Survivors Guilt

Posted on Sun Mar 29th, 2026 @ 1:03am by Lieutenant Malcom Hunt & Lieutenant Lanna Alexander
Edited on on Sun Mar 29th, 2026 @ 1:24am

944 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Forgotten Wounds
Location: Counseling Office

Making his way to the counseling office, Malcom had an appointment scheduled to speak with Lieutenant Alexander. Being the only survivor of the doomed ship that was caught in the anomaly, he found himself having reoccurring dreams about being trapped on that escape pod for the rest of his life. It was odd, because he was simply just a passenger on his way to the next assignment. Arriving to the counselor's door, he pressed the chime.

In her office Lanna got up from her seat to greet Malcolm. As the door opened she smiled warmly, “Hello Lieutenant, please come on in and make yourself at home.”

"Thanks for seeing me so quickly," Malcom spoke. Taking up her offer, he sat down.

Walking across to her seat she sat down giving him a smile. “Now, what brings you to see me today?”

"Nightmares, which are overwhelming," he explained. "I haven't had a full night's rest in a while."

Lanna nodded. “That’s not good, can you tell me more about the nightmares? I know it’s not easy so take your time.”

Malcom thought carefully as he tried to recall the details of the dreams. "I always find myself walking down the corridor of the ship. Surrounded by unknown people, yet they feel familiar. Things go dark without warning." Closing his eyes, he went silent as the imaged began to come back to him. "And then the red light and everyone dead. Reaching out to me. Wanting me to join them in death."

Lanna nodded as she listened taking in everything that was being said. “You said you didn’t recognise any of those in your nightmare? Did you recognise the ship you were aboard?”

"Yes, I recognized the ship. I was the only survivor of the ship pulled into the anomaly. Other than a passenger on my way to the next assignment. I had no attachment to the crew. But yet, I can't get them off my mind."

“That’s understandable” Lanna offered. “You said it yourself, you’re the only survivor amongst all of those onboard. It’s called survivors guilt, you may not even realise how you’re feeling, but deep down in your psyche you feel guilty for being alive when they aren’t.”

"Any ideas on how to get past this?"

“It’s not just getting past it, you’re going to have to learn to accept that you survived.” Lanna offered a caring glance. “Watching others die and knowing you couldn’t help is bad enough, but trying to convince yourself not that you are to blame for surviving is something completely different.”

Hunt thought about those words very carefully. Simply getting past it was far too easy of a solution. This was going to take time and a lot of work before he would have a goodnights sleep again. "I'm all about doing whatever it takes."

Lanna nodded. “Good, then we can get you started on the road to recovery.” She smiled warmly.

"What are the first steps?"

“You’ve made the first step, coming and talking to me” Lanna smiled. “Now we keep those steps going. I want you to maintain your normal routine, try eating in the lounge from time to time amongst the crew for company, and try to avoid any self medicating by that I mean alcohol, if you need sleep aids that I can help with. Well sort some relaxation techniques for you to practice as well.”

Malcom thought about the recommendation. "Eating in the lounge is a good idea. Been wanting to get around to meeting the crew."

“Then that’s a good place to start” Lanna smiled warmly. “It doesn't have to be for long, just gradually increase your length of time as you feel comfortable.”

"Comfort has never been an issue," Hunt replied. "The issue tend to be that people tend not to be so open for new people being in their circle."

Lanna nodded. “I can see your concern there, people do tend to make their own friendship circles, it’s not easy to integrate into them when you’re new.”

"Integrating can be a difficult task."

Lanna nodded in agreement. “Perhaps a few introductions would help? I could meet you in the lounge and help with the introductions, without being too obvious of course.”

Hunt thought about that option. The idea wasn't too bad, unless they got caught by the crew. Then it would simply look pathetic. "I would definitely appreciate your help with that."

“Then we could make it look like just a random meeting in the lounge, it would save you any embarrassment that way.” Lanna smiled warmly.

"Have you had a chance to go on shoreleave?”

“Plenty of times” Lanna nodded. “Depending on where you go, you can have a wonderful time or not quite so wonderful. You make the best of it in every situation.”

Malcolm nodded in agreement. "And how long have you served on Arcadia?"

“I, like many others, am pretty new to the ship. I transferred in from the Standing Bear with my family.” Lanna smiled.

"Married? And do you have children?"

“I am married” Lanna nodded. “My husband works in medical, we have a son Jayce, and another child on the way.” She smiled warmly.

"Congratulations, I am happy for the both of you."

“Thank you” Lanna smiled warmly.

"I better get back to work," he acknowledged. "But thanks for the talk. Feeling a little bit better and clearer on somethings."

Lanna nodded. “Of course, if you need me you know where to find me.”

=================
Lieutenant Malcom Hunt
Chief Helm Officer
USS Arcadia

Lieutenant Lanna Alexander
Chief Counselor
USS Arcadia

 

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