Chief Counselor's Log #4 - Professional Ups and Downs

Posted on Sat Jul 30, 2016 @ 5:48am by Lieutenant JG Noelle Bennett M.D.

578 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Pangaea (Wrap up)

Chief Counselor's Duty Log:

I was hoping things might calm down a bit on the station now the Captain has been returned to duty, but on a station as busy as Deep Space Five, I should have known better. The excitement and tension surrounding the sudden appearance of Pangaea hasn't completely abated, but at least in my day-to-day duties, the planet and associated events have been pushed into the background for the moment. The oddities I experienced as a member of the away team will not leave my memory and have not entirely left my consciousness, but recent events amongst the crew have demanded my attention, and although I wouldn't wish harm or even stress upon anyone, I find myself grateful for the distraction. Helping people address their problems or heal from illness or injury is naturally more in my wheelhouse than trying to make sense of entering what seemed like another world altogether.

Doctor Amoran seems to be doing much better emotionally since recovering from her gunshot wound and subsequent amnesia. I'd be lying if I said I was entirely certain what caused the amnesia in the first place, but I am confident the doctor did nothing to bring upon the amnesia herself, which was naturally a great relief to her. Admittedly, I never expected her to have such concerns, in large part because as a doctor, I stereotypically assumed she more than anyone would understand how a physical ailment, even one with psychological undertones, couldn't truly be her fault. Fortunately, I think she can appreciate that better now, and I've been reminded never to make assumptions about what someone could or could not be concerned about simply based on prior experience, background, or training. With so much darkness of late, seeing her smile was truly a gift.

Our chief diplomat, Liam Reynolds, has had his hands full not just managing the demands of our diplomatic representatives, but also some challenges in his personal life. As he hasn't entirely confided in me as a counselor, but more as a friend, I won't say much more about it, except I am pleased he confided in me and will do whatever I can to ensure his sense of emotional safety and emotional well-being. I know it wasn't easy for him to confide in me or to express any struggles he has navigating the complexities of relationships, and I can only hope I have put him at ease and reassured him he doesn't have to deal with such challenges alone.

On the subject of challenges, I continue to find myself professionally conflicted when it comes to recent events between a member of the Ferengi diplomatic contingent and a minor resident of this station. I'm choosing my words carefully out of a desire for professional discretion, and though I've reported events as required by my professional ethics, I'd be lying if I said I was completely satisfied. While I completely understand diplomatic immunity and why it is a necessary evil, under the circumstances, I believe I have an obligation to do what I can to ensure some sort of justice is done. I will not sacrifice the emotional health of anyone involved to make that happen, of course, but I refuse to believe justice and ensuring them emotional welfare of the people involved is a mutually exclusive proposition.

On all of these issues, I will tread lightly, but I believe I owe it to all involved to remain in the loop.

 

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