2nd. Lt. Jacen Xaivis “If You Could Read My Mind…You’d Probably Lose Yours”
Jacen Xaivis
“If You Could Read My Mind…You’d Probably Lose Yours”
((Counsellor’s Office, Deck Five, USS Octavia E. Butler))
Xaivis: The first is the silence…you share a collective consciousness. That’s why I was treated on Trill, they have specialists in these kinds of things…but you don’t even notice it until it’s gone.
Stendhal: Yes, that makes perfect sense. Trill hosts share their consciousness with the symbiont, and the symbiont shares it with its previous hosts! It must be quite a lively experience!
The woman’s professional curiosity was refreshing as she seemed to be considering the general surroundings of his situation rather than the typical – so you were a Borg then? – approach.
Xaivis: It is…although I didn’t observe much, I became more familiar with it over time.
Although, much like his own condition, he’d seen those had become joined – change. The whole becoming something much greater than the sum of its parts but also influencing the host. Seeing changes in temperament, thought process…even movement…as everything came to balance.
Stendhal: I imagine the joining Trill process must be fascinating. Do they share those milky baths with all the symbionts with you?
Xaivis: It’s more water than milk, although it’s very rich in certain elements and minerals – it’s not dissimilar to amniotic fluid. We did try that – although it’s more suited to the Trill physiology.
Stendhal: Did that…spa treatment help you integrate with yourself? Sharing meditations with all the past personalities sounds…intense.
He took a sip from his mug.
Xaivis: It would be for a Trill…the number of collective minds I was connected with…it would probably get quite crowded…and certainly be less peaceful than a traditional zhian'tara. It’s not something Novans are biologically prepared for.
Stendhal: Being three-quarters Betazoid, telepathy is ingrained in our culture. Back home, we can share thoughts, but it's a far cry from what you might imagine. We retain our individuality, our own sense of self. Deep connections, however, are formed with a chosen few, often family, but especially with your Imzadi, your soulmate. In those bonds, a oneness forms, a unique understanding that transcends words.
A concerned look came over Jacen’s face. He wasn’t aware she was significantly Betazoid and, had he known, he may have taken some further precautions.
Xaivis: :Warily:: Three quarters Betazoid you say…so how does that telepathic connection tend to manifest?
Stendhal: It varies a lot. With some people, it's effortless, like reading an open book. With others, it's like trying to break through a mental wall. You, for example, seem quite closed off to me telepathically.
Xaivis: That has taken a great many years of practice…and requires upkeep. In your particular case, as someone with a predisposition to telepathic activity…it’s more for your protection than mine.
Stendhal: Response
Xaivis: There are a lot of sleeping dogs there, counsellors, probably best to leave them napping…for now.
Stendhal: Response
Xaivis: I prefer regular sleep but I can fully function on three hours…there isn’t really an appropriate word so I’ll say, recharge. I’ll actually need to speak to the operations and engineering teams about that.
Stendhal: Response
TBC
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2nd Lt. Jacen V. Xaivis
SFMC Officer