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Posted on Sat Apr 2nd, 2022 @ 10:06am by Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey

Mission: Free write
Location: Holodeck 1

The holodeck was quiet, at least that was the illusion it gave. Just Sky and her chosen vista, a blanket lay out under the shade of a tree overlooking a stunning cliff side view of the sparkling blue ocean. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and Sky was trying to relax. The only problem was she could still hear the crew in her mind, it was loud and it was slowly getting louder.

Tony entered the holodeck lookinig for some quiet time to unwind after another too long shift. She was trying to prove herself to her boss and working pretty long hours to do so. Keeping in mind to practice what she preached as a therapist she had finally set some time aside to unwind and do some yoga and meditation.

It wasn't until she got herself settled that she noticed she was not alone.

"Oh hi Sky. I didn't realise. I use this program often to unwind. I did not check the room was empty. Do you want me to leave?"

Sky shook her head offering a smile. “No not at all. I was just trying to unwind too.”

"So mind if I join you then." The put her blanket closer to Sky. "It is so nice and peaceful here."

Sky nodded. “It is when you don’t have to listen to everyone else’s thoughts.” She sighed and massaged her temples. “I already told Xavier so I’ll tell you too ... I’m struggling with my control. I’ve had this problem all my life, but recently it’s gotten worse again. I’m thinking that maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones” she shrugged her shoulders. “All I know is I can’t shut out the voices in my head.”

"Ah." It was going to be that kind of talk. "I see." Tony had to think for a few seconds. "From what I remember it is not uncommon for a betazoid to experience this during pregnancy because of the hormones."

“More so for me” Sky offered a smile. “I’ve been in and out of hospitals and recovery institutions my whole life, the downside of developing my abilities too early. I’m not planning on cracking up during my first assignment as Chief Counsellor!”

"you mean mental institutions?" Tony asked gently.

Sky nodded. “I’ve done one or two at my worst points, it’s why I became a Counsellor. I wanted to help others who needed someone just like I did. It can drive you up the wall when the voices don’t stop, they’re always there anyway but I can normally filter them enough so they don’t disturb me on a personal level and so I can sleep.” She paused to massage he temples. “They’re getting louder, for me it’s a warning sign that has to be heeded.”

"A lot of us end up in the profession that way. Having gone through something or seeing friends or family go through it. Is there any medication you can take to dampen the voices?"

“There is but it tends to dull me down with it” Sky offered a smile. “I plan to speak to Rutherford, see what he can come up with. I have to watch what I’m doing now that I’m pregnant.”

"Hmm maybe we should both talk to him. As we need to take care of your mental and physical well being. " Tony was concerned. "Maybe I know some relaxation techniques that you don't. And I have had some good results with sonic wave devices on calming people."

Sky nodded. “Maybe that’s a good idea. I’ll call you when I go to see him and we can work it out together.” She smiled warmly.

"Good now let me try a bit of massage to see if that helps. Why don't you lay your head in my lap and I will massage your scalp. I find it very relaxing myself."

“Can’t say I’ve ever tried it, besides I don’t want to ruin your relaxation time.” Sky offered a smile.

"Oh that is not important. I can relax later. Right now it would be good to try and get your stress level down."

Sky smiled and nodded, moving to lie her head in Tony’s lap so she could massage her scalp.

Tony leaned back against a tree and willed her own breathing to slow down. If she was relaxed the outcome would be better for both of them. "Just try to take deep breaths and let you body sink into the floor." She whispered as she made slow strokes through Sky's hair.

Sky let her body relax just as Tony suggested, she’d never tried head massage before but it was oddly relaxing.

Tony saw the other woman start to relax and decided to keep it up as long as she could to give Sky some relief.

Sky sighed a relaxed sigh. “That is so much better. I don’t know why I haven’t tried this form of relaxation before.”

"We often don't practice what we preach. I have tought so many many patients how to use relaxation techniques and yet I use them too little when I am stressed myself."

“Let’s make a pact, from now on when either of us need it, we practice relaxation techniques. In-fact it might help others too. Maybe we should suggest a weekly relaxation class for anyone who wants to join in?” Sky smiled.

"Oh that is a brilliant idea." Tony said and then stiffled a yawn. "I just hope I don't feel asleep during them. I am working so much that relaxation sends me right off to dreamland."

Sky giggled. “Why resist it? At least you’ll be relaxing! Just hope you don’t snore!”

"You know it's been so long I slept in the same room with someone that I have no idea."

“Seriously?” Sky offered a surprised look. “Perhaps it would do you go to find yourself someone, we all need love at some point in our lives.”

Tony shrugged. "I guess. But it's hard. It was hard while I was a therapist serving on a ship. And now I am XO, and it would not be appropriate to start something with a junior officer. Yeah I know Xavier and you did but we already established I am extremely by the book. My parents met on the job, but they kept their relationship hidden for years." And her mum had been a minor when her father first fell in love with her. Not that he had acted on it then. It had taken years.

Sky nodded. “I guess I can understand that, but then I’ve never been a truly by the book person, I do things my way.” She smiled. “You might be surprised, someone might be waiting out there for you that you never considered before.”

Tony snorted. "I seriously doubt it. I've been waiting for a long time. Now my best friend Kay she really never wanted a relationship. I am not like that, I am a romantic at heart. But it just never happened. I grew up around such great honourable men that I think I have set my standards too high."

Sky grinned. “You’d be surprised how many times I’ve heard similar comments. Maybe one day.”

'We'll see." Tony leaned back again.