Lt Jg Karen Stendhal - Xaivis's sleeping dogs

[K4RN3 ST3NDHL4]

((Counsellor’s Office, Deck Five, USS Octavia E. Butler))

Stendhal: Did that…spa treatment help you integrate with yourself? Sharing meditations with all the past personalities sounds…intense.

Karen glanced at Xaivis while he was sipping his coffee, his mind was like a stone wall, almost nothing was coming out.

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 flicker of doubt crossed Jacen's face, momentarily replacing his usual composure with a look of concern. He hadn't anticipated encountering a Betazoid, despite the information clearly stated in her file.

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.

Karen folded her legs at the knee and ran a hand through her blonde hair, attempting to gain a clearer understanding of the situation.

Didn't one know what horrors and nightmares one might encounter if Jacen opened his mind to a multitude of assimilated individuals horribly transformed into mindless thralls? Or absolute emptiness, the total loss of personality, becoming a silent cell of a larger mind? But what knowledge did a collective of thousands or more minds united together have access to?

 

Stendhal: I partially understand the situation, is the first time that I met one like you, with this kind of dramatic experience. 

How do you cope with that? Maybe if we slowly unfold and if you open a little bit about your ghosts, it may help you.

I recognize the complexity of your experiences and the unique challenges you’ve faced. As a counsellor, it’s not uncommon to encounter individuals with diverse and profound stories, yet yours stands out due to its particularly intense nature. Coping with such experiences can be a deeply personal journey, and I’m here to support you through that process. 

Xaivis: There are a lot of sleeping dogs there, counsellors, probably best to leave them napping…for now.

Stendhal: Shhh... Let sleeping dogs lie.

 When and If you'll feel comfortable, we'll can gradually explore about these sleeping 'dogs' together.

If we'll explore slowly the aspects of the past that haunt you, well that could be a step towards healing. 

This is a safe space, and you’re in control of how much you choose to share. 

Talking about sleeping, do you sleep well , well I mean in a bed, or do you have one of those green and fluo charging stations? 

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: For the human mind... The sleep cycle is very important for maintaining optimal mental health. But maybe for you is not the same...

Xaivis: Response 

Stendhal: However, you seem to me to be fully stable and emotionally capable of facing active service. 

I have no doubt about you.

Xaivis: Response

Stendhal: Nevertheless, I would be delighted to meet again to continue our journey together and offer my support. We can at least make the sleeping dogs ... Chihuahuas.

Xaivis: Response

TAGS/TBC

=============================

Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor  
USS Octavia E Butler

ID: C239604KS0
=============================