Travel Sickness + Cabin Fever = Space Sickness

Posted on Tuesday, 4 May 2021 - 3:45pm by Lieutenant Scarlet Rogers & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Neu Reich

Rogers thought she may as well go through the ticklist of things she needed to do when she first boarded, as quickly as possible. It would allow her more time to settle in. That said, there were a lot of new people to meet, which unsettled her shy self and her mind's eye was tiring of producing schematics for every little new thing she was seeing.

Scarlet hesitated at the chime on the counsellor's door but then reconsidered. She pressed the chime before she could run and waited patiently.

T’Lanna jumped slightly, She was starting to get used to not sensing people outside her door. “Come in”

Scarlet stepped in a little reluctantly and offered a small smile, shyly saying, "sorry, hi, I'm Scarlet Rogers, just here to check in."

“Hi Scarlet, I’m T’Lanna Vali please come on in and make yourself at home” T’Lanna offered a smile to put Scarlet at ease.

Scarlet took a seat, placing her PaDD on her lap, "I'm sorry, this is my first time on a ship. I don't know how these things work. I haven't seen a shrink since I was maybe 16."

“Not to worry” T’Lanna smiled warmly. “This is just a quick evaluation. A chance for you to ask me questions, as much as I ask you.”

Scarlet nodded offering, "I'm a shy person, but I'm an open book. Please, go ahead and maybe a question may come to my mind."

T’Lanna nodded. “How are you settling in? Have you managed to meet many of the crew as yet?”

"This is my first day. I'm trying to get everything on the starter list out of the way," she replied. Scarlet smiled though, "I know two, three people on board from before this trip. Its nice to have some familiar faces. I've met those that will be my go to's. So science and engineering. I've briefly met the XO. I have a proper meeting tomorrow though. I'm sure I'll settle in, it'll just be getting used to not being on a planet."

“It’s a total change to being on a planet.” T’Lanna offered an understanding smile. “On a ship, especially one this size you’re part of a small, close knit community. We’re all one big family. Do you have any concerns or worries about being confined in a starship?”

"My concerns, I suppose, are more in the realms of 'it's just new'," Scarlet replied honestly, "that and the brain on overdrive-- there's no escape here should something go wrong. Being pulled out into space, whilst an instant death, isn't how I planned on dying." Scarlet blushed a little. She didn't want to sound overly obsessive or crazy.

“Trust me that’s not something you have to worry about” T’Lanna smiled warmly. “It has been known for first time starship crew to get space sickness, if you should experience anything we have a very dedicated medical staff.”

Scarlet nodded, "I'll keep an eye on me. I'm sure doctor Rose will too." She paused, "I assume it's like travel sickness mixed with cabin fever?"

“More or less” T’Lanna nodded. Even though she was smiling she wasn’t really feeling the emotion behind it, her father’s recent loss had left her somewhat unemotional when it came to feeling the happier emotions. “Ah so you’ve already met Ryan, he’s a very dedicated doctor and a friend to all.”

Scarlet was unsure on what, if anything, had been said on their relationship, so opted for generalisations, "he holds a very good reputation, both on board and in San Francisco, as being a genuinely nice guy. I look forward to working with him." She blushed a little as her mind's inner voice finished the sentence for her.

T’Lanna noticed the blush, “Ah I see maybe there’s a little more to it than that” she smiled. “Don’t worry I won’t say a thing. What is said in this room, stays in this room.”

Scarlet blushed a little more. "I met him in San Francisco. We dated whilst he was on shoreleave. Then we just stayed in touch. When I had this opportunity, he didn't hesitate at the chance too recommend here." She paused and smiled, "I guess we'll see what happens."

“Well I hope it works out for you both” T’Lanna smiled warmly. “I consider Ryan a close friend, he’s a nice guy who deserves happiness, and a wonderful woman in his life.”

Scarlet nodded, "I seem to hear that a lot. I don't think anyone has a bad thing to say about him." She blushed, "sorry, I must be taking up your time. Is there anything I need to do?"

“You’re fine” T’Lanna smiled. “Actually I’m happy that you’ve been open and honest with me. Are there any other questions you have for me?”

"I don't think so," Scarlet shrugged, "I'm sure I'll see you around."

T'Lanna nodded. "You will indeed, if you have any worries or problems feel free to stop by and see me, it give me a call okay?"

"I definitely will, especially if cabin fever kicks in," Scarlet replied and stood up, "thank you for your time."