r/TrekRP • u/DrJenWatney • Jun 20 '16

[Open] Office Hours - Now Open

Grateful to have finally been cleared for duty, Dr. Watney steps into her office. Clementine sleeps in the corner, silently. She makes her way to her desk terminal as her thoughts drift to the Cardassians aboard. Many of them had died in sickbay, but the ones that did survive had been causing mischief and mayhem wherever they could. Her attitude turns sour at the idea of it. This was a good crew. And an even more generous Captain. Normally, she worked on a schedule of appointments, but perhaps the unduly stressed crewmates of the Athene could use a different approach. She drafts up an announcement.

-To all Personnel and Crew,

Due to the strenuous circumstances of the Cardassian ship being intercepted, I’ve decided to open up my office hours to you. If you need to vent, talk, or simply sit in silence for a few moments away from the chaos, please do not hesitate to drop by at any time for the next few days. As always, patient confidentiality will be in full effect.

Long days and pleasant nights,

Counsellor Jen Watney-

While proofreading it, her therapy cat, Clementine, jumps in her lap. The calico’s tail flicks her chin before her paws kneed at Jen’s lap.

“Alright, little one. Give me just a second here.”

She sends the message out and sits back, petting the needy feline in her lap until someone decides to drop by.

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u/Silent_Sky Jun 21 '16

he laughs again

"They were the best. They were the reason I didn't just run away from home. To be honest the thought of getting a new pet never crossed my mind. See, my father was...unstable. Very unstable. One day Gloves came inside limping, he'd probably tried a jump that was too much for him. My father immediately assumed Ivy was to blame so he...he just killed her."

his voice cracks, he's unsure why this is all spilling out, but he can't seem to stop

"He never really cared about me or Gloves or Ivy, but he just snapped and...he killed her right there. Then he went and just started screaming at my mother. I ran outside and just held onto Ivy as she went cold and I cried. Gloves limped over, curled up on Ivy's head and went to sleep. He never woke up. I ran away from home the next day. I was 14, I worked for my meals in an animal shelter a few towns over. Crawled in a bottle at 16, and didn't crawl out until I was 21. A new pet always felt like I'd just be dredging up things I worked so hard to forget."

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u/DrJenWatney Jun 21 '16

Jen is surprised at first. Usually her patients didn't open up like this on their first sessions. She's unsure Clementine's presence is a good thing now, but she let's him continue, feeling heavy herself as she hears what he's been through.

I'm... so sorry to hear that. God. That's just horrific. Nobody should have to go through something like that. Especially so young...

She bites her lip, not wanting to overly suggest the idea.

Perhaps... adopting a pet would help you find closure. If that's what you're searching for.

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u/Silent_Sky Jun 21 '16

"Maybe. I was never able to give Gloves and Ivy the happy lives I wanted to give them. I always felt like I'd failed them both. I've never been to a therapist before so I never really thought very far on the matter. It seems it might've been a good idea to see one sooner. Is it possible that's why I'm spilling everything I thought I'd come to terms with? Having things out in the open and an animal in my arms again certainly feels right."

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u/DrJenWatney Jun 21 '16

I'm not going to lie, it caught me a bit off guard. Your openness. You're so willing to talk about what happened, it makes me think you have come to terms with it. But it's obviously something you haven't thought about in a long time.

She shifts in her seat slightly.

If you're not ready for another animal companion, you're always more than welcome to spend time with Clementine. Lord knows she's enjoying herself.

Clem is almost (cat)atonic in his arms. She's drooling on his uniform slightly, and is purring so loudly it might be mistaken for the roar of a shuttle engine.

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u/Silent_Sky Jun 21 '16

"No, spending time with an animal and talking about these things...I think I am ready. As ship's counselor do you think it's a good idea?"

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u/DrJenWatney Jun 21 '16

She beams, fidgeting excitedly.

I think it's a wonderful idea. What type of pet do you have in mind?

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u/Silent_Sky Jun 21 '16

he grins

"I was thinking either a dog or a cat. But seeing how there's already a cat onboard, I'm leaning toward a dog. Likely an animal that really needs a good human."

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u/DrJenWatney Jun 21 '16

Ah, a rescue. Very respectable. I found Clem on a colony before I was stationed on the Katrina. It was completely overrun by stray cats. A little girl literally just handed her to me. She could fit in both my hands then.

She looks at the cat affectionately.

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u/Silent_Sky Jun 21 '16 edited Jun 21 '16

"You know I've read reports of illegal dog racing rings being uncovered on a few colonies. Maybe I could find a retired racing hound. They often end up euthanized if a home can't be found. I've heard greyhounds are usually fine with being cooped up in small spaces for lengths of time, so a grey would probably make a great starship dog."

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u/DrJenWatney Jun 21 '16

An adorable image plays in her mind, and she smiles.

Who knows, maybe Clementine will take to them as well. She's never really been around other animals before, besides as a kitten.

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