Lt. JG Taj'el - Was really is Satisfaction?
Taj'el
((Deck 04, Guest Quarters, USS Ronin))
It was fascinating to speak with a department chief. The only senior officers they typically interacted with were their own superior or Commander Saa, and even then, certain subjects could prove difficult to discuss. The recent succession of unusual missions had also kept them sufficiently occupied that they had not yet asked Commander Saa the same question they had posed to Commander Herricks.
Having the opportunity to pose it to Lieutenant Kessler was therefore quite insightful. Some individuals appeared to feel confined by their position, while others seemed entirely certain that they belonged where they were. Taj’el found themselves wondering which perspective someone who served as the chief of their department might hold.
Kessler: A Commodore with great insight set me on my path.
Taj’el: Do you find stratification in your work then?
Kessler: Satisfaction comes in many forms Lieutenant. Out here, satisfaction with your work is short lived. There is always a new challenge around the corner that pushes us beyond our limits. I am satisfied with my work when every crew member comes back from a mission. But then my new challenge starts. ::Stepping towards a window looking into space:: What lays out there around the next corner immediately changes what I am satisfied with and what I am not.
Taj'el: I see, fascinating.
For Taj’el, goals and work had always been centered more on proving their capability than on deriving emotional fulfillment from them. However, like Commander Herricks, Lieutenant Kessler was also human, and it seemed possible that it was simply human nature to seek the positive aspects of such responsibilities. By doing so, they appeared to draw motivation from the challenges before them, using them as an opportunity to continually improve themselves.
Kessler: What about you Doc? Are you satisfied with your work?
Taj'el: I do not believe satisfaction is a sensation Vulcans commonly prioritize. We simply perform our duties to the best of our ability. I selected Medical as a change in discipline in order to demonstrate to myself that I was capable.
They observed him nod slightly as he considered the information. Taj’el found themselves wondering what conclusions he might be drawing from their explanation of their role. While they did find medicine intellectually interesting, it had also represented the next logical step in their career, particularly as their performance at the Vulcan Science Academy had not been especially distinguished.
Kessler: I see. Maybe getting to Sickbay and seeing what the Ronin has to offer might be the first step. ::gesturing to the door:: Shall we?
Taj'el: The first step? Are you implying that I will eventually find satisfaction aboard the Ronin, Lieutenant?
Kessler: Response
Taj’el raised an eyebrow, observing him for a moment before moving to follow behind him.
Taj’el: I admit I am curious to examine your facilities
They walked in silence for a short time. Taj’el was reminded that they should make some effort to socialize. They glanced up at the taller man, considering a suitable topic of conversation.
Taj’el: Who do you know aboard the Thor, Lieutenant? It is possible that I am also acquainted with them.
Kessler: Response
They paused, not having expected that response. They had indeed spoken with several of those individuals, more than casually in some cases. One of them, in particular, they considered themselves relatively close to. It was therefore somewhat surprising to discover that there was a connection to them even at such a distance.
Taj’el: From when you served aboard the Buttler? If I may inquire, what prompted your transfer? Or was the decision made at the request of Starfleet?
Kessler: Response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
