Lt. JG T’Fearne - The Oliphant in the Room
Teayl Thorn
((Corridore Outside T’Fearne’s Quarters, Deck 4, USS Ronin))
The Security officer’s gaze flicked thoughtfully over the other Vulcanoid as they walked. It was easy as the petite officer barely reached her chin height. T’Fearne tempered her security instinct, curbing her paranoia's sharper edge of interrogation into something more… conversational. It was, after all, shore leave and the officer before her…a guest…or at least they appeared to be. Even off duty, her vigilance refused to fully stand down.
T'Fearne: ::conversational tone:: What has brought you to the Ronin, Lieutenant? And what is it you are seeking on the world below?
Taj’el: There was a request for additional medical officers, and I volunteered. However, the vessel I was assigned to is currently in the Gamma Quadrant, and by the time I arrived, your mission had already concluded. I believed this would also serve as a beneficial learning experience.
They tilted their head slightly, directing their gaze once more toward the taller Vulcazoid.
Taj’el: As for below, I am not certain. Similar to you, I was medically advised to socialize more. ::they adjusted their gloves:: And although I would prefer to remain in Sickbay, I am attempting to… socialize more, and this location appears to be adequate for that purpose.
Listening attentively, not only to the words, but to the careful tone and the underlying ripples of suppressed emotion. There wasn't much to read through the Vulcans mental defenses.
T'Fearne: Then it seems we are aligned in purpose, Lieutenant…Lolagi IV is… well-suited to that objective, according to all reports. Though I suspect the effectiveness will depend on one’s participation.
A brief pause, her gaze drifting ahead before returning to Taj’el. Was it her imagination or had the medical officer relaxed a fraction. They continued walking in measured silence for a few steps, the rhythm of their footfalls aligning naturally.
Taj’el: Are you seeking anything below Lieutenant?
T’Fearne’s expression softened by a fraction and her eyes grew subtly thoughtful.
T'Fearne: I had not made any solid plans. I thought to spend some time exploring. Eat something that appeals to my sense of smell, gather the sights. ::Lifting a device out of her shoulder bag:: I thought to take a few hollos to send home to my family on Betazed.
They turned a corner and approached a turbolift. T’Fearne reached out to gently press the lift call panel. As they waited, Taj'el continued speaking with considered deliberation.
Taj’el: If I may, do you experience difficulty when interacting with more emotionally expressive crew members?
T’Fearne glanced toward them, slanted brows rising somewhat surprised, but not offended at the question. She considered lying but the Vulcan gave her a thoughtful look, not judgemental or disapproving. She sensed that this officer was on a journey, not just of exploration of the galaxy, but perhaps of their own mind and experiences.
The turbolift arrived and the doors slid to the side. The tall Vulcazoid gestured for Taj’el to proceed.
T'Fearne: ::Stepping into the lift:: Deck Nine, Flight Deck. ::To Taj’el:: At times. Emotional expression, when unregulated, can be… intense. It is easier with a crew or individuals I am familiar with.
Taj’el: As a Vulcan–Betazoid hybrid, I am curious whether Betazoid abilities can at times become overwhelming.
A brief pause.
Taj’el: If this is too personal, please disregard the question and we may move on to another topic.
T’Fearne was in fact suppressing an emotional reaction to how accurately the other Vulcanoid had asked an exact question that hit a sensitive spot. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she internally stomped on a reaction. How to explain the complex tug of war she had negotiated within herself. Daily walking the tightrope between her instinct and her logic. She didn’t know this officer well enough yet to share that sort of personal, potentially compromising information. They would have to get to know each other more.
T'Fearne: I suspect it varies from person to person…::deciding to give a little:: There is a balance one must seek, between instinct and logic. I expect it become easier with time and discipline.
Taj’el: Response
T’Fearne studied them briefly, curiosity threading through her composure.
T'Fearne: If I may take a turn at a personal question? ::slight tilt of her head:: You appear young for a Vulcanoid. How old are you in Federation standard years?
Taj’el: Respons
T’Fearne’s brows lifted—just slightly, but enough to betray a flicker of genuine surprise.
oO That is… older than I assumed. Oo
T'Fearne: ::eyeing the JG Lt.:: May I enquire where you are from, originally?
Taj’el: Response
((Shuttlebay Main Level, Deck 9, USS Ronin))
The turbolift deposited them on the Flight Deck, and the cavernous space unfolded around them filled with purposeful motion. In the distance, the bay’s forcefield shimmered faintly against the void beyond. Deck crews moved with practiced efficiency between vessels, their voices low beneath the hum of idling systems and the distant whine of diagnostics cycling through pre-flight checks. Five Valkyrie Mk-one’s parked in bays loomed in front of them.
T’Fearne adjusted her bag slightly against her shoulder and stepped out, naturally taking the lead into the cavernous space. Her pace remained measured, and attuned to Taj’el’s as she guided them along the line of fighters before reaching a smaller craft further along. A Type-9 shuttle. The Oliphant. She sent a brief message to Flight Ops to request clearance and note she would have a passenger aboard.
Her attention returned to Taj’el as they walked.
T'Fearne: You ask about Betazoid abilities being overwhelming with… specificity. What prompts your query? Do you find emotional environments… challenging?
Taj’el: Response
[Tags / TBC]
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Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14