know already that it won’t be my last, but what am I here? I guess at the moment it feels a bit like I’m being humoured.” Reez leaned forward. “I mean, let’s be honest here, I have far more extensive skills than sitting about a science lab, but it’s a tiny ship and I’m not in charge, of anything. Except for diapers and lunchtime.” She shrugged.

~Melaia Reez

Ana listened quietly, finding herself mirroring Reez’s hand motion herself. She waited a few moments to gather her thoughts, speaking just a touch before the silence became uncomfortable. “It’s certainly a transition to go from commanding cadets to being commanded by children,” she observed. She gulped and then paused again before continuing on, “how is your spouse handling the transition, both to parenthood and to your new role in your relationship?” While using the term “your spouse” made it seem impersonal, she still was astutely aware of who Reez’s spouse was and her face turned a spectacular shade of red as a result.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist


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