Lt JG Taj'el - Flying Again?
Taj'el
((Shuttlecraft Oliphant, Shuttlebay Main Level, Deck 9, USS Ronin))
Drawing on both their Betazoid experience and their own ongoing difficulty with telepathic control, Taj’el began to question whether they had been an imposition on their companion. From what little the other officer had shared, it seemed that achieving internal balance was not a simple matter—even for those more accustomed to it.
They reconsidered their approach. Their personal struggles were, by all logic, something to be managed privately. They had hoped the officer’s unique heritage might provide useful insight, but in retrospect, it was possible they had asked too much. The realization settled uneasily, perhaps their probing, and the degree of openness they had offered in return, had created unintended emotional strain.
It was not the other officer’s responsibility. Taj’el noted this carefully, resolving to be more measured in future interactions.
T'Fearne: That sounds like a very trying experience.
Taj’el: Forgive me, I do not intend to burden you. I only wished to clarify the reasoning behind my inquiries.
She raised her hand, an action that seemed deliberate, though Taj’el was uncertain of its intent.
T'Fearne: Doctor, you are far from a burden, you have my word. I can’t say I know exactly what that would be like, but I did have an interesting experience recently. Exotic radiation I was exposed to de-aged my cells, I looked about twelve years old for several weeks. I’ve only just recently completed the treatment to return me to normal. ::brows scrunching together lightly:: But, for that time I didn’t feel like myself, stuck in a younger body with different capabilities and needs. It was disconcerting. At least it was my own younger body though, I can only imagine the challenge of navigating life as a whole different species.
They raised an eyebrow. Their first mission had also involved ultraviolet radiation—an unusual effect that had caused de-aging among several outpost scientists and even some officers. The comparison was immediately intriguing, and they found themself wanting to understand the reversal process, perhaps even correlate the two phenomena.
Then they halted the line of thought.
This was not an exchange of data. The other officer was attempting to empathize.
The word lingered, empathy, a concept they had become more aware of during their time in Commander Saa’s body. Recognizing this, Taj’el allowed their expression to soften slightly. They made an effort to nod in appreciation, though they remained uncertain how effectively the gesture conveyed their intent.
Taj’el: I can understand how that would be equally disconcerting. We encountered a similar phenomenon during my first mission, though I was neither directly involved nor affected.
T'Fearne: Perhaps the experience has a benefit. You mentioned you learned some things about your CO. It sounds like you had an opportunity to learn.
They treated it as a learning moment for themselves, logically sound, yet emotionally complex in practice. Processing it all at once was difficult. The most significant realization they had reached was that Betazoids with strong empathic abilities could be profoundly overwhelming to be around.
Taj’el: I admit, I am attempting to better understand others and their emotional responses as a result of that experience. I am also more aware of Betazoids in my proximity, though I am uncertain how to appropriately act on that awareness.
T'Fearne: Then the experience, while difficult, was valuable if it helped gain an understanding of one of your crewmates and perhaps yourself.
Taj’el: I see. Then thank you. I will continue attempting to view it in that manner. I am trying to better understand emotions, as I mentioned, I have been a “forever student,” as humans phrase it, for sixteen years.
They were relieved that T’Fearne had handled the preflight checklist. Taj’el was comfortable with structured lists and procedures, but piloting remained neither their strength nor their comfort.
As they prepared to ask if everything was ready, the Lieutenant slid into the co-pilot seat. Taj’el raised an eyebrow. Lately, it seemed as though everyone was intent on encouraging them to take the controls.
T'Fearne: Why don’t you take the con Lt. Taj’el. We have a flight path logged to the Azure Horizon Resort landing zone, but we can take a cruise over the ocean on our way there.
Taj’el: I am not certain that is wise. As a Medical Officer, I completed four years of doctoral study following my initial Starfleet training, so I am not particularly proficient in piloting.
T’Fearne: response
This was meant to be a simple flight, yet Taj’el still felt uncertain. Following a preplanned flight path and adhering to standard procedures was not inherently difficult, but confidence was another matter. At least it was not a large vessel under combat conditions, with alarms and explosions distorting every instrument readout.
Still, they could not help but wonder—why did situations like this keep being placed in front of them?
Taj’el: If… you insist.
T’Fearne: response
Taj’el settled into the console seat, posture noticeably rigid as they moved through the preflight checklist with meticulous care. Each item was reviewed, then reviewed again, confirmation layered upon confirmation. Only when satisfied did they shift attention to the hangar doors, running quick mental calculations on trajectory, angle, and clearance.
A passing thought surfaced, perhaps they should ask Meris for flight instruction, if this was going to become a recurring expectation. They glanced toward T’Fearne once more, silently checking for any sign of reconsideration. Receiving none, they proceeded. Thrusters engaged, and the craft eased out of the hangar in a controlled departure.
Once in flight, things remained… stable. Slow, perhaps, but steady and deliberate. Taj’el kept both hands on the controls, as though proximity alone might correct any deviation. Their hesitation and repeated internal verification slightly delayed their responses, but for a routine flight path, it remained within acceptable parameters.
They refused to look away from the console for long, intent on precision above comfort. A subtle nod accompanied atmospheric entry adjustments as they made continuous micro-corrections, fingers tapping lightly as calculations ran through their mind.
Eventually, as the ship stabilized beyond the denser layer, Taj’el allowed themself to lean back slightly, just enough to acknowledge that, despite everything, the flight was proceeding without incident.
Taj’el: It should be fine now.
T’Fearne: response
Taj’el: I definitely do not possess that natural “feel” other pilots seem to have.
T’Fearne: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
