Jaana's Psych Eval

Posted on 27 Sep 2014 @ 8:01pm by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle & Ensign Jaana Voutilainen

924 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 06 - Legend of Souls
Location: USS Galileo, Deck 3, Counseling Department, Delainey's Office
Timeline: MD 07 - 0800 hrs

ON:

"Feel free to call me Delainey," Carlisle began with a smile, once she and Jaana were seated across from each other. She felt like she had been doing nothing but initial psych evals for weeks, but that didn't bother Delainey. On the contrary, it energized her, as it engaged the investigative part of her, the part which enjoyed asking questions and discovering the answers.

"Sure, if you call me Jaana." Jaana replied. The last thing on her list for today was this psych evaluation. She couldn't wait for it to be over, so she could really get started. She hadn't even found time to go to the astrometrics lab.

"Of course," Delainey returned with a smile. "So, Jaana, care to tell me a bit about how you came to be on the Galileo? Maybe a bit about your previous posting?"

She thought for a moment. "I requested a posting on the Galileo because of the research facilities on board. I'm doing research for my PhD." She should have used a recording of this, instead of having to tell it every time. "I was stationed at Starfleet headquarters for two years at the astrometrics department and then 4 years as a teachings assistant at the academy."

"So this is your first ship-board assignment? How're you finding it so far?" Carlisle's first thought was whether Jaana would have a bit of a challenge socializing. Research and serving as a teaching assistant struck her as relatively solitary pursuits.

"I've been on board only a few hours. So far I like it. I like the buzz of the ship." Jaana said.

"The buzz?" Delainey asked, not quite sure what Jaana meant. Carlisle could guess but she was curious about what Jaana meant specifically.

"The activity." she started to explain. "The moment I stepped on board I noticed its activity. Just the walk from the docking port to my quarters I saw so many people. It's welcoming. Even though I'm not a people person."

"What is it about people that doesn't fit how you see yourself?" Delainey found the statements contradictory.

She looked at the counselor. How was she going to explain this without getting herself the label of not being able to work with other people. "I prefer to be alone. I prefer the quiet. It helps me think."

"I'm wondering if you see the contradiction in what you've just shared? On the one hand, you've said you liked the buzz of the ship from the moment you arrived, or as you called it, the activity and the people. You said it makes you feel welcome. On the other hand, you say you're not a people person and prefer the quiet of being alone. I get the impression you would like to feel welcome and a sense of belonging amongst people, but perhaps haven't?"

"I do feel welcome, that's what I was trying to explain," She was starting to get annoyed. She hated these kind of conversations. "As for feeling you belong here, well, who doesn't want to feel that?"

"It is a very common desire," Delainey agreed. "I'm just wondering if there's been a specific time in the past or recently where you haven't felt welcome or a sense of belonging?"

Jaana thought for a moment. She had some rough time in highschool, but her friend had made up for it. And she found her love for astronomy through them. All the other stuff she had put aside. Didn't want to think about it. What was the point, the past wasn't going to change. "I don't think I have." she answered the counselor.

Carlisle offered a small smile. "That sounds like a yes. Sometimes talking about the past can actually help explain a lot of feelings and choices in the present."

"If you say so," Jaana replied. "You're the expert."

Getting the hint she had bumped up against something uncomfortable, Delainey said, "Have I upset you?"

"No, you have not. I'd just rather finish this conversation and start my job." Jaana said.

"That's what I'm working on too," Delainey replied. "I asked about times when you felt like you weren't welcome or didn't belong because many times those feelings can carry over to the present no matter what's going on. Galileo can be a lot to take in, especially if it's not the sort of environment you're used to."

"Well, it's obvious that this environment is new to me. It's my first ship-based posting. But after I left high school I made myself the promise to leave all the hurt behind and start over. And that works perfect. That's why I'd rather not talk about the past, because first I'd break my promise to myself. And second, there is no point to go back there, mentally. It won't have any benefits doing so. It won't change the past." Jaana said.

"No, that's true," Delainey agreed. "I do hope you're right and the past won't repeat itself for you. Sometimes the harder people work not to think about something, the more often it comes up when you least want it to, but I do respect your desire to keep your promises. Besides getting out of here soon, is there anything else you need to feel comfortable here?"

"No, at the moment, that's it," Jaana said with a smirk.

"Fair enough," Delainey answered. "I'll clear you for duty. Welcome aboard," she added with a smile.

OFF:

Lt. Delainey Carlisle, M.D., Ph.D.
Counselor/Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Ensign Jaana Voutilainen
Stellar Cartographer
USS Galileo

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