Meeting the Counselor Part III
Posted on Tue May 16th, 2023 @ 11:44am by Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren & Lieutenant Vura
Edited on on Wed May 17th, 2023 @ 10:25pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Counseling Office - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD006 1100 hrs
"We discussed our mutual love of dancing," Alyssa began, "So tell me what sort of jewelry you like to make. Do you ever use pottery in it?" She'd seen some stunning jewelry made out of pottery from ancient cultures and wondered if the Deltan did anything similar.
"I have not made jewelry of pottery since I was a child. I have a strong preference for shiny and sparkly." She held up her arm and showed over her intricately laced platinum bracelet that had a serpentine design. "Today is a light day. Usually, I'll have two or three on each arm, a necklace, and earrings." Her hands moved to her ears where she wore two large, hooped platinum earrings. "See, just a simple day. I did not wish to be so ostentatious on my first day on the job."
Alyssa admired the jewelry. She wasn’t familiar with Deltan style, but if this was an example, she would have to find some. "I don't wear much myself when I'm working, but I love simple, elegant jewelry. Those are lovely."
Pleased with the compliment, Vura gushed, "Thank you. Well, I suppose that there would be more of a risk in your field with wearing jewelry than in mine. I mean, if you wore some, then it would be possible to interfere with your work, would it not?"
"It could get caught in some equipment or get lost in the dirt. I heard tale of a scientist who found what he thought was a remarkably-preserved piece of jewelry-only to find it had been lost by a previous archaeologist who didn't report it." Alyssa chuckled, remembering some of the tales from her own days working on site. "I don't have many opportunities to dress up, so I've fell out of the habit of wearing jewelry." Although she had a piece or two. Perhaps the next time they were on Empok Nor she'd wear some and see if Jek'Lar had free time. Maybe she'd even look for some jewelry on Poseidon station--but she doubted it would be as nice as the jewelry Vura wore.
"It is not for everyone, Alyssa. Remember, infinite diversity in infinite combinations keeps the universe going around."
"No, but sometimes it's nice to dress up to remind people you're a woman." Alyssa grinned. "I admit, I like to wear sarongs when I'm not on duty."
"Well, I think your uniform shows your curves to be traditionally feminine," Vura replied giggling. "But sarongs? Is that a fact? In your quarters or holodeck. I bet they look fantastic on you."
"I think they look good." She shrugged. "But they do make me feel feminine, and with my job, sometimes I need that. I've worn one to walk through a promenade, or when I'm not on duty. I've occasionally worn one to a casual dinner. Basically, anywhere I don't need to be in uniform."
"If you do not mind me asking, why do you not feel feminine in uniform? Do you feel masculine or something else when you're on duty?"
"No. Not at all. it's a uniform. It's meant to be functional, not flattering." Alyssa shrugged. It really wasn't something she thought about. "When I'm in the field, I wear jeans, a t-shirt, and sometimes a flannel overshirt. It's considered the standard uniform for the entire time we're there. I just don't think about how I look in them. But I do try to look good when I wear a sarong because it's not work--if that makes sense. I guess I just feel pretty when I'm wearing a sarong."
“It makes perfect sense. You categorize and compartmentalize your life. The perfect scientist. A Vulcan might almost admire you, Alyssa." Vura thought aloud.
Alyssa laughed. "It does if you're a scientist. Sometimes it can be hard to separate myself from my work. I guess the dress is a way of making a clear distinction to my brain." She hadn't thought of it that way before, but it was a plausible theory.
"Are you saying that I'm not a scientist?" Vura asked raising an eyebrow daringly. While her tone was playful, there was something serious behind it, as well.
"No. I'm referring to scientists who spend most of their time in a lab or in the field rather than those who teach or treat people. I've been both a teacher and a field worker. I tend to get more lost in my work when I'm in the field--or the lab. I've seen the same thing in medical science. If I were writing a paper, I would clearly delineate the differences. In a conversation, I do tend to be less specific."
"That's a good thing to note," Vura added. "Being literal and critical all the time could make for a dull Alyssa."
"Some do prefer logic, and I don't find them dull," she countered, smiling. "But I'm not one of them. I can get far too emotional." She paused for a moment before switching subjects. "Are you happy in Starfleet?"
"Yes," Vura answered without hesitation. "That's an odd question to ask, Alyssa, and rather out of the blue." Vura wondered if this was a distraction from following up on Alyssa's statement about getting too emotional.
"Not really. You mentioned joining Starfleet before. I was just following up on what you said. If you don't mind my saying so, I get the feeling that you left Deltan because of something that made you sad. So, I want to know if you're happy here." Alyssa paused. "And no, I'm not prying or asking why you left. It was simply an observation and a hope that you've found something good."
"Ah," the counselor replied, her body relaxing slightly when Alyssa indicated that she would not follow up. "I'm hoping that I have here, as well. We shall see. I do like the people that I've met so far."
"It's a good ship and a good crew. I haven't been here long myself, but I've quickly come to consider the Pioneer my home. I think that before long, you will, too."
"That would be nice and this chat has been pleasant, but I believe you wanted to get your post-mission assessment and we rather got sidetracked, didn't we?"
Alyssa laughed in response. "Yes, I did. I quite forgot--although we did talk about what happened and how I'm doing now."
"Yes and no," Vura responded slowly. "We talked about you feeling concerned about Mignon and the others, but not really about how you're feeling. And, Alyssa, given your ability to compartmentalize, I am concerned that you have just boxed off your feelings about the event." The counselor's voice grew more concerned. "You went through a seriously traumatic event and while you acknowledge it hurt and you suffered at the time, you're not demonstrating a great deal of emotional response from it. That's not normal, Alyssa."
Alyssa had never been one to run to a counselor every time she had problems, but she didn't avoid them, either. "I have been through a number of traumatic events in my life," Alyssa replied. "Just because I do not choose to deal with them the way you think I should does not mean I'm not dealing with it at all. I use meditation, swimming, and dance to work through my emotions. I also practice target shooting with a blowgun and am in the process of learning to throw knives. I find them quite cathartic." She could counter that the counselor had, based on that flash of emotion, yet to deal with her own trauma, but she was not going to bring that up again.
Avoidance or healing, that is the question. Certainly a lot of those things are helpful, but is it really addressing the emotions? The problem is that right now she is not showing as a threat to herself or the crew, so the best I can do is just watch and listen and hope for the best. "Those are all wonderful things," Vura agreed. "And I'm glad you have found some outlets. If you need more, Alyssa, I'm here for you." Vura opened her arms outwards and to the sides to show her willingness to assist.
"I will. I understand the value of talking with a counselor," Alyssa assured her. "So, my question is, are we good for now, or do you still need to ask me questions?" She didn't want to seem rude and leave if the counselor wasn't finished, but Alyssa wasn't sure if there was anything she needed to say, at least not at the moment. She did tend to keep some things more private, but it was more to deal with them her own way than to compartmentalize them and not deal with them at all.
Shoot. I offended her. That last question definitely shows annoyance. "No, Alyssa. I don't need to ask you anything else. It was very nice meeting you."
"I apologize if I was abrupt. It’s been an…interesting few days. I enjoyed our conversation, and I look forward to working with you." Alyssa hoped she and Vura could become friends over time. She stood and gave the other woman a half bow. "Thank you for your time." With another smile, she left the counselor to finish settling in.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
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