Shakedown #146"
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]

Stardate: 58204.01 1700

Counselor’s office

Patia leaned back from her work. Stretching her fingers toward the ceiling, her back gave a satisfying crack. Slowly, she rotated her head clockwise, then counter clock wise. Feet planted firmly on the floor, Patia contracted the muscles in her calves, working out the stiffness that comes with sitting in one position too long. Her stomach rumbled, glancing quickly at the chronometer she noticed it was after 1700. Breakfast had been a long time ago and recent journal articles had obviously been more interesting than she had thought they would be since she hadn’t taken a break for lunch.

Her movements quick and confident, she strode from her perch at her desk to the replicator. “Raspberry Iced Tea, with two fresh raspberries, and saltines,” Patia’s stomach rumbled as she spoke. Taking the plate as it materialized, she turned back to her work.

Patia settled on her left foot, tucking it up tightly under her body. Tilting forward, she stared at the computer monitor. Absent-mindedly, she reached for a cracker. The information regarding post traumatic stress issues was endlessly fascinating. As she perused the article, she jotted notes on her PADD. She would be introducing new techniques at the next group therapy session. This information would be invaluable.

She reached for her glass, only to find it empty. The scent of raspberries still clung to the glass, but not a drop of tea remained. Glancing again at her chronometer, she noticed it was after 1830. She had worked late enough that it wouldn’t be convenient to move to Qul Tuq for an evening’s recreation. An uneasy feeling fluttered through her consciousness as she thought of Qul Tuq. Something she didn’t want to deal with was waiting for her there, she just knew it. Tomorrow, she would leave the Zion. Tomorrow would be soon enough to face the demon on Qul Tuq