In Good Faith

Posted on 23 Dec 2025 @ 3:50pm by Ensign Mira Quinn & Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn XMD & Ensign Ryan Collingway
Edited on on 30 Dec 2025 @ 7:46pm

1,033 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Displaced
Location: Crew Quarters

////Quarters///

Ryan started at the datapadd in his hand, wondering if he was going crazy. At first he thought it was a mistake. But no. Another mandated therapy session. This time to discuss what happened on the away mission.

"No. It's not going to happen," Ryan said to himself. A number of scenarios ran through his mind. Outright refusal. But then he would have to explain why to the Commander. Even resigning was a distinct possibility. He couldn't handle another discussion talking about his past. He just couldn't. Not now.

Suddenly, a third possibility dawned on him. "Mira." They couldn't talk about his past with someone else present. He quickly sent a request to the counselling team, asking for a joint session. On paper, it made sense. They had gone through the same experience, after all. It was better they tackle it together.

The actual reason, however, could safely stay hidden.

// Comm between Dr Emerson & Ryan Collingway //

Lt Kris Emerson had been notified of the need for a counseling session with Ens Ryan Collingway, a member of the away team on the Eirian mission. As he was her regular client, she was given the option of doing the interview, which she had almost turned down because of the intensity of their current discussions about the Benzite involvement in his case. So when she got his request to do a joint meeting with Ens Mira Quinn, she was not immediately opposed, but she did want to speak with him about that.

The comm went through to his quarters and would also vibrate 3 times on his comm-badge. She waited for a reply.

“Hello Ryan. Dr Emerson calling about your request. Have you got a minute?”

"Sure, go ahead." The tone back was polite but neutral. The typical Ryan-state when he was keeping his emotions guarded.

“Can you explain a little more about why you’re wanting to share your session with Ens Quinn?”

"Seems to make the most sense. We both had the same experience. I can also recall details she was not coherent enough to remember," Ryan said.

“I’m not saying no, but I wonder if you realize the damper having Ens Quinn presence can make on your time. Counseling is your time, you realize. You may also find yourself dealing with issues that could come up that you would prefer not to share with someone who is not bound by doctor/patient confidentiality.”

Ryan paused at that, realizing what Kris was trying to say. "Mira was...unsettled by what happened. It might help to have a friend with her while she goes through this counselling process, a process I am very familiar with," he said, trying to keep the tension out of his voice. "If she agrees to it, of course. Trust me, I don't intend to share anything beyond what this meeting is about."

That much was true. Despite his own somewhat selfish reasons, he was also worried for her.

“So I guess you’ve not talked to Ens Quinn yet. That’s good. And I appreciate your concern for her but private counseling is absolutely a time to be very protective of your privacy. She will get her same amount of counseling either way. I’ll be asking both of you some personal questions, so consider your ability to be honest with your answers if someone else is listening. Realize, this is not about the events. It’s about your, and Ens Quinn’s, emotional and psychological aftermath of those events, not necessarily facts of what happened. So she needs to be aware of all of this as well. You two talk about it. Be honest with her about all that I’ve said, and ask her to comm me before she agrees. Then let me know and we’ll set up a time, one way or the other.”

"Okay," Ryan said, and released a sigh when the com closed.

So much for this being easy.

////Science Lab///=

Ryan arrived a short time later in the science lab. "Hi, Mira," he greeted. "Do you have a moment? Privately?"

Mira was sitting at her station, checking the telemetry the sensors were getting from the opening rift.

At Ryan's approach, she glanced up at him. She hesitated, looking back at the data scrolling across her console, then nodded. "Quickly, though."

She led Ryan to one of the smaller labs, finding one that was currently empty. "What is it?"

"We've been given mandated counselling over what happened at the away mission," Ryan said. "I've been through that...more than a few times at this point. Anyway, if you want to, we could do this one together. Lieutenant Emerson was worried about privacy concerns, but it might be easier that way. There's no pressure, though. I am fine with us doing it separately as well."

Mira considered that. "If we do this, we're going to be completely honest. Both of us."

"Yes," Ryan agreed, although 'being completely honest' was definitely not a good way to describe his behavior of late. "And it's okay if you don't trust me with that. It's a lot to ask for anyone."

Mira glanced at the door, unsure how much privacy they had. She lowered her voice. "Because I know that if I start lying, everything will become about protecting the lie. I can't handle that.”

"It's...not a fun way to live," Ryan said, looking away. He shrugged. "There's nothing really to worry about with this. We went on the ship. Ran from an alien blob. Got it away from the Commander. Did our job. Honestly compared to the other away missions on this ship, it's not so bad," he added lightly.

Mira nodded. "Look, I've to get back to work."

"Okay. Just let Lieutenant Emerson know either way," he said. "I'll be fine with whatever you decide." He headed out the door to engineering. While he still genuinely didn't want to face the counsellor alone, he was starting to think this plan could backfire. But what's done was done.

Ensign Mira Quinn
Science Office
USS Arawyn

Ensign Ryan Collingway
Engineering Officer
USS Arawyn

Lieutenant Kris Emerson
Counsellor
USS Arawyn

 

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