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Ai's First Social Services Case - The Mysterious File of Lai Kitrian

Posted March 21, 2023, 10:04 a.m. by Civilian Aiofemi T. Oshiro (Director of Medical and Social Services) (Mika Jackson)

Posted by Civilian Lai Kitrian (Independent Operator) in Ai’s First Social Services Case - The Mysterious File of Lai Kitrian

Posted by Civilian Aiofemi T. Oshiro (Director of Medical and Social Services) in Ai’s First Social Services Case - The Mysterious File of Lai Kitrian

Posted by Civilian Lai Kitrian (Independent Operator) in Ai’s First Social Services Case - The Mysterious File of Lai Kitrian
Posted by… suppressed (8) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The Director of Medical and Social Services position had been vacant for some time and now the Social Services department was playing catch up with some of the files for the clients. Aiofemi was helping out by reviewing several files on her console evaluating them and conducting a needs-based assessment to determine the level of need for services. After categorizing them based on the client’s needs, she delegated them to the various social workers who were stationed at Sacred Heart Hospital so they could follow up with each of the clients. During this review, she came across one file that stood out among the others because the circumstances and events that brought her to the Oed were strange. Her file contained some strange events that brought her to the colony under unusual circumstances. More recently Lai Kitrian had been involved in an accident that left her hospitalized for some time and after a long recovery, she’d been released from Sacred Heart and placed in temporary housing with her husband. Aiofemi glanced at the woman’s profile picture for a moment, then scrolled through the information in the file as she tried to determine the best way to get in contact with her. After coming across some contact information she picked up her communicator and placed a call to Lai. Hopefully, either she or her husband would answer the call. As she waited for the call to connect, Aiofemi began typing notes in the file, documenting her contact attempt in it. The first thing to do was find out if Mrs. Kitrian and her husband were interested in any social services and then schedule a home visit to determine which ones were right for them.

Samikah walked in while the call was processing and placed a few PaDDs on Ai’s desk. She noticed the communicator was ringing then glanced at the screen and said, “Lai Kitrian. You are going to take on this client yourself?”

Aiofemi nodded at Samikah, “Yes. I know it’s not typical that I take on these cases as my job is focused on the political aspects and delegate these types of cases to the social workers. However, her case is unusual. I figured it makes sense for me to take on this one personally. As a former Starfleet officer, I am used to the unusual and she has been through some difficult times and experienced some trauma therefore she might be apprehensive about just talking to anyone.” The subtle ringing of the communicator continued as Aiofemi patiently waited for the call to connect.

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

In their small one-bedroom apartment, Lai was trying to figure out their next step. It was still a question whether they could get any status here, but the reality was they had nowhere else to go and going back (even if it were possible) would mean their deaths. This much her and Akem were in agreement on.

A noise sounded and drew the half-Tyrellian’s attention and it took her a few moments to track it down to the computer terminal. She had no idea who would be calling them and her hand hesitated over the keys. With a deep breath, she pressed one. Nothing. With a frown, she tried the other one and something happened and a face appeared. Lai eyed the caller with wariness. “Yes?”

~Lai Kitrian

Aiofemi’s eyes were wide with surprise like she’d not expected anyone to answer the call, “Oh..” she said as she quickly diverted her attention from her PaDD and looked directly into the console, “Am I speaking with Lai Kitrian?” She asked as a smile spread across her face. Ai could see the woman seemed tired and figured that a conversation over the phone was not the best approach. “Ms. Kitrian, I am Dr. Aiofemi Oshiro. I work for the Department of Medical and Social Services. Your file came across my desk this morning. I want an opportunity to speak with you and see if you would be interested in some of the services we can provide. I know being on a strange planet and knowing few people can be difficult. So if you are up for it, would you mind if I stopped by your apartment today so we can talk?”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Akem had heard everything, but kept his own self out of view. His mind was still in preservation mode. Everyone was a threat until deemed otherwise, but he was learning that his mentality was not needed here necessarily. But nobody ever dropped their strategies used for decades to stay alive on the mere thought of possibly not having to worry. Staying hidden meant staying safe still. But he was slowly letting his guard down.

His mind reached out to Halai. Do as you wish my love.

-Akem

Lai took a moment to breathe deeply and reach inward. This was going to be a part of the process, as she well knew, but she felt (and understood) Akem’s reaction. We must follow our instincts, I think, she told Akem.

Studying her own knowing, her gold-ringed hazel eyes then gazed at Oshiro and nodded. “We have been expecting to need to talk to someone about gaining refugee status, since that would apparently be the simplest solution to our situation. So, yes, a visit would be acceptable. When?”

~Lai Kitrian

“Um…is today a good time to stop by?” she asked. “I think I will need at least a couple of hours of your time. Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable with me stopping by your residence, would you allow me to take you and your husband out for lunch? I am sure I can find a discrete restaurant for us to sit down and talk.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Lai was simultaneously amused and pensive and it showed in her eyes. “You are welcome to come by as we understand the need to deal with people about our situation, even if we are… wary. The accommodations we have been given are modest but fine for our needs, but we have space for a guest. But, and I don’t know if this makes a difference, Akem and I are not married. Such a word and whatever official paperwork would go along with it are insufficient to describe what we are to each other.” Lai reached out and touched Akem’s mind with fondness. She wasn’t bothered by the assumption, since it was understandable even though no one had asked, and tying themselves to a singular relationship ignored who they both were in their cores.

~Lai Kitrian

“Oh, I apologize…I just assumed that you two were married. Is there anything I can bring you?” Ai asked. She understood that they might need basic supples and even food. “Whatever you need. Let me know. I will make a stop before we meet. One of the things I will do, after we meet is allocate some funds to handle your basic needs. You will have access to this account after we have met and I am able to properly assess your needs. Do you know if Akem is interested in services as well? If he is, since he is not legally your husband, he will have to have an account separate from yours. When I get there I will explain all of the services availble to you. For instance counseling, to help you cope with being in a new environment or access to training for job attainment.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Lai breathed in slowly, gazing intently at Oshiro. There was no way for this woman to comprehend what Lai and Akem were, but that was okay. Clearly the laws here were specific but it presented some odd issues they would have to navigate. “I’m sure he does. We are together and do not intend to be here if the other cannot stay. So long as you can guarantee we won’t be forced to be without the other, we are interested in whatever help might be offered to us. However, I should warn you that our trust does not go very far at this time, Doctor Oshiro. People have been very kind here, but we’ve been fleeing for our lives for too long to just accept what people tell us at face value.”

~Lai Kitrian

Aiofemi paused for a moment. She was not aware they were fleeing for their lives. “Everything will be okay, Miss Kitrian. I have every intention to earn your trust and don’t worry, no one will for you from your partner. I will work and do everything in my power to ensure you both remain together. We can discuss all your concerns and needs when we meet today. This will give me a better understanding of your situation. I need a couple of hours to get things in order and I will stop by…” she looked at the time and it was about 11am, “1300 hours?”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS

Lai knew all too well that this woman could make no such assurances that everything would be okay. There was zero data to support that assumption. But she knew people wanted to appear calming and helpful. Fine, whatever. Kitrian nodded. “We’ll be here, and thank you.”

When the call was over, Lai turned to gaze at Akem. Well? What do you think?

~Lai Kitrian

Ai arrived at the residence about 15 minutes before her scheduled time. She ranged the chime, looked into the camera, and waved. Samikah was with her, helping her carry some of the items they had gone out and shopped for before arriving.
“Do you think my presence will spook her?” Samikah asked as she stood there with three bags in her hand, two in one and a single bag in the other.
Ai shrugged. She should have told Lai that she was going to be arriving with a guest. “I hope not. Hopefully, I can explain when she answers the door.”

Dr. Ai Oshiro, DMSS


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