for  sessions ect

In reply to Admiral Hack (msg # 1):
After completing his last circuit Justin headed to the Med area to get a check up


Humming a tune to himself as he waited for Stefi or one of the MedTecs

Hiho!; Hiho!; it's off to work we go....
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Fri 22 July 2022.

Mr. Kase, funny you should show up!

I've worked with some of your family, you know;   Mental Kase and Basket Kase -- two of my best clients!   Insofar as insurance billing, I mean.   ;D

j/k; serious post upcoming...

The atmosphere in Dr. Verault's office was designed and intended to be a soothing one.

The room's illumination very closely approximated filtered natural light. There were well tended plants, and holographic images of some of the most spectacular geography from several worlds, including a sunset over a resplendent Verian ocean.   And a small herd of wild horses roaming a glade on the terraformed moon that was their new home.

Pictures of a couple of choice Earth locales:  Spain, Greece, and Ireland in particular. A maybe conspicuous absence of any images that might be of the doctor's family or relatives.

Presently, Alison sat at her desk, tapping away at her vidboard, and prepping for her upcoming sessions.    She listened to music, as she not uncommonly did, while working.

Aris-Ny, an especially gifted Angel vocalist, quite popular back on Earth, sang a lilting refrain; a remake of a song by an old Terran artist, Lana Del Rey, called 'The Greatest':

Those nights were on fire
We couldn't get higher
We didn't know that we had it all
But nobody warns you before the fall
And I'm wasted
Don't leave, I just need a wake-up call
I'm facing the greatest
The greatest loss of them all...

Taking a seat in the waiting area Justin occupied himself considering Skeeter design mods. Oblivious to the rooms settings, ambience and background tune.

The patient's arrival announced by a soft but clear chiming tone, Alison cut off the music and arose from her desk, making her way to the waiting area.   The door slid open and she stepped out and smiled in greeting:

"Hello, Mr. Kase.  I can you see now --  please, come in, and have a seat."

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 6):

Justin looked up at the MedTec who just addressed him. Noting the name on her uniform. Rising he greeted Lt Verault then moved into the examination room. Taking an offered seat.

Once Mr. Kase was seated, Alison likewise took a seat, and smiled again, "Well, we've not met before, though I know who you are from my study of the crew profiles.  I'm Dr. Verault, though Alison is fine, if first name basis is more comfortable.   How can I help you, Mr. Kase?  What did you come to speak to me about?"   
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Fri 22 July 2022.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 8):

Absently Justin nodded in response to her prompt as he observed the rooms interrior. Welcome to the 351 Doc.  he responded; affording her a friendly smile. I thought it prudent to get a post tunnel run check-up.

"Oh," she looked a little surprised, although not too much so.

"I'm primarily a psychologist, and this is the office where I conduct my sessions.  But, I'm also an MD, part of the Med division in general, and I've got time to do a basic physical, if that's what you're in the market for."

She got up again, this time to obtain a small case of instruments, before turning back to him:

"The tunnels can be pretty grueling, I hear.  Do you have any pain? Any soreness, or other discomfort?"     

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 10):

Justin suppressed a chuckle at the thought that Fleet Decided to assign a Shrink to the Hermes. Especially since there appeared to be soooo.. many interesting subjects bouncing around. Really.... Justin blurted. Well Doc. I guess I've put my foot in another puddle. he informed giving the Doc an apologetic smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Fri 22 July 2022.

She took a small, silvery, rectangular shaped device from out of its case, and tapped a couple of settings, while saying "Have you, now?  Well, getting your toes a little wet often isn't the worst thing.  One can miss a lot of life, remaining in the house and waiting till its dry outside."   

"Roll up your sleeve - either one is fine - and just breathe evenly, while I check your blood pressure."   She touched the device to whichever wrist he exposed.

"So, what drew you to become a pilot, and a life out in the Black?" she asked while working.

Listening to her comment Justin gave a nod, giving her the benefit that she hadn't taken his remark literally. Responding to her request Justinrounded up one sleeve. That would probably be similar to what motivated you to venture into the Black.

Alison had been speaking metaphorically, as regards puddles -- as she not infrequently did.   She was at times accused of being somewhat hard to interpret -- not because she wasn't capable of speaking plainly, but because doing so too much wasn't as interesting.

She had hoped he might elaborate a little, as to what sort of trouble he'd gotten into, but wasn't surprised when he didn't.   It had been a vague sort of prompt, on her part.

"Really?" she smiled.  "Before the ESN came courting me to enlist, I had a private practice, and no intention whatsoever to leave Earth. I ended up with a retired ESN officer as a client, who appreciated the work I did with him, and started to make referrals.  I thought carefully about it, and ultimately, it was too good a career move not to take. As well as a chance to be nearer to several cultures I wanted to learn more about."

"Your blood pressure's fine."   Following that, she moved on to visual acuity, and general assessment of head, eyes, ears, nose and throat.   And then cardiovascular and respiratory evaluation, which checked out fine.

"Hm, so far so good -- you're in remarkably good shape. Did you enjoy the tunnels?  Win some prize, or such?"   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 14):

That's very interesting Doc. Thank you for sharing. As she had access to his records there wasn't much he could tell her that wasn't written up. I was also in Business before going to the Academy; which is all in the Ship's Database. Justin added. At mentionof the tunnelsJustingave a shrug. I didn't try for anything like that. I stayed at the back to encourage the other runners that were having difficulties. I prefer to run the tunnels to keep fit.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Sun 24 July 2022.

As he surveyed the contents of the room, Justin sat quietly waiting for further comment or instruction from the Doc. Noting the absence of personal items, Justin wondered if her significant other was also aboard...

She nodded, in response to his statement about encouraging other runners, "Good man.  Well, it seems to be working for you, insofar as staying in shape."

From there, Alison proceeded to do a standard musculoskeletal assessment as well as a basic
neurological exam.   And once those were performed and checked out okay, she informed the patient:

"It looks like you're no worse for the wear, Mr. Kase.  You can safely return to sprinting through tunnels, dancing up a storm at parties, or whatever other athletic feats strike your fancy."   

Cupping his chin to prevent his jaw from dropping open in surprise at the Docs comment. Justin glanced at her.Sorry Doc... no can do. Dancing up anything resembling a Storm is the Province of AH Capt Si, LC Shadow and the Pinned.

She nodded, "Our captain and the LC have got some real moves, to be sure.   But, I saw you hit the floor with Steffi, and you're no slouch. Just watch it with the Irish riverdancing, it can be really hard on the ankles," she winked, smiled.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 19):

Justin gave a slight shrug. Doc based on your advice Would I be correct to  assume you know a fair bit about Dancing? he asked as he'd heard something about a type of dance referred to as countryline.

"I like to think I can hold my own.  I had some lessons in both salsa and tango while attending university."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 21):

I heard the origins of the dance was a queue outside the porta's at a Jamboree on a cool evening, that was set it to music and given a standard set of moves. Justin casually informed.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Mon 25 July 2022.

"Oh, sounds like you're talking about line dancing?   I'm from Austin Texas, originally, so I've done some of that, too." 

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 23):

Sounds like you're quite versatile. Have you thought about starting a dance club or something like that?

She smiled, laughed lightly, "My career and duties keep me pretty busy.  Don't think I could fit being a club owner in with all of that.   But, since coming aboard, I've heard about The Pulse, and it sounds like a pretty swank place to hit the floor.  Have you been in there?"

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 25):

 Justin gave his chin a rub
I've been to the Officers Club more times than you can shake a stick at.

"That's on my 'to visit' list as well.  But I'm kind of more curious about the Pulse, since it's not every ESN vessel that has its own nightclub.  At least, not as far as I know?"  She shrugged.

"If it is unusual, then I guess I lucked out.  Care to go check it out with me, sometime? It's always less awkward going somewhere new with some company."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 27):

Justin grinned mischievously glancing about he leant forward Thank you Doc; I'm honoured to be your escort come adventure partner in this Reconnaissance. he quietly responded attempt at being conspiratorial.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:34, Tue 26 July 2022.

"Fantastic.  I'm off duty in about four hours, in fact, if you happen to have any free time?  Or if not, then we can do this some other time?"   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 29):

Justin gave the Doc a thumbs up. Four hours it is then Doc. rising the headed out to finish up any tasks that needed attention.

Alison waved him farewell, and then set about resetting the devices she'd used in the examination, and setting up for the remainder of her shift...

---to hangar deck
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Fri 29 July 2022.

After Fours hours  Justin strolled across the Hangar deck as he headed from the fighter bays towards the Medical area. Greeting the Guardians and MedTechson tbat are duty. Stopping at the Medtech Desk he asked if Doc Verault was available?

She was.

Having finished the shift and secured her office, Alison made her way out toward the reception area.

Keeping spare clothes in her office, just in case (no pun intended ;)), Alison had changed from her staff uniform to a silk teal blouse and a black, midi-length skirt.   Her hair was gathered into a side-swept ponytail.   She smiled.

"Mr. Kase, great to see you again. So, shall we go do this?"   
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Fri 29 July 2022.

Sure thing! Justin replied; he'd learnt not to offer any woman on the 351 his arm. Slipping beside the Doc they headed towards the elevator down one level to the Recreational level.

---- to the Rec deck

For her part, Alison could think of any number of good reasons he might not do so, and it wasn't anything like a faux pas in her eyes.   And with no more ado, she left and accompanied him to the Rec area.

---- to the Rec deck

---------->>>>  From the Tunnels

Entering her office, Alison removed the field training suit, placing its pieces aside, leaving her in the under tunic and her lingerie.   Fortunately, she kept a spare uniform here, so there had been no need to stop at her quarters first.    She donned it, mind already turning to the work she needed to do.

Which mostly consisted of polishing up and entering notes, as well as profile and case reviews.   It was the less interesting part of her job;  what she really liked were the sessions themselves, and interacting with people.

But she worked diligently, and it was all routine.   And soon began making a dent in her backlog.

Her thoughts kept straying to Bura, however.   Where she had never set foot before.   Taking a break, she turned on the office's holo-screen, and called up some images, remembering as well what Samantha had told her about it.

Alison had made studies of both Angel and Demon culture, as part of her efforts to understand the psychology of both races.   And Bura was interesting, in that regard;   once Demon occupied, before Angels came to reside there, and with the aid of the Hermes, wrested it out of the Demon's control.

As an environment, it had virtually everything she might've asked for, to pique her interest, both professionally and personally.

She smiled, gazing at a final few images, before turning her attention back to work, and giving a last push to get it all done.

Alison looked away from her work, upon hearing the chime that signaled an incoming message:



She smiled, and sent back "Sure thing;  I'm in my office, just finishing up.   Do you want to stop by here, or should we meet somewhere else?"   

On my way... Justin replied. We can head to either the Observation Deck, Officers Club or Rec Deck. Unless you had somethingelse in mind... he added.

"The view from the Obs deck is always romantic," she smiled.  "I love the stars.  So why don't we head over there?"   

--- from Officers Quarters

After cleaning up and changing Justin headed to the Hangar Deck to escort the Doc to the Observation Deck. Strolling into her office he gave her a smile.
 Hi Doc you expecting an escort. he asked

She arose from her desk, and walked over to kiss his cheek.

"In fact, yes I was.  Right on time!   Shall we?"  With a touch of her Com, she re-encrypted and locked the files she'd been working on, which were private, like any medical records.

------>>>   Flex-Thread
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Fri 02 Sept 2022.

------->>>  Rec Dec #11

Setting up for the coming sessions, and still mulling on the things Justin had broached, Alison found her thoughts drifting to the tailed and whiskered enigma she'd encountered during her last hours in the Burian wilds.

Although she had a lot to do, she couldn't resist, and instructed her vidboard:  "Display known specifics for Burian feline, local name nyrie-veth, on the second monitor."

The system complied, and text appeared, along with an image of the silver furred, mini-lion like cat.   Alison began to read...it was, of course, its psychic ability in which she was foremost interested...

Some time later, Alison had concluded her reading, as well as finished her prep work, relating to her next scheduled patient.   One of her monitors displayed the basic file information for that patient:

:: Marcus Alan Barrett
Age 26 : DoB 02/17/2086 : Gender M
Enlisted 09/12/2109 : ESN Flight officer : Rank = Ensign : Status = Temporary limited duty
Awards: Earth Purple Heart, Earth Bronze Star, ESN Bronze, Silver and Gold Stars

Diagnosis: PTSD (Complex) | Date of diagnosis: 10/28/2111 | Primary symptoms: feelings of alienation, feelings of emptiness, challenges controlling emotions (spontaneous anger/resentment), distrust of superior officers, nightmares

Prior treating doctor: Charles Holden | Primary therapies: CBT, EMDR, education/advice | Meds: previously SSRI (milnacipran, cyloprax), currently SNRI (venlafaxine)

Overall Progress: Minimal | Prognosis: Poor; trend = progression of condition, strengthening of symptoms

Following which were session specifics, that Alison had of course reviewed well in advance.  The chime sounded that heralded Mr. Barrett's arrival to the lobby, and she in turn tapped the button that signaled the receptionist to send him in.

Marcus Barrett didn't look especially depressed; in fact, one almost might have thought he'd just heard a good joke.

"Hello, Dr. Verault.  I hope your day's going well. Hm. You're not what I expected in the new shrink, I admit."

She turned from the screen to give him her full attention. "Hello, Mr. Barrett. My day's going well, thank you for asking.  Please, have a seat, won't you?"  Once he had:

"So. I'll bite.  What did you expect in the new shrink?" 

"Heh," he smiled.  "You ever see an old, black & white Earth flick, called The Three Faces of Eve?"

She shook her head. "No. Sorry. Not that one."   

"Ah. Well, someone like the guy who played the doctor in that movie, maybe."    He shrugged."I mean.. are you old enough to have the long experience to take on a shitty case like mine?" 

"How about if we place success above years, Mr. Barret?  I've got the track record of improving and cracking cases like yours, that makes me qualified to try and help you." 

Message from Tarja Vanska: Hello Dr. Verault my name is Corporal Tarja Vanska and we met in the tunnels the other day, I realise that you are probably busy but could we have a little chat in private sometime please?

(responded to shortly after the above session concludes)

Of course, Corporal Vanska.  I do remember you.  Certainly, my office offers privacy that I can guarantee.   Would you like to make a formal appointment, or just stop by sometime when my shift is over?   

After having concluded the session with that last patient, and responded to Corporal Vanska and several other communications, she took some moments to check her appearance, and then headed out to the OC...

------->>>  To the OC

------>>>  From the OC

Note:  I'm out the next two days for the holiday, but will be around on monday, quite a bit, for any continued posting.

Other note:  I know I've agreed to see both Tarja and Lizzie;  I think with Tarja, it was more 'come by in the evening, after I'm done for the day' and with Lizzie, 'let's get together after lunch.'    So I believe Lizzie should go first, chronologically, though I agreed to see Tarja first.

However, I'm happy to proceed with whoever shows first, and will get to the other right after that.   

Having returned from the OC, Alison went to her vidboard and responded to a few messages, prior to the arrival of one of the two she'd recently arranged to speak with...

---->>>>> From Rec Dec

 Lizzy walked up to Alison's Office and she hit the com for the door to open. " Hello Doc it is Ens O'Conner may I come in."

"Yes, of course," responded Alison, "Please come in."

Once Lizzie had done so, there was a choice of either a comfortable chair or sofa for her to sit in, and Alison invited her to take her pick.   The office was plainly intended and designed to be more comfortable rather than clinical.

There were plants, pictures, a small holo-image or two of the recent trip to Bura.

"So, we meet at last," she smiled.  "And let me congratulate you on your engagement.  I'm sorry I didn't get to hang out with you and the group on Bura.  But I had a long list of 'must do, must see' and shore leave was too damn short." 

"Can I get you anything to drink?  Water, juice, ice tea?"   
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Mon 26 Dec 2022.

 Lizzy walked in and took a seat in the chair," Yes Doctor it is nice to meet you finally, oh thank you very much, Izzy actually proposed again on Bura and gave me this." Lizzy held out her hand with the beautiful ring Izzy got her diamonds and emeralds the same color as her eyes.

 "Oh I am fine hopefully this will be simple and wont be too long, I have been having horrible nightmares about my father. He had my mother's ship attacked I was the only survivor of the Neutron, he then tried to take me off the Hermes, he as a member of the EDT and did many loyalty feasts. He used plasma against a carrier station, he was an evil monster. I watched as they executed him by having plasma eat him alive it was pretty brutal, but he deserved it, I guess the hardest part was listening to him scream and beg me to help him, I just stood there and watched as the plasma ate him until he finally died. I have been having nightmares of him begging for his life and in one I tried to save the monster. Ok so how fucked up am I doc?"

Alison firstly admired the ring. "Oh wow, that is beautiful! And such a match for your eyes.  It's good to accessorize," she smiled.

And then listened to Lizzie speak of her father, what he was like, the events of his death.

Alison was good at keeping her councilor's face on, during sessions, or conversations that were somewhat session like, such as was this one.   Still, she hadn't expected to have this in common with Ensign O'Connor.  A father with the EDT...

But where Alison's dad had recanted, and come to the ESN, Lizze's was hardcore EDT to the (very gruesome) end of his life.   She'd been born after her own father defected, and hadn't known him as an EDT member.

By Lizzie's ending question, she had one of her own:

"Well, how fucked up aren't you, Lizzie?   I'd rather start there.   That you went through all of that, and it didn't break you, how about that?   That says something about your character and strength, doesn't it?"   

"And, the nightmares are of course normal, for anything so extreme.  May I ask, how frequent are they?   How often do they disrupt your sleep?" 
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Tue 27 Dec 2022.

 Lizzy actually took a sigh of relief and responded," Ok so my reactions are normal, I get my strength of will from my mom, I never knew her she died on the Neutron shortly after I was born and taken off the ship. The Neutron was damaged and from reports my mom was seriously injured, she took a demon sh with her." Lizzy takes out the picture of her mother and shows Alison her mom. Her mom looked exactly like her they could be identical twins and her mom looked around Lizzy's age in the picture.

" Yes it does, I did have help. Izzy helped a lot being there for me, Nikki, Harry before she went mental and self-destructive. I do have another major flaw which I have dealt with, I get umm how to say this correctly get very emotional at times, but lately I have been using my emotions channeling them while I am in combat in my fighter, I call it controlled chaos."

" At first, they were every few nights but recently 1 or 2 a week, but the main reason I came to see you is I guess I had a flashback memory while I was in the Sim. I have been out in combat before and had no episodes I just want to make sure that never happens again, I know saying this you might ground me but if I need that to make sure I am ok with that as long as you think we can fix this." Lizzy was nervous she might ground her but if it was to protect her and help her prevent those from happening, she would accept it, not happy but accept it.

She glanced at the picture of Lizzie's mother, noting the uncanny resemblance.  "She sounds as though she was a remarkable woman. If she knew you were being taken to safety, it must have brought her solace in her final moments."   

Then:  "I should tell you, I don't have the final word on grounding anyone. Though I am in a position to make recommendations.  And you have my word, I don't recommend it unless it appears there's a very real safety risk." 

"So, the frequency of nightmares has decreased with time.  That's a good sign.  But you got triggered in the Sim.   By what, specifically, if I may ask?  What was being simulated when it happened?"

 Lizzy smiled somberly; she thought her mom was amazing as well. Lizzy then replied," Yes, she was, I am not sure if you heard this when it was on the air, but I have the original. I will play it for you." Lizzy opened her coms and then played both messages.

 Beth sat down, she rubs an eyes again, taking a sip of her coffee, she begins to read.... Elizibeth...'Beth' O'connor...  her eyes look up at the others in SEC.....this was sealed.. the seal to be broken, the search on 'blood kin'..... this is the first anyone will hear it.... he says this as she motions to Lizzy   Chip.

 ...  this is dated ..some..25..going on 26 years  ago....Listen....

 an old COM crackles  on the Puter's   speakers...when this is activated.. i assume  my daughter will  have  found a way to crack the  encoding.... To whomever  is listening.. please  get the information to  whom it needs to   get to... 3 months ago... I was awarded  command of the  ESN 1B  Neutron .. a destroyer  meant to  Hunt  Aliens   past the Kiper Belt..Lt   Nil Si, was to have  had  Command.. . My Husband, JAck…'wombat'..MAris dug up detail   about   The Angel LT and had her  removed  from command.. giving me.. the  2nd  in line for command.. the ship... Nil and I were both upset...she is one of my dearest friends, despite her being an Angel...There was something wrong... I could tell... LT HAck, who was rumored to be   romantically envolved with the Angel.. He protested  the Removal... But I hear JAck talking to Ge-Fi..he said  its better to  keep  Nil on earth...I assumed he just wanted his daughter close?   Nil   was supportive..  though it hurt her  to be denied  a command , because of her   tryst with   LT HAck.

 ... 3  months  later..i understood  ....It was   a set up.. the Neutron was  supposed to follow a prescribed path, layed out to catch  any alien  vessels that might try to  sneak into the  Sol System.. we  suffered  a minor   hit to the engines  from a  stray   asteroid.. I  broke our    path  to cut through the Outside fringe of the  Kieper belt.. it also   helped shield  us   ..what we thought are Demon scanners... that's when we  found them.. 4  Demonic  cap ships hiding in the Kiper belt...monster ships... we were on them before either side  knew  … we  fired into the   stern of  the first two... damaging the   Engines.. causing   a lot of damage  to the  2nd  one.. the   4th one    shot off towards  Jupiter .. the  third  one  came about   and send  broadsides  at  us  as  we tried to  escape the belt.. we  took a lucky hit to the Bridge.. I lost 4  crew members  and was   wounded.. pretty bad..it would seem..  The  ship that  hit us   came out of the Belt to chase us... we saw the two  damaged  ships leaving.. thier  heading should  put them in the Delta Quad..one was different...Lizard ship? I don't know never  saw one before... Who knows where the   one that escape went...

 in the Back  round ..Commander?.. I'm sorry..its now or never...

 ..Ok Needles..  get started.. I'm almost done....

 ..Had  we  not   lost our  full engines.. I believe  we  would  have  never   found the  Demons...never  crippled  2 of them... and we  would have never died.... I am close to ..giving birth... My Med Tech.. has  rigged  a incubator.. we are sending  my daughter  in   one of our fighters,  to  earth.. the Pilot  CAptain  Norman Mara..has a  daughter in Sandiego…hoping  for another pilot... I am hoping he gets my daughter to earth, and he gets  to see his daughter  fly for the ESN.. he is ordered  to fly dark.. no  COMs  until he reaches  moon Base... I...I won't survive  the  procedure .. I may last long  enough to  punch the demon in   the nose, before we  are gone...  MAra is  not to say anything , Until he can  find LT Hack... or Captain Hennings..he has a disc..it will show  what  we  found.. and   what my proud little ship did....The Demons?.. They don't know what  they're  facing....but they'll learn..

 one last thing... My .. it sounds like she spit the word,..'husband'.. he knew? He knew they were out there.. but the board    wanted scouts... the change in command happened  after Jack met   with Ge-Fi..Jack  got  a promotion.. supposed to  be teaching  fighter Jocks in SD...at first, I was  proud  of him...but now it makes  sense... he traded us..me..my daughter, for  a  promotion, and a chance  at Nil...Nil..only has eyes  for this LT HAck…don't know why.. he's  rough around the  edges.. he gets in more fights  on the ground then he does in the air.. But someone has  an eye on him...Beware.. a..and I hope..some day.. this log is opened..and Maybe..Ge-Fi  and   JAck are made to pay....Lets go Needles.. MAra's gotta  take  off  if they are gonna make it...

it clicked off....but one message was still blinking... Beth clicked it.

 (( sounds of battle)).....This  is  Med Tech 2  Carrie   Simmons.. i'm..not  needed any longer... Captain Mara  left with the Commander's  daughter... they should be ok.. if they don't get shot  down....... The Commander   is pumped to the gills with   pain killers... she's on the bridge... won't be long  now.. I handed out pain killers and stim gum... we'll all be fighting  until this tin can's  rivets pop..... I ..I have a  daughter..Stefi.... she's   about..2  years old.. I hope she  becomes a Med tech..though? she seems more like a Marine!..(( soft giggle))...

I am on the hanger Deck.. our other  two pilots  took off to  Cover Mara... one of them  RAmmed  the CAp ship in the thrusters.. crippling it .. the other one..turned to debris  by the CAp ship's   fighters.. Ugly looking   things...Its a fair  fight now.. as long  as we  don't trade  Broadsides...they are slower then  us   I think the Commander wants to cross the T?.. I dunno..

 the PA  goes off in the BAck  round...

 Attention... this is  the Commander....  Power cells    are  breached... we have 8 minutes  before the ship  is gone.... we're  taking these bastards  with us...…I am proud  to have served with you all... I don't know who will know...but the ESN 1B Neuron  gave the Demons the   first punch in the  face...... All Gunners... fire   Until the ship goes...everyone else..   just...gather  around each other....

 The   Ships  computer  began  the   Count  down...... collison in  10.......9......8.....7..


 sounds  of the   ship being  hammered  screams of pain and surprise...

 6....5.....4...3.....2.....

 the sound of 'half' of an explosion as the feed died  with the ship...

 Beth sat back..it was  quiet....


 Lizzy took a moment she was crying she got a hold of herself and then added," Yes she was a remarkable heroine. They made a action figure for her and the Neutron I have them. I thought you should hear that Doc."

 Lizzy then replied as she finished wiping her eyes." Ok great I just wanted to say if it could endanger others or myself, I am willing but let's see if we can help me deal with it then, thank you Dr.

" That is good then, I did have an episode in the Sim, I was going for an attack shot and I had a flash back and almost crashed my fighter, but I took a killing shot. So if that happened in combat who knows what happens. That was almost a month ago, but I had the worst nightmare I ever had about a week ago, havent had one since but that is the one I rescued him and joined the EDT that rocked me Dr."

Alison listened throughout the recording, surprised, but remaining silent until it had completed in full, rising from her chair to hand Lizzie a tissue, before sitting again.

"No, I hadn't heard that previously. Not easy to listen to, but I think, if I were you, I'd rather know what happened than not.  And you're right, she was plainly a heroine."   

"As for the nightmare, this kind of thing too is not so uncommon. When someone has, or had, a parent who wasn't a good person, to have fantasies or dreams of either bringing them to the light, or the opposite, joining them in their darkness."   

"The inner child, if you've heard that term, usually has a desire to be with the parent, even when consciously it's nothing you'd ever want.   It's purely subconscious, and nothing to feel guilty over.   He's still your father, whatever he did;  watching his execution, listening to him cry out for your help, must have been terrible. If on some level, you still have a wish to help him, it only means you have a healthy amount of compassion."   

"As to the episode in the Sim, I'd strongly advise doing more sessions in the Sim. Before you fly again. Specifically to see if the trigger comes up again.  If it does, then yes, there are ways to work through that, and I will help you do so."   

" I am glad you got to hear it then, yes I am so glad the truth came out they called her incompetent before this no one knew exactly what happened to the Neutron until we discovered this message my mom left for me." Lizzy took the tissue and cleaned herself up.

" Ok good so I shouldnt be too upset about it. I should have known, he was never a loving father, it was school, training, and flying from a very young age. He pushed me to be the best pilot I could but I dont think he ever hugged me or ever with heart say he loved me. I was lucky enough to find this picture of my mom and I keep it with me as much as I can, but she goes in combat with me every time. I wish I got to know her, my mom, she seemed to be an amazing woman and I missed having a mom. Captain Si came to see me as a baby, and I did spend time with then Lt. Hack, he use to call me Dizzy Lizzy. Oh sorry Doc rambling."

 " Yeah the only reason I would want to be close to him would be to kill him, he wasnt redeemable or savable in my eyes after what he did, sorry Doc don't think I could ever forgive him, I know that's bad but I celebrate my birthday and my mom's death on the same day because of him. One thing I wish I had time to ask him before his execution, I just wanted to know if he ever truly loved me or was, I supposed to die with my mom." Lizzy was getting very emotional, it was hard for her to talk about all this without losing it, but she was being strong, Alison could tell Lizzy was using all her willpower to keep from breaking down and letting her powerful emotions take control of her, but Lizzy held it together barely.

 Lizzy tried to shake it off and then replied," Great I was actually heading to the Sims when I contacted you. What else should I do, or just keep doing what I am doing. Izzy seemed upset I was going to a shrink; she thinks I just needed to talk to her. I have and Izzy has HELPED so much, not sure if I would have made it if it wasnt for Izzy, Nikki and my lost friend Harry. I just wanted a professional opinion to make sure I was doing the right thing and dealing with this in as healthy of a way as possible. I will also add I have a love of children and Haley, Nikki's ward, we have become close, and Can we got fish together. Spending time with them, how can I say it makes my soul happy."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Tue 27 Dec 2022.

I should have known, he was never a loving father, it was school, training, and flying from a very young age. He pushed me to be the best pilot I could but I dont think he ever hugged me or ever with heart say he loved me.

Ah, and how Alison could identify with that bit.  Not the part of being a pilot, but the treatment, and the personality Lizzie described.    Naturally, she couldn't say so.  Because unlike Lizzie, her own father was alive, and now a respected ESN colonel to boot.  There was never anything she could say...

"Lizzie...I might offer this advice:  Forgiving isn't something you do for the other person.  It's something you do for yourself.   Resentment, or outright hatred, can be seductive to hold onto, especially when there's good reason for it.   Which you certainly have.  But your father's gone, and there's no further justice that can be done.    As much as possible, try to recognize he was a very flawed man, who probably had no real happiness in his life, and drop any resentments toward him, as much as possible.   Don't let a dead man live rent free in your head and heart, if you can avoid it."

She smiled as to the last part.   "Loved ones often feel something like that, when someone states they're going to talk to a psychologist.   For a variety of reasons.  And even as a psychologist, I'd be first to say, loved ones, friends and family are your most crucial support.  It sounds as though you're very well off there, which is wonderful.   But, there's also no shame in reaching for other support, when it's needed.   Especially since an experienced professional may have insights you won't get elsewhere." 

"Yes, keep doing what you're doing.  Use the Sim as much as possible.  Let's make that trigger come up in the Sim, if it's going to happen.  Not in the seat of your fighter."   

 Lizzy thought long on hard on the forgiving her father and how Alison stated it was for her not him. " I just don't know it really hurts being betrayed by your own father, finding out he killed my mother and tried to kill me, it won't be easy but I will try, I won't let him control my life anymore, I will focus on myself and my friends. Not saying I will forgive him tomorrow, but I will work on it Doc. Thank you for everything and is there anything else you want to ask or want to know about me?"

"I do know that it hurts, and believe me, I understand the challenge in it.   Sadly, sometimes being related by genetics and a family name doesn't mean much at all.  Sometimes, our true 'family' are people we meet along the way, instead of those we're related to through birth." She smiled. "I like to believe the universe kind of compensates us that way, in some cases."   

"Anyway, I think that wraps it up!  It was great to finally meet you.  Congratulations again on the engagement, and I hope you and Izzie have many happy years together."

 Lizzy smiled at Alison and replied," No it doesn't Doc, the Hermes has been my home and my family now. One last question sorry, do you think it is weird I have always felt closer to a woman I never really met and a man I lived all my life with, or have I finally lost it."

"Are you speaking of your mother and father?   If so, given the the circumstance, I don't think it's crazy, at all, and not even so surprising.  Your basic nature is poles apart from your father's.  You obviously have a strong conscience, probably even as a child.   That being the case, how could you feel close to a man like that?   Whereas your mother, even without knowing her, I think it's plain how much she loved you, and wanted the best for you.   That's more important than how much time you spend with someone."   

 Lizzy smiled and tears ran down her cheek, her emotions were boiling over, had to release them. Lizzy said," Thank you Doc you dont know how happy that makes me feel, I love my mom dearly and, and .... and... Dad I wish I could have saved you but you chose your path and followed what heart you had I forgive you and now I am going to kick fucking ass and get married."

 Lizzy then ran up to Alison, pulled her out of her seat and gave her a huge powerful tearful hug. Holding Alison tight and crying hard on her shoulder, tears more of joy than sorry but she had to release her emotions, she really hoped this wasnt inappropriate especially the Doc knows Lizzy swings both ways but Alison could tell this was a powerful emotional release and will hit Lizzy hard.

It wasn't the first time, both in and out of session, though this was surely the most powerful and expressive instance Alison had experienced.     Lizzie had prepared her for it, so it wasn't out of left field at all.

Alison said nothing more, returning  the hug, content to do so as long as needed.   "That's it," she said gently, "Just let all the emotion flow out, just like water. It takes guts to do this. It's easier to stuff it all down, and lock it away. But nothing heals that way."   

 Lizzy just held Alison tight as she let the joy, anger, fear, hatred, love all pour out of her, Lizzy doesn't know how long she help Alison and for how long she cried but when she was collapsed into Alison's arms she was emotionally and physically spent.

 Lizzy got her bearings and then stood up and said," I am sorry but thank you Doc, I needed that, I hope I didn't do anything inappropriate I apologize." Lizzy took another minute, took a deep breath and added," I do feel a lot better like a huge weight was taken off my chest. Thank you Doc." Lizzy smiled listened to any response from Alison and then began to head for the Sims, feeling amazing actually.

"You're very welcome.  Glad to be of help.   Let me know how it goes with the Sims, eh?  If you can do multiple sessions, without any trigger, that's a great sign.  Or if it does come up again, there's ways that it can be addressed, so it doesn't remain a reoccurring problem." 

After Lizzie had departed, Alison did the necessary admin, and then returned to the work she'd been doing prior to the lunch hour.

 Lizzy gave Alison another hug but this one was normal, when they broke apart Lizzy just couldn't help herself to check the doc out. Her willpower was very low after her emotional release, but she quickly just smiled and headed out of her office hoping Alion didnt catch her checking her out. Lizzy said," Thank you again Doc we will be in touch." then she headed towards the Rec Dec first to get some food and then the Sims.


----->>>>> Rec Dec

Message for Alison Verault: “Are you free to meet with me for a chat Dr. Verault?”

Alison noted the message, responded:   I am.   Please stop by my office if this is a good time.

Message for Alison Verault:”ok will be over in few minutes, just finished exercise”

——> Hangar Dec

After entering Med tech, Tarja would follow the signs to the offices and look for the door with Dr. Verault’s name on it. Upon finding it she would politely knock and wait to be called inside.

Alison had noted the corporal's approach on the cam, within the lobby, and once she'd made it to the office, the door slid open and Alison hailed: "Please, come on in." 

Much as Lizzie O'Connor before her, Tarja would find an office that was plainly intended to be comfortable more than clinical.  Livened up with plants, paintings, the occasional statuette or small holo-image of places Alison had visited, most prominently the Burian villages.

"Welcome, make yourself comfortable," she indicated a choice of chair or sofa.   "Would you like anything to drink?  I've got iced tea, water, and juice?"

Stepping into the office Tarja would take a moment take in her surroundings with it looking for more like somebody’s front room than a doctors office. After closing the door behind her Tarja would take a seat on the sofa “No thank you, I am ok” she said, politely declining the offer of a drink before looking to Alison, clearly uncertain of the format that their conversation would take.

Alison smiled, this being fairly usual when speaking to someone for the first time.  Not that she hadn't spoken to Tarja once before, but this was the first time where her advice was being asked.  She sat down herself, then said:

"As you requested, we can just have a chat, outside the bounds of a formal session. If you want my professional opinion, I can still give it. But will clearly label it as just that; my opinion.   I'm also more than happy to just listen, and offer my thoughts, as a fellow ESN service member and a person with my particular experiences."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

Sitting stiffly upon the sofa almost as if she was at attention, Tarja would slowly nod her head in understanding before beginning to speak “Yes, the informal chat, that is what I want…I need to know if I have problem, and if you can fix before I commit” she said, running her hand along her leg so as to smooth out any real or imagined creases, buying herself the time she felt she needed to formulate how best to begin ”I have recurring nightmare, it started in last year of war…it causes me to wake in night problem is line between awake and dream is blurred…usually not a problem but last night I was not alone in bed and I…I thought he…I thought dream was…gah!…I tried to escape and hit him!” she said offering Alison a look of embarrassment before continuing in a low voice as she gave voice to her fear ”…I’m worried that next time I may try to strangle him instead…” she said, looking up at Alison in askance of her opinion.

Alison listened.  "Okay, I understand where that must've been unnerving; for you and most probably him as well. However, it's definitely not the first time I've encountered that phenomenon."   She paused briefly, to put her COM on unavailable, which she hadn't yet done.

"What you're describing is more truly a vivid dreamlike experience; a type of hallucination, that may be mistaken for a nightmare, and can occur while waking up or falling asleep.  It'd be unusual to do someone serious harm. Attempts to escape, and slapping or shoving, are normally about as far as it goes, before consciousness kicks in.   Still, as a soldier you're trained to kill, and it's not impossible, and should be dealt with."

"Just like a nightmare, the hallucination's source is your subconscious.  More specifically, what got imprinted there in that last year of the war.   Was there some incident, or event, that was the beginning of this?"   
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sun 08 Jan 2023.

There was a brief flicker of concern when Alison set her comms to do not disturb, with the gesture belying that there was indeed a problem and that it wasn’t her simply overreacting. She listened as Alison explained that it was more of an hallucination than a true dream, and that although it was unlikely to do anyone real damage it was best to address the situation.

When asked what could have triggered her nightmare, Tarja would pause for for several moments, though whether this was in thought or a simple reluctance to give voice to the memory “In last year of war I…I learned my parents were…dead…and that I was alone” Tarja replied in awkward voice, shifting uncomfortably on the sofa ”The dream didn’t start immediately…but it wasn’t long after, I think”

"I see. I'm so sorry for your loss.  That kind of thing is definitely a psychological shock, that can have lingering effects."  She paused, then asked "You described it as recurring.  So there's a theme, or a specific situation, that you see over and over again?  Would you feel comfortable telling me what that is, at least in general?" 

”Thank you…it happened a long time ago…” Tarja quietly replied before agreeing to tell Alison about her dream ”it always starts the same…when I was six I got lost in the woods outside my home whilst playing hide and seek…it is cold and dark, and snowing, and I am shouting for my brothers but I get no reply. I wander around the woods looking for them until eventually pushing through these bushes…and then I am eighteen and standing over a young Russian boy choking on his own blood…I…I tried to cut throat but I botch it…I hear noise behind me and something jumps me from trees…then I wake up” she said, relaying the details of her dream in an uncomfortable voice, especially when she spoke of the Russian boy knowing that it would be obvious that these weren’t dreams so much as memories ”…second half changes, first night after Bura it was Larg that jumped out at me…last night was And…um…lover whose throat was cut and dead Russian boy that attacked me” She added so she would have the full picture of her dream.

Alison nodded. "The part about being jumped by something from behind the trees...did that happen in real life?  If so, how did the situation resolve?  Did one or both of your parents intervene?"   

”No…this was later, during war” Tarja replied with a shake of her head, with her hand moving in a simultaneous gesture as she did so ”…when I was six my father found me…I had been in the snow for hours and I had hypothermia…mother was furious…she wouldn’t let me or my brothers out for weeks, though in truth I think she was just scared” she explained, recalling how sick she had been in the days that had followed and the worried look in her mother’s eyes ”…no…it was another Russian soldier, he had been…um…answering call of nature…he was on me before I knew it…my sergeant saved me, stabbed him before he could choke the life out of me…then he slapped me and called me a stupid girl…but in dream it feels…different…like it is something else…something…darker…do you know what I mean?” she said uncertain as to whether she was making any sense.

"Oh I do.  You might say that the subconscious is inhabited by things that feel somehow darker.   The first one of those...when you got hypothermia, and your father saved you, and your mother was angry with you.   How did you feel, following that?   Did it affect your sense of security, at all?  Did it affect how you saw either of your parents, or yourself?" 

”I mainly felt ill, and later upset that I wasn’t allowed out to play…I don’t think I understood how close to dying I had come…not until much later anyway” she softly replied as she fidgeted with cuffs. At the time she hadn’t really understood why everyone was so angry with her, it wasn’t like she’d meant to stay out so long after bedtime! ”parents treated me like I was made of the china for a while but our relationship didn’t really change…it was my brothers that changed, they started taking care of me more and let me join in games with them, they were …um…a lot older than me…I think I was an accident…either way before they didn’t want little sister hanging around them…but afterwards we…we became closer”

"I see.  And being assaulted by the Russian that way, was that your earliest serious brush with death, after enlisting in the service?  Or at least one of them?"   

She would cast her mind back to those early days when the war had been in full swing and she seemed to be in constant danger or so it had felt to her anyway ”ye-es…it was first time I saw enemy up close…saw them as…as people…rather than just distant targets” she said a little uncertainly with her looking at Alison to see if she understood what she was trying to say ”have you ever been into combat Dr. Verault?” she would curiously ask, being careful to pronounce her name correctly, interested to know whether she had any first hand experience of what it was like to be out in the field and consequently understood what she was trying to describe.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

"No, I have not," she answered honestly.   It wasn't the first time she'd received that question, and understood what might motivate it, why it might matter.

"I have been through basic training.  As an officer of the Med division, it's possible I might one day need to serve as a field medic, in a pinch. Or deal with a hostile confrontation, such as a boarding of the ship.   I've trained to be prepared for those things."   She paused briefly.

"And, I've spent thousands of hours listening to the detailed experiences of soldiers. While that's not the same as firsthand experience, let's say I'm very good at envisioning, and I've worked to cultivate a high degree of empathy, so that I really understand my patients.  Not just hear them."   

"Hm. Well, off the top of my head, from what you've told me thus far:  It is possible that finding out your parents were gone served to reduce your sense of security, at a subconscious level.   Psychologically, the presence of parents -- the good kind, at least -- provides a sense of safety and warmth, even when we're adults.   Suddenly knowing for certain that both were gone, may have stripped you of that.   And triggered these memories of times when you really weren't safe, and joined them together in the dreams and hallucinations." 
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Wed 11 Jan 2023.

”No, it is not the same” Tarja responded with it being easy to mistake her blunt tone as being offensive or even offended though in truth it was just the way she was and didn’t mean anything by it or even realise she was doing it. She would take a moment to study the woman sitting in front of her, wondering what it was that driven her to ply her trade on a frontline combat vessel rather than a comfy office somewhere far away from the bullets, of course it was entirely possible that she could get through her entire tour without seeing the enemy but something told her that wouldn’t be the case ”This is good ship to see combat first hand, I think” Tarja said with an affirmative voice before listening to the overview of her condition.

She would speak of the possible trauma caused by her parents deaths with it triggering other memories that manifested in the form of dreams and hallucinations. It all sounded rather plausible, especially seeing as she didn’t have an alternate explanation “I guess death of brothers wouldn’t help situation either?” she murmured, wondering how this information would help change her situation ”So…what do I do now?”

In truth, Alison was used to being tested and assessed by those she was assessing.   It was common, and fully understandable.  Tarja's bluntness didn't bother her, and in general, she'd take candor over insincerity any day.

"Your brothers as well?  Tarja, I'm so sorry to hear.  I know in general what your homeland went through, and remember you speaking of it in brief, when we met.  And yes, that would only add to the phenomenon I'm speaking of." 

As with Lizzie before, Alison found something to relate to, here.   She too had lost a brother; not physically dead. At least, she hoped not.  But the sort of living death that came with being a diehard junkie.

"Remember though, like I said at the start, I'm just offering my thoughts and opinion, at this stage.  Please don't take that as an official diagnosis, because it isn't one.   If you're serious about working on this, and want the kind of help my profession offers, then that would be the next step.   But there are other ways to address this kind of thing, if you want to try them first.   Like so many things, understanding is half the battle.  I can refer you to some works that would explain how you may have been affected by your loved one's deaths. And though it sometimes still gets jeered at, meditation, when done the right way, can actually be pretty effective in dealing with trapped or insufficiently examined feelings.  A good start in addressing them, at least."   
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Fri 13 Jan 2023.

"Thank you" Tarja quietly replied in a tone of voice that said that the response was now an automatic reaction to when people offered their condolences and sympathy "Tuomas died in second year of war when transport was hit by RPG...Erik died in final year of war, he was a pilot, it was when I was trying to contact my parents to tell them he had...that his plane had been shot down that I learned they too had died...several years ago" she said, unsure as to why exactly she was explaining this to Alison other than she felt the need to do so.

As Dr Verault explained some of the options open to her it would become clear that Tarja was feeling more than a little lost; with her not even knowing where to begin when it came to meditation, and addressing her feelings clearly wasn't her strong suit either considering how long it had taken her to even explore the possibility that something may be wrong with her "I...I don't really know...I guess I will have to think about it..."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Sat 14 Jan 2023.

Alison not only listened, but observed Tarja's expressions, small movements, body language as she usually did, taking in the composite of a person.

"There's no need to make an immediate choice," she assured. "Take whatever time you wish to decide.  As I said, I hear the experiences of a lot of soldiers.  I've never faced the physical dangers of war, but I see and deal with the brutal effects of it daily. Soldiers by their nature are strong people, and most dislike feeling vulnerable, and have a grin and bear it mentality. That's okay, up to a point.  But past that point, it can be kind of like the guy who ends up with a serious illness, because he wanted to tough it out rather than see the doctor early on."    She also added:

"There are medications, too, that can treat hallucinations.  But it'd need a full evaluation to prescribe them.   And honestly?  Though meds are for some things necessary, I prefer to work to resolve a patients issues without them, as a first approach."   

Tarja would sit in silence for several minutes after Alison had finished speaking, uncertain as to what the best course of action would be, agreeing that as much as she wanted to blindly hope that it would all go away that she needed to deal with the problem before it got any worse ”I…I think I like to speak with you again…I’d prefer to avoid the drugs if possible” she slowly replied, hesitating a moment before continuing ”if I was to…see you, would it appear on record?” she asked, worried about what kind of an effect it would have on her promotion prospects and her career in general.

Alison's smile was humorous and reassuring.    "Do you have any idea how often I hear that?  Like, every other person I speak with?    And I get it;  everyone's afraid they'll be tagged as a crazy if they see the shrink."  She paused for a moment before going on.

"I assure you, it doesn't work that way, and it is far from my purpose aboard the Hermes.   This is something new; I'm the first dedicated psychologist the ship has had.  I wasn't recruited with the intent of making brave, loyal soldiers look bad to the brass.  And in fact, the brass considers it a good thing when someone has the guts to open up about what's chewing on them.   There's no demerit for that.  Demerits are far more likely when someone clams up about an issue, goes into the field, and ends up putting themselves and others at increased risk.   My work is to insure that doesn't happen, and that promising careers aren't impeded or cut short by anything that could have been addressed."      She summed up:

"Yes, I'll have to notate and report.   But I give you my full pledge, that won't come back on you in any bad or unfair way."   

Tarja would breathe a visible sigh of relief upon receiving the reassurances that any sessions she had with Alison would have no impact on her career or promotion prospects ”ok…I think maybe we talk again, I need this to stop” she said, wanting to be able to spend the night with someone without the fear that she would awake in the middle of the night and try to choke the life out of them.

With the decision made to at least discuss the problem some more Tarja would move to get up thinking that this was a good enough point to end things ”I’m going to get a drink and maybe something to eat…you could join me if you like, it would be nice to talk about something else for a while” she offered, hoping that Alison wouldn’t think she was trying to get a free session out of her, with her just wanting a break from it all and the chance to talk with somebody new.

Alison smiled again, happy enough to have reason for a break.  "Yes, for sure. Among other things, I'd love to hear more about Finland.  The happy memories. Give me a second to close everything up." She instructed the system through her COM: "After our exit, lock all files and monitor the office at standard security."   

She stood; "Alright then. Where do you feel like heading to?"   

With Alison agreeing to join for a drink, Tarja would wait for her to tidy up and set the security before being asked where she fancied going ”I was thinking of trying cafe on civilian dec I was told about” she said as she stepped out of Alison’s office and into the corridor beyond ”…it would make change to rec dec, also I would like to see what it’s like and whether I want to get a certain young man to take me there” she said with her lips briefly quirking up in a smile as she mentioned him, betraying the fact that although she seemed a little cold that there were indeed feelings lurking somewhere within her.

——> Civie Section

"Fantastic!  I've not been there before.  Let's go check it out."   

--->>> Civie Section

Alison's portable, with Justin's text, chimed letting her know he was eager to join her wherever she wanted.

---->>>  Civie Section

Doing some preliminary work for the new, Alison smiled on seeing Justin's message and responded:

Sounds great...I'm in my office; did you want to meet out on the Dec for breakfast?

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 98):

Sure thing, I'm heading to You now. Justin commed moving from the flight line towards the Med area.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

I wasn't sure if your post above meant you were showing up here first, or you were good with meeting me on the Rec Dec and are sort of waiting for me to post.    But at this point, I'm going to gather it was the latter...

------->>>  Rec Dec

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 100):

Will do so as well

Officers Dec------->>>>

While battle raged elsewhere, Alison sat alone with her musings and thoughts.  She couldn't truly say she was sorry, being safely here, instead of risking her life out in the Black. And yet her conscience did nag at her sometimes, in spite of the fact she knew she wasn't cut out to be a fighter pilot.

Paradise...ironic, the people of the world that bore that name were doing their best to give human kind hell, right now.  And hardly for the first time.

She sighed, reached and picked up a remote, tapped a button, then spoke:   "Create visual montage of Angel race architectural and artistic works, including performance art.  Set it to the music of Seraphim Symphony #6."   

Alison sat back and watched, as the AI heeded her, using the holo-projector to project the requested imagery, while the music played.

Part of her fascination with Angel kind was professional.  As a psychologist, how could one not be interested in what made them tick?    But part of her fascination went back to when she was a girl, well before her studies and career.

It wasn't till maybe eighteen months ago that she grasped that Angels reminded her of her father.   Particularly as he'd dominated her life when she was young.

The unassailable, commanding persona from up on-high. The cool hearted hand of one-sided, arbitrary justice that seemed to be able reach anywhere.

Yes...there were so many parallels between a narcissist parent and the Angelic approach to galactic governance...

In the holo-projector's image, a particularly beautiful, raven-tressed Angel performed a painstakingly inricate, ballet-like dance, inside a sphere of soft, violet-blue light.

She thought of her brother, whom she'd not heard from for going on four years now.  And wished again that, somewhere out there, he was okay. And of her father...doubtlessly performing his own duties in the ESN.  In a position he'd only gotten his foot in through the betrayal of those he'd formerly served.

Yes...she had personal reason to despise ego-monsters, false gods. Regardless of whether their dominion was a family household or a galactic federation.   And seeing them suffer setbacks or defeats could always bring a smile to her face.    Hopefully, the price for it would not be unusually high.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Sat 25 Feb 2023.

When he had an opportunity Justin sent a com to Alison to see how she was, and asking if she would like something to eat.

She sent back; Hey there, so glad you're back!   Let me know where you want to meet, I'll be there.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 104):

Is the hanger deck OK with you. They've put on sandwiches and brews becaus we've on standby; goodness knows when the Brass will have us launch again.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

It sure is;  I'll meet you out there. 

---->>>>  Hanger Dec