Lt JG Taj'el- Unfavorable Footing
Taj'el
((Sickbay, Deck 10, USS Ronin))
Listening had proven educational as they observed the others. Discovering that the Klingon Doctor also served as the counselor had been a fascinating revelation. They also appeared, like Saa, to possess training in medicine. This had been noteworthy, as Taj’el themselves had found it difficult to assist others with emotional concerns; such responsibilities required a particular aptitude.
As Commander Beck recounted a vague account of prior events, Taj’el had tapped lightly at the edge of their personal PADD, assimilating what limited information was available. The matter had not been their concern, though they had experienced a degree of curiosity regarding what had transpired. However, it did not alter the present circumstances. Their attention had then shifted to the Ensign, who appeared to possess considerable energy and an eagerness to explore the next section of the ship.
When he had invited the group to join him later, Taj’el had considered this a prudent course of action. It was possible they might have gained some measure of emotional insight from the half-Vulcan, who appeared significantly more cognizant of his emotions, or, at minimum, more inclined to express them.
Taj’el: Whatever you senior officers think is best.
The Ensign popped up and seemed ready to go.
Ryen: Thank you. All of you. Now, what do you recommend for lunch?
Beck: Oh, that's tough - we've got more than a few good spots to visit, so it depends on what you're looking for. With your being new, I would recommend either Brew Continuum down on Deck 14, or The 47 Lounge. Best coffee in the quadrant. Variety of food in the 47, since it spans three decks. After you're a little more settled, I'd suggest wandering to some of the other lounges, too.
Shortrith: I'm inclined to agree. They're very good options.
The Brew Continuum had been the vessel’s designated social gathering area. The 47 Lounge had appeared comparable to a form of Valhalla. It had been mildly intriguing that each ship maintained a distinct designation for its communal recreation space.
Taj'el: Seems you should start there Ensign.
Ryen: Response
Looking down at their notes, they had sensed one of the larger officers turn toward them. Upon looking up, they had identified him as the human. They tilted their head slightly as they regarded him.
Beck: I think maybe you and I got off on the wrong foot. You're here as a guest, right?
That had been similar to what Doctor Ay had stated. It seemed logical that they should begin their introductions in such a manner. “Hello, I am Taj’el. We will begin on an unfavorable footing.” It was possible that such a preemptive statement would reduce unnecessary comparisons at the outset of interpersonal interactions.
Beck: Yeah, from the Thor? Commander DeVeau was one of the proctors for my final exam at the Academy, and I have had a little opportunity to correspond with Sevantha Saa about some research I've got going on in the background. They're good people. And I don't think they would waste their time with someone who wasn't worth it.
Shortrith: I don't know much about them, to be honest.
Taj'el: Fascinating. I did not know Commander DeVeau well, but she… had wanted us to dance. I had been more familiar with Commander Saa; we had completed several missions together.
There had also been a subtle indication of something more as they spoke of Saa; even Taj’el had not registered the slight shift in their tone. They had come to know Saa somewhat too well in recent times.
Beck: I'd like to hear more about your research. I've actually got a pretty stellar bespoke lab set up for my own.
Taj'el: I had to admit it had been a personal project undertaken during periods of downtime. The intent had been to prevent my Chief Medical Officer from becoming aware of it. I believed they would have responded… emotionally.
They had observed the Klingon avert their gaze and had followed the direction of their glance. It then appeared they had intended to excuse themselves.
Shortrith: As much as I would enjoy to stick around and discuss things, unfortunately I have to go do some counselling stuff.
Taj'el: Forgive me for having detained you, Doctor.
They had observed as the doctor proceeded to attend to counseling duties. They found themselves curious about the individual but recognized that they could seek them out at a later time.
Beck: Response
Shortrith: Feel free to reach out, either of you, if you'd like to hang out off-duty.
Taj'el: Yes, Lieutenant. Thank you.
Beck: Response
Shortrith: I'll see you two around.
They had waved as the Klingon disappeared into what they could only assume was their office, then turned toward the taller human.
Taj'el: Forgive me once again for my forwardness. I come from a scientific background and continue to experience difficulty with what you term “bedside manner.” Additionally, the Academy had been my first substantial interaction with non-Vulcans on a personal level, and I am actively refining my capacity to engage with them.
Beck: Response
Taj’el: Ah, the research. ::They looked back up:: We had just lost a crew member to ultraviolet radiation. I had hoped to investigate further and determine whether there existed a more effective method of early detection.
Beck: Response
Taj’el: My Chief Medical Officer had appeared significantly affected by the loss, so I had considered that this period away from him would provide an appropriate opportunity to gather information, in order to avoid… eliciting an emotional response from him.
It had been subtle, but they had been attempting, in their own unconventional manner, to remain conscious of Doctor Ay’s loss. This represented their personal method of processing the event. They had not known the officer well, yet they had been present.
Beck: Response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
