Crack your skull open [Closed]

[themightysamson]

Picking a place to do evaluations wasn't easy, but after some searching, he eventually found a nice spot. It was... some alien building in the city. He didn't know much about the culture, but he had to marvel at the architecture. Not only was it aesthetically pleasing, the furniture was comfortable, and the walls were virtually soundproof. It helped to provide a nice relaxing and secure atmosphere he needed to get people talking.

And speaking of, he sat back, waiting for his first few appointments of the day to arrive.

Comments

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

Jamie sees what you did there.

"I told you, that wasn't me trying to jump in front of a train. It was someone else with a different life and different problems, and - really stupid problems, frankly. 'f he was willing to commit suicide over that, wul - that's...weak."

His tone lost the touch of vehemence that'd crept into it, became more subdued. Much more subdued. "Pathetic."

[themightysamson]

"Even if you're not him, you should still learn from his mistakes.

"You don't want to cause anyone any trouble, which is good. But if you are having any problems or need anything, that's not being a burden, that's being a person." He'd say 'human', but considering the rest of the crew...

"You're as much a part of this crew as everyone else is, and your feelings are just as important as anyone else's. You don't need to try to deal with all on your own."

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

"I know that," Jamie said in a tone of mild reproach. "And if I do need help dealing then I'll talk to...someone. Until then, if I can do it on my own I might as well, right?

"Besides," he added suddenly. "Who d'you talk to about this stuff? I mean, you lost your world same as everybody else, 's not exactly fair that you have to sit here listening to the rest of the ship whine about their problems when you don't have anybody to vent to."

[themightysamson]

"Who says I don't have anyone to vent to?" He'll let you ponder that one for a moment.

"And don't try to take the focus off of yourself."

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

But that's Jamie's survival mechanism, man. Why you gotta take that away from him?

"Wasn't trying to take the focus off myself," he lied. "I was curious."

[themightysamson]

"Mmmhmm." Suuuure Jamie. He believes you.

"Anyway, like I said, you seem like a good kid, but you could stand to socialize a bit more. To that end, I'm going to assign you a bit homework."

Yes, you get homework.

"I want you to join the Outsiders, and stay for a few months. I want you to give it an honest shot, and we'll schedule a follow up appointment to check up on how you're finding the experience."

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

Jamie stared at him blankly.

"The Outsiders?" he repeated. "I thought that was for kids. I'm not a kid. I'm eighteen, I'm an adult, I'm doing...adult things."

[themightysamson]

"It's more for teenagers and young adults, which certainly fits you. And it won't hurt you to do a few childish things anyway." He got the feeling that Jamie hadn't done enough childish things in his lifetime.

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

"I've done childish things," Jamie protested. "When I was a child. I don't have time for that kinda stuff now."

He sighed. "What do the Outsiders do, anyway?"

[themightysamson]

"That's what you get to find out for yourself.

"This isn't a negotiation, Jamie, it's an assignment. Failure to comply could have you pulled from other assignments. General Chacon isn't big on insubordination, after all."

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

Jamie leveled another stare at him, this one disbelieving.

"...seriously? You'd have me kicked off the squadron for not joining some...kid's club? For not having friends?" he finished, his tone angry and indignant.

[themightysamson]

"Yes." He didn't expect Jaime to get it now, but there is a long term method to this madness.

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

Jamie made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat but said nothing for a second or two. "So what're you gonna tell General Chacon if I don't do it? 'Jamie refuses to make friends, he's unfit to do anything useful'?"

[themightysamson]

"Actually I'd just tell her that because you willfully refused to participate in mandatory therapy, I was forced to issue you a failing grade for your psych eval, and that you are to be removed from active duty immediately until further notice. At which point she will hunt you down and likely berate you for refusing to do something as simple as join the Outsiders, and thus costing her a pilot by getting yourself grounded.

"Its all very straight forward, and the end result depends solely on the decisions you make."

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

"What decision? I don't have a choice in this! You're forcing me into something entirely pointless just because you don't like the state of my social life," Jamie shot back.

[themightysamson]

"You can do it, or not. Whichever way you decide is up to you, and you've been made fully aware of the consequences of your actions."

At this juncture, the onus was on Jamie now.

"You'll be contacted soon and scheduled for a follow up. Enjoy the rest of your day."

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

"Is that an order too, sir?" Jamie's tone was marginally more controlled now, resentment roiling just beneath the surface as he stood to leave.

[themightysamson]

"That was more of a suggestion," he helpfully offered.

[riseupnchargem.livejournal.com]

"Then I'll take it into consideration. Thank you for your concern."

And with that parting shot, he left.