I See, I See (Judy/Stryker)

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy handed over the acoustic approvingly, and turned down the volume on her electric - it was connected wirelessly to the room's stereo system, after being recently disconnected from the terminal in Lunn's office.

She waited and listened, not playing anything herself (she'd rather expected Sven to take the lighter, easier electric, which could overpower the acoustic and give him a sense of control), and nodded now and then.

Eventually, as she noticed Sven playing a tune, she tried to play chords along with it.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven played his guitar, and though he was rusty, he had played quite well. Getting into it, he closed his eyes and started singing. His voice was amazing, and clear that if he wanted to, and with training he could be a vocalist.

He played along with Judy enjoying the moment.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy felt the music move throughout her, causing areas from her head to her feet to bobo, rock, or sway to the rhythm. She also continued to play, and was very much impressed by Sven's voice.

"You have one of the best voices I've heard in a long time," Judy complimented once the song seemed to be done.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven was strumming and singing quietly, when Judy remarked on his voice. He opened his eyes, and was slightly embarrassed being caught up in the relaxing moment. He didn't know exactly what to say.

"Th-Thanks? I didn't mean to sing. he said going slightly pink in the face.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy smiled reassuringly at Sven.
"It's no shame; I sing all the time," Judy explained. "I think it could work for you just as well as it does for me."

She left it to Sven to think about whether the music calmed him. It seemed so, but she couldn't say for him.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven thought about that. The exercise seemed to help sooth his nerves and he nodded.

"Ya. Maybe this will help. But will I ever learn to cope with what happened to me?" he asked.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy offered her hand once more in support. She knew this was how people responded to diagnosis with virtually every high-profile disease, and had dealt with it in patients before.

"You can and you will, Sven. You're stronger than the trauma," Judy reassured. "Your next guitar will be a therapy expense, funded by Starfleet," she added with a faint smile.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven smiled weakly taking the offered hand. It was firm and strong. "I guess I can retake lessons in the holodeck. Will I be able to return to duty? he asked.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy looked reassuringly at Sven and nodded.
"You'll have to have a series of therapy sessions, either with me over subspace or with the Athena's counselor. These will help you confront and ultimately overcome the trauma."

She then smiled at him with a little glint in her grey eyes.
"You will be able to return to duty while this goes on. There will only be a note on your medical file, visible to me, your CMO, and your command team."

[stryker aune]

[Judy's office]

Sven's chisled face fell and he set the guitar down. He opened his hands and looked at them before speaking.

"Will this adversly affect my chances of promotion? I want to. I want to build a career in Star Fleet and advance up the ranks as an engineer."

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

"Oh, absolutely not!" Judy answered, seemingly offended by the very notion. "Starfleet doesn't get to discriminate against you for that. You should be able to reach my rank in the normal timeframe, perhaps even faster."

From Judy's collar, her Lieutenant Commander's pips shone. They were still new, and she was still rather proud of them.
"You've got a lot of promise, and overcoming PTSD will only make you look better."

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven's spirit seemed to lift at the words of encouragement. He had so long hidden away any form of weakness or failure, and that is what made him relucant to receive help. It affirmed that he was a failure. However, Judy's ministrations laid that preconceived notion to rest and he was finally able to open up.

He visibly relaxed, his shoulders resting.

"Thank you."

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

"All in a day's work," Judy replied. This sort of moment, when a patient reached some relief, was what made counseling such a great job.

"Actually, Sven, could I convince you to grab lunch with me? We can discuss what your therapy will look like."
Judy always offered to feed people as a sign of affection. The greater the affection, the more food.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's office]

Sven thought about that for a moment. He had resolved to commit to the therapy, and when he sets his mind to something, he does it with excellence. And it seemed having a meeting on what the therapy would entail was a good way to kick it off.

"Sure." he said, "When were you thinking."

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

"Now," Judy replied. "I want you on the Athena again without delay, so the time is now."

She hoped Sven would be happy with this indication that his diagnosis was no impediment to his career, and that his shrink thought work was going to help him.

She then contemplated where lunch could be. The White Rose was an option, as was Puzzles.