Lt JG Alyndra Syrex - Vitor and Dr T-Rex Walk into a Bar

[Alyndrasyrex]

((Elysium, Deck 6, USS Artemis-A))

Silveira: First is the Captain. Niac and I served on the Excalibur together. The other is Ana, Luxa Lorana, she served here in the Artemis. I miss them dearly.

Syrex: Ana? I’m assuming that’s a nickname right?

 

The gold-shirted chief of tactical shrugged his shoulders.

Silveira: It’s a way I like to call my friends. A little silly shortening of their own names. But tell me, you have more toys?

 

Alyndra smiled, Vitor seemed like a sweet man who cared deeply about his friends. In time, she hoped he would consider her a friend too.

 

Syrex: Oh well, you know I have all of my toys on a card in my quarters? I can set you up with a figurine of her? A doll of Captain Niac too.

 

A laugh came from the other side of the table. Alyndra smiled at Vitor, her eyes never leaving the tip of his nose as she took a lengthy sip of her hot chocolate. Bringing the long glass away from her face, the stick of the marshmallow membrane stuck to her upper lip. She giggled nervously as she wiped it off using her forefinger.

Silveira: You had my curiosity, now you have my attention. How did you come up with that idea?

Syrex: It’s funny you ask. I’m a paediatrician by training; the comfort of my patients is at the forefront of my mind when I’m treating someone. Children like toys, play takes you away from a world that’s often so scary, especially to someone so young. I see myself as a facilitator of play. Modelling the real world so that they can work through their trauma and perhaps distract themselves for a bit.

Silveira: Interesting, do you also have Counselling training?

Syrex: No, I’m no counsellor. Dekas and Herbert are way better than I could ever be! But when people have confided in me.. I… I hope the toys have been useful. I really do.

 

As Alyndra spoke, she realised her tone had become more solemn and soft. Far from the laughter and the friendly chatter that the conversation began with.

 

Silveira: Dekas? Well then that's another one you have to send my regards. We served on the Juneau together. But I have to commend your efforts. I am sure the grown ups also appreciate your toys. And find them useful. By the way if you need Counselling we are also well staffed in that field.

 

Alyndra continued to smile at Vitor, although admittedly more nervously than she had before.

Syrex: Yeah… But if I see a counsellor here, then I’ll have to.. Urgh… It’s a whole thing because we’re in the same division, and I don’t know if I want my colleagues knowing the inner workings of my mind. It’s a level of intimacy.

 

Alyndra knew that was an excuse, and a bad one at that. As she’d said, she is a medical officer. She knew the sacred nature of confidentiality, and that there were plenty of counsellors she didn’t see all too often in passing. It wouldn’t be weird. She just knew that once she started talking, she’d never stop. There was far too much to tell. Her eye, her childhood.. Would the counsellor even care? Would these issues feel petty? She needed the comfort of knowing that what she’d say, how she felt would be adequate. Taking resources from others who needed it more felt wrong – but if she looked outside herself and saw someone clearly struggling.. Would she tell herself to see a counsellor?

She frowned visibly. Inside, she knew this was something she should talk to a counsellor about. What she could only assume was a reaction to her frown, Vitor leaned forward, smiling reassuringly.

Silveira: Trust me, I had that bad habit of avoiding counselling myself. ::he raised his hands apologetically:: Forgive me but I sense there's a lingering issue that's still bothering you.

Alyndra sighed, smiling at him nervously.

Syrex: Is it that obvious?

Vitor’s head tilted, his smile changed from supportive, to comforting. A niche observation to be sure, but Alyndra was certain of it. She took another sip of her sweet and chocolate-filled beverage.

Silveira: I have been around the Fleet for long enough to catch on things. We can talk about it, or not. Whatever makes you comfortable Doc Rex.

Alyndra snorted.

Syrex: Well, I can’t talk about it now! I have to make a toy of myself as a T-Rex!

Alyndra laughed, amused at her own joke.

Silveira: Response

Syrex: I would like to talk about it, to be quite frank. I just don’t know where to start. And to be honest-

 

Alyndra took a deep sip of the remaining hot chocolate in her mug, which left a stain of brown on her lip. Licking it off with her tongue, she continued speaking, as if she’d never stopped.

Syrex: -I don’t think I’ll bore you with the details just yet. But I genuinely appreciate you taking an interest in my mental well-being.

Silveira: Response

Alyndra smiled at him, before blinking back into her empty glass.

Syrex: Now that I’ve finished my drink, do you want to take this party back to my quarters to get started on that doll of yours?

Silveira: Response

 

TAG/TBC

Lieutenant JG Dr Alyndra Syrex MD

Medical Officer

USS Ronin (NCC-34523)

R240107AS3