Chapter Text
Dr. Grace.
Can you hear me, Dr. Grace?
Can you speak? No? Alright. You don't have to talk; just listen. I am not going to tell you to calm down, because that has never helped anyone to calm down. But you do need to.
Choose something to focus on. Here—look at me. Dr. Grace. Look at me. There. Focus.
You're alright. You are alright. You aren't in any real danger; just let yourself realize that. Shhhh. Stop crying. Get out of your own head. Focus on your breathing and slow down.
Breathe. In. Out. In. Out. Slower. Don't pant. You are in fight or flight and you need to force yourself out of it. Now breathe. You are not a cornered animal. You are a highly capable person. You are far more competent than you believe you are, and you have far less to fear than you think you do. You are going to get through this. You are going to succeed, because failure is not an option.
You need to calm down. We have too much riding on this; on you. Earth is counting on us, Dr. Grace. Humanity needs a savior, not a useless, sniveling brat. And I need a right hand I can rely on.
You can't just break down like this in the face of the slightest distress. God, how the hell did you manage to get through graduate school? Don't worry about it; that was a rhetorical question.
Can you say more than yes or no now? That's not an answer—good. No, I am not "mad at you." Hush. The only person you need to apologize to is yourself. Stop it.
Listen to me. I am trying to help you, but I can't do this for you. You need to meet me halfway. Pull yourself together, as much as you're able, and talk to me. I'm here.
Deep, slow breaths. Don't gasp for air—good. Are you done crying?
You can see me, yes? Good. Now can you name five other things around us? Good…good…good…good…good. What can you hear? Good…And what can you feel? Gravity? My hand? There. You're alright. Let yourself be calm.
Now are you ready to get back to work? Alright. Good. What can you manage right now. There. Start small. Can you stand up? Here. Let's get up.
Now come with me; we have a lot to do.