Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith - Socialising? In *This* Economy?

[Renaie Shortrith]

((Counselling Suites, Deck 10, USS Ronin))

Renaie was slowly getting back into the motions of no longer being Acting CMO, and branching out between Counselling and Medical.

It wasn't hard to get into the swing of things, but… it wasn't the easiest, somehow.

oO I suppose balancing my schedule between Counselling and Medical can be its own thing. Oo

Their attention was brought to the new person in their office as they walked in.

Taj’el: Greetings. Forgive the intrusion. This was Lieutenant Junior Grade Taj’el. I had come to speak with you, if that was acceptable.

Shortrith: It's okay, come take a seat. I'm open to talk, I've got time.

Renaie moved some cushions off the couch to leave a comfortable spot for the Vulcan.

Taj'el: Forgive my unannounced arrival. If this was not an appropriate time, I could return later. I had hoped to speak with you… and, if permissible, to accept the instruction you had offered in Sickbay.

The Klingon waved a reassuring hand, letting the Vulcan know they were fine.

Shortrith: As in… helping bedside manner? Socialising?

Taj'el: I had been advised by our ship’s counselor that it was prudent to engage in social interaction, and I determined that you would serve as an appropriate baseline. Forgive me… I remained relatively new to Starfleet and to interactions with other species.

Shortrith: Consider yourself forgiven, Lieutenant. Would you rather doctor?

Taj'el: Either is acceptable. Most use “Doctor”; however, I consider myself more proficient as a doctor than as a Starfleet officer.

Shortrith: Noted.

Taj'el: Thank you.

Renaie nodded, smiling.

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: Response

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: Response

Shortrith: In a way, yes, but there are other ways to approach it. Such as asking further questions.

Taj’el: Response

[Tags/TBC]

==

Lieutenant JG Renaie Shortrith, MD

Counsellor/Medical Officer

USS Ronin - NCC-34523

They/Them (Player and character)

A240204RS3