Sleeping Problems Part II
Posted on Wed Mar 12th, 2025 @ 3:20am by Lieutenant Commander Corin Layal & Lieutenant Maya Canak
Edited on on Fri Mar 14th, 2025 @ 8:05pm
1,585 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Sins of History
Location: Sickbay - Deck 9 - USS Artemis
Timeline: MD013 1100 hrs
"Okay. I think a simple honey vanilla chamomile is a good beginning." She took a bag for herself and put a small amount of chamomile flowers into both bags. Then she added a pinch of shredded vanilla bean and another of dried honey. "This is a pleasant, relaxing blend. It's nice when you're unwinding in the evening. As I said, it only helps with minor stress. I'll give you a prescription before you leave."
She led Layal to the conversation area. "Have a seat while I get the ta things." She quickly prepared two individual tea pots and set them on a tray with sugar and honey, then added a bowl of cookies.
"The tea needs to steep for three minutes," she said as she sat down. "While we wait, tell me something about yourself."
"Oh, gee. That's open ended," Layal pressed her lips together and looked up to the ceiling as she thought. "What would you like to know? I have two living brothers, both married with kids. Jema and his family are back on Earth, I'm close with my parents. Especially my mom."
"That's wonderful. Family is important. I'm glad you're close with yours. I also get along with my parents, but I was closest with my grandfather. He is the reason I became a doctor." Maya checked the timer and smiled. "What led you to becoming a JAG?"
"My parents would tell you it's in my blood." Her eyes sparkled at the question as a subtle smile played on her lips. "The Occupation ended when I was around twelve. Being powerless nearly drove me insane. But it was the blatant injustice that bothered me more than the tyranny. The Cardassians would trip you then beat you for falling." Layal looked at the doctor with concerted seriousness.
Layal continued, "But even after they were gone, I still kept seeing injustices like that in the world. Whether it was in my studies, at school, at home. And they continued to infuriate me, impassion me. I hadn't really thought JAG when I joined Starfleet. I was in the Security track, but got a little nudge from a professor. And here I am. I tried civil for a bit, but it's pretty clear what drives me. I've spent most of career in prosecution."
"We definitely need people who care about righting injustice." The doctor smiled. "As much as we need people who care for the well-being of others." The timer went off and she poured the tea into two cups, setting one in front of Layal. "Try that and tell me what you think."
"Yes, well I'm always grateful medical professionals. And the scientists who discover things," Layal said as she picked up her cup of tea. "My job can be interesting in that sometimes I might have to learn something from a doctor about a medical condition, or DNA. I get scientists who are experts in various fields teaching me something about what they did on a case before trial. It's not all law all the time. I've learned a lot of cool stuff on the way."
Layal took a cautious sip of the tea, though she when she found the temperature wasn't nearly as hot as she ordered her coffee she took a longer drink. "It's good. The tea."
"While it doesn't suit everyone, I like it." Maya smiled. "I find that many of the old-fashioned remedies have merit. Herb tea, chicken soup, chili peppers, and hot toddies are some I particularly enjoy." She took another sip of her tea. "What things do you enjoy, if I may ask?"
"You mean food? Or in general?" Layal asked. "I do like tea, usually in the afternoon or evenings. Coffee in the mornings, extra hot. Other than tea, I can't say I was much of a fan of the natural remedies my mom or the elders would cook up."
"The question was up to your interpretation. I was fortunate to have a grandfather that believed medicine should be palatable but not enticing. He would blend herbs and plants to improve the flavor while still leaving a medicinal aftertaste. But teas are different. They should please the palate as well as the body." She took a sip of her tea and set her cup on the table. "If you'd rather not talk to a counselor about your nightmares, I'm always available."
Layal took a deep breath and pushed the air out through her mouth before responding. "It's not that I have an issue with counselors really. It's just that I don't know what talking about them really does. At least in past experience. Same with... " Layal trailed off not really wanting to go too deep for fear of breaking face and appearing emotional.
"Well, anything. The cycles just repeat. I don't know that there is a permanent cure for damage done by childhood trauma. Usually you're fine, but there's always that little something that was broken. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other," Layal added forcing a smile for the doctor.
Maya put a hand on Layal's arm. "Sometimes, talking things out with a professional helps, and the counselor is a lovely woman. However, there are times when we just need to work through it on our own--or with a trusted loved one. I can't make this go away, but I can offer tea and medicine to help you sleep. And I can suggest things I know work for some. After that, it's up to you. From what I've observed, you're mostly coping. I assume it's this current situation that is at the heart of your nightmares?"
Layal's eyes drifted down and to the right as she tilted her head slightly contemplating her answer. "Maybe. Yes, probably. I don't know." She paused and took another breath. "It's not uncommon for me to dream about work: Being late for a trial, forgetting my notes, even the crime itself. But when I dream about a crime I'm prosecuting, it's usually like I'm a witness there, not that the crime is happening to me." Layal stopped there, worried if she said too much there would be forced counseling - or worse, that she'd be taken off of the case.
"Yes. That would definitely be disturbing--as is this current matter you'll be dealing with." The doctor had examined Vamcet and knew of his medical condition, but she didn't have to hear the details of his crimes. And she wasn't Bajoran. "The sedatives will help you sleep, but if this gets worse or continues for more than a week or two, I suggest you speak with Lieutenant O'Rourke or someone you trust and are comfortable with. And if there's something I can do as a doctor, you're welcome to come back." Maya couldn't help adding, "You're also welcome to any of my teas."
"Thank you. I will. I might even go send a message to my mom and see if they are available for a call later. You're never too old to want your mom right?" There was a nostalgic, almost sad sound to her voice as she said this. "And yeah, if there's a tea or something that you think I should try I'll take you up on it. If there's something short of a sedative that might work, I'm all for trying it."
"No. You are never too old for your mother." Maya smiled as she went over to her computer and entered in a prescription. A moment later, a small bottle of sedatives materialized in the replicator. Then she went to her cabinet and prepared a packet of honey lemon chamomile tea. She took the packet of tea and bottle of pills over to Layal "The tea is to help you relax. It can also help with mild nausea. The pills will help you sleep. You can refill them three times before you have to return here for a re-evaluation." She took a final sip of her tea and set the cup back on the table. "Now, is there anything else I can do for you?"
Layal shook her head and stood up as she took the packet of teas and the bottle, not wanting to take any more of the doctor's time. "No, you've been really helpful. I appreciate it. Thank you so much. Really."
Maya stood and smiled. "Any time. I'm often here, and if not, I'm around. Come in if you need anything--even if it's a cup of tea and an ear to listen."
"Thank you. I will. It was really nice meeting you," Layal said, and she meant it. She'd had her doubts about the Artemis as a concept before even arriving here, but the people so far had been really great. "Time for me to try to get some work done," Layal added as she made her way towards Sickbay's doors. "The hearings start tomorrow, so I've got quite a bit to get done today. Thanks again."
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Commander Corin Layal
Judge Advocate General, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Maya Canak
Chief Medical Officer/Medical Examiner, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
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