[BACKSIM] Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith - Connect
Renaie Shortrith
((Counselling Care Centre, Medical Centre, Amity Outpost))
Saavei: Our rear torpedo tubes were disabled. I made the descent with ARIA, Commander Taelon's bot, to attempt repairs. My ankle was injured in the process and there were two crew members dead in the room. The launcher was irreparable and I used the Jeffries Tube between the two compartments to traverse to the other side. While there, the ship was struck by enemy fire, and the tube suffered an explosive decompression. I was able to catch myself but was nearly expelled into Underspace.
Renaie couldn't stop their jaw from dropping in surprise.
Shortrith: You… you almost fell into Underspace? How long did it take for you to get back into the Independence-B?
Saavei: I was able to maintain a hold on the hatch into the next torpedo launcher bay. The emergency force field activated in short order, two-point-three seconds when I checked the logs later. Subjectively, however, the moment appeared to be longer when experienced directly.
Shortrith: May I ask what you felt during that time?
They were aware of the fact that talking about emotions were typically taboo in Vulcan culture, but they hoped they were providing enough of a safe space for Saavei to be able to talk about her feelings free of judgement.
Saavei: That is not something I am used to speaking of.
Shortrith: Rest assured, this room is not a place of judgement. Anything you say in here will stay in here, unless it puts someone in danger.
Saavei: I appreciate the confidentiality but it is a cultural taboo. Expressing emotion for an adult Vulcan is akin to attending a Betazoid wedding then realizing one had the wrong day.
Renaie nodded, silently understanding.
Saavei: As I importuned my roommate about the matter, perhaps it would be more logical to discuss it here. It was her suggestion that I speak with you.
Shortrith: If you're not comfortable discussing, feel free to not discuss it.
They went silent after that, allowing the Vulcan to
Saavei: At the time I felt surprised. Then I was afraid. The hull breach appeared much larger in my mind than it was in reality. I believed that was where my journey would end, my katra drifting unclaimed through those corridors in perpetuity. ::Her eyebrow raised:: Please understand I immediately controlled these emotions to continue my duty.
Shortrith: I understand, those emotions typically arise in stressful situations.
Saavei: I was reflecting on it later, on the bridge, during the battle outside the Outpost. I believe it is possible Commander Ukinix may have sensed a lack of discipline in my thoughts during that time, between my recent experiences and concern for First Secretary Aitas, who was injured. The Commander was polite enough to not point it out, if so. Vulcans are supposed to be sources of strength in a crisis, not weaknesses.
Renaie's eyes shot up in surprise, but knotted themselves together in concern a second later.
Shortrith: Saavei, no matter what species you are, you don't have to be a source of strength. Everyone has a breaking point.
oO I've reached that point before. Oo
Saavei: Response
Shortrith: I understand that. But people can't bottle up their emotions, it's not healthy.
It was blunt, but the Klingon knew it to be true.
Saavei: Response
Shortrith: What do you mean?
Saavei: Response
Renaie nodded with a smile.
Shortrith: I see.
Saavei: Response
Shortrith: Even though my time on Amity is winding up, please reach out to people if you need connection, okay?
Saavei: Response
Another smile crossed their face as they slowly stood up.
Shortrith: That's all I ask.
Saavei: Response
[Tags/End Scene for Shortrith]Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith, MD
Counsellor/Medical Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
They/Them (Player and character)
A240204RS3