Post Number: 281 *Coping Mechanisms*

Posted on Wed Jul 23rd, 2025 @ 2:45am by Ensign Erin Couldis

380 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: A New Beginning

On:

Erin stood at the window in her office, staring down at the planet below. It was strange; after spending so much of her life traveling the stars, she was now in a Quadrant that few Federation Officers had ever seen- and this was only one out of many. She smiled to herself, sadly. This would have been something she previously would have been eager to share with friends, but so many of them were dead now.

She suppressed a shiver, doing her best to forget the memories of the past few weeks. Pulling herself away from the view below, she strode the small distance back to her desk, returning once more to the comfort of work.

There has been many meetings since the Synthulans had attacked. Most of the crew were dealing with strong emotions revolving around it, and she was glad that they felt comfortable enough with the Counseling staff to allow them to help them through it. She glanced down at the pass in her hand. Lieutenant Junior Grade Justin Harris has been in her office just a few minutes ago, talking about his wife who had been killed while visiting her sister on Earth. The Lieutenant was doing as good as could be expected, and the Engineering team had no complaints with his performance, but as she had told him, she wasn't sure he was dealing with his loss in a healthy way.

Justin had taken to visiting the promenade after every shift, drinking as much as he could. He didn't think he had a problem, but Erin had reminded him that if the only way to numb his feelings was to drink, he needed better coping mechanisms. She had shared with him a few things, but she wasn't sure that he had truly heard what she said.

It was a curse, sometimes, to be able to hear the thoughts and feel the emotions of others. She felt his attention wander several times during their meeting. She could only hope that he would return in three days when he had scheduled their next appointment.

She hoped the away team was making good progress, and would have good news to share. They all could use some of it.

Off:

Ensign Erin Couldis
Assistant Chief Counselor
Starbase Obsidian

 

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