Doctor N’Vea was tired. Exhaustion was to be expected, and a logical outcropping from the extensive hours that she had been working since being assigned to Starbase Bravo. She had been a Chief Medical Officer on her previous posting, but after Fleet Day and being attacked by her medical staff she had sought for something more sedate. While Starbase Bravo was not exactly quiet, it was more like a standard medical practice than on a ship where you went looking for danger on a regular basis.

As a medical professional N’Vea understood the importance of a healthy mental state, even if as a Vulcan she was taciturn and unlikely to share her inner workings. She did not like to admit to her own weaknesses, even if they were something that everyone human, Vulcan, or other might have.

Adjusting the Counselor’s office she tugged at her uniform adjusting it. If she were not Vulcan she might have admitted to feeling slightly nervous as she hit the door chime letting the psychologist know that she was there. 

“Please come in” A voice came from the other side of the door.

When opening the door, the office looked organized, but not personalized. Arwa was sitting in her chair looking at some files as she looked up from her screen at N’Vea and smiled in her direction “Welcome, please take a seat Lieutenant”

Entering N’Vea was careful, selective in her seating. She choose one, because she understood them to be an important part of the nature of these examinations of her mental well being. 

“I am a doctor as well,” N’Vea said. For her that trumped being a Lieutenant, as that part was not the hard part, medical school had been. She inclined her head, “Though you may refer to me as either.”

Giving a slight nod, “Understandable correction, doctor. You have studied hard to earn that degree and should be addressed as such. Would you like something to drink? I got a wide selection of replicator beverages,” Arwa tried to lighten the mood a bit. 

“That sounded defensive, and likely was, I apologize,” the Doctor said, “I meant no offense, I am trying to be more aware of the feelings of non-Vulcan species given that we are quite far from Vulcan. I will take a still water, thank you.”

She had taken courses on what humans called ‘bedside manner’ and could recognize what the councilor was doing, attempting to offer her a drink and make her relax and engage. Though she thought it better to not comment on the technique, N’Vea could at least recognize it and play along as if this was relaxing her.

Standing up and going to the replicator, “Non taken, doctor.” Arwa looked at the replicator. “One water, please.” Arwa knew to be more diplomatic when it came to Vulcan’s. They were trained on emotions and controlling them. The water appeared, and she moved back to the table as she placed the water in front of her.  “So the obvious question is, how are you doing, doctor? A lot has happened and everyone processes it differently” 

N’Vea nodded, “Indeed. I attended medical school and the Academy on Earth, I am well versed in emotion. I recognize that we all have them, even if as Vulcans we deny that to be true. Still it has been, an adjustment to try to slow down and adjust to station life.”

Smiling at her, “Not quite what I was aiming for, doctor; I was asking how you are doing today and the period of ….” she shrugged a bit “…well, chaotic times here at Starbase Bravo. We had many things happening recently that have affected the crew and Starfleet as a whole. That is why the counseling sessions are more obligated and frequent to keep tap on mental health. So how are you?” Arwa asked again. 

Doctor N’Vea nodded, “I am fine. Perhaps a little isolated in the sense of a social life, but I believe that I fulfill my duties competently and am providing value to the Station. I tend to keep to myself, and save more of my socializing energies for my on duty time.”

“So how do you deal with the recent developments?” Arwa bluntly asked, trying to be nice about it, but she noticed that the doctor was avoiding or not noticing it. 

”I am trying to settle in. I find in quiet moments I still dwell upon the events of Fleet Day,” N’Vea confessed, “but work and a regular schedule helps me stay focused.“

Arwa nodded, taking a few notes. “What do you do with the time when you are off duty with these moments to process the events of Frontier Day? Do you meditate? Listen to music or read a book?” Arwa looked curious at N’Vea. 

“I do not dwell on the events of Frontier Day. I do however read, exercise, and meditate as you suggest,” N’Vea said, “I do not do a lot socially, but I work on myself, either improving my knowledge or my self. So I am ready if it happens again.”

It was not logical, she knew. The Borg attack had been a one off, and had never happened, at least in that way, before and as such was unlikely to happen in that way again. And yet the wanted to be prepared for when and if it did occur.

Vulcans were curious beings, shrouded in mystery and master in hiding their emotions. Arwa nods to the answer “I am glad to hear that Frontier Day had no emotional impact on you. But you say you are working on yourself? What are you trying to achieve? Do you wish to be more social?”

”I would not suggest it had no emotional impact on me,” N’Vea said, “Even as much as we deny having emotions, us Vulcans do. We just control them, but yes my ultimate goal would be to form more social bonds with the crew.”

Nodding to her answer “I would like you to achieve this bonding process with your fellow crew members?” Arwa looked curious at her. “I mean there are many ways, but most importantly you should feel safe and comfortable while interacting with them”

”I acknowledge that as a goal, however it is more logical to stay independent at times. My last crew of people I was close to attempted to kill me when they became Borg. I understand it is not their fault, but it is hard to be stabbed by your Chief Nurse and then be okay with it,“ N’Vea said, “So while the goal is a logical one, I am also logically hesitant. Do you understand?”

“Right, that makes quite some sense.” Arwa had figured that there was some connection to the recent Frontier Day happening. She found at least the angle: “Take it step by step. Many of your co-workers are experiencing the same process of what has happened.” Arwa leans back in her chair. “If someone invites you, consider it and be part of it.”

N’Vea nodded, “That is sound advice. Perhaps I have been overly cautious in reaching out to people. Us Vulcans are not quite equipped to lean on other species for such emotional support.”

She spread her hands “And here we are” Arwa smiled in her direction “I think you got the foundation to tackle this problem. Our session has come to an end and if you wish to come back and share more problemtic interaction you might encounter on the topic we discussed. Feel free to hop on by” 

The Doctor stood, “Thank you, that was helpful.”

She nodded her head and exited.