Ensign T’Fearne - Putting Down New Roots
Teayl Thorn
((Arboretum, Deck 4, USS Ronin))
The junior officers stood looking out over the canopy of verdant fronds rustling gently in the artificial breeze from the environmentals. T’Fearne’s voice broke the quiet hum of the ship's ambient systems and the chirp of alien insects.
T’Fearne: Can I ask you an odd question? :: turning to look at August, analytical but curious :: Who do you talk to when you’ve soaked up the fears and trauma of the crew? What do you do with the feelings you come in contact with?
She thought by the flicker in his eyes that she had caught him by surprise before it was swiftly eclipsed by a calm, practised smile. She hadn’t meant to catch him off guard, but he reacted quickly, showing he was adaptable and unfazed by odd questions.
Winslett: ::smiling and looking around the room:: The arboretum is breathtaking. It must be one of the most beautiful places on the ship. On almost any ship in the fleet, honestly. Do you come here when you’re trying to find yourself or understand something that’s been vexing you?
oO Oh, no you don’t! Oo
A patient smile crept onto her lips.
T’Fearne: I agree that it is beautiful, but have you been on every ship in the fleet? I believe we have a specialist gardener aboard, a xeno-horticulturalist who is part of the science department. A poignant analogy of the Federation is displayed here, Terran apple trees rooted beside Betazoid ferns, its branches hosting blossoming vines from Trillius Prime. All thriving together. :: pause :: I can’t say I’ve been here that often, it can be quite loud on the senses. :: a deliberate look :: However, I am not so short on attention that I failed to notice you changed the subject without answering my question. You’ll need to do better when I ask you the security questions, sir.
Her tone was dry but not unkind. She knew she’d sidestepped his question, too. Deliberately answering only part of his question and avoiding the pertinent part. She wondered if he’d call her out in return or let her get away with it. He had already given the impression of keen emotional intelligence.
Winslett: ::smiling:: Well, I have my own arboretum: a place I go to when my burdens are too heavy or I don’t understand my own thoughts and feelings. I give my fears and traumas to my “arboretum.” I don’t keep them for myself. My job is to assist you in sorting through your thoughts; not take them on for you. I’m here to show you you’re strong enough to carry them for yourself and to give you tools for the really heavy lifting.
It seemed he had just been getting to the answer, and now she felt guilty for deflecting earlier.
T’Fearne: Ah, tools to cope, I’m familiar with some of those. How well do they work when you use them?
Winslett: ::laughing:: Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And, frankly, counseling or therapy isn’t for everyone. ::leaning in close and whispering in a joking manner:: Don’t tell anyone at Starfleet medical I said that. They’d have me booted out in a heartbeat.
Now it was his turn to surprise her. She arched an eyebrow, amused at the conspiratorial manner. So far, her overall impression of August Winslett was an empathic and easygoing individual. Not bad qualities in a fellow officer.
Her gaze sharpened as she wondered how much of his counselling style was tailored to each client or patient he saw. She wondered suddenly if this was the real August or just the August he thought she needed in the moment.
She considered it for a moment and then realised it didn’t matter, either way, she would get to know who he was soon enough.
T’Fearne: That is quite a unique attitude. I think Counsellor Dekas is renowned for hunting the crew down in the corridors. That’s why I know my way around the Jefferies tubes. :: flashing a reuful grin ::
Winslett: Unless there’s some kind of medical emergency, I’m just here as a resource. I don’t go hunting anyone down. At least, I haven’t in a long time. ::chuckling good naturedly:: Now, how about those security questions?
T’Fearne glanced around. A few officers wandered in the distance, absorbed in their own thoughts. Far away enough to ensure they were out of earshot. She adjusted her PADD’s interface, switching to encryption protocols, then turned to face August, holding it between them.
T’Fearne: Very well. I see that you have been through the majority of the security questions before. Just a few questions specific to this post and the Alpha Isles region. :: offering him a moment :: We can pause anytime. If you’d prefer a more private setting, just say the word. If you have any other questions throughout the process, please don’t hesitate to stop me and ask.
She took a slow, deliberate breath, then looked up ever so slightly into his warm brown eyes. Waiting for his indication of readiness.
Winslett: Response
T’Fearne: :: clear, quiet voice :: This security re-certification interview is being recorded in holo, audio formats and transcribed. T’Fearne Elaazni, Ensign, Security Division, USS Ronin, NCC-34523. I am acting as the interview certifier. For the record, please state your name, rank, and current duty assignment.
Winslett: Response
She waited for his formulaic response and continued.
T’Fearne: Have you ever engaged in any personal or professional dealings with a sentient species that maintains hostility toward the Federation?
Winslett: Response
As he answered, her expression remained unreadable, but inwardly, she scrutinised everything. Posture, breath, inflection, micro expression, pupil dilation and empathic aura. Searching for any hint of deception. As favourable an impression as he had given her so far, she wouldn’t be lax in her task of protecting the Ronin.
Still... she hoped time would prove they were both, in their own ways, learning to become part of the Ronin. Growing in tune with its rhythm, its purpose, its crew.
[Tag, You’re It! / End of scene for T’Fearne for now]
OOC: Wrapping up for mission, however, Jeff, if you want to have August more fully interrogated interviewed, we can switch this to a JP or continue with a backsim on next shore leave. Feel free to @ me in the channel or drop me a DM about it.
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14