[h3]September 24, 2190
On Route to Polaris System - Mid Jump
USF Arcadian, Bridge[/h3]
Astrid was still thinking about the brief exchange with the engineering department, having just set several custom alarms to alert her if the jump parameters deviated by half the standard margins when her PDA pinged her with a deadline reminder.

The shrink’s pop quiz.

Astrid looked over her instruments - all within limits. She glanced back at the command deck - no one paying attention to her after the Captain’s acknowledgment. It was not going away, might as well get it over with now, she thought as she opened the mental fitness questionnaire on her PDA and started skimming the questions.

3. After a high-stress shift, how quickly do you return to emotional baseline?
[i]“Minutes with coffee, hours with a nap?”[/i] She thought with a chuckle.

6. During extended duty cycles, your ability to make complex decisions is:
[i]“Well, gee, I wonder what human beings in general function like when not resting enough?”[/i]

9. In emergency simulations, your thinking tends to be:
Loud bang. Shuddering. Loss of power. Blood. Impact. “Pff, simulations.” She scoffed.

“You say something, LT?” Lieutenant Commander Collins leaned over from the Master Gunner’s station next to her.
“Just swearing.” Astrid answered quietly, “Fucking brain scratcher doesn’t have anything to poke, so she’s bothering us.”
“The mental fitness thing?”
“Got it in one.” She nodded.
“She’s just doing her job.” He countered.
“At the worst possible time. How hard would it have been to request our files and selection process materials before we launched?”
“She’s probably testing honesty.”
“That’s what’s pissing me off.”
“Also, she sent these out nearly a week ago.” He continued, “Why did you not do it then?”
“I was busy. Where did you find the time?”
“Did the gunnery tests, took just two days, work done. What were you doing?” He chuckled.
“Right, you only have military personnel in your department. I had to pull civvies up to standard, kicking and screaming.” She groaned, “Feels like I lived in the sim for a week.”

Astrid continued working through it. Read a question, check instruments, think of an answer, mark down the answer, move on.

12. When confined with the same individuals for long periods, you feel:
She glanced over her shoulder in the XO’s direction before answering that one.

14. When another crew member is distressed, you typically:
[i]“That’s your job.”[/i] Astrid thought as she selected ‘Offer Limited Support’ [i]“I’m just supposed to notice and point them to you.”[/i]

22. How open are you to unfamiliar cultures, ideas, or forms of intelligence?
[i]“‘Suffer not the alien to live.’ Said the humans in that ridiculous ancient sci fi.”[/i] She thought with an amused grin as she put down ‘Cautious.’

[hr]
[b]FROM:[/b] LT Weiss
[b]TO:[/b] Dr. Sorens
[b]SUBJECT:[/b] Re: Arcadian Mental Fitness Assessment

[b]ATTACHMENTS:[/b]
[hider=AMFA-1 (LT. Weiss)]
[b][h3]Section I: Emotional Regulation & Stress Response[/h3][/b][b]1. When unexpected system failures occur, your immediate emotional response is usually:[/b]
A. Calm and focused

[b]2. How often do intrusive thoughts interfere with your ability to concentrate on tasks?[/b]
A. Rarely or never

[b]3. After a high-stress shift, how quickly do you return to emotional baseline?[/b]
B. Within an hour

[b]4. When faced with prolonged uncertainty, you tend to feel:[/b]
A. Curious and adaptable

[b]5. How effectively do you regulate frustration when technology or protocols fail?[/b]
B. Mostly effectively
[b][h3]Section II: Cognitive Function & Decision-Making[/h3][/b][b]6. During extended duty cycles, your ability to make complex decisions is:[/b]
B. Slightly reduced

[b]7. When processing large volumes of data, you most often feel:[/b]
A. Engaged and capable

[b]8. How often do you second-guess decisions you’ve already made?[/b]
B. Sometimes

[b]9. In emergency simulations, your thinking tends to be:[/b]
B. Focused but narrow

[b]10. How well do you maintain attention during long periods of routine monitoring?[/b]
B. Adequately
[b][h3]Section III: Interpersonal Functioning & Team Dynamics[/h3][/b][b]11. How comfortable are you resolving interpersonal conflict directly?[/b]
C. Uncomfortable

[b]12. When confined with the same individuals for long periods, you feel:[/b]
B. Occasionally strained
Optional elaboration: Depends in part on the individuals in question.

[b]13. How often do you feel misunderstood by crewmates?[/b]
B. Occasionally

[b]14. When another crew member is distressed, you typically:[/b]
B. Offer limited support

[b]15. How well do you accept feedback from mission leadership?[/b]
B. Generally well
[b][h3]Section IV: Isolation, Identity & Psychological Endurance[/h3][/b][b]16. How does prolonged separation from home affect you emotionally?[/b]
A. Minimal impact

[b]17. How often do you reflect on your sense of purpose aboard The Arcadian?[/b]
B. Occasionally
Optional elaboration: Not at all.

[b]18. When alone for extended periods, your thoughts are usually:[/b]
B. Neutral

[b]19. How connected do you feel to humanity as a whole while on this mission?[/b]
A. Strongly connected

[b]20. How well do you cope with the knowledge that returning home may not occur?[/b]
B. Adequately
[b][h3]Section V: Adaptability & Psychological Flexibility[/h3][/b][b]21. When mission parameters change suddenly, you usually:[/b]
A. Adapt quickly

[b]22. How open are you to unfamiliar cultures, ideas, or forms of intelligence?[/b]
C. Cautious

[b]23. When routines are disrupted for long periods, you feel:[/b]
B. Mildly unsettled
Optional elaboration: ‘Annoyed’ was not a listed option.

[b]24. How confident are you in your long-term mental resilience?[/b]
A. Very confident

[b]25. Overall, how mentally fit do you believe you are for continued duty?[/b]
A. Fully fit

[b]Optional: Please indicate any concerns not previously addressed in the space provided below.[/b]
How many answers can deviate from your personal opinion on the matter before you end a career because of it?[/hider]