Lt. Haukea-Willow: Moving Forward.
Aly Drolet
((Starbase 118, Command Center, Deck 7, Commanding Officer’s Ready Room))
Willow: I do think, as I say it, that my current coping strategy is to merely ignore the issue. I don’t know how to acknowledge or handle the experience, being Risian, that I simply didn’t.
Haukea, in light of the rise in emotional tension over the course of several missions, had, in pieces, briefly and personally acknowledged minor inconveniences regarding a witnessed injury from Weathern. That said, no official name had been given to the experienced emotions, uncomfortable sensations and unknown view point. She had no ability to sort, organize, analyze, and quantify, no background knowledge and frame of reference; that the Risian, in part because of being Risian, placed, like with most incidence, these sensations in the past, to which she stayed squarely in the present. She ignored, not due to the belief it would simply disappear, but because she simply had no reference for what it was, how to acknowledge it and how to ask for assistance regarding it. Haukea spoke now since the emotions had reached a climax, exponentially increasing in intensity.
Gogi’s face once again morphed into a quizzical expression.
Fairhug: Well, I think what gives me the most comfort and strength to keep going through the hard times is my spiritual faith.
According to the dictionary definition, Spirituality, broader than religion, was a concept referring to the search for meaning, purpose and connection to something larger than oneself, which could include aspects of religion - a higher power - nature, art or the universe.
For Haukea, as a Risian, historical records indicated little in the way of a mythology and religion was, by percentage, rare. Nevertheless, by utilizing the definition, Haukea saw aspects of spiritual practice within her hobbies of holophotography and painting.
Willow: Risians don’t have much in the way of religion or spirituality. However, knowing the definition, I can see aspects of spirituality in my engagement with the hobbies of holophotography and painting. Is religion and/or spirituality common with your people?
Fairhug: Most people on Bardeez are very in tune with their spirituality and while we do gather for some important occasions, it's generally quite a personal thing.
Haukea was certainly curious regarding Gogi’s particular spiritual practice, never having engaged in more formal aspects regarding it.
Willow: For yourself what spiritual practices do you involve yourself in? What is common?
Fairhug: Mainly things like meditation. Particularly in a secluded natural environment.
Willow: Nature is a big part of Risian culture as well. We often spend large portions of the day outside or in indoor/outdoor environments.
Fairhug: Well, I'm very open-minded. I also recently began attending services at the Bajoran temple in the Ashalla District. But if you're not used to that sort of thing, it could be a little overwhelming at first.
Willow: I don’t think formal religious practices are for me at this time. However, informally, I’m willing to participate and get in touch with myself.
Haukea cracked a smile, gaining comfort with the conversational topic, almost as if she had intentionally made a poor attempt at a joke.
Fairhug: How about you and I take a little hike somewhere next shore leave? It's been a while for myself, even. I could do with clearing my head.
Willow: A hike? I think I would like that. I could take along my camera.
For Haukea, the last excursion participated in was a group hike on Bardeez. However, the experience was months, if not years ago, that she hardly recalled the individuals present, only that mushrooms had likely been involved. Likewise, several participants, knowing the crew now, had likely accepted commissions away from Starbase 118, having migrated towards new opportunities. Even then the Risian could not recollect bringing her holocamera.
Fairhug: Your camera?
Willow: My holocamera. I have a passion for photography and painting. I guess I did not consider them as available resources. I haven’t engaged with those hobbies recently.
Haukea, while having partaken in several pleasurable leisure activities over the course of numerous shore leaves, knew it was true that her holocamera and painting supplies had lay neglected among it all. Now however, pondering as she went, it seemed reasonable that reengaging with the hobbies would provide considerable mental and emotional support. Then, judging by Gogigobo’s reaction, a satisfactory clap of the hands, the assertion was worth pursuing.
Fairhug: That sounds like an excellent place to start! Combining it with the tranquility of nature can surely only enhance the experience.
Willow: Perhaps if I picked them up more regularly that would help.
Fairhug: I would imagine so. It certainly couldn't hurt.
Willow: Perhaps I’ll take it with me around Base for some photos. Test out the theory before our hike.
While it was likely, using her camera more frequently, to aid in an increased quality of mental and emotional wellness, Haukea certainly did not expect miracles initially. Even through ignoring the discussed issue, the Risian understood how one could have harder days. Yet, you could only improve by actively engaging with and trialling practices and activities designed for an individual's betterment.
Gogigobo himself reached for his abandoned tea mug, draining the contents, sighing.
Fairhug: Then it's decided. The only thing we need to do is think of a location to explore. Any ideas?
Willow: Nothing off the top of my head. Might have to do some research in the guidebook. You?
Fairhug: Well, I'm up for anything. Let's each have a think and see what we come up with. Either way, I'm looking forward to it. In the meantime, if you need to talk, you know where I am.
Willow: Gogigobo, thank you. I appreciate you listening to me and helping me find actionable steps going forward. I certainly won’t hesitate to reach out in the future. And while I may not always fully understand, my door is open should you need the same.
Haukea, pushing off from the couch, furniture far too comfortable, gestured for a hug, Gogigobo providing a warm smile, before heading for the door.
Truthfully, while their conversation was impromptu and productive, Haukea knew it was unlikely to solve or change the situation overnight. She likely, eventually, would have to address the lack of emotional understanding with a counselor; yet, for now, they had an actionable solution, which would, from her perspective, allow her to acknowledge the problem while actively and initially combating the unknown emotional sensations present.
Haukea hesitated at the door, speaking, before disappearing out of sight.
Willow: I’ll be in contact about the hike!
END
OOC: The guidebook is a reference to the StarBase 118 Operations Guidebook idea that I had when starting my scene with S’zurak. It was based on the published Federation guidebook, which I own, and would be a list of locations, recommendations and ratings for the base.
I highly enjoyed writing this scene together. Can't wait for next shore leave!
Chief of Security - Crisis Response
Starbase 118 Ops
M239512BG0
Ad Astra Per Aspera/To The Stars With Difficulty - Una Chin-Riley
