Mental Health, Am I mental Doc?

Posted on Thu Mar 12th, 2020 @ 10:33pm by Lieutenant Shri'Rao Sh'veqan & Lieutenant JG Draestrad

Mission: Discovery
Location: Counsellor office
Timeline: 239403.04

[On]

Shri'Rao was told to visit the new counselor for a Mental Health check, So she made an appointment and at the appointed time she arrived at their appointed meeting.

"Hello" Shri'rao said.

Draestrad had just finished her lunch, a delicious platter of canapés with almost authentic-tasing beluga caviar. A Terran favorite of hers. In preparation for her meeting with an Andorian Officer, she had wrapped her slender frame in a cashmere shawl and lowered the temperature in the room to a much chillier point. Not nearly what an Andorian would be used to, but certainly not the sweltering temps standard Starfleet rooms were set to.

“Please, make yourself at home. I’m Draestrad, ship’s counselor. Thank you for taking time to see me.” said the El Aurian.

"First I wanted to say welcome aboard, I think you will find the Penn a great family." The Andorian said.

Shri'Rao took a seat, her antennae twitching nervously.

"Where shall we begin"? She asked.

“Thank you, the crew have all been very welcoming. Please, help yourself to some Fesoan nectar. I read it’s something of a delicacy on Andoria” offered the counselor, indicating the small carafe and glasses at the edge of the desk. She noted the woman’s body language. Andorians were some of the easier species to read, having appendages which offered physical clues readily.

Shri'Rao helped herself to some of the nectar, it was as good as she had heard.

“I want to let you know that I’m here to help you. And with that in mind, I’d like to offer you a glimpse of my own life, so that we may build rapport. After my homeworld was destroyed, I found a second home and a new life on Betazed. It felt like I was just settling in when the Dominion invaded. The Betazoid people, who were so kind and helpful to me, were ruthlessly killed, experimented upon, exploited in an attempt to weaponize a gift that they have used for peace for nearly a millennia. I was overwhelmed with rage. But I realized that my anger could easily turn me into the thing I hated. I understand you have a similar issue with the Dominion?” she asked.

"My family was annihilated by the Dominion as well. They didn't bother with experimentation or forced labor, they were simply used as an example to others. I was the only survivor". Shri'Rao said sadly.

Draestrad considered the Andorian’s words sadly bad she spoke. It sounded so familiar to her own tragedy at the hands of the Borg. Only the Andorian population and homeworld were still viable. El-Auria was a butchered wasteland still monitored and controlled by the cyborgs.

“If anyone knows the full depth of the agony you’re experiencing, it’s me. I’d love to tell you that there is a filler for that void in your heart where your family used to be. But you’ll always mourn them. What you cannot do, for their sake’s, is allow their deaths to be in vain. Make your life count. You survived, so live for them.” Said the counselor.

"It is my intention to eradicate the Jem'Hadar from existence and if I ever get the chance I will use it." Shri'Rao said soberly. "In this way I can assure that my family and clan can rest in peace." The Andorian continued.

Draestrad maintained a schooled expression, but internally she grimaced at those words. “Surely you see the issues in that statement?”

"Of course I do yet if I ever get the chance to erase them from existence I will use it", The Andorian beauty replied calmly meaning every word she said.

“I see” said the counselor in a serious tone. She stood to her full height, nearly as tall as the Andorian. “Computer, begin recording official log. Lieutenant Shrirao Sh’veqan, effective immediately you are on temporary medical leave from your duties. I’m not going to confine you to quarters because I’m trusting you’ll conduct yourself like an officer. However, until I’ve spoken to the captain and XO, stay away from the armory. I’m going to do my best to help you, Lieutenant. But what I’ve just heard has frightened me.” said the Counselor.

"Would you like to confiscate my sidearm as well?" Shri'Rao asked calmly. Her antennae going limp.

[End]

A post by:

Lieutenant Shri'Rao Sh'veqan
Chief Security Officer
USS Pennsylvania

Lieutenant JG Draestrad
Counsellor
USS Pennsylvania