Artemis: New Faces
Dori
After several days of not only going over regulations and redoing several lots of counsellor units from the Academy. She had made a couple of almost unforgivable mistakes in the last few months and she was starting to doubt herself, that she really was in the right place, that she was a good counsellor. But she realised that she had come to the right place, the right career, and like everyone, she was allowed to have the odd bout of self doubt. So, when she got a message from Sam saying to come see her, as she had a new patient, Thani was surprised but also pleased, it showed her that she was right to have some faith in herself.
So, having finished her refresher courses and making sure that she really felt that she was capable of doing her job, she headed off to see Samantha first thing in the morning.
“Good morning.” Samantha said as Thani walked in the door. “Thank you for coming. I had a new case come across the desk this morning, and I think you’re perfect for it - and considering all the work you’ve put in on that remedial training, I’m happy giving it to you.” she slid a PADD across the desk. “We have another parolee on board. Her name is Jennifer Byrd. She’s a marine.”
Thani took the file and began reading it over. She raised one delicate white eyebrow.
“A marine huh? And my word, she looks like she’s going to be a handful.” Thani looked over at Sam, concern on her face. “Do you think I’m ready? I mean, I feel ready, and I am double checking myself to make sure I don’t screw up again, but I do want your honest assessment Samantha.”
Samantha levelled her gaze at Thani. “Of course I think you’re ready. I’ve seen the scores on your latest tests. You’re doing fine. You’re learning from your mistakes and I’m sure you’re going to be a better counselor for it. I wouldn’t have given you this assignment if I hadn’t thought you were ready.”
Thani gave her a gentle, warm, relieved smile.
“Thank you. I was starting to doubt myself, and my career choice, for a little bit there. But this means a lot, so thank you. And thank you for putting up with my naive self making some pretty big mistakes.”
“Mistakes happen. It’s what you take from those mistakes that makes the difference between a good officer and a bad one.” Samantha said, smiling herself. “As I understand it, Jennifer’s sister is on board, but given their age difference, I don’t know how close they are. It may be that they aren’t close, and that Jennifer will need some friends. Try to sound her out.”
Thani nodded and looked at the PADD again.
“There is an age difference, so I will try and bridge that gap if I can for the pair of them. Now, because she’s a parolee, is there anything special I need to be aware of?”
“Just that she may have a troubled history. Don’t ask her about it. Let her open up to you in her own time.” Samantha advised. “I mean, other than the obvious questions we’re supposed to ask.”
Thani nodded in understanding.
“Okay, I can certainly do that. Do you think asking about her relationship with her sister would be a good way to open that door?”
Samantha paused, considering the question. “Yes, it could be.” she replied.
Thani nodded, filing that away for use later.
“I thought it might be.” Thani looked at the PADD again. “So, mandatory counselling, it’s got here it’s meant to be once a week, but if I think she needs more, should I bring that up with you or her first? This is my first parolee and I want to make sure I’m doing the best thing for them.”
“Bring it up with her. The mandatory counselling is to make sure she doesn’t go off on the wrong track again, but counselling is supposed to be for the person. If she wants more, she should be able to get it. You don’t have to consult with me unless you need to transfer someone to another counselor to balance your load.” Samantha told her.
Thani nodded.
“Not a problem, thank you.” Thani looked at her. “How are you holding up? I heard you’ve got Commander Piper staying with you and your sister aboard. That must be a bit to handle.”
“Zoe’s got her own quarters next door. She’s helping babysit.” Samantha smiled. “It’s good to see my sister again, now if only I could help her recover her memory, it would be perfect. Trish is back on duty now too, so everything seems to be settling down a little. I’m holding up pretty well. I miss Raefer, but there’s not much I can do about that except keep going. He’ll be back before I know it, I’m sure.”
“I’m sure he will be. Well, if you ever need an extra sitter, you know where I’m at. And I’ve met Commander Piper’s new daughter, she’s delightful.” Thani smiled.
“Emma? She is, isn’t she? Such a little sweetheart. Christy has kind of taken her under her wing, bless her, and they are getting along. They’re only a year apart. It’s a good distraction for them both, really, so I’m glad for it.” Samantha replied with a nod. “Alright, I need to get to work.”
Thani nodded.
“As do I. I might go and drop by my new patient and see what time she’s free, organise her first session.”
“That sounds good. You’ve got this.” Samantha told her. Thani smiled warmly at her.
“Thanks. I’ll see you later.”
END