Chief Counselor's Personal Log #37 - Enus V

Posted on 29 Mar 2025 @ 4:29pm by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle

545 words; about a 3 minute read

We're en route to Enus V, a Class O planet consisting almost entirely of water. The planet's gravity is significantly stronger than what most of us are accustomed to, and that, combined with the fact that our mission could take us deep underwater, presents a number of challenges. Our only concrete information so far is that the crew of Enus Station, a research facility built beneath a reef some 2,100 feet below the surface, has requested assistance from a fully equipped science vessel. Officially, our orders are to assist the research team with their survey efforts, but I think the lack of more detailed information has us all on edge, especially since the station and research team seems fully equipped for that very task.

As a counselor, my role is not to solve the scientific puzzle at hand, but rather to ensure our crew is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. I must also review the psychological backgrounds of the station personnel to see if there are any clues about why they might have called for us. Are they under some form of psychological distress? Have there been interpersonal conflicts that could be exacerbating their situation? Or are there simply factors about their personalities and experiences that might give us an advantage in navigating our interactions with them?

While I try to maintain a professional detachment, I can't deny my own personal apprehension about working in such an environment. The idea of perhaps working underwater is unsettling. I can handle zero gravity just fine, but high gravity and deep-sea conditions are outside my comfort zone. Starfleet training provides a broad foundation, and I know the Galileo’s crew will find ways to mitigate the effects if it’s necessary, but that doesn't entirely ease my mind. I just hope I don’t embarrass myself too badly during refresher training.

Many of the crew may be experiencing similar concerns, whether they admit it or not. No matter how used to working in enclosed high pressure environments any member of Starfleet may be, counselors weren’t incorporated into the service as a mere nicety. Anxiety in enclosed, high-pressure environments is not uncommon, and the addition of increased gravity could exacerbate stress levels. I’ve started brainstorming strategies I can suggest to help alleviate some of the psychological strain:

1. Controlled Breathing Exercises – Simple yet effective, this can help reduce panic responses and regulate oxygen intake, especially when wearing specialized gear.

2. Progressive Acclimation – Allowing time for gradual adaptation to the gravity shift and pressure conditions could help mitigate discomfort.

3. Mindfulness and Visualization – Encouraging crew members to mentally prepare for the experience, picturing themselves successfully completing tasks in the new environment.

4. Buddy System – Pairing up crew members to provide mutual support and reassurance, reducing feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

5. Focus on the Task, Not Environment – Keeping minds engaged in mission objectives rather than potential stressors could help redirect anxious energy into productivity.

Despite my nerves, I’m eager to collaborate with Chief Science Officer Sofie Ullswater and Chaplain Hovar Kov. Sofie’s expertise will be crucial in helping us understand the science behind Enus Station’s work and its challenges, while Hovar’s background as both a chaplain and counselor makes him an invaluable resource in managing crew morale and well-being.

RSS Feed