Heart to Heart

Posted on Thursday, 2 April 2020 - 3:04pm by Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Overdrive
Location: USS Fontana | Mess Hall
Timeline: 2393 ( Just After Launch)

{ON:}

Lunch time! It was her favorite time of the day. She hurriedly stowed her toolbox away, clocked her lunch hour and headed off to the mess. Eyelaya made it a point to try something new each and every day for lunch. She smiled thinking about it. Today was Andorian Dish Day. She wondered what she'd have. As if in anticipation her stomach rumbled. She laughed and entered the mess hall. Smiling she walked over to the replicator. She gave a little tap on it. "Can I please have Andorian Zmgle Soup and Andorian dough bread."

There was a buzz and the tray shimmered into existence. She gave a happy little dance and picked up the tray. "Thank you!" She turned only to see the person behind her was the Commander. "Um...hi" She was glad she hadn't knocked her tray into him.

"Chief." Soral stepped up to the replicator and ordered his dish. He reflected that Eyelaya still talked to the replicator as if it were a person. He hoped that Doctor Rose spoke to the counselor about seeing her. When he turned with his tray she was waving excitedly. "Saved you a seat!"

Soral resisted the both urges to roll his eyes and turn and run. He walked over calmly to the table, set his tray down, and pulled out the chair. If he was expecting the rest of the crew to show respect to this young woman he would need to as well. He sat down. "How are you settling in chief?"

"Oh really good! I um... still don't have a roommate which is a bit of a downer but hey I'm hopeful."

He knew about that. He'd fielded two requests for transfer after they'd moved in. The first had lasted three days then begged to be moved. The second one day. "Indeed." He said diplomatically though.

She looked at him. "I hear you have a dog!"

"I do." He simply said as he removed the cover off his tray.

"I love dogs! Anytime you need someone to take care of him."

"I shall remember that," He said, again, diplomatically.

She was thoughtful for a moment. "Commander, I'm sorry about the coffee."

He gave a nod. "No need. You have apologized several times." He thought a moment. "I do wish to discuss something with you."

Eyelaya pushed around her food. "Oh?"

"What happened the other day. You were having an anxiety attack."

She gasped. "I..." She was about to stand but he placed a hand on her wrist.

"Sit."

She sat.

He studied her before he continued. "There is nothing wrong with that. What is wrong is not telling others of the possibility. It could cost someone. What if you had one while you worked with no safety in place."

She quickly shook her head. "No... Oh no that's not how they usually come. I would never put anyone at risk. I.... I have them when I have nightmares."

He watched her silently and when it was clear she wouldn't go on. "Nightmares of?"

She hesitated. "During my time on Vulcan there was an accident."

He'd read the file. "I did read that. I thought it was in relation to that." He paused and then, "Have you spoken with anyone?"

She got a sour look on her face. "Every damn counselor on Vulcan."

"Not the warmest of beings. I understand your reaction. What about meditation. I will be running a class shortly. Perhaps it could benefit."

She snorted, "I wouldn't be able to meditate to save my life."

"I sensed that I will create a guided program if you wish to try and help."

She looked at him. "Okay. Willing to try it."

She finished up her meal and he his. They walked back to the replicator and put the tray or reclamation. "Thanks so much! Lovely meal," she said tapping the replicator

Soral resisted the urge to shake his head. She now talked to replicators. An odd duck that one.

{OFF:}

Lt. Cmdr. Soral
Executive Officer

&

CPO Eyelaya
Engineering Officer