Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith - Sunlight On Your Mind
Renaie Shortrith
((Counselling Suites, Deck 10, USS Ronin))
Shortrith: Where would you like to start?
Taj'el: I do not know. I believe most conversations begin with introductions, followed by basic inquiries such as one’s well-being, preferred colors, or interest in sweets. From that baseline of information, more advanced interaction can then proceed.
Shortrith: Well, that's certainly one way to approach it.
There were other nuances that Renaie knew belonged in conversation, but it seemed that Taj’el had yet to learn. There were some parties that disliked small talk, Renaie knew. They were still trying to find ways to bond with them other than asking default questions of things on their records.
Taj’el: Was that inaccurate?
Shortrith: Yes and no. Some parties dislike small talk, as it makes them uncomfortable. These people may appreciate trying to find common ground, for example, things that both you and the person are interested in.
Renaie tried to keep their explanation warm and inviting, being consious of different cultures and the way people perceive different things. As a Klingon raised in Human society, they'd known to be consious of this.
oO Don't offend the others. Be more human. Oo
Taj’el: I see… we could simply speak about ourselves. Alternatively, you may provide a breakdown of what is required for effective bedside manner.
Renaie made a weird expression with their face that only could be described with an emoticon (:/). It was a semi frown that wasn't particularly a grimace? But it wasn't a full frown either. In some cultures talking solely about yourself was considered wrong. Especially when not asking about the others.
Shortrith: Talking about yourself isn't… It's not really what some may appreciate. If one solely talks about themself, they leave a, in human terms, sour taste.
Taj’el: A sour reaction? I see. It had seemed the most logical method of learning about an individual, their interests and disposition, would be to have them speak about themselves. However, there is merit in the perspective that casual interactions do not require extensive personal disclosure. Then… small talk would be the appropriate alternative?
Shortrith: Not exactly. If you're aware of something that you both have an appreciation for, maybe talk about that. Or, maybe, ask people if there's anything interesting that they're working on. Make sure to pay attention, because people like rambling and they typically appreciate it when someone else listens.
Taj’el: I am a proficient listener. However, it appears effective to bridge initial gaps by asking a set of preliminary questions to identify a topic of mutual interest, and then proceeding to discuss that subject.
Shortrith: In a way, yes, but there are other ways to approach it. Such as asking further questions.
Taj’el: Elaboration… I see.
Renaie watched the Vulcan exhale before speaking again.
Taj’el: Then… may I ask you to elaborate about yourself? Ah, more specific questions. ::pause:: Perhaps, why did you choose to become a doctor, more specifically, a counselor?
Renaie took a second to process the question, surprised at being asked.
Shortrith: When I was growing up, I found myself getting injured often - broken bones, sprained ankles, you name it. I'd always had positive experiences with the doctors who treated me so I followed the same path to pay it forward to someone else.
Taj’el: Understood. I have observed that the question of why one joins Starfleet is often considered surprisingly personal. Please forgive me if this inquiry was similarly… intrusive.
Shortrith: No, no, no, it's fine, it's a fair question. May I ask what brought you into medicine?
Taj’el: Reciprocation… I see. I have a background in the sciences and chose to evaluate whether medicine would be a more suitable path. Upon joining Starfleet, I transitioned into medical studies after several years at the Vulcan Science Academy.
Shortrith: ::genuinely:: Interesting.
Looking around, Taj’el assessed that the interaction had begun to resemble a counseling session. If the objective was general communication rather than formal evaluation, it might be more appropriate to conduct the discussion in a different setting. Recent interactions with Doctor Saa may have influenced this perception, yet the conclusion remained that remaining seated in the current room for this type of exchange did not appear optimal.
Renaie noticed Taj’el glance around, and wondered what they were going to say.
Taj’el: Should we perhaps walk? It may help prevent this from feeling clinical… or overly formal, like work.
Shortrith: That sounds like a good idea. I've been meaning to go down to Lumina Coves at some point, would that interest you?
Taj’el: Response
Shortrith: Shall we go?
Taj’el: Response
((Short Timeskip - Lumina Coves Ecological Retreat, Lolagi IV))
After travel down to the planet, Renaie turned back to Taj’el to make sure they were okay. They offered a gentle smile.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, weaving shadows on the ground through the glassy ceiling.
Shortrith: What do you think? Is this better for the conversation?
Taj’el: Response
Renaie noticed the fellow doctor's gloved hands and gave a curious head tilt, but continued with the previous topic.
Shortrith: What's on your mind?
Taj’el: Response
Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith, MD
Counsellor/Medical Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
They/Them (Player and character)
A240204RS3