Lt JG Taj'el - Personal Information
Taj'el
((Corridore Outside T’Fearne’s Quarters, Deck 4, USS Ronin))
Taj’el appreciated the officer’s deliberation, noting the care taken in forming responses. They were clear, precise, and purposeful in their delivery. Ordinarily, Taj’el did not engage deeply with others’ personal perspectives, nor did they readily offer their own, but they recognized this as a rare opportunity to gain insight that would not be easily replicated elsewhere.
While it was possible they might encounter her again, there was no certainty in that outcome. As such, Taj’el made the conscious decision to extend beyond their usual boundaries, probing slightly more than they typically would. This, however, required consideration of reciprocity, how much they themselves were willing to disclose. Greater openness would likely yield more meaningful understanding, yet doing so with someone newly acquainted was… not without difficulty.
Taj’el: If I may, do you experience difficulty when interacting with more emotionally expressive crew members?
They noted the questioning look directed toward them, recognizing that the inquiry may have seemed unusual for a Vulcan to pose. Following her lead, Taj’el entered the lift and positioned themselves toward the rear, folding their arms neatly before them.
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.
They looked back at her, offering a small, thoughtful nod. The concept aligned with what Saa had described, something akin to a “brain-buddy,” where certain individuals were easier to be around due to familiarity or connection.
By that reasoning, Taj’el considered whether proximity and trust might influence their own control. If they were significantly more attuned to an individual, it was possible their abilities could become more manageable. Perhaps, under such conditions, the need for their gloves might even be reduced, at least with someone like Meris.
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.
They noted the pause but lacked sufficient insight to discern what concerns lay beneath it. Nonetheless, they found themselves unexpectedly sympathetic to the personal nature of the inquiry and understood if she preferred to shift to another topic.
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: Instinct and logic… fascinating.
Taj’el considered this distinction carefully. It did appear that, for Betazoids, such abilities functioned more as instinct, fluid and intuitive rather than structured. Saa had indicated that attempting to apply strict logic had proven ineffective, yet T’Fearne’s perspective suggested variability between individuals.
From this, Taj’el inferred that control might not be universally derived from a single method. Instead, it could be dependent on the individual, whether they aligned more naturally with instinct, logic, or a balance of both.
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: Do I? I am very new to such experiences. I am fifty-one.
They noted the reaction and raised an eyebrow in return. Was it truly that surprising? Did they appear so inexperienced? A subtle tightness formed in their chest as they averted their gaze, focusing instead on the wall beside them.
T'Fearne: ::eyeing the JG Lt.:: May I enquire where you are from, originally?
Taj’el: Vulcan. I spent much of my youth traveling in proximity to Vulcan due to my father’s work. As I matured, I attended the Vulcan Science Academy for eight years. Following that, I spent the last eight years within Starfleet, including the Doctorate Program.
((Shuttlebay Main Level, Deck 9, USS Ronin))
The turbo lift opened up into the grand hanger. They looked about as many of the crew were sorting onto the shuttle pods. They pulled into themselves a bit as they looked around and kept a closer step to their new found companion.
The turbolift doors opened into the expansive hangar. Taj’el surveyed the area as crew members organized themselves around various shuttle pods. The increased activity prompted them to draw slightly inward, maintaining closer proximity to their new companion.
As they proceeded, they passed several standard shuttlepods before approaching a notably smaller craft. Taj’el tilted their head, registering the deviation, though they chose to trust their companion’s judgment as to their destination. When she turned back toward them, Taj’el’s attention followed.
T'Fearne: You ask about Betazoid abilities being overwhelming with… specificity. What prompts your query? Do you find emotional environments… challenging?
They should have anticipated the question; nonetheless, they recognized that a detailed response would eventually be required. Opening up to others remained challenging, particularly regarding matters they perceived as personal shortcomings or failures. However, given their assessment that this individual was well-suited to provide guidance, Taj’el resolved to proceed despite their reservations.
They became aware of a physical manifestation of their internal response, the tightening in their chest, prompting them to take a slow, controlled breath. With deliberate effort, they regulated their thoughts, containing the hesitation as they prepared to continue.
Taj’el: I have found that, yes, I do find emotionally charged environments challenging. ::they spoke carefully, glancing toward the surrounding crowd with visible discomfort:: As for your question, put simply, I inhabited a Betazoid’s body for a month and found the experience… painful.
They paused, allowing the other officer a moment to process the statement and respond.
T'Fearne: response
Taj’el: I am still attempting to process the experience, as it was… quite difficult for me at the time. I felt as though I was a burden to my team, though I also learned considerably about my commanding officer. I was already struggling to manage my telepathic sensitivity around emotionally expressive individuals.
With such a degree of personal information now shared, Taj’el fell into silence. Their thoughts grew quieter, though a subtle undercurrent of apprehension and self-critique lingered beneath the surface. The physical sensation in their chest intensified slightly, making their breathing feel more constrained. Despite this, outward signs remained minimal. Taj’el closed their eyes briefly, focusing on controlled breathing in an effort to steady themselves and regain composure.
T'Fearne: response
Taj’el: Forgive me, I do not intend to burden you. I only wished to clarify the reasoning behind my inquiries.
T'Fearne: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
