Daddy Issues

Posted on 19 Jan 2015 @ 5:02pm by Senior Chief Petty Officer Keval zh'Erinov & Lieutenant Prudence Devin Ph.D.

1,632 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 07 - Sojourn
Location: Starbase 84 - Deck 22, Office 11
Timeline: MD 07 0930

ON:

Physically, Keval was feeling better, there was still some lingering pain from all the wasp stings he had, had to endure, but he was feeling much better. Emotionally and psychologically that was not the case. It had been a couple of days since his rescue and he was still looking over his shoulder and turning sharply every time he heard, or thought he heard something threatening.

He was functional, but just barely. The fear wasn't as intense as his claustrophobia had been, but it was more invasive and more maddening for it was producing the reaction that his father wanted.

Fortunately they were still on shore leave and so his duties were light and routine. he had heard that a new counselor was going to be coming aboard. but since Delainey had helped him before he decided to seek her out again.

So, still moving slower than usual and a bit gingerly, especially when he sat, he found himself at her office hoping that she was around someplace. He was dressed in grey slack and a black buttoned down, though still casual shirt. he pressed the chime and held his breath.

Prudence looked around as she heard the chime, frowning. Counselling was an all day and all night thing. Technically, she was not on shift yet...which was why she wore civilian clothes on a dark purple blouse with a black skirt and heels, her hair wavey but controlled. "Enter," she said, her frown easing quickly and she smiled. "Please, come in. I am Prudence Devin."

Keval's left antennae tilted forward slightly as he took in the new counselor. She was attractive enough, for a woman, and dressed as though she was going out. He wasn't expecting Delaney. He already had a relationship, a trust with her. She knew his history. Now he just hoped he wouldn't have to start all over.

He let out a small breath, then managed to give her a wan smile in return. "I'm Keval Gray... I mean Keval zh'Erinov. I don't mean to be rude ma'am, but Dr. Carlisle is the one I usually see. Is she here?"

For a moment, Prudence looked at him blankly before smiling weakly. "I am afraid Dr Carlisle is no longer working here. But if you need to talk...I have free time." She felt for him...because the turnaround had been rather sudden.

The Andorian frowned and both antennae now curled forward. "I see," he said after a short pause, "she and I had a history. Wait that didn't come out right, I mean, she's been counseling me, knows some of my personal background. But that's not your fault. I guess I should start with a little background. May I sit down? I'm really uncomfortable standing."

"Oh, of course," she said and motioned for the seat, moving to sit down. "Would you like some green tea?" She wanted to offer something warm and soothing.

"Sure, green tea would be nice," he said as he sat down trying to get comfortable, "I'll spare you the details of my childhood it wasn't bad as childhoods go, suffice to say though that my father was a little overbearing. And forced me, it that's not too melodramatic of a term, to go into the family business.

He was the CEO of Eagle Commutations, they have contracts with the Federation. He was using some of the company's devices, some of which I helped design, to spy on people. I found out and I went to the authorities. Even had to testify against him. He went to prison for awhile. He's out now."

She nodded, moving to get them the tea, considering his words for a moment. "It must have been difficult for you," she said, her voice gentle. Both the betrayal of trust, and having to go to the authorities.

It was," he replied, "especially when the rest of the family turned against me as well. My, my mother, my siblings took his side in the matter."

She frowned slightly at that, knowing while she shouldn't take sides in this...well, she was human. "I am sorry," she said, nodding. "How are relations with them now?"

"What relations?" he asked with a tone of bitterness in his voice,"I doubt they would approve of his trying to kill me, but even that I'm not entirely sure about at this point."

"I see," she said and reached for her cup, to sip it, even as she met his eyes. "Well, quite frankly, I think it is best for your mental health to let them enjoy their denial and clear borderline personality disorders and instead focus on building a new family. You can't chose those you are born to, but you can chose who you hold close to your heart." She lowered the cup, her own eyes firm as she watched him. "As heartless as it might sound. Forgiveness is fine for the soul should you work your way towards it, but I tend to draw the line at attempted murder. If they wish to rebuild or in a few years time you see the need...of course, it is all in your hands. But not wanting to forgive and forget will not brand you a bad or mentally disturbed person. In case you were wondering."

"Well you see, that's the other problem I have. Maybe because of his betrayal to the things he taught me when I was young, maybe because my own ineptitude, but I fall in love too quickly every relationship I've ever had, every boyfriend, every lover has never lasted.

My longest relationship was just under two years and that was with Jasper March, back during my Academy days."

Prudence smiled gently as she watched him. "I wish I could offer you advice on that. But seeing as I am divorced, it is clear that I did not pick up any great tips on maintaining love..." she chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't think falling in love quickly is a negative thing. Perhaps...trying to keep a level head as it all rushes at you will hinder as much as help. Emotions can be difficult. And sometimes, you need to meet the right person. This Jasper...what made it last so long?"

"I don't know we were just right for each other. That and it started out as friendship, before it became romance and romance before we slept together"

"May I ask what ended it?" Prudence asked, not wanting to push him too much with this either. She warmed to the man instantly, his openness about things was quite nice.

"We went our separate ways when we were assigned. He was an officer, I wasn't. Not that, that should have mattered and it didn't to us, but it to Star Fleet. They didn't care that we were a couple.

We tried to make the long distance thing work, and we did okay at first. But, I don't know, we just kind of drifted apart.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, the Fleet...does not really view such relationships very high. Married couples are another thing," she said quietly. It was one of those things. If you got someone processing you who was in a good mood, then perhaps you'd be lucky. Usually, it was all about skill. "With Delainey, what was it you wished to discuss?"


"Just what I've talked about with you. She just knew my history, we'd explored it some. I had grown to trust her to know that what we discussed stayed between us. And she helped me deal with some serious claustrophobia issues."

"I am sorry that she left," Prudence said, meaning it. "It takes time to grow that trust. In time, I'd like to think you could grow to trust me. Equally, if I am not a good fit, we have two other counsellors in the department." She never took it personally because half of it was about personalities. What worked with one person didn't work with another.

"I appreciate it, but I might as well continue with you, at least for now, I don't want to try to explain things to someone new again."

Prudence nodded in acceptance of the words, a small smile coming to her lips. "Then hopefully, we can build on our trust. Do you have any questions you wish to ask me?"

"No, not now. I guess maybe it would be a good idea for me to come back again soon."

"Would in three days time be enough time? Or perhaps next week?" she asked gently, getting up her schedule so she could book him in.

"Let's make it next week,"Keval answered, "that would probably fit things better, anytime after 1600 should work for me, or before 0800. Whatever is best for you."

She nodded, her eyes gentle. "Seven days from now, 17:00. Does that work for you?" she asked, smiling to him.

"Yes it does and thank you for all your help."

She stood, nodding as she walked with him, to show him out. "I look forward to it. Take care of yourself."

"Thanks, I'll try." the Andorian replied as he turned to leave. "Thanks again,' he commented as the doors closed behind him.

Prudence watched him go and let out a soft breath. She smiled gently as she walked back to her desk and sat down. "Computer, bring up previous counselling records of Senior Chief Petty Officer Keval zh'Erinov." She wanted to be in the best position she could be for the next session. And even with the limited information those files could give her, as they were all the official ones, she felt she'd be in a better position.

OFF:

Lt. Prudence Devin
Chief Counsellor
USS Galileo

& CPO Keval zh'Erinov
PNPC Jared Nicholas
USS Galileo

RSS Feed