Lt JG Taj'el - Admition
Taj'el
((Ready Room, Deck 3, USS Ronin))
The mountain of a Trill was a presence Taj’el had not encountered before. Admittedly, they were somewhat short for a Vulcan; however, this Captain seemed massive by any standard. They briefly wondered if the reports of his death had been greatly exaggerated—and if they had not, what could possibly have been capable of bringing down such a man.
However, the meeting proved to be brief, and it appeared they would soon be able to continue on their way.
Taj’el: Clarification: I had also requested assistance with the study of ultraviolet radiation, as it had been necessary to conduct the research within a new environment. It had therefore been determined that I could receive the requested support here aboard the Ronin
They lifted a PADD with the request and orders on it, but paused as they noticed their ungloved hand. Now that they were on board, they would need to resume wearing their gloves. However, during a security check-in such as this, it was likely acceptable.
Niac: This seems fine, you can talk to Lt. Cmdr. Kel, our Chief Science Officer, to arrange lab space and any other resources you need. ::He paused for a moment and considered the young Vulcan:: Are you alright, Lieutenant? I've spent more than my share of time around Vulcans in my career and I can't shake the sense you're a bit...uncomfortable. Speak freely...as long as you're aboard this ship you're ultimately my responsibility.
There was a brief pause as Taj’el raised an eyebrow and studied the imposing Captain. Straightening their shoulders, they considered whether they had said or done anything that might have given the Captain cause to question their abilities, or their composure, in that moment.
Taj'el: Vulcans do not experience discomfort in such matters, Captain. I assure you that I am fit for duty.
The man made a facial expression that Taj’el could not readily identify.
Niac: Well then lets put this into terms you might find more palatable...if you're uncomfortable in any way, it could impact your efficiency and ultimately your effectiveness at a given task. I'm sure you, of all people, can appreciate the logic of that. With that in mind I'll ask again...are you alright?
Taj'el: I assume any hesitation you perceive stems from my limited experience within Starfleet. I remain relatively inexperienced and am still learning the fundamental expectations, as well as the social cues of other species. Please do not interpret any hesitation on my part as an inability to perform my duties.
The encroaching physical response caused their chest to tighten as they recognized that they had erred. Their hands moved instinctively to adjust their gloves, only for them to be reminded that they were not present. The realization brought their earlier hesitation back to mind. They released a quiet, frustrated sigh before folding their hands neatly in front of them.
Niac: Lieutenant I appreciate the fact you're a visitor here and you're unfamiliar with how we do things but I take an interest in anybody who steps through that door, regardless of their rank or role. The only reason the Ronin can do what it does is because the crew trusts one another...so I'd encourage you to, however temporarily, embrace that. The people here are among the finest I've ever served with...I hope you'll trust them so, should anything happen, they'll know they can trust you.
Taj’el found themselves wondering if every Captain was given an insight course or a rapid education in psychology. The notion was both fascinating and mildly irritating. They rarely allowed themselves to open up even to individuals they knew well, and yet they now found themselves placed in a position where a Captain expected such openness. Their expression remained neutral even as their thoughts drifted through a number of quiet insecurities.
Trust was an intriguing concept, one they had been forced to learn while inhabiting another body, an experience that had been profoundly uncomfortable. Other species appeared to grant it far more readily than Vulcans. For them, however, trust was something that had to be demonstrated repeatedly, with the standards for it seeming to rise each time it was tested.
Taj'el: I… merely neglected to reapply my gloves.
They admitted this while maintaining a steady focus on the Captain, refusing to allow their gaze to waver. The effort carried the quiet determination of a personal challenge, one directed more toward themselves than toward the man before them.
Niac: Response
Taj’el: Yes, Captain…my gloves. During my service in Starfleet I have discovered that I possess… limited control over my telepathic abilities. ::They tapped their fingers together briefly in thought before continuing:: While it is a matter I am actively addressing, it is presently advisable that I minimize direct dermal contact. As such, I have adopted the use of standard-issue gloves. Now that I find myself aboard a new vessel, among unfamiliar individuals, it would be prudent for me to resume wearing them promptly.
They attempted to study the expression he made, hoping to gauge his thoughts. However, most individuals remained too complex for them to determine with certainty what they were thinking or feeling. Memories of their years at the Vulcan Academy and now in Starfleet surfaced in quick succession, and they found themselves considering that revealing this information to a Captain might once again place them at a disadvantage.
Niac: Response
Taj’el: Sir?
Niac: Response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
