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Posted on Wed Dec 21st, 2022 @ 7:00am by Lieutenant Commander Savin & NVeid tr'Rehu & Lieutenant Commander Finnley Keating VII

Mission: Wrath of the People
Location: Counselor's Office
Timeline: Following "fingers crossed"
1149 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Still holding on to Finn's hand, NVeid followed -reluctantly- as she dragged him to the counselor's office. The door was open, as usual, so they could walk right in.

Savin looked up as he sensed their approach and offered them a smile as his gaze traveled briefly towards their linked hands. "Doctor, commander," he greeted, what can I do for you?" If anything, he did seem surprised to see both of them. He knew neither liked the idea of speaking to him, in a formal session, but to see them both was a genuine surprise.

Nveid looked to Finn, not letting go of her hand. "My telepathy is out of control," he stated uncertainly, "and it's getting worse."

The counselor nodded as he gestured towards the lounge area in the office. "And you commander?" He queried curiously.

"Oh, I was just helping NVeid here. That's all," Finn put her hands up as if defending herself, in the process dropping Nveid's hand that had remained attached. The last thing she wanted was another session with the counselor. "Since you're telepathic also, we thought you might be able to help figure out what's going on." Finn led NVeid to the lounge area and onto the couch, choosing to remain standing herself.

"But he did come to you first," the counselor remarked, before turning back to the other Romulan. "From what I have been able to gather, this is something that affects all Betazoids on this ship. Jerant has informed me that he has been asked to remain in sickbay, though his friend has returned to duty. You could consider wearing a cortical inhibitor to suppress your telepathy until Doctor Ki has discovered a remedy."

NVeid froze at that suggestion, all colour draining from his face. He looked up at Finn, to make sure she was still here, desperate for her support. In truth, he felt she was the only friend he had here on the ship. "No," he finally managed, "I can't do that. Do you know what it's like to be robbed of something that makes you who you are? To be robbed of your telepathy, just so someone can have their way with you?"

From his file, and even prior meetings, Savin was very aware of what he'd gone through, and his fear was palpable. "I do," he answered, "at least to a degree. I do understand your fear doctor, but from what I understand it only subdues it, it does not remove it. Perhaps you should discuss your options with Ki?"

NVeid shook his head, unwilling to consider it. "I can't do it."

Nodded in understanding, the counselor looked back up at Finn. "You seem to be of great support to him, despite your own feelings regarding telepaths. Would you be willing to continue that for the time being? I cannot help someone who does not wish to be helped, even though I do need to bring this to the attention of the chief medical officer, as this is something that seems to affect all Betazoids."

"I really should get back to engineering..." Finn hesitated but then sighed, seeing NVeid's fear, or was it confusion? She wasn't really sure, all she knew was that he needed help and for whatever reason, he had attached himself to her for it. "Fine. I'll stay, as long as I can anyway."

"You misunderstand," the counselor gently pointed out, "until such time that Doctor tr'Rehu desires to speak about this, there is nothing I can do. However, he does seem more at ease in your presence. My suggestion would be for him to accompany you to engineering and remain in your company for the time being. Until such time he is ready to come to me." He smiled quietly and knowingly at her. "As you know, I cannot treat someone, who is unwilling to. I can only make recommendations for a possible course of action. It is up to the patient to accept, or not."

"That's not an option. The last thing I need during this time is someone unqualified walking around in the jeffereies tubes with me while I'm making repairs. I'm sorry NVeid, but it's just not in the best interest of anyone for you to follow me around engineering. Maybe it would be best for you to wait it out in your quarters? Is there someone that can sit with you?" Finn gave a firm no, but tried to soften the blow as best she could. She wanted to be there for NVeid, but systems were going haywire in this part of space and she had to look out for her team first.

NVeid slowly shook his head as he sighed softly to himself. He understood her denial even though right now she really was an anchor to him. "Perhaps my original suggestion is still an option," he suggested quietly, "I understand I cannot go with you, I'd only be in your way and wouldn't be of any use to you in the mean time." He turned towards the counselor. "If I am to go home, I wish to sleep. I desire a prescription to do so. I cannot tend to my duties in this condition."

Savin hesitated. "I cannot give you such a prescription," he finally answered, "such medication should come from the chief medical officer. I am sorry doctor."

The surgeon gritted his teeth. "Fine," he finally answered, though it was not clear to any what he would do in the mean time. To him sickbay was not an option at the moment, since he felt the staff would already be overwhelmed and he didn't want to add to their pile of work.

Finn turned to NVeid. "I'm really sorry, it's just not a good idea right now," she stated. Her facial expression showed remorse and she did feel bad, but at the same time, she felt slightly relieved. Though she had always been the type of person to want to help a friend, lately she wanted nothing to do with any sort of task that would incur an emotional drain. Then again, being a horrible friend wasn't a reputation she wanted to add to her already stained record of getting friends killed. "I'll stop after my shift, ok?" She asked.

NVeid nodded. "I'll try and get some sleep," he answered, "one way or another."

The counselor cast him a single look of concern, but nodded in agreement all the same. "That is a wise decision," he agreed, "and I recommend asking Doctor Ki for a prescription. I understand sickbay is overwhelmed right now, but you do need to go and ask him." He watched as the surgeon stood, not quite sure how else to help even though he wished he could.

The Romulan sighed softly. "I'm just going home." He touched Finn's arm as he passed her. "Don't forget," he implored her as he walked off.