Lieutenant JG Niev Galanis - Comfortably Numb
Niev Galanis
((Counselling Care Center, Amity Outpost))
Niev silently cursed themself for feeling that familiar tug of reluctance. Make an excuse, it said. Blame it on wanting to wait for the same counselor to be available. But they knew better than that. If there was something on their mind that was making it hard to focus on science, then the only way to get back to focusing on science was to confront whatever was on their mind with a trained professional. It was a shame that knowing that logically didn’t translate into feeling it.
They had taken a roundabout route to the train station this morning, an indulgence in reluctance the Centauran rarely afforded themself. Still, Niev had arrived with impeccable timing, having to wait only a few moments before they were called to one of the rooms. Swallowing hard, the androgyne eyed the door for a few moments before pressing at the panel on the side, requesting entry.
Ruwon: Come in.
The door sliding open, Niev took a final breath and stepped inside, trying their best to look professional and put together. That faltered along with their gait as soon as they spotted Ruwon.
It was hard to know what to expect from counselors on Amity Outpost, but Niev certainly hadn’t been a stranger to seeing a rotating door of counselors. Ever since after Frontier Day, when Starfleet had taken on so many traumatized officers they were triaging mental health professionals, it had become almost routine to meet a new counselor.
What wasn’t routine was a counselor quite like this one. Their previous counselor, Ychol, had been a Vulcan. While not unheard of, it was rare enough Niev had found it curious at the time. This man also had those distinct, pointed ears - but the charismatic, casual sort of air and smirk-tinted smile on his striking features made Ruwon seem almost like a different species entirely.
It was with their own arching of eyebrows that Niev realized this man might very well be a different species. Niev had never met a Romulan in person before. Lightly clearing their throat, the Centauran mentally nudged themself into remembering to introduce themself.
Galanis: Good morning. Lieutenant Junior Grade Niev Galanis, reporting for my counseling session as scheduled.
Ruwon: I’m counsellor Ruwon - well met. Can I get you something to drink? Water, juice, wine?
That conspiratorial smile on Ruwon’s face was met by a clear raising of Niev’s own eyebrow, their eyes doing a quick sweep of the room, as though expecting to spot some sort of hidden bar.
Galanis: Is alcohol a… standard supplement to counseling sessions?
Ruwon: I find it helps some patients to have options. Not everyone likes having to discuss these things under the cold light of sobriety...
Moving toward the couch that Ruwon gestured at, Niev pondered the oddity of the idea, somewhat awkwardly taking their seat. Of course they’d pondered trying a drink every now and then - but burying their problems under alcohol felt like disposing of waste in the sea. Just because you couldn’t see it anymore didn’t mean it wasn’t there.
Galanis: As sobriety is strictly required on duty, I think it better to confront things the same way I’d have to on a mission.
Ruwon: Let’s see; we’ll establish your baselines and go from there, shall we? ::He picked up the PADD with Niev’s file on it, gesturing with it vaguely.:: Centauran, born on Velestus. You’ve been with Amity since your Academy graduation, serving in the science department studying the planetary sciences. You were present for the Frontier Day attacks, but have continued your career and position successfully since. Do you feel that sums things up?
Niev’s mouth pressed slightly thin, a moment’s hesitation coming before a nod. He wasn’t wrong - all of that was true… to an extent. They still weren’t quite sure just how successful they’d been, with how many close calls and tussles with chaos there’d been since they’d joined the crew.
Galanis: I… suppose, yes. There was quite a delay between my assignment and actually arriving in the Delta Quadrant. I attended regular crisis counselling sessions as required while recovering on Earth, and was cleared to return to duty. I’ve also attended counseling sessions here on Amity Outpost. I was last seen by Counselor Ychol.
Ruwon: Response
Galanis: He provided me with some Vulcan meditation techniques, which I’ve employed to… moderate success. Do you think I should be continuing those?
Ruwon: Response
Letting out a subtle breath and giving a small swallow, Niev knew that it was time to get to business. Even if the business was the uncomfortable task of finally putting their mental state over the past few weeks into words.
Galanis: I’ve been distracted lately, again. Irritable. Restless?
Quickly realizing they were just listing off emotions as they flashed through their head, the Centauran shifted uncomfortably for a moment. It was hard to even know where to begin with everything.
Ruwon: Response
TAG!/TBC…
