Socialis Novis

Posted on Wed Sep 30th, 2015 @ 10:40pm by Enlisted Cadet Jasmine [P: Steiner] & Lieutenant Commander Marit Lantry M.D., Ph.D.

Mission: Blooming Friendships
Location: Counselor's Office

[ON]

Given the series of bizarre events surrounding the new Shokirian presence, more than one nervous individual felt it would be a really good idea for Cadet Jasmine to work with station counselor. While it can be a general truism that time familiarity allays fears, just the opposite seemed true about her. The more people learned about Jasmine's symbiosis, Tholian ties, and unfamiliar technology, the more disturbing that this xeno became.

Marit smiled warmly at the cadet across from her. The fact that Lantry smiled at the people she met, particularly for the first time, wasn't unusual, but something about meeting a cadet motivated her to be particularly careful. Generally speaking, cadets were inexperienced and unused to dealing with the traumas and uncertainties associated with Starfleet life. Marit didn't want to make too many assumptions about Jasmine, but she could just imagine what it would be like to experience what the Starbase had already been through if she was just figuring out Starfleet and trying to find her way. Lantry surmised someone in Jasmine's position might want and need someone to confide in who wouldn't judge her, so it was particularly important to Marit this particular meeting go well.

"Thank you for coming to meet with me," the counselor opened. "I hope making arrangements for this meeting wasn't too disruptive for you."

The Shokirian shook her head with a smile, not at all, Doctor! We both have an opportunity to learn more about each other's species."

"I welcome that opportunity," Marit replied sincerely. "How are you fitting in here?"

Traces of a grin of embarrassment flickered across her lips, "I don't know which attracts more glances my way, the fact that I'm a new contact species or people wondering what kind of relationship there is between myself and Corrine Steiner."

Marit found the latter statement interesting but she schooled her features. The last thing she wanted was to appear eager for gossip. "Why would people be focused on the two of you?"

Jasmine smiled with raised brows, "Human curiosity is my guess. Shokirian symbiosis is something they haven't seen before. It is a different kind of intimate relationship between organisms than they've seen before. I think that the Earth expression 'apples and oranges' would apply, here."

Marit smiled. Not only did she appreciate Jasmine's appropriate use of the rather human expression, but she had to admit, the Cadet had a certain understanding of social dynamics that she doubted she gave herself credit for. "It speaks well of your ability to cope that you can attribute people's interests to genuine curiosity as opposed to something more malicious. Someone else more prone to depression or poor adjustment might tend to think the worst of others."

Jasmine stared off, "Also the more aggressive personalities tend to do that. I have been criticized for being too passive. But somehow, in my eyes, my accusers are often the ones to be pitied."

[OFF]

-------------------------

Lt. Cmdr. Marit Lantry M.D.
EC Jasmine

Starbase 332
Pegasus Fleet