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Nijil tr'Korjata

Little Hazel Eyes

Little Hazel Eyes - Amanda and Nijil

The shipyard wasn’t made to live in, but it was much better than living on several ships and it was comfortable enough. Because it was of Romulan construction, the amenities were sparse, but everyone seemed to be making do. Amanda had taken a few things that were dear to her, like her tea and tea set, two comfortable chairs, and some of the decorative trappings from her informal office on Aegis. The rest she put in storage.

In her off-hours the counselor wandered the hallways to get some exercise and to interact informally with the crew. Every household move is traumatic, but it seemed that for the most part the excitement of having a new station - or a fairly new station - overshadowed any regret at having to leave.

It was during a morning constitutional that Amanda spotted Nijil coming in the opposite direction and greeted him with a cheery, “Nijil! How are you?”

“Oh,” he began, startled. “Jolan tru Doctor. I’m...elements, what am I doing? Oh, making sure this section is secure for the number of people who will occupy it. I’m just happy to get back to work.” He grimaced as he closed the file displayed on his padd.

“And it’s good to see you back to work. How are Jylliene and Annisha?”

His eyes dilated a bit at their mention. “They are fine. Jylliene is busy as ever and Annisha is packing her things with care. She has more things than both of us.” A smile formed on his weary face. “She’s taking this move better than any of us.”

“To me, it’s exciting,” said Amanda. “When we return we’ll have a new, sturdy, and safer place to live, and knowing Captain Chirakis and Mr. Roberts, it will be first rate.”

“Chirakis. Right.” Hearing the name shook his confidence. “Engineering will have much to do regardless of the condition.” Something moved behind Dr. Davis. He peered around the corner and spotted Annisha. “Go,” he mouthed, waving her off.

Amanda turned to look, then turned back, puzzled. “Nijil,” she said hesitantly, “I need a good cup of tea, and I certainly would enjoy your company. Won’t you join me?”

“Sure, I could use a break. I think she’s gone now. My daughter has been following me around all day. I had to shoo her off.” Nijil looked around, unsure where they were having this tea. His daughter popped her tiny head from behind a crate. He held up a finger. “Annisha! Go to your quarters.”

“Annisha,” Amanda turned to the empty corridor, “your father needs a break. I’m sure you don’t mind, do you?” She turned back to Nijil. “See, she’s on her way. She knows when we need our space.” Taking Nijil’s arm, the counselor led him to the lift and on to her meager quarters-cum-office.

“You think I would know where I am going,” he shrugged.

Fifteen minutes later they had settled into Amanda’s cozy area, tea tray on a small table and fresh warm scones next to freshly poured tea. Handing a cup to Nijil, she took hers and snuggled into the cushions, took a sip and began the conversation.

“Nijil, why do you think Annisha follows you around everywhere?”

“I think she’s worried about me after I scared her to death,” he answered, taking a drink of the hot tea. The pastry looked good, so he bit into it as well. “I told her of my dreams, how she played a part. She was tickled.” Nijil paused, then started again. “That was days ago. Now she just follows me around while I work. Not saying a word.”

Amanda continued to sip while Nijil talked. When his pause reached a comfortable level she said, “The attack on the station was traumatic for everyone, Nijil. Because of your injury it was especially traumatic for you, your family, and your friends. Children and adults react to trauma differently. Annisha almost lost her father; she’s bound to be protective.”

Amanda paused to regard Nijil in a pleasant, casual manner, but her tone was suggestive. “Adults, on the other hand, may pretend that the event was not as traumatic as they previously thought. Others will form a mental block and not remember it at all. And some… will dismiss it, tell themselves that they can take care of it alone, and try to carry on business as usual.”

She moved forward to pour more tea. “Which category do you believe you are in, Nijil?”

“Well, I have been through scraps like this before. I once fell down a hill and had my hand nearly crippled. A few more from my youth. I don’t see how this was any different. Like before, if I just get back to work I should pull through.” Nijil had to stop to catch his breath, and to bite more of the scone.

“Nijil,” Amanda slowly set her cup on the table, “there was no one in the corridor when you spoke to Annisha.”

He gave her a puzzled look. “You are mistaken. I clearly saw her around the corner, like many of the corners she peers around. I shooed her off before you caught sight of her.”

“Oh, I have no doubt you saw her, but I assure you she was not there. She is in Emberly Rassiton’s art class, where I left her.”

“Wait, let me call her and prove to you.” Nijil tapped his badge. “Nijil to Annisha, this is your father.”

“Daddy are you okay? If not I can’t leave yet 'cause my fingers have paint on them.”

“I’m fine Annisha. Weren’t you just watching me? I shooed you off not half an hour ago.”

“Daddy, you are funny. I’ve been here all day.”

“I’m working. Are you sure?” Nijil felt a sinking a feeling in his stomach.

“Yes daddy. Can I go back to painting?”

“Sure, I will see you at dinner.” The channel closed. He turned his attention to the doctor. “I owe you an apology. I saw her, but not her.

“Nijil, the mind is a powerful thing,” began Amanda. “You saw her because your mind told you she was there, and you may see her again until your mind learns to deal with the trauma you have been through.”

Over the course of the next hour Amanda explained Situational Post Traumatic Stress, why it happens, what it triggers in the brain, how the brain uses the trigger to protect the body, and how those affected can learn to cope.

"It's normal,” said Amanda. “It's your brain trying to make sense of things it does not understand and it is your brain's way of protecting you so it doesn't happen again."

“Doctor,” Nijil said with care. “I can’t work if I’m hallucinating. There’s no telling what I may see next. How do I rid myself of this?”

“It’s not a matter of ridding, Nijil, it’s a matter of coping. But we will have to speak to SubCommander Jorahl and get his approval before you go back to work. If we have regular sessions you can learn to cope. However,” she paused in a cautionary tone, “there is one condition for my services.”

“Yes?”

“If you agree to not call me Doctor, I promise I won’t call you SubCommander.”

“Agreed Doc.. Davis, Amanda, Amanda Davis?”

“Amanda will do,” she laughed. “Now off with you until tomorrow - or until you need me in an emergency. And take some scones to Jylliene and Annisha. They love them.”

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