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Counselling Suite- Doctors Make the Worst Patients

Posted July 1, 2022, 9:27 p.m. by Lieutenant Surra Almikaz (Chief of Psychiatry) (Mika Jackson)

Posted by Commander Dira Myqian (Executive Officer) in Counselling Suite- Doctors Make the Worst Patients

Posted by Lieutenant Surra Almikaz (Chief of Psychiatry) in Counselling Suite- Doctors Make the Worst Patients

Posted by Commander Dira Myqian (Executive Officer) in Counselling Suite- Doctors Make the Worst Patients

(snips)

Dira allowed silence to fill the space between them, to allow herself the opportunity to consider if there was truth behind Surra’s words. “That might be a part of it,” she conceded. “I think… I think the similitude between then and recent events are a part of it. It’s not a repeat or anything, but some of the details are the same. And, a part of it is that”-Dira inhaled deeply-“I’m in a relationship again. The first serious one since Paige. And it happens to be with another security officer, too. It wasn’t planned and I wasn’t looking for anyone, we just… happened.” She couldn’t help the smile that touched her eyes and mouth. “I’m dating our Chief of Security, Lieutenant Haven.” She leaned towards Surra. “And it’s been wonderful! I haven’t felt this way in so long I wasn’t sure I ever would. But… I’m scared, Surra. I know intellectually that hers is a dangerous job, and that I am in a position where I might have to order her into danger. And I accept that risk. She knows about Paige now too, so we’re not in this blindly. But…” She swallowed. “I think I’m in love with her and I’m terrified I’ll lose her too.”

Commander Myqian, XO

Her smile made Surra smile, “Commander, that is wonderful! You two are beautiful and therefore a beautiful couple. Also, you deserve to be happy and you should embrace it fully.”

“Even though it has been nearly twelve years, do you think that you are feeling a little guilty, I mean with moving on? It seems that all the circumstances you are currently experiencing are reminding you of your previous relationship and it could have been one of many triggers for you.”
Surra glanced at the tricorder and was relieved to see that all her vitals were normal.

There had been that exact feeling after that magical first dinner meeting where Dira’s mouth got the better of her and she and Zoi had established a mutual attraction. Seconds after she stepped out of the cafe, she had all but begged Paige to let her know it was okay. And she knew better, that Paige had been a generous hearted person and never would have asked Dira to be lonely on her behalf. But the reality of having a full life without Paige Hester Sheppard hadn’t been something that materialized until she had gotten her promotion and this job on the Ogawa. Now anything and everything was possible.

Surra grasped on to a few things that could have triggered Dira’s sensory issue. The anniversary of Paige’s death was approaching, and although she was dating again, it was someone who had the same job and risks that were the same as Paige’s. However this time it was possible that at some point she would have to make the call to order her partner into danger as the commanding officer of this ship. This last factor was a new variable that may have been affecting her the most.

“Commander, I just want to remind you that whatever happens, whether you have to order her into a situation or not, Haven understands the risks of her job. Paige understood it too, else she would not have sacrificed herself for the dignitary.”

Myqian nodded. Yes, she knew both of those things were true.

Surra paused and said, “You know my mother died when I was a young girl. I used to see other children with mothers who would tend to their wounds, or coddle them. One day I told my father how I wish I had a mother too, and how unfair it wasn’t that I didn’t. He picked me up, sat me on his lap, and said, You can’t change the past. So settle your mind, let go, and create a better future.
Surra chuckled, “Of course, I was eight when he told me this and I thought he was crazy but as I got older, I understood what he was saying it made sense. The only thing we can do when we experience loss is to move forward and you have started to do that with Haven. However, losing Paige is still affecting you. There is nothing you can do for Paige but you can spend your future with Haven. Try not to think about the what ifs. Especially that what if Haven dies like Paige died.

A future with Haven. Oh, what a wonderful set of words those were! Magical sounding.

Surra grabbed her hand and said, “Enjoy your beautiful partner and be happy. Cherish all the time you spend together.” After realizing she had touched Dira, Surra quickly removed her hand. While training as a psychiatrist Surra had learned it was not okay to touch an empath unless they gave you permission to do so. “I apologize for touching you, Commander. The human part of me has an inclination to touch people as a means to offer comfort.” She stood up, walked to her desk, placed the tricorder on it, and said, “Your vitals looks great and you are looking better. Do you feel better?”

Almikaz, CoP

Diar smiled. “The initial dizziness I get has passed, and I’m more at ease right now, so thank you. And I appreciate our concern about the touch, but in this case you’re actually just fine,” she said with a teasing smile. Her psi abilities after all had been reduced to nil. “I’m a pretty touchy feely person myself, though over the years many people’s discomfort wth telepaths has made me cautious with it.” It was hard for a woman who came from two societies who were so very open to be a closed off shell in her everyday life, but a life in Starfleet demanded certain sacrifices and Dira understood she had been a gifted therapist and had helped many, many people over the years. That outcome made the sacrifice worth it. It was no less true here now as an Executive Offcer.

Surra nodded relieved, “I appreciate your understanding.”

“Thank you, Surra. I appreciate you taking the time to hear me out and understand my situation. I get that it is a complicated one and while we both agree the temporary solution is not ideal, I’m happy with our revised decision.” Three or four days was nothing. She could handle it.

Commander Myqian, XO

“Now you just acknowledged that this is a temporary treatment, but how long do you intend on undergoing telepathic suppression? I am not as opposed as I was before because you seem to be handling it quite well, but I do think that you have some continued underlying circumstances that can be addressed to help quell the impact that your ability is having on you. Being from two very different species can be quite challenging for anyone but you being one-half of two very different telepathic beings must be....well harder than I can imagine. I would love to hear a little bit about your history and how you have typically handled your ability in the past. I think it will provide the background I need to effectively be able to understand your psychiatric or counseling needs and of course, everything I learn will be confidential.”
She picked her PaDD up from her desk and said, “Would you be opposed to regular check-ins, especially while you are undergoing treatment?”

Almikaz, CoP


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