Daddy Issues
Posted on Sun Mar 9th, 2025 @ 9:08am by Lieutenant Commander Hermia O'Rourke & Lieutenant Vura
Edited on on Sun Mar 9th, 2025 @ 10:24am
1,192 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: Chief Counselor's Office - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD003 1200 hrs
Vura led Hermia over to her office. She entered into her office and headed towards the back, allowing Hermia to get the full effect of her office.
Hermia could see that at the entrance of Vura's office, there were placed some blooming lavender plants, which gave off a pleasant soothing smell. On a wall, over a couch, she had put up a copy of Katsushika Hokusai's "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife" above a periwinkle couch that swooped up and then down in the middle and then back up again. The couch had definite sensual innuendos written all over the convenient shaping.
The walls of her office were of a deep rose with hints of purple hues. From there, she opted only for a small desk, so the desk would not set a barrier between her and her clients. It was a semi-circle and she placed it carefully in such a way where she could swivel on a chair and quickly type something on a computer or PADD and not interfere with her relationship with her client. The color of the desk nearly blended into the wall but was more mauve on closer inspection.
Warm wooded mahogany chairs were available in case her clients did not prefer to be on the couch. There was a small glass circle table between the chairs. The table contained a small Zen sand garden and rake for clients to manipulate.
Vura watched Hermia with baited breath. What would she decide to do? After all, she was bound to learn something new about her friend.
Hermia took in the surroundings for a moment. "Vura, I love the shades of purple. The innuendos are fun, but they don't phase me, I'm a doctor and have been around Marines, most of my life." She said. "Oh, and I'll take one of the chairs, keep us on a level playing field."
"You know, Hermia, sometimes you take the fun out of things." Playfully, Vura stuck her tongue out at Hermia and took the other mahogany chair.
"If you want fun, let's go dancing, if need be we could have holograph partners." Hermia said.
"Now, now, now, Hermia. You had that chance. You said that you wanted to talk, so, let's talk."
"Very well, where shall we start?" Hermia asked.
"Wherever you want," Vura offered.
"Well, ever since I could walk, I was trained to become a Marine. At 8 years old, I knew how to incapacitate most humanoid species, something that mostly only Klingon children could say."
"That is definitely not your standard child-rearing tactic," Vura commented. "Did you feel different from other children, as a result?"
"Yes, along with these." Hermia said popping out her contacts, to reveal her true eyes. "Children can be cruel with their names and taunts. That I could deal with, they didn't know any better, It was the looks of fear or disgust in the eyes of teachers and other adults that hurt."
"On Earth?" Vura asked incredulously. "Why would they ever be disgusted or afraid of someone with Betazoid heritage? I have always expected that Terrans would not have such prejudices in this day and age. Where exactly, did you grow up?" the Deltan asked incredulously.
"Yeah, a small town in Ireland." Hermia said. "Where they didn't like aliens, saw us as evil spirits." Hermia sighed. "Apparently hundreds of years ago, an alien ship crashed on a farm outside of town, killing the cattle and its power unit poisoned water supply, and hundreds died."
"And they held a grudge that long?" Vura asked shaking her head.
"It was town tradition, along with drinking." Hermia said. She didn't have many nice memories of her hometown."
"Did the aliens survive?" Vura wondered.
"Not that I know off." Hermia said. "The records are fragmented, its mostly word-of-mouth."
"Well, now, that's even more ridiculous of these people, then. Why didn't your parents move away? Is it safe to assume your mom was the Betazoid. Most Betazoids don't enter the marines."
"My father was stationed nearby." Hermia said. "And yes, my mother is Betazoid, she's actually a psychiatrist and she lives on Empok Nor, my parents are separated."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Wait, your mother is on Empok Nor? Should you not be visiting with her? We don't often get to stop in."
"We can go and see her now, if you want?" Hermia said.
"I don't need to see her at the moment, though I admit my curiosity as to who she is. I just wondered why you were not visiting her."
"I will, but you wanted to talk about my dad." Hermia said.
"Yes, but we can do that later if you want to see your mother. Your father is not pressing, but should be discussed."
"Okay, let's go." Hermia said. "Transporter Room," she said tapping her comm badge. "This is Doctor O'Rourke requesting a site to site transport for two, from Lt. Vura's quarters, to Empok Nor's promenade."
"Acknowledged, Ma'am, standby for transport." Marisol said.
Moments later energy beams surrounded both women and they vanished.
When Vura materialized on the promenade, she amusedly told Hermia, "Well, I did not expect to be kidnapped. When I said, see your mother, I expected that you would see her on her own, not with me. Is there a reason that you wanted to bring me along?"
"No, I was just thinking two birds, one stone." Hermia said. Looking around, I believe it's this way and began walking down the corridor.
Vura followed along. "Does your mother make you nervous?"
"No, I just thought, you'd like to meet her." Hermia replied.
"I don't mind. I just don't understand. Don't you want time alone with your mother since you do not get to see her so often?"
"Well, talks between us are usually done telepathically, if you're there she has to use her voice." Hermia said.
"There is that. Do you prefer her using her voice than speaking with you telepathically?"
"Yes, I also prefer to use my voice whenever possible." Hermia said. "But I will use telepathy, if the need arises, I have talked telepathically with Alyssa before."
"Why do you prefer to use verbal words?" Vura wondered aloud.
"I don't like the feeling of her in my mind." Hermia said.
"Why not? Betazoids are supposed to be a very open society. Does that bother you?"
"Yeah, but I'm half human and I find it creepy." Hermia said.
"Despite being raised by one?" Vura found that curious.
"Yes, aren't I odd." Hermia said.
"I find you extremely intriguing, Hermia. Do not ever consider yourself odd. Now, how far is it to your mother's?"
"Just up ahead." Hermia said.
"Alright, then. Since you brought me here, let's go meet with her." It was too late to ask anymore prying questions and Vura suspected that she might learn more from Hermia's mother, regardless.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Commander Hermia O'Rourke
Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer
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