Lt JG Taj'el - To much self
Taj'el
((USS Thor, Deck 20, Main Engineering))
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.
They let out a small, quiet sigh, realizing they had treated the term as if it were universally understood when it clearly was not. It also had not occurred to them that the two had been close, another reminder of how many interpersonal connections aboard the Thor they had yet to fully comprehend.
Still, they found it… intriguing. Observing these relationships, mapping how individuals connected and supported one another, was becoming an unexpected area of study.
His mention of a stressful period, however, shifted their focus. That, at least, they could relate to. Taj’el felt a subtle sense of sympathy, recalling their own experience in Saa’s body, how overwhelming it had been to process so many emotions at once without the usual control.
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: I am not particularly adept at interpreting intent. It would likely be beneficial in navigating dialogue. As for thoughts, as a Vulcan, we are capable of perceiving the thoughts of others. I have found it somewhat difficult to shield myself from overly emotional ones. I am accustomed to maintaining stronger mental barriers.
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: It is. It is also something I am actively trying to develop, so that I am not… intrusive.
They watched the Lieutenant’s expression shift subtly. Taj’el tried to interpret it as thoughtful consideration, but they could not be fully certain. The nuance of his reaction remained just slightly out of reach, leaving room for uncertainty as they observed him carefully.
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: Really? So you are hearing it constantly? How do you prevent yourself from being affected by what others feel? Ah, apologies, that may be too personal a question.
Ral: response
Taj’el paused, considering the response carefully. His perception of things was clearly different from others they had spoken with, yet it seemed to offer a kind of stability, something Taj’el found genuinely interesting.
They also realized, with a small internal correction, that they had spoken at length about themself already. Still, their curiosity remained. If they were to better understand him, not just as a Betazoid, but as a person, then it was logical to continue learning in both directions.
Taj’el: I am thankful for your insight. As stated, I am still becoming accustomed to interacting with others in Starfleet. I did not intend for this to become overly personal. However, the insight you shared has genuinely been helpful.
Ral: response
Taj’el: I believe I will owe you for your assistance with the translator. What led you into engineering? Is it simply a skill set for you, or do you genuinely enjoy it?
Ral: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
