Coping Skills
Posted on Wed Aug 26th, 2026 @ 4:04pm by Colonel Ezekiel Bagwell & Lieutenant Commander Ariana Monroe-Wayne
1,474 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 121 - "Where There's A Section, There's A Way"
Location: Counseling Office
Timeline: Current
Ezekiel was not sure if this was the right call for him, he didn't really want to put his friend Ariana in this predicament. But she was the counselor for the station and she was a good one from what he heard. He hadn't utilized her services in quite a few years but now I felt like he needed to.
He scheduled an appointment with her which probably surprised her even though she didn't say anything to him about it. He tapped on the intercom just outside her office and waited for her to let him in.
Ariana had been surprised by Zeke’s request but as she opened the door it didn’t show. “Hello Zeke, please come on in and make yourself at home.”
"Thanks ariana, how are your kids?" Ezekiel asked trying to the socially polite. He was also stalling for a moment. It was an easy for him, wanting to talk to a therapist, a counselor somebody to help him process his emotional feelings. For the most part he tried not to have a feelings. And now here they were surfacing. And over the silliest thing he thought to himself, however the emotional attachment that he had to the USS Saratoga, had him devastated.
“They’re good, thank you Zeke. Growing up a lot faster than I’d like but that’s life for you.” She smiled giving him a curious look. “What is it that has you so rattled? I’ve never sensed emotions like this from you before.”
"Is it silly to have an attachment to a ship?"' Ezekiel ask, knowing that the only real attached me he had was to his son into his wife. But over the years he's always struggled with his emotions. Especially after the accident, from his childhood. He was struggling with the loss of the USS Saratoga and how she was beyond repair.
“Not at all” Ariana shook her head. “We all develop attachments to places, whether it’s our homes, or our home worlds, or simply a place that holds a special place in our hearts.”
"That's possibly true, but is it possibly true to have this kind of attachment only after a year?" Ezekiel ass feeling really confused about his own emotions. Most the time he was able to suppress them down. A lot of the inhibitors that most people would have to control their own emotions were difficult for him. Especially since Jasmine was missing an action and to T'vix with clear across the Galaxy.
“When you truly feel a connection to something it can take no time at all” Ariana smiled. “I still have some of my old teddy bears from when I was young. I’d feel bereft if anything happened to them.”
"So it's not silly that I have an attachment to a Starship, because it seems silly to me." Ezekiel pointed out, trying to come to some type of resolution. He had never really cared for materialistic items. Granted a Starship wasn't a materialistic item, but it wasn't a human being or an alien life form.
“Not silly at all” Ariana smiled. “It’s a part of you, a part that you’re having to let go of in order to move on. With growth comes both happiness and sadness. Have you thought about keeping a memento of some sort?”
"I can not believe how much it hurts. I hope they build another Saratoga." Ezekiel said, and he hoped they would send her to Starbase 400.
“They might” Ariana nodded. “You could always request it, not that Starfleet might take much notice. There are always new ships coming off the production line, or old ones that need some repairs.”
"A knew Saratoga would be nice, but I doubt she would be giving a legacy number. Probably a new registry number. Sadly no distinguish accolades under her belt." Ezekiel said, thinking that was a little stupid also good that means he was very good at his job.
“Still it could be worth requesting?” Ariana smiled. “If they say no then you tried.”
"I don't know how I'd handle that rejection. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. If you don't mind I'd like to change the topic for a minute." Ezekiel asked, now that he addressed the Saratoga there was another topic you want to bring to her attention, mainly to ask for advice.
“Of course” Ariana nodded. “What else is on your mind?”
"How do you think I am doing as a father? First time dad." He pointed out to her. He was hoping his friend would give him an honest evaluation of his performance as a father.
“Seriously?” Ariana smiled. “Zeke you’re doing fine! The two of you wanted children, it’s not like you weren’t planning it. It can take time to adjust to a routine with a new baby, don’t worry that you’re not doing well. If something happens just come and see me.”
"Maybe it's new parent jitters, thinking that there's probably more I could be doing. Is that normal. I know they say you shouldn't evaluate yourself but, I am constantly evaluating myself. " Ezekiel said, knowing that he shouldn't but couldn't stop himself from doing it. He was his own worst critic.
“Trust me we all do that, I’ve been doing it for years.” Ariana answered. “I’m away from my family so often now, I feel guilty for not being there.”
"How do I come to terms with it?" Ezekiel asked, hoping she had some magical cure for his feelings and his choices that he is making.
“It’s not a case of coming to terms with it Zeke, it’s a case of you needing to accept the fact that you don’t need to self criticise. Just enjoy fatherhood, children aren’t young for long enjoy making those memories.”
"I know you're right, but it always feels like I could be doing more. Before my son I would have never considered the idea that there is more to life than starfleet. And I never made me choose. Cuz I knew we were both in this for life, but now we have a child." Ezekiel started to explain, hoping what he says making sense. It really changed his perspective on life.
“I totally understand, having children changes your whole outlook.” Ariana smiled. “Last mission I found myself longing to be on station and not off it, that’s why I plan to remain here more now.”
"Starfleet is not an easy life for families." Ezekiel started, they may have once been an utopian society. Today it seemed to be more of a democracy.A Democratic union of planets, and everyone working against one others best interests.
“No it isn’t that’s why I want to be here more. Cameron and I want more children so it makes more sense.” Ariana smiled.
"Get you both make it work. I want another child as well, I'm not sure if Anna does. Our lives are already busy." He pointed out to Ariana.
“I know what you mean, Starfleet life is seldom easy but if it’s something you both want then it’ll eventually happen.”
"I have not brought it up with Anna yet." Ezekiel said to her, knowing that he should definitely talk to anna. But wasn't sure how she would feel about it he knew that she loved their son very much, but bearing a second child, with a lot.
“I suggest you sit down with her and talk it over, see what she thinks.” Ariana offered. “It might be she wants the same but thinks you might not.”
"I know you are right, just I know how hard it is to carry a child." Ezekiel said as he went on. " I don't want her to feel pressured to have another because of my selfish interests.”
“That’s why you need to sit down and talk with Anna about how you feel” Ariana advised. “Talk it out between you and see where you go from there.”
"I know it's that simple, just hope she feels the same way too about wanting another child." Ezekiel said, his concern was rejection of a second kid.
“Even if Anna doesn’t want another child now, that doesn't mean she won’t want another later on.” Ariana added trying to help Zeke feel better.
"You always know what to say, Ariana. I am grateful for that too." Ezekiel said, with a big warm smile on his face.
“Who me?” Ariana grinned. “That’s what I’m here for, if you’re feeling happier then I’m happy.”
"I don't want to take that much more of your time, you've been more than helpful to me today." Ezekiel pointed out, as a scene starts to fade.
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