Lieutenant Wyatt Ral - Explaining the Noise

[Jason Price]

((USS Thor, Deck 20, Main Engineering))

Wyatt looked at the lieutenant questioningly as she continued to press about his telepathic abilities.

Ral: And you’re asking because?

Taj’el:  I had thought Doctor Saa referred to you as a “brain buddy” when we were discussing telepathic connections. She mentioned that trusted crewmembers can help quiet one’s thoughts. Perhaps I misheard, or did not fully understand the meaning. 

oO Yes I could imagine her describing me as that. Oo

Taj’el: We spoke of it during the last away mission. I am unsure if you have reviewed the reports, but… our team encountered some difficulties. 

Ral: Ah.  Now I get the context.  Sorry, my mind was still on the translator.  I haven’t had a chance to review all of the reports in depth but I did read about your swap.  Did you find it… difficult to adjust to?

Taj’el: In the moment, the difficulties were more emotional in nature than telepathic. However, I have also been speaking with her regarding general telepathic ability. Starfleet has been my first experience interacting extensively with other species. 

Wyatt watched but said nothing as he noticed them tug at the gloves they were wearing.  He sensed their sudden feeling of being exposed but said nothing.  He didn’t answer immediately, instead leaving as short pause as he considered how much to explain.

Ral: Brain buddy isn’t exactly a standard Betazoid term and I suspect Commander San was being ::beat:: informal.  Although I guess it is a good description.  We have a close connection born out of a rather stressful period where I relied on that connection to survive.  We have been quite close since and I certainly find the connection calming. 

Taj’el: Since those experiences, I have become quite interested in how Betazoids perceive and interact with the world. 

Ral: Most species rely on what is said, which isn’t always what is meant.  Betazoids don’t have that luxury.  We perceive intent alongside language ::beat:: and thoughts,  for those of us that are able to sense others thoughts.

Taj’el:  Response

Ral: I can imagine that it could be disconcerting to hear another person's thoughts when it’s not what you’re used to.

Taj’el: Response

Wyatt’s expression settled into something that was more thoughtful and straightened slightly.

Ral: There’s a common misconception that Betazoids are always aware of everything around them.  If we were constantly switched on like that then we would hear every internal monologue everyone in the vicinity was having.  It’s more like music being on in the background, you’re aware of it but you’re not really listening.  

Taj’el: Response

—

Lieutenant Wyatt Ral

Assistant Chief Engineer

USS Thor NCC-85852

C239903WR3