How are you holding up?

Posted on Wed Aug 10th, 2022 @ 5:16am by Lieutenant Commander Savin & Lieutenant Xavier Leiko

Mission: Scylla and Charybdis
Location: Engineering
Timeline: MD1
1314 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

By now, Savin had pretty much expected Xavier to come see him. Especially after his repeat sessions with Jerant which had born some form of success, in various degrees anyways. Adding to that the reports of him being stunned while trying to deal with clone Finn... Still, Savin couldn't blame the man, in his experience, no-one - barring a few exceptions obviously - was ever keen on seeing a counselor.

Carrying his PADD, just in case, the Romulan ventured into engineering, a place he really rarely visited. He spotted the subject of his attention working at a distant console. As he approached he observed a variety of readings and pictures on the consoles, all of which were beyond his capability of interpretation. "Lieutenant Leiko?" he called quietly as he walked up to the man. "Do you have a moment?"

Xavier looked up as he heard his name being called. He was not expecting to see the counsellor heading in his direction, but if he was being honest with himself he shouldn't have been too surprised. Given Savin's relationship with Jerant, and now his own relationship with Jerant, he had expected some kind of visit in one way or another at some point. Xavier's only wish was it was happening when he wasn't trying to oversee two departments. "Commander, how can I help you?"

"I am more wondering if perhaps, I can be of help to you," the counselor offered, gesturing towards one of the offices. "Perhaps we can speak in private? It does not have to take long, you have my word."

Xavier got the feeling that the Romulan wasn't going to take no for an answer and so he gestured for Savin to go first. Once they were seated and facing each other he thought more about the Counsellor's question. "I'm not sure how much you can help me," Xavier said honestly.

"Neither do I," Savin confessed, "at least in the area of your telepathy. I can only offer to try if you are willing. However, you were also abducted and shot... I can help you deal with that."

"Clone Finn," Xavier said, as though recalling a memory from someone else's life. In truth, he hadn't had much time to process that particular adventure, he had been so concerned about Finn's return that he had no time to fully appreciate his own trauma over those days. "The main thing is we got Finn and P'rel back and my wounds healed, I'm grateful for that."

"Clone Finn," the counselor confirmed. "Your physical wounds were healed yes, but what about the psychological ones? I understand it is protocol to see a counselor, after injury in the line of duty." He held up his hand. "I understand you are busy, so we can schedule an appointment, but as I am here now...I am available and you are somewhere you seem at ease." And that did have his preference. "Have you had any progress on recovering your natural talents? I assume Jerant has told you what we did?"

"Sorry for my bluntness Counsellor, but are you here to speak about my injury or my disability?" Xavier asked.

"Primarily your injury, though I will admit to surprise that you have not come to me regarding your disability. That has to be disturbing to you." He could sense this was a sore subject, he knew it to be from his friend, so he returned to the prior subject at hand, leaving the door open in any regard. "When did you discover that Finn was not Finn?"

"It was actually Benny, the Space Cow Pilgrim thing," Xavier quickly added, seeing the confused look on the Romulan's face. He purposely chose to ignore the question about his disability, in hindsight, it would have helped him a little but he had clearly wanted to wallow in his own self-pity, and sometimes that was okay. "Not too long before our confrontation in the shuttle bay."

"Benedict," Savin answered knowingly, "I have heard about...him. How did he make the discovery? How did he communicate it to you?"

Xavier sighed. "No offence, again, Counsellor but all this information is in my report. I have the utmost respect for what you do, but I'm currently trying to oversee two departments, can we jump straight to maximum warp and get to the point, please?"

"Very well. I have it on good authority you appear to be avoiding people, and I wonder why you refuse to ask for help. Why are you not allowing those that may be able to help you, do so? Please understand this is no accusation, but please, satisfy my professional curiosity. Why did you not come to see me when, as another handicapped officer and a telepath, I am likely most suited to both understand, and assist?"

Xavier gave the man a sad smile. "To be frank Counsellor, I thought my condition was physical in nature, it was only after speaking to Doctor Ki I realised that actually, it was more psychological." He gave a heavy sigh, "I probably should have realised that sooner but I'm an engineer, I leave the biology stuff to you guys. Anyways, that was when Jerant came up with his master plan and when it looked like it had a shot of working, I figured I need someone who is a prolific telepath and close to me. No offence, but we're not exactly a pair of warp nacelles. If telepathy is the symptom, disease, and cure, I need a family member. You understand?"

"You may have a point," the counselor conceded with a slight nod. "Have you contacted your family? If not, are you willing to attempt it with me, or perhaps even Doctor tr'Rehu, who is also a very skilled telepath, and half Betazoid? I understand from Jerant that telepathy is crucial to you, both of you that is, and to your state of well-being." He reached out, gently touching his arm though still remaining at a proper distance otherwise. "I am here for you, it is what I do, and you can be assured your thoughts and feelings are safe with me."

"I appreciated that Counsellor, I really do," Xavier replied with a smile. He didn't recoil from the touch but almost wanted to, it felt almost inappropriate though he guessed that wasn't the man's intention. "However, if our theory is right, it has to be a bit more intimate and I think only a family member or very close friend will do. I need to contact The Admiral, erm... my mother," he quickly added seeing the blank look on Savin's face.

Savin nodded in understanding. "It is extremely intimate, on a mental level," he agreed, "though I would recommend not waiting too long as your mental well-being does depend on it. Maybe you and Jerant can try too?" Obviously he knew the two were close. "Just a thought," he added with a smile. "I shall leave you to your duties now, but I would still like for you to take some time and come see me and discuss your feelings on this matter. It may help us in the future, should this occur again, as it could happen to anyone."

"I promise, once I'm done with all this mess," Xavier replied as he waved his arms wildly in no particular direction, "you can get inside my head Counsellor. Though you might not like what you find," he added as he stood up.

"You presume that you are my worst case," Savin smiled, "nor do I have to like what I find. My priority is helping you, it is what I am here for. I will keep you to your promise lieutenant, and that is my promise." He gave a final nod. "Good day lieutenant," he added before walking away.