Counselor/Medical Officer's Log #18 - "Vacation"

Posted on 21 Jan 2014 @ 3:09pm by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle

451 words; about a 2 minute read

I'm going on vacation. I suppose I should let that sentence sink in for whomever might be listening to this in the future, as I'm sure by now whomever it is understands the significance of it. Of course I know the value of having time away from work, and I wouldn't be a very good therapist or a doctor if I didn't follow my own advice, but if I'm honest with myself, in the past I've taken just enough of a break to get by. Frankly, I couldn't imagine ever having this much time for shoreleave. Even I don't have enough work to keep me busy for over two months.

I'm not one for superstitions, but I've taken the opportunity as somewhat of a sign to branch out of my comfort zone and to grab life by the throat. God knows we've all had enough of those sorts of wake up calls lately. Which begs the question, why the hell am I choosing to go to Rigel VII? A part of me is proud of myself for being a bit impulsive and really embracing the whole do what you ordinarily wouldn't philosophy. My inner shrink is applauding my efforts toward growth. Another part of me is wondering what the hell I'm going to do for all that time on a planet I've never been to, and whose people have a rather infamous criminal element. Isn't that just repeating my work life in a completely different way? Exploring a never before seen (by me) world in which danger is a real possibility?

Then again, maybe I'm already repeating workaholic patterns. My impulse to sign up for this excursion was apparent the moment I realized Cap--er, Lirha was going. She seems to be taking the change of command in stride, but I suppose I wanted to see that for myself up close. I know she's been through a lot, and we have with her. No matter how amenable she might be to her new position aboard, I can't help but feel for her having to adjust to someone else, no matter how trusted and admired, in command. It's not going to be easy for Captain Holiday either. He's got big shoes to fill under ordinary circumstances, but especially now, after returning to duty following his assimilation. Now, more than ever, I'm grateful to have Counselor Teth Miir working by my side. He's facing his own demons right now, and like Scarlet, Jon, and Lirha, I'm feeling called upon to lead in a way that transcends titles or rank.

Come to think of it,why the hell shouldn't I be headed to Rigel VII? It sounds like exactly the place I need to be.

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