Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith - Safe

[Renaie Shortrith]

((Lumina Coves Ecological Retreat, Lolagi IV))

Taj’el: I was seeking guidance, and to determine whether you currently experienced emotional responses. If not, would you permit me to attempt an experiment?

Shortrith: What kind of experiment?

Taj’el: I wished to attempt physical contact with you.

Noting their gloves, Renaie knew this wasn't a light experiment.

Shortrith: I see… If I may ask, why me? Why not someone else?

Taj’el: You appeared to be a calm individual who had taken the time to assist me. I found this… comforting. I wished to determine whether a telepathic connection would occur, under controlled and neutral conditions. Would you object to this?

Shortrith: Oh no, I didn't mean that as a way of deflecting responsibility, I was just curious.

Taj’el: That is logical. It will not cause you harm. At most, I might perceive your surface thoughts momentarily.

oO This is important to them, don't mess this up. Oo

Nodding, Renaie smiled invitingly.

Shortrith: Sure! I'm happy to help however you'd like me to.

Taj’el: I had not attempted to establish a connection since the prior incident. As such, I had not evaluated how it would proceed. It appeared to manifest only under conditions of elevated stress or heightened emotional states. Here, the environment was calm and controlled, so there should have been no effect

Renaie watched the vulcan take their gloves off, offering their left hand to hold the gloves.

The Counsellor took slow, deep breaths, calming themself to be a suitable control subject for the experiment. oO Stay calm for them. Oo

They stayed silent and still for a moment as Taj’el extended their hand towards them.

Shortrith: Anything specific you'd like me to do?

Taj’el: Just contact—nothing complicated.

Nodding, Renaie reached out to gently hold the outstretched hand, but their hand remained hovered as Taj’el pulled away.

They smiled encouragingly as the Vulcan put their hand back out.

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. ::a pause 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: Response

Shortrith: I understand.

They paused, looking the fellow androgyne in the eyes.

Shortrith: May I give you a hug?

Taj’el: Response

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

Taj’el: Response

==

Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith, MD

Counsellor/Medical Officer

USS Ronin - NCC-34523

They/Them (Player and character)

A240204RS3