Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith - Content

[Renaie Shortrith]

((Lumina Coves Ecological Retreat, Lolagi IV))

Taj’el: Forgive me.

Shortrith: No need to apologise, take your time.

After Renaie's encouragement, Taj’el's hand made contact with their own. It felt strange, to them, making contact with a touch telepath and not feeling weird about it.

Some thoughts skimmed through the surface, but Renaie didn't feel any in particular spring to the front of their mind.

Taj’el: Fascinating…

Shortrith: Is this the result you wanted?

Taj’el: Yes, I suppose it is.

Shortrith: Hold on, let me try something.

Renaie firmed on Taj’el's grip a little, willing a certain thought to mind for them to hear.

Shortrith: ~~It's okay, you're safe here. I won't hurt you.~~

Taj’el: …okay…

The Klingon exhaled, a small smile crossing their face.

Shortrith: Did you hear that?

Taj’el: I did… It was calm and uninvasive.

Renaie felt Taj’el's hand intertwine with theirs, and gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

Shortrith: I'm glad that was the case.

Taj’el: Thank you… this has meant a great deal to me. I did not want to be a burden to others. It was also jarring for me.

Renaie gave their visiting colleague a look.

Shortrith: You have never been a burden on me, and I am of the opinion that you never will be. How so was it jarring?

Taj’el: Doctor Saa, thinks it has something to do with the emotional state of other’s and me not being used to filtering them out.

Shortrith: I'm assuming it's because of your telepathic abilities as a Vulcan?

Taj’el: Well, yes. Vulcans are telepathic; however, I lack sufficient practice with species outside of Vulcans. I do not possess strong mental defenses against the emotions of others.

Shortrith: I understand.

They paused, looking the fellow androgyne in the eyes.

Shortrith: May I give you a hug?

Taj’el: A hug? For what purpose?

Shortrith: As another way to show support, and show you that this is a safe place through actions, not just words.

Taj’el: Alright… yes. I believe I would find that acceptable.

Shortrith: Wonderful.

Renaie gently raised their arms up around Taj’el, resting them around their torso once they leaned in. The Klingon noticed that the Vulcan had closed their eyes, so they closed their own, leaning into the hug.

Taj’el: Is this acceptable? Should I reciprocate the gesture?

Shortrith: I'm not worried if you don't, but it would be nice if you do.

Taj’el: Okay… I will.

Renaie felt Taj’el wrap their arms around the Klingon's own, and they felt themself relax, feeling a sense of tenderness in the moment.

There was nothing that would be able to hurt the two.

They were safe.

Renaie could lower their guard.

Things were okay.

They didn't have to worry about anything else.

There was silence for a while before Renaie spoke up again.

Shortrith: This is nice.

Taj’el: Response

They paused, their eyes fluttering open to take a glance down at Taj’el.

Shortrith: Shall we stay down here for a bit, and then head back to the Ronin?

Taj’el: Response

Shortrith: All good, my friend. Stay here as long as you wish.

Taj’el: Response

After a little bit longer in the hug, Renaie gently removed themself from the hug, gave a friendly wave to Taj’el, before heading back to the Ronin.

They'd made a new friend of the visitor, and they were happy about it.

oO Alyndra was right. When you know where to look, you can make friends easily. Oo

[Tags/End Scene for Shortrith]

==

Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith, MD

Counsellor/Medical Officer

USS Ronin - NCC-34523

They/Them (Player and character)

A240204RS3