Lt JG Taj'el - Contact
Taj'el
(Lumina Coves Ecological Retreat, Lolagi IV))
Taj’el reflected quietly, noting that the taller doctor was both agreeable and markedly different from themselves. It was an unfamiliar realization, yet it clarified why individuals sought comfort in others.Their proximity to Doctor Saa had, at times, made conversation feel complicated and difficult to navigate. In contrast, this emerging connection felt less encumbered, safer, and unexpectedly reassuring.
Taj’el: I admit, I tended to keep most individuals at arm’s length. However, you made conversation comparatively easy. I concluded that my hesitation stemmed from a desire not to ‘err.’
Shortrith: I understand, conversing with strangers is almost always a jarring experience. I applaud your bravery in coming to talk to me.
Taj’el: May I pose a personal inquiry? What course of action do you take when experiencing emotional states?
Shortrith: Typically, if it's a negative emotion, specifically something like sadness, I try to sit and acknowledge my feelings, give them time, and let them settle. If I'm feeling a strong negative emotion like anger, I typically go to a holodeck and work through something intense to get my anger out. I hope that's what you were referring to, why do you ask?
Taj’el nodded as they listened, recognizing the notion as one of practical value, both for their own conduct and for future interactions with others.
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.
Taj’el adjusted the edge of their glove as they spoke, approaching the matter with deliberate, scientific intent. Despite this, they noted a measurable increase in their heart rate.
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.
Taj’el observed as they offered a head nod in return. They inclined their head in acknowledgment, then deliberately began to remove their gloves, the pair the Ronin’s captain had thoughtfully provided.
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
Taj’el examined their now ungloved hand, holding it in their line of sight for a moment longer than necessary. The absence of the glove was immediately noticeable, not merely in sensation, but in implication. This was not a casual action; it carried weight, memory, and risk.
There was a brief hesitation, subtle but present, as they accounted for the variables, environmental stability, emotional state, proximity. Their breathing remained controlled, though not entirely unaffected.
With measured intent, Taj’el extended their hand toward the other doctor. The motion was slow and deliberate, allowing space for refusal. Their fingers remained slightly open, not grasping, offering rather than taking.
Shortrith: response
Taj’el: Just contact—nothing complicated.
As the Klingon reached out, Taj’el instinctively withdrew their hand slightly. The reaction was immediate and unintentional, an automatic response rather than a deliberate refusal. Taj’el paused, recognizing the movement, and offered an apologetic look.
Re-centering themselves, they extended their hand once more, holding it steady and open, consciously maintaining a neutral posture as they resumed their intent to establish simple contact.
Taj’el: Forgive me.
Shortrith: response
Slowly, Taj’el reached out again and, with the Klingon’s encouragement, made contact, taking their hand. There was nothing unusual or immediate, only the natural warmth of another’s skin against their own. No surge of unfamiliar sensation, no intrusion of thought; only a simple, physical connection.
For a brief moment, Taj’el remained still, as though verifying the absence of any secondary effect. Their grip was measured and non-restrictive, maintaining the same controlled neutrality they had intended from the outset.
Taj’el released a breath they had not realized they had been holding, the tension in their posture easing as the anticipated response did not occur. A subtle shift followed, barely perceptible, but present in the slight lowering of their shoulders and the steadier cadence of their breathing.
Taj’el: Fascinating…
Shortrith: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
