Dealing with Death

Posted on Wed May 15th, 2013 @ 11:35am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant Malcolm Hoffman

745 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: What Dreams May Come?
Location: Counselor's Office

ON

Sam's nightmares were making it hard for her to concentrate during the day. Pills weren't helping, so she decided to give the counselor a chance.

She walked into his office and knocked at the door.

"Come in." He said, not expecting anyone

"Do you have a few minutes?" Sam asked, walking into his office. "I could use a little advice."

"What good is a counselor who doesn't give advice? Thats like a Tribble with no soft fur or a Klingon to threaten its existence. What can I do for you Commodore?"

She smiled at the Tribble analogy. "Seeking advice on dealing with these nightmares," shes said. "I'm sure you've seen a dozen people so far. Mine are a little too personal for my comfort."

"Yeah I can definitely say I've seen an increase, what are your dreams about?"

"The death of my husband. He's died three times so far, each one more gruesome than the last."

Malcolm just looked at the Commodore for a moment before responding." Do you secretly want to kill him? If so I'm pretty sure I can find an Orion Pirate who can do it for you." he said with a straight face.

Sam was appalled. "No! The last thing I want is to lose him. That's why the nightmares are bothering me so much."

"Just making sure, you'd be amazed at how many times I've been told the nightmares are nightmarish because the deed can't be pulled off more so than the fact their significant other dies. Why do you think you could be dreaming such things then?"

"I don't know. After we got back from the Orion mine I had a few nightmares, but that was because I almost lost Damon. But nothing since then. There's nothing that should have triggered nightmares. Damon is working with Fleet Marines at Athena Shipyards. I spoke to him yesterday."

"Do you think you maybe Psychic and seeing images of the future?" He asked.

Sam could brush off the comment about hiring an Orion as a failed joke, but this was a bit much. "No. I am not nor have I ever been psychic. I'm a telepath." She raised an eyebrow. "Do you also believe everyone else on the ship who is currently experiencing nightmares might also be psychic?"

"I was considering it, myself excluded of course, as I'm not experiencing these dreams that everyone claims they have. Perhaps your telepathy is picking up on some of the other disturbing dreams of the crew and causing this death dreams of yours."

"I'm picking up on the others, yes. But my nightmares started before I began to hear the crew. It's getting harder to be out among then, too." She raised an eyebrow. "If you aren't experiencing nightmares you should speak to the doctor. Maybe there's something in your chemistry that can help her find a remedy."

"I was thinking of some things myself as to why that may be and I came up with only one conclusion, I am the only Trill crew member on board perhaps my symbiate is affecting whatever is causing the dreams resulting in my not having them. Have you ever tried just... Turning off, your mind reading powers?"

"It's not something I can turn off or turn on. I can generally block thoughts to the point that they're just background noise, unless someone is mentally shouting, but I can't turn it off." She paused for a moment. "Can you stop smelling? Is it something you can turn off or turn on at will?"

"If I were inject a form of neural receptor inhibitor I could probably temporarily numb the sense so to answer your question, yes." Malcolm said smugly.

"Yes, but that is temporary. It will only work as long as the inhibitor is in your system. I could take an injection to deaden my telepathy for a short period of time but it would be like you going without one of your senses. I would be limited and it would wear off. Plus the possible negative effects of such an option far outweigh any benefits."

Sam stood. "I don't thin you can help me, Lieutenant. I'm sorry I took up your time. Good day."

"No problem Sam, have a good day. If you require anything else please, drop on by." Malcolm said with a smile as he stood up

OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Malcolm Hoffman
Chief Counselor
USS Calypso

 

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